What’s Happening?
The Queensland Government has opened public consultation on the proposed development scheme for the Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area. Redland City Council acknowledged the consultation and encouraged all residents to examine the proposal.
Residents can submit their feedback directly to the State, while Council will also assess the scheme and supporting material.
Why It Matters
Acting Mayor Julie Talty said the proposal could reshape Redlands Coast, making careful planning essential for the city’s future. “Southern Thornlands PDA is approximately 900ha in size and represents the largest proposed development ever planned for Redlands Coast,” Cr Talty said. She added, “This is a large scale, city-changing development and it needs to be done carefully and correctly.”
Cr Talty said Council would keep working with the State throughout the planning process. “While this is a Queensland Government initiative, Redland City Council – as the level of government closest to the community – will continue to work with the State to ensure community concerns are heard.”
Local Impact
The area is framed by Boundary Road to the north and Mount Cotton Road to the west. Eprapah Creek forms its southern boundary. Construction has already started within an early release area on properties directly adjoining Springacre Road in the east.
The State’s planning process is intended to provide diverse, smaller lots at different price points. These options aim to help families enter the property ladder. Planning and Regulation portfolio representative Cr Rowanne McKenzie said Council had agreed to participate in the structure planning process. However, Council has an advisory role only.
“Council has previously articulated its position on the PDA, which remains consistent to this day,” Cr McKenzie said. She said the development must connect properly with surrounding areas while providing the infrastructure required for future growth. “It is vital that the PDA appropriately integrates with the surrounding areas and that infrastructure is fully funded by the development proponents to support future growth.”
By the Numbers
- The 900-hectare area could accommodate up to 24,000 residents across approximately 8,000 dwellings. The State proposed 25 dwellings per hectare as its target net residential density.
- The Springacre Road early release area could provide up to 1,000 homes, supporting a population of approximately 2,900 people.
- The State expects about $544 million in infrastructure charges from new development. This includes $256 million for roads and transport, $137 million for wastewater, $29 million for water supply, and $93 million for open space and community facilities.
Zoom In
Cr McKenzie said Redlands Coast residents and ratepayers should examine the proposal closely. She encouraged them to consider issues relevant to the area’s future planning, including:
- The location of commercial, retail and employment areas in relation to residential neighbourhoods, schools and community facilities.
- The provision, timing and distribution of sporting, recreation and community infrastructure.
- The diversity, density and suitability of proposed housing types.
- The proposed road network, including whether Springacre Road should become a two-lane or four-lane corridor for future transport needs.
- Traffic distribution and network efficiency, including opportunities to use existing and planned road reserves. These include Platres Drive, Springacre Road, West Mount Cotton Road, Mount Cotton Road and Taylor Road.
- Environmental considerations, including retaining wildlife corridors and providing wildlife crossings near significant habitats, particularly Eprapah Creek.
- The adequacy of measures intended to balance growth, transport, environmental protection and community amenity.
Zoom Out
Cr McKenzie said infrastructure funding must cover the area’s roads, transport, wastewater, water supply, open space and community facilities. “The Queensland Government expects to collect approximately $544 million in infrastructure charges from new development to fund essential trunk infrastructure, including $256 million for key road and transport upgrades, $137 million for wastewater infrastructure, $29 million for water supply improvements, and $93 million for open space and community facilities required to support the future community within the PDA.”
However, she said the State must cover critical infrastructure costs within and beyond the development area’s boundaries.
“However, the Queensland Government must commit to fully funding the delivery of critical infrastructure for Southern Thornlands, both within and beyond the PDA boundaries, at no cost to Redland City Council or local ratepayers.” Cr McKenzie added, “Council needs assurance that the State will not shift any infrastructure or service delivery costs on to Council or our community.”
What To Look For Next?
Public notification of the proposed development scheme has commenced, with submissions accepted until 15 September 2026. Residents and ratepayers can use the consultation period to raise concerns about housing, infrastructure, traffic, environmental protection and community facilities.
“Council will review the development scheme and supporting material over the coming weeks and will then consider making a formal submission during the consultation period,” Cr McKenzie said.
