Next step in revitalisation of Redland sites

Families in the Redland Shire will enjoy vibrant new waterfront communities with the development of two key sites.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney called for expressions of interest and said it was part of the Queensland Government’s strong plan that would create a brighter future for families.

“We promised at the election to deliver better infrastructure and planning and the declaration of Priority Development Areas at Toondah Harbour and Weinam Creek are strong examples of our policies at work in cities, towns and suburbs across Queensland,” Mr Seeney said.

“The developments planned for these sites will create exciting waterfront communities for families to enjoy and help grow the local tourism industry, as we promised we would do.

“They could include open spaces for families to visit and play as well as retail and residential opportunities.

“Labor ignored the potential and bogged regional planning down in red tape, but we want to create a brighter future.

“Redland City is located in one of the fastest growing areas in Australia and the development of these areas marks a new economic era for the region.”

Mr Seeney said the overarching plans have now been finalised and have incorporated changes requested by the community such as reduced building heights, retention of existing open space and the requirement that developments respect amenity issues such as local character, views and breezes.

“The next stage is to go out to the market and gauge interest in developing the sites,” he said.

“We are confident developers will share our vision to enhance Toondah Harbour as the gateway to Moreton Bay and North Stradbroke Island, and Weinam Creek as the gateway to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.”

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the two projects at Cleveland and Redland Bay Toondah had enormous potential to be transformed into dynamic waterfront precincts that are destinations in their own right.

“These are the two most exciting projects to ever take place in the Redlands,” Ms Williams said.

“The community has been calling for these two sites to be developed for many years so there is a real sense of excitement now that we have moved to the next stage of inviting expressions of interest from investors.

“Council has always said the redevelopment of these key sites should be taken up by the market rather than left to the ratepayers and the Expression of Interest stage is our chance to sell the Redlands to the world to secure the investors needed to make these projects a reality.

“Desired outcomes for Toondah Harbour include a new plaza and passenger ferry terminal, marina precinct and mixed-use urban village that will be the heart of the area, delivering a range of community, tourism and recreational experiences.

“There is also the potential for marine and tourism-associated retail, business and residential opportunities.

“All of this will be balanced with community open space and parks that will enhance the bayside location.

“At Weinam Creek there is a potential for a new waterfront esplanade and public space to be lined with shops, cafes and apartments to attract locals and tourists, as well as a marina.

“At the same time it is also important to ensure locals have the amenity and services they require including sustainable long-term parking for island residents and facilities for existing community groups.

“Existing commercial centres such as the Cleveland CBD will also be considered as part of the overall process, to ensure these exciting projects complement the city’s existing strengths.”

Interested groups have six weeks to submit an Expression of Interest, which closes on 28 July 2014.

For more information visit www.edq.qld.gov.au or www.redland.qld.gov.au

To view the EOI documents visit www.etender.qld.gov.au and use reference no: EDQ-10-229/14

[ENDS] 19 June 2014

Media Contact: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754 or Elizabeth Spry 0418 928 744