What’s happening?
Redland developers Urbex and Harridan have welcomed the Queensland Government’s decision to designate Southern Thornlands as a Priority Development Area (PDA). This announcement follows the Shaping SEQ 2023 plan, which repositioned Southern Thornlands into the “Urban Footprint.” The PDA will unlock significant land for housing to meet rising local demand.
Why it matters
This move directly addresses the critical housing shortage in Redlands and supports the Queensland Government’s “Homes for Queenslanders” agenda. General Manager of Urbex, Carl Bruhn, commended the initiative and congratulated the Crisafulli Government and Economic Development Queensland. “The Redlands has one of the lowest number of homes available for sale or rent in South East Queensland,” Mr Bruhn said.
He explained that the shortage affects young families and retirees alike. “There’s just not enough houses for young Redlands people who want to start a family, or for empty nesters or grandparents who want to downsize but stay close to the places they love.”
Local Impact
The new designation means residents can expect new housing options, including early land releases near Springacre Road. Urbex and Harridan have committed to creating inclusive and affordable communities for all demographics.
“This is more than just about housing,” Mr Bruhn said. “We want to create a community with a place for everyone – for our mums, our grandparents, our children and people who need housing that is affordable.”
By the numbers
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✅ Nearly 900,000 new dwellings are needed in South East Queensland by 2046.
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✅ More than 2.2 million people are expected to call the region home over the next 20 years.
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✅ Redlands has one of the lowest housing availabilities in all of South East Queensland.
Zoom In
The developers, Urbex and Harridan, bring decades of experience to the project. Urbex, part of the BMD Group, has delivered high-quality communities since 2003 across cities including Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns. Harridan, a Holmwood Highgate Group division, has operated since the late 1980s and focuses on family-friendly lifestyle properties.
Urbex and Harridan plan a “broad, attractive and affordable housing mix for people in the Redlands,” with early land release plans underway, subject to approvals.
Zoom Out
The Southern Thornlands PDA fits within the broader regional development push shaped by the South East Queensland Regional Plan. This policy aims to sustainably accommodate population growth while ensuring access to affordable housing and services across Queensland.
What to look for next?
The first land releases near Springacre Road are being planned, pending formal approvals. For more updates and release timelines, visit urbex.com.au.
