Friends of the Earth is extremely disappointed that Yarra Ranges Shire, gave approval at Council's meeting on Tuesday June 22, for the construction of the Eastern Golf Club at Yering.
The new course is to be built on the Yarra River floodplain, only one kilometre upstream from Melbourne's drinking water supply.
June 24 2010
Friends of the Earth is extremely disappointed that Yarra Ranges Shire, gave approval at Council's meeting on Tuesday June 22, for the construction of the Eastern Golf Club at Yering.
The Golf Course is planned to be built on the Yarra River floodplain, approximately one kilometre upstream from the pumps into Sugarloaf Reservoir, which supply 1.5 million Melbournians with drinking water.
“A worse location could probably not have been chosen†said Friends of the Earth researcher Anthony Amis. “The developer (CPG) publicly stated that no insecticides or fungicides would be used on the course, which certainly is a surprise to many in the meeting who know that golf courses can usually addicted to a variety of pesticidesâ€.
Friends of the Earth has had concerns that pesticides and sediment from construction could eventually work their way into the Yarra River especially in times of heavy rain and flooding. These pollutants could then impact on the species that inhabit the river, including EPBC listed Macquarie Perch, Australian Grayling and Murray Cod.
It was also disappointing that five out of nine Yarra Ranges Councillors, supported this dubious project, which could lead to the destruction of unique historical sites including the first European occupied site in the Yarra Valley. It also appears that the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne Water and Department of Environment Water and Heritage and the Arts have collectively washed their hands of this development.
Friends of the Earth has recently submitted that the site should be listed by Heritage Victoria and we are still waiting on Heritage Victoria's decision on this matter, however even if this nomination fails, it is likely that the course could come under legal action.
For more information contact Anthony Amis 9419 8700
More information can be found at: http://www.baddevelopers.green.net.au/Docs/EasternGolfClub.htm