Gordon submission re BC site 2 · MCU13/0092

My name is Gordon Douglas Hirst and I lived at 26 Pelican St, Peregian Beach from January 1976 to May 2011. Although I no longer live in Peregian Beach, I still maintain a keen interest in its progress. I was also a member of the Peregian Beach Bowls Club from 1976 till its closure. For most of that time I was on the club’s committee, holding various offices including President, Chairman of the Board, Secretary and Treasurer.
I also have a keen interest in the Di Hirst Oval (named for my wife) having been intimately involved in its restoration after years of neglect.
Obviously I would prefer the site to be occupied once again by a bowls club and I have been informed that the Noosa Heads Bowls Club has offered to buy the site from Pine Rivers Bowls Club for some $600,000.
I suggest a compromise that would allow both commercial development and sports use. This would be to have the developer build an enclosed artificial turf bowls green above the car park. Ownership could be retained by the owners of the complex and any profits retained by them. Being an enclosed artificial turf green means that it could be used at any time and in any weather. Individual rinks could be hired by anyone for specified time periods as well as for organised competitions. Maintenance would be minimal and it would be a unique facility attracting people from well outside the immediate area. This compromise would be beneficial to the commercial owners by providing a revenue stream from the parking area as well as providing a recreational area for the whole community. Council needs to incorporate such hybrid land use into its zoning policies. An even more ambitious project would be to build a multi-use complex incorporating bowls, indoor cricket, indoor soccer, indoor hockey etc.
The alternative, if council is to maintain the zoning status quo, is for the bowls club site to stagnate and become an ageing eyesore or for council to build the complex itself and lease it out.
As far as the Di Hirst Oval is concerned, I do not believe it can be effectively expanded beyond its present limits. I believe it should continue to be used in its present manner to continue to provide a valuable contribution to the amenity of the Peregian Beach Community.