Hi again all

As many of you will already be aware after having received another letter from the developer’s legal representative, Cooper Grace Ward, another appeal has been lodged with the Planning and Environmental Court (PEC). This time the developer is actually appealing Brisbane City Councils (BCC) decision to refuse their Development Application.

You will also note in your letter from Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers, they state that they are hoping the P&E Court will hear both appeals at the same time.　 DO NOT be misled by this statement!!!　 Each Appeal has been allocated a different number and as such, they WILL be viewed by the Court separately.

Sadly for the developer and their legal team, this time we are armed with prior knowledge and experience.　 This time we know exactly how to complete the forms, who these need to be delivered to and how the forms can be delivered to maximise numbers.

A REMINDER

Joining this appeal does NOT mean you are backing the developer.　 　Joining this appeal means you can help us to protect our community as well as ensuring your right to be heard is maintained!!

Just as we said last time after gaining information from a Barrister, joining this appeal sends the strong message to both the developer and Council and says very strongly that we remain committed and engaged in this process and continue to oppose the DA.

 And

Joining the appeal also ensures we retain the right to participate in the appeal or any associated mediation process that may occur when the court decides to hear the appeal.

 Just as before, all those who have received letters have all been told they have 10 ‘business days’ in which to register a ‘Notice of Election’ with the P&E Court and to serve a copy of this notice on all other parties.　

Shane and I received our letters on Wednesday 7 December 2011 which means we have until COB Wednesday 21 December 2011 to register and lodge our ‘Notices of Election’.　 In general, it also means we all have a greater window of opportunity to complete forms and arrange their delivery to all necessary parties than we did last time.　

Since going through this process in October we have learned much.　 We now know that it is possible for one person to lodge/deliver forms on behalf of multiple people and that there is NO fee to register a form.　 We know also know that letters can actually be sent via the post (however to ensure they arrive safely and to ensure you have proof that you lodged forms, we still recommend that you send each letter via Registered Mail if you decide to use this option).

If you wish to join us in is appeal, you must

COMPLETE, PRINT AND SIGN a ‘Notice of Election’ form (PEC-6) then make 2 copies.

Once you have done this you can:

• Hand deliver the original to the P&E Court and then take one copy each to BCC and Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers (a good option for all those who work in the city), or
•  Post the original to the P&E Court and post one copy each to BCC and Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers, or 　
•  Bring all 3 forms to us and we will arrange delivery for you.　 If we are not home just leave your forms in the box provided at the front door.

 There is a word version of the ‘Notice of Election’ form, along with completed examples for individuals and families as a guide and we will post this on this website or you can arrange to get it from us.

Remember that you cannot hand write information onto this form it must be typed then signed!!

We know that many of you found this process daunting last time but please don’t be put off or simply think you can leave it to some one else.　 Seriously, it really isn’t that complicated.　 You can lodge forms as individuals or you can lodge forms on behalf of everyone in your household/family/group. Even if you didn’t or couldn’t lodge forms last time, you can this time.　

If you lodge as a household/family/group, remember that you still need to complete the form with the details of the person nominated as the main representative and you will also need to attach a list of all persons in the household/family/group who wish to participate (make sure you include their full names and addresses and get them all to sign at their name).

Being part of this appeal means that every time the Court, BCC or the developer and their legal team correspond with each other, you will also receive a copy of each document. 　Not only will you be kept up to date with the process, you will also retain your right to be heard.　

Remember that being part of this appeal may mean that you will be asked to attend court.　 We have learned that if you are unwilling or unable to attend but still want to lodge forms, you can nominate someone (such as a member of our committee or a willing friend or neighbour) to speak/act on your behalf which makes being part of this process a lot less scary!!!

We are available to assist if you are having trouble understanding the process and or need help with completing your form.

We can arrange delivery of your forms but as only signed originals must go to the Court, it would be very helpful if you could just print copies and sign them all before dropping them to us for delivery.　 You will also need to have these to us no later than Monday 19 December 2011 so we have time to check them and make the trip into the city.

While time is on our side, please do not leave getting your forms in till the last minute.

Remember, just because Mr Witt has closed the club it doesn’t mean it can’t be bought back. While the land is zoned for Sport and Recreational use it definitely can’t be carved up into housing lots!!

