North Lakes Faces Another Choice Over its Former Golf Course

North Lakes was built around its golf course. For years, families bought homes with the promise of green fairways, shaded walking paths and the sense that open space would remain at the heart of their community. But with the course closed since 2019 and development proposals returning one after another, residents now find themselves facing a new question: will their suburb be reshaped once again, this time by a commercial driving range?



A new kind of golf

In June 2025, JH Northlakes lodged a development application (DA/2025/3488) for a large-scale driving range on land adjoining Bridgeport Drive, with The Village Retirement Group listed as the client on architectural drawings. Council records list the wider site address as 133 Copeland Drive, the former golf club.

North Lakes Golf
Photo Credit: DA/2025/3488

The proposal is ambitious. Plans show a two-level building with either 60 or 68 bays for golfers to practise their swing, flanked by a pro shop, bar, restaurant, and conference facilities. Out in the open, a chip-and-putt practice area and target greens would stretch across what used to be manicured fairways. Tall safety nets, marked on plans up to RL +51,000, would rise above nearby tree lines to contain stray balls.

Photo Credit: DA/2025/3488

Access would come from a new driveway onto Bridgeport Drive. The project also includes 141 car parking spaces, bicycle storage and staff facilities, covering a footprint of more than 5,200 square metres. In effect, the complex would transform a patch of former fairway into a hybrid: part sports facility, part hospitality venue, part events centre.

Photo Credit: DA/2025/3488

What the reports say

The developer has backed the application with a suite of technical reports aimed at addressing community concerns.

ReportPrepared By / DateKey FindingsMitigation / Recommendations
Acoustic ReportDecibell, July 2025Noise modelling based on Victoria Park Driving Range. Operations proposed 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. seven days. Potential impacts on residences east of site but within limits of Environmental Protection Policy (Noise) 2019.Acoustic barriers, building treatments, limit on amplified music at night.
Traffic Impact AssessmentColliers, May–July 202568 driving range bays (two levels) + chip-and-putt. 141 car spaces. Driveway access via Bridgeport Drive. Forecast traffic in 2027 and 2037 manageable; no major intersection upgrades required.Provide adequate on-site parking, maintain pedestrian and cycle connections, monitor traffic at Discovery Dr/Bridgeport Dr roundabout.
Ecological Assessment ReportSaunders Havill Group, July 2025Site highly modified from former golf course. No remnant vegetation cleared. Historical koala sightings (2018) and indirect evidence in 2025. Eleven fauna species recorded (mostly urban species).Vegetation Clearing & Management Plan, Fauna Management Plan, habitat protection measures during works.
Bushfire Management Plan2025Site assessed as low to moderate bushfire risk due to modified golf course environment.Vegetation management, buffer zones, and construction standards consistent with Queensland bushfire guidelines.
Civil Engineering PlansBligh Tanner, 2025Covers drainage, erosion control, retaining walls, and contaminated soil management. Notes nearby koala habitat requiring protection during works.Erosion and sediment control measures, stormwater drainage design, habitat protection protocols.

A suburb that remembers

For residents, these reports may sound familiar. In 2023, the community was caught up in another battle when plans for aged-care and retirement housing were put forward on the same land. That application was eventually withdrawn after thousands of objections and a council officer’s recommendation to refuse.

Campaigners under the banner of Save North Lakes Golf Course say the new proposal is yet another example of piecemeal development, when the suburb was promised something else entirely. They point to the Mango Hill Infrastructure Development Control Plan, which emphasised a connected and integrated system of open space. They argue that a driving range, however modern, does not meet that test.

The group has already reported thousands of objections lodged with Council and continues to call for more residents to act. Their message is clear: North Lakes was never meant to be carved into individual projects.

Between recreation and recreation business

Not all locals see the proposal the same way. For some, the idea of golf returning to North Lakes—even in a different form—is welcome. With the original 18-hole course gone, they see potential for families, social groups and younger players to enjoy the sport in a more casual and accessible format. Industry outlets have also framed the development as a chance to reintroduce golf in a way that suits modern lifestyles, where people may not have time for a full round but want the option of a quick practice session.

Yet scepticism remains strong. Residents worry about the impact of a commercial-style venue operating late into the night, with lights, noise and car traffic spilling into surrounding streets. They also question whether the development’s function rooms and bar suggest a primary focus on events and entertainment rather than sport.



Whatever the outcome, the debate cuts deeper than just golf. It explores identity, trust, and the evolution of suburbs long after the brochures are printed and homes are sold.

Published 19-Sept-2025

Proposed North Lakes Resort Golf Club Sale Opposed by Locals

North Lakes residents are against the planned sale and development of the North Lakes Resort Golf Club following the announcement of the closure of the golf course.

