Golf courses are becoming hot property for both Brisbane and Sydney lord mayors who are unveiling plans to create huge public parks.
Brisbane lord mayor Adrian Schrinner unveiled the $83 million Victoria Park final plans as part of a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to transform 45 hectares of publicly owned land into a park.
The update inspired Sydney lord mayor Clover Moore to continue to push for the reconfiguration of Moore Park Golf Course which neighbours the “densest residential community in Australia”.
The two lord mayors enthusiastically shared each other’s posts on social media with Moore describing Brisbane’s plans as “visionary” on Twitter before spruiking the Sydney plans.
There are 13 golf courses in the inner city and eastern Sydney area including Moore Park Golf Couse. Moore Park Golf Course is located next to the Green Square urban renewal area, nearby Zetland, Redfern and Waterloo. The council has two options on the table for the site, both creating a nine hole course with either 18 hectares or 20 hectares of public space.
The reconfiguration concepts are currently under community consultation which will be sent to the planning minister for a final decision.
However these plans are under scrutiny by City of Sydney councillor Kerry Phelps, as the Sydney golf course is privately owned.
Brisbane City Council will start works on the $83 million Victoria Park Vision in June after finalising the masterplan for the area.
Victoria Park will feature cycle routes, a high ropes course and a nature and water play gully to attract visitors. There will also be multiple dog off-leash areas, along with a canopy walk.
“The community wanted to see more trees and we listened, with the vision setting out even more opportunities to increase the tree canopy, shade and natural bushland from 10 per cent to 60 per cent,” Schrinner said.
“They wanted a park that speaks to its original landscapes and people and we’re continuing to work with traditional custodian groups to determine appropriate design features that acknowledge the park’s history and celebrates our future, in the outdoors.”
The golf course will close in mid-2021 however the putt putt course, driving range, function centre and parts of the park will be open to visitors.
These projects mark an exciting change in direction for both cities. The growing focus on creating green spaces that the community can benefit from will help bring both Brisbane and Sydney further into the 21st century, and help both cities come in line with some of the best in the world in terms of facilities and infrastructure.
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