This is definitely NOT a done deal so we MUST stay united and continue the fight!!!

If you have questions or need to speak to us to clarify anything please drop us an email or call us at home on 32011775….if we are not home please leave a message and we will endeavour to get back to you as quickly as we can.

 Best Regards

Sue and Shane

Stay tuned!!!!

 Hi all

 We are on the home stretch now!!  Just 7 days to go before the end of the objection period.

 Our call to arms has generated strong support and commitment and your response to council has been fantastic!!!

 Remember that if you plan to post your letters to BCC you will need to make sure you post it in time to reach BCC before 5pm Tuesday 5 October.

 We recommend that you get your letters into the post box no later than Friday 1 October to be sure they reach BCC by Tuesday 5 October!!

 So folks….Don’t be complacent…..Stand up for what you believe in & Get those letters in today!!

 Remember…if you are having trouble getting started or simply need inspiration to write your letter, give us a call on 32011775 or flick us an email.  We will either send you information or refer you to someone that can assist you to write your letter/s.

 We will be at the Mt Crosby Markets this Sunday from 8 – 2.  This time we will have laptops at the ready to assist anyone who has left writing their letters till the last minute and wants to upload their objection on the spot!  So come on down if you want to use this fantastic service or simply wish to say hello to some of our hard working volunteers!

 Information tables will continue this weekend at the local Karana Downs shops both Saturday and Sunday morning between 8 & 12.  If you would like us to send a template and information to you please email us or give us a call on 32011775.

 The following link will take you to where you can view or upload your objection letters.

 http://pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au  

Click on “I agree” at bottom of page then click on application inquiry. Type in the application number: A002696611 and click on search at bottom of page.  Click on the + next to application number/details to navigate your way into where you can upload your objection letter/s.

 Be aware the site is sometimes down for routine maintenance, don’t give up, and try later or use this direct link to the upload page.  Hold down the control button and click on the link.

https://obonline.ourbrisbane.com/services/startDASubmission.do?direct=true&daNumber=A002696611&sdeprop=212 COLLEGE RD KARANA DOWNS QLD 4306 

All letters MUST be to BCC by close of business (5pm) Tuesday 5 October…if you are posting make sure you get those letters sent no later than Friday 1 October.  

If you miss this cut off drop your letter to us so we can hand deliver any letters that are received late!

 Get those letters in people!!!  It’s now or NEVER!!!

  Regards

Sue & Shane

 Hi everyone

 We are coming down to the wire with just 2 weeks to get our objection letters to Brisbane City Council.

The response thus far has been tremendous and we thank all of those who have already submitted their letters to BCC.  Your commitment and support is fantastic!!!

 That said we also know that there are 2000 households in Karana Downs and Mt Crosby and if Michael Johnsons data was correct (and we believe it was), 89% of this community object to the development of our local golf course so there are still a lot of you that need to stand up and be counted by submitting letters of objection.

 Don’t be complacent…..Don’t leave the hard work to someone else!!

Stand up for what you beleive in & Get your letter in today!!

Remember…if you are having trouble getting started or simply need inspiration to write your letter, give us a call on 32011775 or flick us an email.  We will either send you information or refer you to someone that can assist you to write your letter/s.

Information tables will continue to be held at the local Karana Downs shops every Saturday and Sunday morning between 8am and 12 till the end of the objection period. If you have a question or simply need assistance please feel free to drop by.

If you would like us to send a template letter and/or information to you please email us or give us a call on 32011775.

It is very worthwhile logging onto the BCC website to view some of the excellent letters uploaded by other residents. The following link will take you to where you can view or upload your own objection letters.

Be aware the site is sometimes down for routine maintenance, don’t give up, just try again later!!

http://pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Click on “I agree” at bottom of page then click on application inquiry. Type in the application number: A002696611 and click on search at bottom of page.  Click on the + next to application number/details to navigate your way into where you can upload your objection letter/s.

Remember that every person in every household can write a letter. Remember also that you do not have to live here to object…friends and family who visit and support you can also write letters so feel free to share this information.  There are already over 200 on the site but we need many more!!

All letters MUST be to BCC by close of business (5pm) Tuesday 5 October…if you are posting make sure you allow for Australia Post delays and get those letters sent no later than Friday 1 October.  

