What’s happening?
A familiar piece of the Redlands Coast skyline has disappeared, with SeaLink South East Queensland removing the long-standing tower at Toondah Harbour in Cleveland.
The structure had stood beside the ferry terminal for more than three decades and became a well-known landmark for locals travelling across Moreton Bay to North Stradbroke Island, also known as Minjerribah.
The tower originally came from Brisbane’s World Expo 88 site at South Bank, where it was believed to have been used as an FM broadcasting tower.
After Expo 88 finished, the structure was dismantled, moved down the Brisbane River by vehicle ferry, and rebuilt at Toondah Harbour.
SeaLink later used the tower as office space before staff moved into a Cleveland-based workspace in late 2024.
The company said the structure had reached the end of its usable life and was removed to maintain safe terminal operations.
Why it matters?
For many Redland City residents, the tower was more than just a structure at the ferry terminal.
It became part of the routine for island commuters, holidaymakers and families heading over to Minjerribah for weekends away, fishing trips and beach holidays.
The removal also marks another change for the Toondah Harbour precinct as planning continues around the future of the Cleveland waterfront ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Local Impact
The harbourfront at Cleveland now looks noticeably different without the tower overlooking the terminal.
Generations of Redlands locals grew used to seeing the structure while catching ferries, meeting family from the island or driving along Middle Street.
SeaLink South East Queensland said it remains focused on maintaining reliable access between Cleveland and North Stradbroke Island as the harbour precinct evolves.
By the numbers
- The tower remained part of the Toondah Harbour landscape for more than 30 years after arriving from Brisbane following Expo 88.
- SeaLink staff relocated from the tower to a new Cleveland workspace in late 2024 before the structure was removed.
- Planning around the terminal is now being shaped alongside preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Zoom In
SeaLink South East Queensland General Manager Ben Renwick said the structure held strong local and historical value.
“Expo 88 is an important part of Brisbane’s history, and this structure carried that legacy here at Toondah Harbour for decades,” Mr Renwick said.
“For many people, it became a familiar marker, signalling arrival on the mainland or the beginning of a journey to North Stradbroke Island.”
The company confirmed the tower was no longer fit for purpose following an assessment.
Zoom Out
Toondah Harbour remains central to ongoing discussions about the future of the Redlands Coast waterfront.
The Cleveland terminal is expected to play a role in future transport and tourism planning as South East Queensland prepares for Brisbane 2032.
SeaLink said future improvements at the site would be considered as part of the broader vision for the harbour precinct.
What To Look For Next?
Attention will now turn to how Toondah Harbour evolves over the coming years as planning around the precinct continues.
SeaLink South East Queensland said the removal creates an opportunity to rethink the terminal experience while respecting the harbour’s long connection to the community.
“With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, we like to think we’ve just made a bit of space for the harbour’s next landmark,” Mr Renwick said.
