Key Takeaways
- The proposed development of the former Kingswood Golf Course in Dingley Village has faced years of objection from the local council and residents.
- The project has been criticized for its potential to "annihilate" the local community and create "absolute chaos" in the suburb.
- The state government has faced criticism for its long delays in deciding the future of the project, which has undergone consultation with local residents and stakeholders.
- The development plan has been made publicly available online, with the government aiming to "unlock underutilised land" to deliver more homes and create new opportunities.
- The Save Kingswood group will continue to oppose the project, citing 50 reasons why it should not be built.
Introduction to the Controversy
The proposed development of the former Kingswood Golf Course in Dingley Village has been a contentious issue for years, with the local council and residents vehemently opposing the plans. The site, which was bought by AustralianSuper in 2014 for over $100 million, has been at the center of a long-running debate about its future use. Despite initial attempts to develop the site into housing in 2018, which attracted 8000 public objections and was rejected by Kingston council, the state government has continued to push forward with the project.
The Council’s Objections
At a recent council meeting, councillor Caroline White expressed her strong opposition to the development, stating that it would "annihilate" the local community and create "absolute chaos" in the suburb. White’s comments were echoed by Save Kingswood group president Kevin Poulter, who described the project as "the worst development ever proposed for Victoria." Poulter, who has been fighting the proposed redevelopment for 13 years, criticized the state government’s decision and vowed to continue opposing the project. The council’s objections to the development are rooted in concerns about the potential impact on the local community, including increased traffic, strain on local infrastructure, and the loss of open space.
The State Government’s Involvement
The state government’s involvement in the project has been a point of contention, with critics arguing that the decision-making authority was taken away from the council and handed to the state government without adequate consultation. The government has faced criticism for its long delays in deciding the future of the project, which has undergone consultation with local residents and stakeholders. A Victorian government spokesperson defended the government’s actions, stating that the development plan had been made publicly available online and that the government was working to "unlock underutilised land" to deliver more homes and create new opportunities for people in Melbourne’s south-east.
The Sale of the Site
In 2024, AustralianSuper sold the site to Satterley Property Group without ever having begun construction. The land is currently used as a public park, and the new owners will need to navigate the complex web of objections and concerns surrounding the site. The sale of the site has not diminished the opposition to the development, with the Save Kingswood group continuing to fight against the project. Poulter and his group have cited 50 reasons why the development should not be built, and they remain determined to protect the local community from what they see as a disastrous project.
The Future of the Project
The future of the project remains uncertain, with the state government’s plans for the site still unclear. Despite the opposition from the local council and residents, the government appears determined to push forward with the development. The Save Kingswood group will continue to oppose the project, and it is likely that the debate will continue for some time. As the project moves forward, it will be important for the government to take into account the concerns of the local community and to ensure that the development is carried out in a way that minimizes its impact on the suburb. Ultimately, the outcome of the project will depend on the ability of the government to balance the needs of the local community with the need for new housing and development in Melbourne’s south-east.