In a letter addressed to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, protest group Redlands 2030 has called for the revival of a 2020 petition that demanded an investigation into the Toondah Harbour development proposal. The group’s plea comes as the site marks its 10th anniversary since being designated a priority development area (PDA) under the Campbell Newman LNP government on June 21, 2013.
During its active six-month period in 2020, the Redlands 2030 petition garnered support from over 6,000 individuals who joined the group demanding a commission of inquiry to scrutinise the development plans. Redlands 2030 President Steve MacDonald, the principal petitioner, highlighted various aspects that should be covered in the proposed investigation, including the allowance of PDA overlap with a Ramsar area.
The Toondah Harbour project, spearheaded by the Walker Corporation, envisions the development of approximately 67 hectares of land and water in Cleveland, featuring 3,600 dwellings, waterfront cafes, recreational spaces, and a swimming lagoon inspired by Southbank. Some local politicians, like Capalaba MP Don Brown, have expressed support for the plan, citing benefits such as housing diversity, increased supply, and job creation in the retail and hospitality sectors.
Recent reports unveiled that the Queensland planning department had submitted its response during public consultation for the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) late last year. The submission emphasised the need to balance environmental impacts with the economic benefits of the proposal and its contribution to addressing housing supply issues.
The Redlands 2030 petition seeks to investigate the adequacy of early planning work, studies, and community engagement while assessing the project’s costs and benefits to the community. Most of the requests mentioned in the petition relate to creating the PDA and the initial planning phase. However, the petition was unsuccessful in 2020, with former state Development Minister Kate Jones stating that a commission of inquiry was not under consideration.
In a fresh appeal to the government, Mr MacDonald expressed concerns about unanswered questions and insufficient community consultation, stressing the decade-long uncertainty surrounding Toondah Harbour and the community’s unwavering pursuit of transparent governance.
Redlands 2030’s letter also challenges claims that the development would alleviate housing supply issues in Redlands. Mr MacDonald pointed out that, according to the EIS, as a reclamation project, no dwellings would be constructed for several years.
The state government has affirmed its support for revitalising Toondah Harbour, subject to rigorous environmental assessment. A spokesperson for the government stated that if the Toondah Harbour development is approved, it will contribute to easing housing pressures in Redlands in the future. The proposed master plan allows for approximately 3,600 dwellings in various forms. Furthermore, the Queensland Government is developing a housing supply and diversity strategy to meet forecasted growth in Redlands, encompassing a range of dwelling types to accommodate evolving demographic and household needs.
Are the Redlands 2030 just another NIMBY noisy online group? Or do they have a point to prove? The area has undoubtedly been a sleep hollow for some time, and a more liveable coastline may just be what the are needs to bring some increased investment, attention and opportunity, which surely can’t hurt.
You’ll have to decide.
