Locals put forward own vision for Toondah Harbour
After the state government rejected a developer’s plan to reimagine Toondah Harbour, a local group has unveiled its own plans for the precinct.
Walker Corporation withdrew its controversial plans to redevelop Toondah Harbour last week after a long-running saga including environmental concerns and 12 years of debate.
Now local not-for-profit association Redlands2030 Inc has presented its own A Community Vision for Toondah Harbour.
Developed by locals, the Community Vision has been created by urban planner John Mongard and his team that claims it would deliver a practical, community-approved plan for the precinct in Cleveland.
The Alliance of community groups commissioned Mongard to produce a Community Vision concept plan that it said would prevent the destruction of the Toondah Wetlands.
The original proposal sought to construct a new suburb of 3,600 units across 48 hectares of reclaimed land within the Ramsar-listed waters of Moreton Bay, which led to backlash from community groups.
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Redlands2030 Inc President Steve MacDonald, a founding member of the Toondah Alliance of community groups, said local focus should now shift to delivering practical improvements to the harbour.
“It’s time to move forward with upgrading the ferry and parking facilities in a way that reflects community expectations,” MacDonald said.
He also called on the state government to remove the Priority Development Area designation and commit to funding essential infrastructure improvements.
Submitted to Redland City Council and the state government more than a year ago, the Community Vision involved local public consultation in Cleveland and on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah).
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Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Jarrod Bleijie said the state government was introducing initiatives to unlock land and increase supply of housing to help put downward pressure on property prices.
“While we are disappointed the Federal Government’s red and green tape stood in the way of the Toondah Harbour development, the Crisafulli Government remains committed to the Priority Development Area and will consider our next steps as we plan for its redevelopment,” Bleijie said.
The Community Vision prioritises the balance of much-needed ferry terminal upgrades with the protection of environmentally-significant habitats, its proponents said.
Popular for its point of connection to North Stradbroke Island, Toondah Harbour in its current form is congested with overflowing carparks and under-utilised open spaces.
The plan pushed for retained public ownership of land for community benefit with its developers saying it would also address the needs of ferry operators, passengers and the broader community.
Created in alignment with the local council-approved 1993 Development Plan, the Community Vision focused on improving the harbour’s facilities, revitalising heritage areas and parklands, and protecting internationally recognised wetlands.
The Vision report said that it reimagines Toondah Harbour as a green gateway to North Stradbroke Island, with protection for the local endangered koala population.
Landscape improvements outlined in the Community Vision include habitat gardens, an improved dog park, multi-storey parking facilities, a Toondah Harbour Story Trail, integrated walkways, a bird-watching tower and an interpretive centre and cafe with boardwalks and trails.
MacDonald said he hoped the coucnil would “give real consideration to this Community Vision for Toondah Harbour, because it expresses locals’ interests and wishes in clear and practical ways and has been created by a leading urban designer”.
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