Redlands foreshore areas to be completely transformed with council promising a new look, more jobs and greater facilities

WHICH area of greater Brisbane's foreshore is set to score two new marinas, shopping villages and waterfront promenades?

ARTISTS impression of the Weinam Creek Priority Development Area. Picture: Supplied.

BILLION dollar harbourside plans have been unveiled for two popular locations in the Redlands.

Two new marinas, shopping villages, waterfront promenades, residential precincts and improved public transport are among the proposals for Toondah Harbour at Cleveland and Redland Bay's Weinam Creek, turning the Priority Development Areas into integrated community hubs.

Toondah is the popular barge access point to North Stradbroke Island while Weinam Creek is the gateway to Macleay, Lamb, Karragarra and Russell islands in Moreton Bay.

The precincts, first developed as ferry terminals in the early 1960s and '70s, have undergone minimal redevelopment since.

Redland City Council Mayor Karen Williams said the proposals would help shape the city's future and boost its tourism potential.

The draft plans, which were the result of extensive community consultation, were now available for public comment.

"These Priority Development Areas mark a coming of age for the Redlands," Cr Williams said.

"They herald an exciting new era of growth and promise a massive and much-needed boost for business, jobs and community facilities."

The Toondah Harbour PDA covers about 67ha, including 17.5ha of land and 49.5ha within Moreton Bay Marine Park, while the Weinam Creek PDA is for a 36ha land site plus 6ha over water.

The Toondah Harbour draft proposal, to be developed in four precincts, shows new streets, a mixed-use plaza, preferred marina location, a beach, koala corridor, plus potential for bike storage areas including showers and lockers.

Proposed land reclamations have been described as suitable for high-density, mixed-use residential development and marine-associated businesses.

The draft proposals show similar plans for Weinam Creek, with a public esplanade; multi-level carpark; 1000sqm supermarket; residences and offices above ground-floor shops; a new ferry terminal and bus stop; child care centre; cafes; restaurants and all-abilities playground all noted as desirable.

Two major marina developments are also in the plans - 800 berths for Toondah Harbour and 400 for Weinam Creek - with both to be developed gradually over a number of years. Once complete, together the facilities would rival what is currently available at Manly.

Boat ramps will be available at both locations while Toondah Harbour may also be set for a new northern channel to keep recreational boaties away from the ferry traffic.

Southeast Queensland Ferries general manager David Thomson described the proposals as a "big deal for Queensland" and said the local community had waited 30 years for redevelopment at Toondah Harbour.

"We need to have a 'front door' to Straddie," he said.

"We've always had aspirations of doing something like this in the area. I hope we can create a more attractive departure point where people can drop down to the harbour to look at the boats, buy some fish and chips and take a trip.

"I would encourage locals to get involved. There's a plan, and the process is under way, but we are not there yet."

Public consultation continues until February 24 with a number of community information forums being held this month. The draft plans are available online or at a number of Redland City Council locations including the libraries.