Toondah Harbour Plans Unveiled

Walker Corporation today unveiled the proposed master plan for the revitalisation of Toondah Harbour. The project will establish Redlands as the new and improved gateway to Moreton Bay, a tourism destination in its own right.

Featuring waterfront boardwalks, plenty of public open spaces, restaurants and parklands, all open to the public. These will form the centrepiece of the largest development in Redlands for a generation.

The proposed plan includes a new ferry and tourism precinct, up to a 400 berth marina, increased residential living with a diversity of housing types, an exciting retail, entertainment and dining precinct, and a range of parks, plazas boardwalks and recreational facilities. The maximum building height is capped at 10 storeys.

While the structure plan included in the Toondah Harbour Priority Development Area (PDA) development scheme features three new landforms extending into the bay, Walker’s masterplan features one landform wrapping around the marina, which would deliver more usable public space and maximise the spectacular water views across the harbour.

Walker’s General Manager of Queensland Development, Peter Saba, said “The plan for Toondah Harbour was purposefully designed to increase public space while delivering economic and community benefits for the Redlands.”

“We propose to deliver a world-class waterfront precinct that meets the vision set out by the state and local governments to make the most of this outstanding waterfront location for locals and visitors alike,” Mr Saba added.

This is a 15-to-20 year project that will deliver unprecedented economic benefits to the region. With the cost of construction estimated at $1.39 billion, the revitalisation of Toondah Harbour is expected to stimulate an additional $2.33 billion in economic activity.

The project will support 400 jobs per year during construction, 640 jobs per year in construction-related sectors, and 500 jobs per year on completion of the project.

When completed, Toondah Harbour is expected to deliver an extra $96.5 million a year to the local economy, including $78.1 million in retail expenditure for surrounding businesses, including the Cleveland CBD, each year.

“Walker is committed to delivering a project that the Redlands community will enjoy, while creating ongoing economic benefits for the region,” Mr Saba said.

He said the design team had listened to feedback from the community and believed the proposal would provide a public and residential space that would transform an underutilised area into a vibrant waterfront destination, while retaining popular local infrastructure such as GJ Walter Park, and respecting the area’s community values.

“We recognise the importance to the community of GJ Walter Park, which includes the dog off-leash area, the 104-year-old cricket field, koala habitat trees and the wonderful Norfolk pines. There will be no change to the size of the heritage park. Walker is proposing some enhancements = such as new kickabout and play spaces, as well as a fully fenced dog park,” added Mr Saba.

The company will now refer the project to the Commonwealth Environment Minister as the first step of a state and federal government environmental impact assessment and approval process.

Mr Saba concluded, “During 2016 we will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) report that will address all of the potential environmental, social and economic impacts of the project. There will be numerous opportunities for the public to have their say and we will be actively seeking community participation”.

Walker is mailing information about Toondah Harbour to local residents this week.

Visit www.toondah-harbour.com.au to view the proposed master plan and be kept up-to-date about the project and EIS public consultation opportunities.