A golf course in Oakwood could be transformed into a thriving macadamia orchard if a development application is approved by Bundaberg Regional Council.
The proposal, by Moore Park Enterprises, was recently lodged and outlines a material change of use to convert Oakwood Park Golf Course for cropping, specifically for macadamias.
The application comes after the closure of the popular golf course, with owners David and Yvonne Chivers stating they were now looking for a new venture.
“We owned and operated the golf club for over 25 years and we originally purchased the property because we thought it was a good investment,” David said.
“As it goes, it got to the stage where Father Time was starting to catch up so we thought it was a good opportunity to get out.”
The couple, along with their son Geoff and grandsons Luke and Ryan, are hoping to soon begin the joint venture of transforming their 50 hectares to a macadamia orchard of about 12,000 trees.
This will be the third macadamia farm established by the family. With grandsons, Luke and Ryan coming on board this will make six generations of Chivers family orchardists.
“It is hard work and the industry has evolved so it can be quite technical, but it is great to have the next generation of Chivers family being a part of the macadamia industry.”
Council's development portfolio spokesperson Cr Ross Sommerfeld said the application for the macadamia orchard was a sign of burgeoning industry in the region.
“The region’s farming and agricultural sector is a thriving one and we are very lucky to have so many fantastic farms within our region and so many more wanting to get up and running,” he said.
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