Walker Group to rejuvenate Redland City

Bayside residents are a step closer to vibrant waterfront developments and new jobs after the State Government and Redland City Council today announced Walker Group as the preferred partner to develop Toondah Harbour and Weinam Creek.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Jeff Seeney today joined with Redland City Mayor Karen Williams and Walker Group Executive Chair Lang Walker to announce the Walker Group as the preferred partner for both Priority Development Areas at Toondah Harbour and Weinam Creek.

“The Redland City Council first came to the State Government in January 2013 requesting we declare the two precincts as Priority Development Areas to help grow the local economy and create vibrant waterfront communities,” Mr Seeney said.

“Our government promised at the 2012 election to deliver better infrastructure and planning.  Priority Development Areas such as these show we are delivering on this pledge and creating good, viable jobs.

“This is a red letter day for the Redlands, for the Council and for our Government to have secured multi-award winning Walker Group’s intention to develop both sites.

“These revitalisation projects will create thousands of jobs during construction and will dramatically grow the tourism sector, positioning Toondah Harbour and Weinam Creek as gateways to the Moreton Bay Islands.” 

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the selection of the Walker Group as the development partner following the recent Expression of Interest phase was a vote of confidence in the Redlands.

“The Walker Group’s commitment to community values was a key part of the decision to select them as our preferred partner to take these projects to the next exciting phase,” she said.

“Selected from eight strong Expressions of Interest, the Walker Group is the preferred development partner for both Toondah Harbour and Weinam Creek and the fact that they want to lead both projects shows how attractive the Redlands is to people such as Lang Walker. 

“Known globally as a consummate professional, Lang Walker has a reputation for producing exciting projects that maintain the values of the community, the environment and cultural heritage.

“The Walker Group doesn’t just make places where people visit, shop and dine; they create communities, where people call home, kids go to school and families grow.  You only have to look at examples of their work in Australia and internationally to know that these two projects are in good hands.” 

Cr Williams said the Expression of Interest phase provided high level vision to transform the two popular transport hubs, with the exact detail of the projects to now be developed in consultation with Council, the State Government and a stakeholder advisory group.

“The next step of the process is for a detailed design to be developed that matches the final development scheme, which was developed in consultation with the community” she said.

“It needs to be understood that as yet there is no detailed design for either site; that will be worked through with the Walker Group and key stakeholders, but the final design will reflect the needs of the community as outlined during the original consultation phase.

“A key part of this will be the retention of public open space, with the Walker Group keen to not only maintain facilities such as GJ Walter Park but enhance them so they continue to be a valued asset for the community.”

Member for Cleveland Mark Robinson said he welcomed Walker Group being announced as the preferred partner to develop these two important sites.

“The Toondah Harbour upgrade has been a long anticipated piece of infrastructure that will improve transport, tourism and boost local businesses,” Mr Robinson said.

“These projects prove the Newman Government has a strong plan for a brighter future for our region.”

Member for Redlands Peter Dowling said he welcomed the process moving to the detailed design phase.

“Both the State Government and Council listened to the community and worked to ensure public open space was not only was protected but improved through this process,” Mr Dowling said.

“I look forward to seeing the detailed design for these iconic projects that will create great employment and tourism benefits for our region.”

Both Toondah Harbour and Weinam Creek Priority Development Areas have development schemes in place. The development schemes, which underwent community consultation in 2014, set the rules under which development can occur in these areas.

Walker Group’s master plan will be developed in accordance with these development schemes.

[ENDS] 18 September 2014

Media Contact: Deputy Premier’s office – ElizabethSpry 0418 928 744

Redland City Council – Allan McNeil 0437 693 509

Background:

Walker Group is one of Australia’s largest private development companies, successful for 40 years. Led by Executive Chairman, Lang Walker, the company has a proven track record in delivering iconic projects such as Collins Square, The King Street Wharf, the Wharf at Woolloomooloo, Hope Island Resort, Rhodes Waterside and Sennibong Cove, Malaysia.