Fiji's Pacific Harbour Golf Course Cut for Residential Development
Fiji's Pacific Harbour Golf Course has received conditional approval from the Department of Town and Country Planning to reduce its 18-hole layout to nine, facilitating a 61-lot residential development.
Conditional Approval for Course Reduction
The Pacific Harbour Golf Course in Fiji has secured conditional planning approval to halve its current 18-hole layout, transitioning to a nine-hole operation. This decision, issued by the Department of Town and Country Planning on January 29, 2026, paves the way for a residential subdivision on the privately owned freehold land.
Housing and Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa confirmed that the initial phase of development includes 61 residential lots, alongside one designated open space and an access road, forming a 63-lot subdivision. This restructuring aims to accommodate new housing while retaining a portion of the golf facility.
Regulatory Compliance and Land Status
Minister Nalumisa assured Parliament that all necessary legal and administrative procedures were strictly followed in granting the conditional approval. Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya had raised questions regarding the subdivision process, prompting the Minister's clarification.
Furthermore, the Department of Town and Country Planning found no registered covenant that legally bound the privately owned land to remain an 18-hole golf course. Several additional subdivision applications concerning the property are currently under review by the department, each to be evaluated independently.
Public Engagement and Community Concerns
Opposition MP Koya also voiced concerns over the perceived lack of public consultation regarding the proposed changes, noting objections from local residents and golf course users.
Minister Nalumisa addressed this by explaining that under Fiji’s current planning framework, public consultation is not legally required for properties situated outside an approved town planning scheme, which applies in this instance. Despite the absence of a formal requirement, community sentiment remains a point of discussion.
Environmental and Infrastructure Considerations
Acknowledging the community's concerns, Minister Nalumisa highlighted potential risks to local infrastructure and the environment. These include issues related to water supply, wastewater management, drainage, road access, traffic flow, and broader ecological impacts. He emphasised that the conditional planning approval does not supersede the need for environmental clearance.
A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) must be completed and approved before any construction or development work can commence on the site, ensuring environmental safeguards are in place.
Future for Pacific Harbour Golfers
For golfers planning to visit Pacific Harbour, the conditional approval means the course will eventually operate as a nine-hole facility. While the full transition timeline depends on the completion of the Environmental Impact Assessment and further approvals, players should anticipate changes to the course experience.
Potential visitors are advised to check directly with Pacific Harbour Golf Course for updates on its operational status and any temporary disruptions during the development phases. The progression of the EIA will be the next key indicator for when the residential project can move forward and how it will physically impact the remaining golf holes.
Get The Sunday Round.
One course worth playing, one destination worth planning, and one story worth your coffee, every Sunday. Free.