Get those letters in people!!!  It’s now or never!!!

 Regards

 Sue & Shane

 Hi everyone

 Time is ticking away and we now have just 3 weeks to get our objection letters to Brisbane City Council.

Help BUST a recent Myth!!!

 Many of you will have read my recent email about the full page ADVERT that appeared in last month’s edition of the Local Bulletin.  This ADD promoted the notion of an 8 court tennis complex being part of the developer’s plan.

 Please note that this advert has had an impact (all be it small) on the thinking of some residents who have sadly swallowed this marketing bait, hook, line and sinker!!!

 We know this because it has been raised by a lot of people speaking with us in the last 3 weeks.  I was even speaking with a lady just today who thought the developer was going to build a tennis complex on the land instead of housing lots and said she thought this wasn’t such a bad a thing!! 

After hearing that the so called ‘article’ was an advertisement paid for by the developer and placed conveniently just prior to their going to notification she said….’well that’s not ethical….how can they get away with doing that?’ 

My response was simple….some developers have no ethics….they do what they need to do in order to sway community thinking and its ALL about making money, nothing more!!!!!

Help me BUST this MYTH and talk to your neighbours, friends, family members and anyone you meet when collecting your kids from school or when you are doing your shopping that may have been swayed by this rubbish.  Please feel free to let them know that they should go to BCC’s website and view the plan for themselves if they are not willing to take our word for it!!! 

The application submitted by the developer seeks to REZONE the land from Sport and Recreational to Residential…which says it all…!!!

The other important thing to remember when talking about this issue is that 8 courts, a club house and significant parking space would need to be built on FLOOD FREE, FLAT LAND with safe & easy access. 

Just where would this be possible after all the earth works are carried out (5 meters’ deep in some places) to overcome the known flood risk to many proposed housing lots???

MYTH BUSTED!!! 

A reminder that information tables will continue to be held at the local Karana Downs shops every Saturday and Sunday morning between 8am and 12 throughout the objection period. We will also be at Karalee shopping centre this coming Saturday morning (19 Sept).  If you have a question or simply need assistance with writing your objection letter please feel free to drop in.

If you would like us to send a template or information to you please email us or give us a call on 32011775.

It is also very worthwhile logging onto the BCC website to view some of the excellent letters uploaded by other residents. The following link will take you to where you can view or upload your own objection letters.  http://pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au  Once you have arrived at the site:

Click on “I agree” at bottom of page then click on application inquiry. Type in the application number: A002696611 and click on search at bottom of page.  Click on the + next to application number/details to navigate your way into where you can upload your objection letter/s.

Remember that every person in every household can write a letter. Remember also that you do not have to live here to object…friends and family who visit and support you can also write letters so feel free to share this information.  There are already over 100 on the site but we need many more!!

All letters MUST be to BCC no later than close of business (5pm) Tuesday 5 October…set a deadline for yourself to make sure your letter is received in time!!!!

 Get those letters in people!!!  It’s now or never!!!

 Regards

 Sue & Shane

OBJECT NOW  

Hi again everyone

 Well we are definitely at the pointy end now folks and your local Action Group (K.D.C.L.P.G.) has kicked into high gear with a variety of activities occurring all aimed at assisting the community through the objection period.

 A newsletter has been delivered to all homes in Mt Crosby and Karana Downs in the last few days (a huge thank you to all those who have helped with delivery).

 Street Coordinators are making contact with residents in the streets they will assist to offer help and to remind their neighbours of the need to write their letters (not all streets are covered so if you need help please contact us).

 Flyers have been placed onto the windscreens of all cars at the golf club alerting golfers that it is time to object!!

 Information tables are being held at the local Karana Downs shops (these will be held every Saturday and Sunday morning between 8am and 12 for the next 5 weeks).  The response thus far has been extremely positive.  Many residents have dropped in to ask question or to receive information that will assist them to write their letters (this can be taken away at the time in hard copy or it can be sent electronically via email).

 We will also be at the Mt Crosby Markets this coming Sunday to provide information and assistance to anyone who might need help.  If you’re at the markets make sure you say hello!!

 Many on our email list have already contacted us asking to be sent an electronic copy of a letter template and guide to get them started.  If you would like us to send this information to you please email us or give us a call on 32011775.

