Developers withdraw golf plan
AFTER a three-year court battle with developers, the residents of Karana Downs will be spared a residential development in their backyard.
The developers of the proposed Karana Waters housing estate on the site of Karana Downs golf course, withdrew their appeal in the Planning and Environment Court last week.
In 2009 Karana Waters bought the Karana Downs Country Club with plans for a 111-lot housing estate.
The planning application was rejected by the Brisbane City Council, to the relief of residents who bought homes backing on to the golf course.
The developers appealed the decision, but have now backed down.
Law firm Cooper Grace Ward, representing Karana Waters, gave residents a notice of discontinuation last week if all parties agreed to bear their own costs.
Karana Downs Community Lifestyle Protection Group spokeswoman Sue Cardy said the community's persistence had paid off.
Ms Cardy and fellow resident Lisa Evans fought the legal might of the developers, despite having no courtroom experience.
"At this stage we have won the battle. I guess anything could happen from here. A developer may take it over and land-bank it," she said.
"It's like I have had two jobs for the past two years."
The courtroom backdown was unexpected.
"It was certainly a surprise. What the developers have been doing has not made a lot of sense.
Another resident, Michael Fahey, said the decision allowed the community to breathe easy.
"That is the best outcome. For them to realise that we weren't going anywhere," he said.
The golf course was closed earlier this year, but a group of neighbours rallied together to mow the fairways.
But the residents are hopeful the old course will be rejuvenated, giving the community a place to meet again.
