Toondah Harbour project nears final approval from federal govt

A controversial $1.3b Redlands project has entered its final days of environmental feedback that developers hope will trigger federal government approval to reclaim part of the harbour.

Artist’s impression of what’s planned for Toondah Harbour.

A controversial $1.3b Redlands project has entered its final days of environmental feedback that developers hope will trigger federal government approval to reclaim part of the harbour.

Developers Walker Group, who are responsible for the 55-day environmental impact study (EIS) consultation process, have had “thousands of visits to view the EIS in detail”, spokesman Dolan Hayes told The Courier-Mail.

Walker Group plans to put in a tropical style lagoon pool for the community.

“The public submissions process is run by independent consultants so we won’t know the final number of submissions until after the closing date on December 6,” he said.

“Publicly, many state and local businesses and community organisations have come out in support of this transformational project which speaks volumes”.

The final EIS, taking into account community feedback, was expected to be submitted to the federal environment minister Tanya Plibersek for approval this month, potentially the project’s biggest hurdle since the change of government earlier this year. She would then have 40 days to decide if it should proceed.

Artist’s impression of the how the waterways will look upon completion.

“An approval of the Toondah Harbour EIS by the Minister for the Environment is a significant step forward for the project,” Mr Hayes said.

“The project will still need to run through Queensland Government assessment and approval processes, but the key environmental issues have all been addressed through the EIS process.”

“We would hope that State approvals for development and operational works, including dredging and reclamation within the PDA would be completed by early 2024.”

The development includes parking, waterside retail and restaurants.

Toondah Harbour is one of several places designated as priority development areas in Queensland.

A Redland City Council spokesperson said RCC was not involved in the federal government process, but advised the community to have a say during the consultation period.

“If the EIS is approved by the federal government, there would then be various approval stages from the state government before the project could commence,” she said.

Ray White managing director Dan White expects Toondah Harbour to boost property values across Redlands, given what’s occurred in other areas with such developments.

Ray White managing director Dan White expects the Toondah Harbour redevelopment to boost property values across Redlands.

“The scale and quality of the new Toondah Harbour development is without doubt a huge win for existing property owners across the Redlands region,” he said.

“Like in so many other markets where similar high quality projects with great amenity and open space have been completed, we expect to see strong benefits to residential and commercial property values from Wellington Point and Thorneside down to Alexandra Hills, Capalaba, Thornlands and Victoria Point.”

A new ferry terminal and multiple berths for private vessels are expected to be created.

Ray White Commercial director Nathan Moore said the development would be a “natural trigger for many families and businesses to move to the Redlands”.

“That in itself will increase demand and that desirability will have a flow-on effect to surrounding suburbs within a short distance from the new Toondah Harbour’s amenities.” The proposal includes new waterside retail and restaurants, a tropical style lagoon pool, nature walks, fishing and picnic areas and a new ferry harbour terminal for visits to Stradbroke Island.

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