Forward planning ensures golf course weathers storm

Good planning and careful environmental management undertaken a decade ago proved crucial in helping Maleny Golf Club course withstand the recent heavy rainfall dumped by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Former Maleny Golf Club President Max Whitten said the club received up to 300mm of rain in just hours, but handled the extreme weather remarkably well due to extensive environmental preparations made during its development phase in 2014.

“When the club began building the course in 2014, the ‘absent owner’ site was weed-ridden with extensive soil erosion, causing significant sediment runoff into the SEQ water catchment for Baroon Pocket Dam after any rain event,” Dr Whitten said.

Dr Whitten said that although runoff into the wetlands and Obi Obi Creek was extensive during the deluge, water exiting the course remained clear.

“No sediment entered Obi Obi Creek and there was no erosion. That’s a huge environmental benefit resulting from the golf course,” he said.

“The wild wind and 250mm downfall was like water off a duck’s back thanks to the extensive turf cover and good drainage.”

“As soon as the rain stopped on Wednesday, the course was open to golfers and carts.”

• For info go to malenygolfclub.com.au.

A drone image of a resplendent Maleny Golf Club taken last week.