![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Proposal-on-Former-North-Lakes-Golf-Course-Site.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe City of Moreton Bay has officially refused a development application by JH Northlakes to construct a driving range, bar, and function centre on the former North Lakes golf course site. The decision comes nearly 11 months after the application was initially lodged.<\/p>\n
According to official documents, the council concluded that the \u201cproposed development cannot comply with, nor can it be conditioned to comply with, the applicable Assessment Benchmarks against which the application was required to be assessed.\u201d Local planners noted that the proposal failed to comply with the Mango Hill Infrastructure Development Control Plan (DCP), which governs planning and development in North Lakes.<\/p>\n
Reasons for Refusal<\/p>\n
The detailed grounds for refusal were outlined in a \u2018Decision Notice\u2019 and an accompanying 41-page \u2018Report Package\u2019 published on the council\u2019s DA Tracker. The key factors cited by the council include:<\/p>\n
DCP Conflicts: Failure to provide \u201cvisual relief and aesthetic amenity\u201d to the urban landscape or maintain a \u201chigh level of environmental quality.\u201d
\nScope of Use: The inclusion of facilities that go beyond the definition of \u201coutdoor recreation\u201d and are not \u201cancillary\u201d to it as defined in the DCP. The council highlighted the planned hours of operation (until 10 p.m., seven days a week), a 246m\u00b2 bar and seating area, a 260m\u00b2 dedicated conference facility, and a 246m\u00b2 commercial kitchen, stating these went \u201cfar from \u2018light refreshments.’\u201d
\nEnvironmental Impact: Poor opportunities for the protection and management of local vegetation and wildlife, specifically noting the proposed clearing of over 300 trees.
\nRehabilitation Failure: A failure to provide for the environmental rehabilitation of the area.
\nZoning Violations: A failure to limit buildings and parking spaces to the designated \u201cGeneralised Building and Car Parking Area\u201d outlined in the Sector Plan.
\nAmenity Impacts: A failure to demonstrate that lighting and traffic impacts would not adversely impact the \u201camenity, safety and general well being of the surrounding area.\u201d<\/p>\n
Community Response and Next Steps<\/p>\n
Community advocacy group Save North Lakes (SNLGC) issued a statement thanking the council for their \u201cpainstaking and thorough approach to reaching the decision.\u201d<\/p>\n
The application drew significant public opposition, generating over 300 submissions against the proposal. Representatives noted this was \u201can extraordinary result given it was not formally notified for consultation\u201d and confirmed that the submissions were taken into account during the decision-making process.<\/p>\n
The applicant now enters a 20-business-day window to lodge an appeal in the Planning and Environment Court, with the deadline set for July 6th. Community advocates emphasized that because the land remains privately owned, \u201cthe ball is well and truly in the Developer\u2019s court.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Monitoring Future Site Developments<\/p>\n
Residents are being advised to remain vigilant regarding future uses of the land. SNLGC stated that its objective remains \u201cto restore the land as a golf course, have it maintained as a golf course, as always intended, with a clubhouse and beautiful surrounding environment for everyone to enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Additionally, community members are tracking a separate \u201cSchool 2.0\u201d proposal for the area, which has not yet appeared on the public register of Ministerial Infrastructure Designations (MID) applications.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Related News:\u00a0<\/p>\n