Golf Set to Return to North Lakes as High Tech Driving Range Proposal Lodged
Golf could be returning to North Lakes, with plans officially lodged to develop a state-of-the-art, 68-bay driving range on part of the site that once hosted the North Lakes Resort Golf Club.
The application, submitted by JH Northlakes to Moreton Bay City Council, outlines a vision for a 120-metre-long, two-storey driving range complete with a pro shop, licensed bar, restaurant, and modern conference and function facilities. The proposed development would transform 2.1 hectares of the former course, including the original clubhouse and three fairways running parallel to the north.
In addition to the high-tech range, the plans include provision for 141 car parking spaces and propose trading hours from 7 am to 10 pm, seven days a week—bringing both daytime and evening golf experiences to the community.
The North Lakes Resort Golf Club was once a popular 18-hole championship venue before closing in 2018 due to ongoing financial losses. It was subsequently purchased by The Village Retirement Group (TVRG), which sought to redevelop the 67-hectare property into a large-scale retirement precinct. The initial proposal included up to 250 retirement dwellings, a 120-bed residential aged care facility, and returning 44 hectares to council for public open space.
That plan, however, sparked fierce community backlash. The ‘Save North Lakes Golf Course’ (SNLGC) movement emerged in response, garnering significant support over a five-year campaign. During a record-breaking public consultation period, 4,095 submissions were received—3,460 of them objecting to the redevelopment.
After years of negotiation and revisions, TVRG suddenly withdrew its retirement village application in November 2023—just one day before Council was due to make a final decision.
Now, momentum appears to be shifting back in favour of golf, with JH Northlakes aiming to revive a portion of the original site as a community golf and leisure hub. If approved, the driving range could become a catalyst for renewed activity and economic benefit in the area, offering a fresh opportunity to reconnect North Lakes residents with the game.
The proposal is currently under review by Moreton Bay City Council.
