Maroochy River Golf Club Unveils Major Expansion Plans to “Refine and Optimise” Facilities

Render: 8th Hole of Par Three Course

Sunshine Coast, QLD – Plans to significantly reconfigure and expand the Maroochy River Golf Club have been lodged with authorities, as the renowned club seeks to modernise its offerings and bolster financial sustainability.

The proposal, submitted by Project Urban on behalf of Horton Park Golf Club Maroochydore Inc, outlines a shift toward more flexible playing options, including a new par-three course and an “executive” layout. The application follows a member vote in favor of the expansion held last May.

New Playing Options and Night Golf

Central to the application is a pivot from a previously approved 18-hole pitch-and-putt course to a more compact nine-hole par-three course. This new addition will feature LED lighting to facilitate evening play.

Additionally, vacant land originally earmarked for a traditional third nine holes will now be utilized for a nine-hole “executive course.” This mid-length layout is designed to complement the existing championship course while appealing to “time-poor” golfers.

In a supporting letter, Project Urban stated:

“This minor change application is lodged in response to the club’s desire to refine and optimise its outdoor sport and recreational offer in order to support the club’s infrastructure, membership growth and financial sustainability.”

Infrastructure Upgrade

To accommodate the anticipated surge in visitors, the club plans to expand its parking capacity to 352 spaces.

• Parking: 106 additional spaces will be added to “cater for the anticipated increase in patronage associated with the extended recreational offer, including evening play.”
• Maintenance: The plans include an extension to the existing maintenance shed and a new 245sqm equipment storage building.

Development Timeline and Impact

The project is set to be rolled out in four distinct stages:

• Stage 1: Nine-hole par-three course.
• Stage 2: Car park extension and shed additions.
• Stage 3: Nine-hole executive course.
• Stage 4: Clubhouse extension.

Traffic assessments included in the report suggest that access from David Low Way will remain at an “acceptable level” through the 10-year design horizon of 2037. The report notes that “the development will not result in significant increases in delay, queuing or congestion.”

Regarding the environmental impact of the new lighting, the club intends to use modern LEDs mounted at specific angles to focus light on the greens while minimising “spill” into surrounding areas.

“Minor Change” Classification

The applicants have categorized the proposal as a “minor change,” arguing that it does not represent a “substantially different” development from what was originally envisioned for the site.

“The change merely reconfigures the approved golf course layout… and adds ancillary maintenance structures. The development continues to operate as a golf course with ancillary facilities.”

The proposal is currently awaiting consideration by the State Assessment Referral Agency.