 There are some very good objection letters already uploaded to the BCC website so if you want to take a peek at these please use the following link.  This link will also take you to where you can upload your own letters when you are ready to do so.

 Type this into your browser http://pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

 When the page comes up go to the bottom of the page and click on ‘I agree’ then on the next page click on ‘application enquiry’.  Type in the application number A002696611 into the area identified then click on search at the bottom of that page.  On the new page that will open click on the + next to the application details to navigate your way to where you can all information related to the DA, submissions from our community and where to upload your objection letter.

 Remember that every person in every household can write a letter (comprehension age limits do apply however children who understand the issues and want to write a letter should be encouraged to do so).  Remember also that you do not have to live here to object…friends and family who visit and support you can also write letters so feel free to share your information.

 All letters MUST be to BCC no later than close of business (5pm)

Tuesday 5 October…set a deadline for yourself to make sure your letter is received in time!!!!

 Now is also a good time to recontact all our elected members to remind them of how unhappy we are with the Karana Waters Proposal.

 Happy objection writing everyone….lets aim for 1000 letters to BCC by the mid point of the objection period, Monday 20 September!!!

 Best Regards

Sue

URGENT – NOTIFICATION INFORMATION

The day we have all dreaded is here. A man was spotted erecting Notification signs around the course a short time ago.  Our committee will meet this week to fine tune an already prepared plan to assist the community through this Notification and objection period.

We checked the BCC website a few minutes ago and there have been NO changes to the original proposal therefore ALL information we have provided about the proposal stands.

 If you have already written your objection letters now is the time to make any last minute changes.  Remember to add you full name, address, signature and the date before you send them in to Brisbane City Council. 

 Your letters MUST be received by BCC on or before close of business Monday 4 October 2010.

 There are several ways to lodge you submission.  You can lodge it electronically via the BCC website (search using the Development Application (DA) number A002696611 or the property address of 212 College Rd, Karana Downs) or alternatively, you can post it to BCC using the following address:

Chief Executive Officer

Brisbane City Council

GPO Box 1434

Brisbane Qld 4001 (You can even hand deliver your submission if you wish)

No matter the delivery method you choose, REMEMBER IT IS VITAL that you include:

• Your full name
• Your full address
• The DA number (A002696611)
• Your signature (particularly if posting)

If you think you may need a little help with your letters we have a well informed group of Street Coordinators on hand to assist and will be in contact with you very soon.  If you are not contacted in the next week or so, please email us for and we will ensure some one is available to help.

We will also be holding info tables every weekend at the local shops starting Saturday 28 August so if you need support please don’t hesitate to call in. 

If you would prefer or just have a question feel free to email anytime.  All email enquires will be responded to as soon as humanly possible.

Be on the look out for our news letters bringing you all the latest news over coming weeks and be sure to read notices placed on the notice board at the local Karana Downs shops starting this week!!!

In the words of Winston Churchill……

Never give in…never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force and never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.

 PEOPLE POWER HERE WE COME!!!!!

 Catch you all again very soon

 Regards Sue

This update is a little longer than usual…read on to see why!!

With the recent full page article (or was it actually a paid add?) on page 45 of the August edition of the Bulletin, it seems the fight to oppose the proposed development of our local golf course is about to heat up again. 

For those of you who may not have seen this article, in short Ms Hawkins (the face of the development team), is now saying that it is her intention to construct an 8 to 12 court international standard tennis complex on the Karana Downs Golf Course site.

Her interesting sale pitch reads as follows… “It makes good sense to replace the Karana Downs Golf Course which is currently struggling for viability with another sporting complex which has a strong chance of commercial success, given the area’s demographics and current local player interest in tennis”.  We are not sure what data she is quoting here but it clearly isn’t based on reality!

Basically Ms Hawkins would now have us believe she is doing our community and Tennis Qld a huge favour by developing the site into an International Tennis Complex.  To the uninformed, the article suggests this would be in preference to carving the usable land up into 112 housing lots to be sold freehold in stages. 

Not surprisingly however, further into the article Tennis Qld Facilities Development Manager Mr Blomer brings the focus back onto Ms Hawkins true plan when he says “Tennis Qld is supportive of a tennis facility of this nature at Karana Downs as part of the “proposed residential development of this site by Karana Waters”.   In other words, all discussions Karana Waters have had with Tennis Qld continue to include residential development as their primary goal. 