North Lakes Resort Golf Club announced its plans of selling the course to The Village Retirement Group due to financial losses.

According to the closure statement released by the golf club, it will cease operations at the end of 2019. However, the golf course, practice facilities, restaurant, and function space will continue to operate until then.

Owners of the gold club are proposing to sell the entire course and have already entered into an arrangement with The Village Retirement Group (VRG) .

The gold club claims that it can no longer continue operating due to a downturn in golf participation in the recent years.

North Lakes Resort Golf Club
Photo credit: www.northlakesgolfclub.com.au

Plans for the North Lakes Resort Golf Club

VRG plans to dedicate 85% or 57 hectares of the land to open space, environmental protection, and possible future sport and recreation use. The remaining land area will see 200 low-rise independent living units and a three-storey 100-bed aged-care facility on the site.

North Lakes Resort Golf Club
Photo credit: www.northlakesgolfclub.com.au

No development application has been submitted to the Council yet. The development’s indicative timeline shows that the developer will consider community feedback and lodge the development application in the last quarter of 2018.



Strong Opposition from the Community

Plans for the change in use of the golf course was immediately opposed by locals.

Residents have been working together to protest the planned development. A dedicated Facebook group named Save North Lakes Golf Course has been established to oppose the closure of the golf course. The group currently have more than 3,500 members who are fighting the proposed development.

North Lakes Resort Golf Club
Photo credit: SAVE NORTH LAKES GOLF COURSE/Facebook

The local community is particularly concerned about the implications of the development on the environment.

“North Lakes Golf Course is far more than just a golf course. It provides an essential environmental buffer zone through the central corridor of our community. It has also become home to a variety of wildlife including Koalas and Kangaroos and is a vital channel for flood waters to escape.”

Whilst VRG only plans to build on 15% of the land, Save North Lakes Golf Course says, “15% is still a very large development in the heart of a quiet residential area. It’s the foot-print size of Westfield North Lakes. VRG may not stop at 15%. If the land is rezoned and the DA is approved, they will own all the land; and because it will all be rezoned, they could easily then develop on as much of the land as they want.”

Supporters of the Initiative

The Professional Golfers Association (PGA) of Australia supports the community’s efforts in saving the golf course.

In a letter sent by Gavin Kirkman CEO of PGA of Australia to the group, he said, “the PGA of Australia certainly feels there is a place for the course to remain a pillar in the community …”

“Our PGA Professionals are more than qualified to manage facilities, as well as coach and service the game to ensure the North Lakes Golf Course can remain sustainable well into the future.”

North Lakes Resort Golf Club
Photo credit: SAVE NORTH LAKES GOLF COURSE/Facebook

Petitions Against the Development

In July 2018, a North Lakes resident started a petition online against the said plan. Currently, the petition has already gathered 3,265 signatures and aims to reach at least 10,000 signatures.

Another petition has been submitted to the State Government. The online petition was sponsored by Labor MP for Bancroft Chris Whiting.

The latter petition states that residents do not support any change in use of the North Lakes Golf Course. It has already gathered  2,736 signatures and will be closing on 1 February 2019.

Next Steps for the Community

The local community has been very vocal in their stance against the development. In fact, several residents and even businesses have been putting up signs outside their homes to show their support on the Save North Lakes Golf Course initiative.

North Lakes Resort Golf Club
Photo credit: SAVE NORTH LAKES GOLF COURSE/Facebook

Members of the group have been rallying Council members to support their cause. However, due to the legal obligations set by the State Government Legislation, Council and Councillors cannot provide any comment on their stance on the issue as Council has not received an application for the development of the North Lakes Golf Course.

Photo credit: Sandra Nicholls – SAVE NORTH LAKES GOLF COURSE / Facebook

On the other hand, Matt Constance, Councillor – Division 10 Moreton Bay Regional Council have shared helpful information on what the community can do if a development application is lodged.

In a letter sent to Sandra Nicholls from the Save North Lakes Golf Course group, Mr Constance said, “Should the proposer of this application decided to proceed it is possible that it will likely require Public Notification.”

“Public notification is required for certain development applications to ensure that the public is aware of the development and they have the opportunity to make submissions about it. A properly made submission will secure for the submitter the right to appeal to the Planning and Environment Court about the assessment manager’s decision.”

According to Mr Constance, the submitter must consider the following in making a properly made submission:

  • Beware of emotion
  • Stick to the facts
  • Be clear in your arguments
  • Where possible provide evidence
  • Understand what can be considered
  • Use your guide download it online

Take note that it is important for submissions to include and address planning issues in the context of the Planning Act and Local Planning Scheme.

For more information and updates, visit Save North Lakes Golf Course on Facebook.