New Priority Development Area for Redlands

Cleveland’s Toondah Harbour is set to be transformed into an economic development hub with the declaration of a proposed priority development area (PDA).

The declaration is the first step in opening up a number of mixed use residential, tourism and retail opportunities, including dedicated ferry terminals, public open space and the potential for a private berth marina.

Making the announcement at a business breakfast this morning, Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the proposed PDA would support the Redlands’ growth and economic expansion.

“Today’s announcement proves the Redlands are open for business and has the potential to make a major contribution to the state’s economy by boosting the tourism and local business sectors and creating local jobs, should the PDA move forward,” Mr Seeney said.

“Redland City Council has been working closely with Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) to identify this site, which is expected to be formally declared as PDAs in mid-June under the new Economic Development Act 2012 (the Act).

“I congratulate Council for its hard work in identifying this site and working with EDQ to seek its declaration.

“It is this sort of partnership that the State Government values strongly with local government because it means better economic development and community focussed outcomes.”

Member for Cleveland Mark Robinson said the declaration was fantastic news for the residents of Cleveland, North Stradbroke Island and all of the Redlands. 

“The Toondah Harbour upgrade has been a long anticipated piece of infrastructure that will improve transport, tourism and boost local business and will also generate many much-needed local job opportunities,” Mr Robinson said.

“The project proves the Newman Government is looking to the future by improving transport to North Stradbroke, and building the foundations for tourism activity to grow in the Redlands.   

“This upgrade at Toondah Harbour is one of the most anticipated infrastructure developments in the Redlands and it is great that after many years of advocating its necessity to finally have it confirmed.”

Mr Seeney said following the declaration, EDQ and Council would prepare a development scheme for the area to guide future development, which would take 12 months and include a community engagement program.

He said EDQ officers would work closely with Council to ensure that the vision for Toondah Harbour was in line with Council’s and the local community’s expectations.

The proposed Toondah Harbour PDA is approximately 67 hectares in size including 18 hectares of local and state government-owned land and 49 hectares over water.

The Economic Development Act 2012 was introduced late last year to facilitate economic development by helping councils and the state deliver sites which provide economic development but which may not be deliverable under other legislation or through council planning schemes.

[ENDS] 16 May 2013                                               

Media Contact: Kate Haddan 0418 373 516