To ensure our assumptions were correct, we spoke with Mr Blomer.  He stated that he had been consulted in regard to the article but also clarified that Tennis Qld has no intention of committing any money to the Karana Waters proposal.

In addition, Mr Blomer also said “it is  basically true that many courts had been lost in SE Qld in recent years however, many if not all of those lost had been privately owned inner city properties that had been subdivided and or developed into housing”.  

At this point it is important to point out that the article correctly states Tennis Qld have been working with BCC in recent years to identify a suitable location for more courts.  However, it is equally important to point out that as a result of this partnership, a brand new state of the art Tennis Complex housing 23 courts was opened in January of 2009 in Tennyson.  This new complex (known locally as the Pat Rafter Centre) has since become the state’s premier tennis facility for all players from beginners to the world’s top stars.

This world class tennis facility is open daily to the public, boasts a pro-shop, café, change rooms, media facilities and function rooms. The centre is the headquarters for Tennis Qld and the Queensland Academy of Sport’s tennis program aimed at junior development. The Pat Rafter arena alone seats 5500 spectators in climate control comfort and besides hosting the annual Brisbane International (in January), the Queensland Tennis Centre is open to the public daily for court hire, coaching, fixtures and social games.

So folks…what are the real facts……

Similar to golf, tennis has experienced a decline in participation in recent years and while Tennis Qld, by their own admission, are happy for more courts to be developed anywhere in SE Qld, they are not partnering Karana Waters, nor have they done anything more than say they would be supportive if courts were developed in Karana Downs.  It should be said here that this would be no different to the support Netball, Rugby, Basketball or Swimming Qld would provide should Ms Hawkins put forward a proposal to develop more facilities on this site for those sports.

A ‘local’ tennis coach made a comment in the article about junior fixtures at the Karana Downs Golf Courts having to be played in Ipswich or Brisbane due to the lack of capacity of the existing courts.  How could a ‘true’ local not consider some well known facts before saying (to use his words) the complex would “fill the gap in the western suburbs for a major tennis facility”?  We all know there would first need to be significant improvement to current infrastructure (e.g. public transport and hotel style accommodation) before such a grand plan could be considered viable.

In reality, there are major complexes in Brisbane and Ipswich which are all close to public transport and have established amenities such as accommodation and shopping nearby. This local coach says there is a shortage of courts in this area.  The fact is he is a little off the mark when a quick Google search shows there are courts (and competitions being played) in Brassall, Leichhardt, Springfield Lakes, Karalee, Tivoli, Walloon, Bundamba, Brookfield, St Lucia and Toowong to name a few.  A shortage of courts for junior fixtures in this area….perhaps not!!

So Karana Waters want to develop 8 to 12 courts on the site?  To achieve this they will need to forgo the prospect of developing housing lots because all courts, the clubhouse, extensive parking and road access would take up much if not all of the usable land previously earmarked for housing.  No cash investment from Tennis Qld or BCC and only more outlay for Karana Waters investor…all this makes the proposal sound like the ideal investment opportunity to me… NOT!!!

So as I said way back at the beginning of this message, it looks like things will be hotting up soon.  This latest offering by Ms Hawkins as the face of Karana Waters is in my view aimed at swaying community sentiment and in doing so, potentially lessoning the number of letters sent to BCC objecting to their proposal to carve site up into 112 small housing lots. 

I simply say in conclusion that Ms Hawkins must really think we are a bunch of uneducated and gullible simpletons if she thinks we are going to fall for this ill conceived attempt at throwing us off the trail. 

More to the point…when we spoke with BCC last week we were told that there is no change to BCC’s opinion on the suitability of the current Karana Waters proposal and there have definitely not been any changes made to the current proposal to have the land rezoned from sport and recreation to residential…..BCC staff basically said that Ms Hawkins can say what she likes but unless she submits an amended plan BCC wont be considering it… Says it all really!!! 

As one of our great local signs says … “tell em they’re dreaming” … as this latest grab to gain support from the community by Ms Hawkins is yet again all smoke and mirrors!!!

Regards

Sue