THE state government rejected an unsolicited proposal that would have revived the billion-dollar Cooks Cove project at Arncliffe, which has failed to progress after 13 years.
The mechanism, administered by the Department of Premier and Cabinet, allows the "fast tracking" of private sector projects considered to be unique and meeting the government's strategic objectives.
A senior government source said the application by the privately owned Kogarah Golf Club and its development partner John Boyd Properties failed to advance past the first stage of the four-step process.
"UrbanGrowth Development Corporation is looking at the site and the wider area around it," he said.
The corporation, which drives urban renewal to produce homes and jobs, was given responsibility for the site last year after the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority was disbanded.
"We will be engaging with various stakeholders to identify opportunities and constraints on the project," a corporation spokeswoman said.
Under the proposal announced in 2001, Kogarah Golf Course would move south to Barton Park and Riverine Park to make way for a ‘‘hi-tech’’ industry hub, hotel, retail centre and 4500 parking spaces close to the airport.
The project was placed in voluntary administration in 2009 after a cost blowout and uncertainty over proposed duplication of the M5 East motorway.
The motorway plan has advanced further through the WestConnex project, including a proposed extension to the south.
Rockdale Council, a strong supporter of the Cooks Cove project, voted last year to support the golf club’s application to include the site of the former Fishos Club and St George Stadium in the development area.
Kogarah Golf Club and John Boyd Properties did not return Leader calls.
GOLF CLUB HELP
Developer John Boyd is providing financial support to Kogarah Golf Club while the saga continues.
Club treasurer Greg Penn revealed in his annual report in July that Mr Boyd had made a $200,000 contribution to the club last year ‘‘for our continued support of his place as preferred developer of the course relocation’’.
‘‘His $200,000 contribution is in lieu of the impaired trading due to the drawn out negotiations surrounding the relocation as well as compensation for man-hours spent by management in working towards this goal,’’ he wrote.
Mr Boyd also made a contribution the previous year, the report said.
If ‘‘these compensations were eliminated for both years’’ the trading result for 2013-14 would have been a deficit of $241,000, compared with $360,000 the previous year.
President Phil Buckland said in his annual report that directors were hopeful of a positive decision from the unsolicited development proposal.
‘‘The board and management of the club still hold an optimistic view regarding the outcome of the development project and its benefit towards the long-term viability of the club,’’ he wrote.
‘‘It is proposed that a general meeting of club members will be held in the coming year to confirm ongoing support for the project by the membership.
‘‘This will be done when a decision to proceed has been made by state cabinet and more detailed specifications of the proposed new golf course and clubhouse are available.’’
Do you think Cooks Cove will ever become a reality?
