Community input sought on Redlands transformation

Draft plans for two new residential and tourism hubs promising to grow small business and jobs in the Redlands region were released today.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said releasing for public consultation draft plans on the development of Toondah Harbour and Weinam Creek Priority Development Areas was a significant step in realising the potential of picturesque Redlands.

“The Newman Government promised to grow a four pillar Queensland economy and the Redlands development areas will deliver significant gains to tourism and construction in the region north of Brisbane,” Mr Seeney said.

“I encourage all residents to have their say on draft plans for Toondah Harbour and Weinam Creek development areas during the public notification period, which runs from today until 24 February 2014.

“The draft plans for these areas aim to capture the full potential of these picturesque waterways by making them gateways to the outlying Moreton Bay islands for the local community and tourists to enjoy.

“Development opportunities include mixed use and medium density residential developments at both sites and, for Toondah Harbour, tourism and retail developments, dedicated ferry terminals, a possible private berth marina and new public open spaces.”

Establishing Priority Development Areas under the Economic Development Act 2012 is one of the planning reforms Mr Seeney has driven to cut red-tape in the local government system.

“Through the establishment of Priority Development Areas, we are able to work from the ground up giving local councils, communities and businesses the ability to come up with solutions to local planning and development challenges,” he said.

“The Toondah Harbour and Weinam Creek Priority Development Areas were requested by Redland City Council and were declared in June.

“I congratulate Redland City Council for identifying these sites and for their hard work supporting Economic Development Queensland to get the plans to this stage.”

Acting Redland City Mayor, Councillor Alan Beard, urged the community to view the draft plans for two projects that will help shape the future of the city.

“The draft plans are the result of consultation with community and business stakeholders in August,” Mr Beard said. 

“These Priority Development Areas mark a coming of age for the Redlands and will boost the city’s tourism credentials – they herald an exciting new era of growth.”

[ENDS] 10 January 2014

Media Contact: Elizabeth Spry 0418 928 744


BACKGROUND NOTES

Toondah Harbour Priority Development Area

The PDA is located on the southern shores of Moreton Bay in Cleveland, approximately one kilometre east of the Cleveland central business district. The PDA covers landholdings located at Middle Street, Cleveland, and covers a total area of approximately 67 hectares (ha), including 17.5ha over land and 49.5ha within Moreton Bay Marine Park.

The Toondah Harbour upgrade has been a long anticipated development and will seek to reinforce the harbour as a community focus and a regional gateway to Moreton Bay and North Stradbroke Island.

Development will include opportunities for mixed use and medium density residential development as well as tourism and retail based development, dedicated ferry terminals, public open space and the potential for a private berth marina.

Community information forums on this PDA will be held on:

• Saturday 1 February 2014, 1-3pm at Island View Cafe, Toondah Harbour Ferry Terminal
• Friday 7 February 2014, 3.30pm-5.30pm at Island View Cafe, Toondah Harbour Ferry Terminal
• Saturday 8 February 2014, 1-3pm at Dunwich Community Hall, Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island.

Weinam Creek Priority Development Area

The PDA is located in Redland Bay and incorporates the Weinam Creek Marina located at the intersection of Banana Street and Meissner Street. The total area of the PDA is approximately 42ha including 36ha over land and 6ha over water.

Development will include opportunities for mixed use and medium density residential development.

Community information forums on this PDA will be held on:

• Thursday 30 January 2014, 5-8pm at Redland Bay Community Hall, Redland Bay
• Thursday 6 February 2014, 5-8pm at Macleay Progress Hall, Macleay Island.

The Weinam Creek draft plan can be viewed online at www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/weinamPDA and the Toondah Harbour draft plan at www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/toondahPDA

Draft plans can also be viewed at the Redland City Council office, Cleveland Library, Capalaba Customer Service Centre, Capalaba Library or Victoria Point Library until 24 February 2014.