Landscape-changing developments to transform Redlands’ future
REVEALED: The gargantuan projects that will leave a lasting mark on a bayside community.
Redlands Coast
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They are the projects looming on the horizon that would fundamentally alter the landscape of the Redlands.
Not all have been approved – in fact some are mired in controversy and bureaucratic churn – but would create lasting change in their specific contexts, should they be given the go-ahead.
They range from a vexed development of thousands of apartments on internationally protected wetlands, to transformative plans for a long untouched marina held dear in current form by locals, and even an aged care facility that promises a fully catered community to hundreds of residents.
BIRKDALE COMMUNITY PRECINCT
Touted by Redland City Council as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform an important parcel of land into an exciting, world-class precinct of local, regional and national significance”, this project has a sense of pick-your-own-adventure to it.
In a rare move, the council has invited its residents to take inspiration from five thematic boards for developing a 62 hectare site at 302 and 362-388 Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale.
Residents can then let council know what they think would work best at the site, with the boards only to be used to guide inspiration.
No firm plans have been made with council confirming it is all about ideation at this stage.
According to the council its scope may even be extended to an enormous 100 hectares, with more land to be bought from the Federal Government.
Residents can lodge their submissions and thoughts with council until May 4.
Drawing on the expertise of “five leading urban design teams” the following themes, which council has stressed are only guides for ideation, have been identified: education and discovery; agriculture and rural tradition; heritage and history; environment and ecology; adventure and recreation.
Among a flurry of apartment complexes popping up throughout the Redlands the almost carte blanche design opportunity for a more environmentally friendly green space should thrill some residents fearful of overdevelopment.
According to council the locale could cater to “a water park, adventure sports, walking and cycling trails, picnic areas, educational or heritage activities, or even paddock-to-plate or other exciting ventures”.
A council representative stressed that the project had not been confirmed, with a focus on community feedback taking priority at this stage.
TOONDAH HARBOUR
Beset with controversy and a bitter battle between developers’ wishes and environmentally-concerned residents, Toondah Harbour in Cleveland is easily the most divisive project in the works.
A priority development area (PDA), its scope boggles the mind.
Should it be given the green light – it is currently before state and federal governments – it would fundamentally change the design landscape of the Redlands.
According to the State Government “the project will require development approval under the Economic Development Act 2012 and a range of local, state and federal environmental approvals under various Acts”.
Under the helm of developer Walker Corporation since 2014 an initial proposition to build 800 apartments has since swelled to plans for 3,600 units, much of it to be built on protected wetlands over the water.
Forty hectares of the PDA affects Ramsar-protected wetlands.
In addition to its 3,600 apartments plans include a 200-berth marina, a redeveloped parkland and ferry terminal.
Once complete it would cater to some 10,000 live-in residents.
WEINAM CREEK PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT AREA
At one time to be developed by Walker Corporation this massive redevelopment of the Redland Bay marina and Weinam Creek now falls under the direction of Redland City Council-owned subsidiary Redland Investment Corporation.
Having changed hands from Walker Corporation in 2018 its final proposed master plan is currently before Economic Development Queensland (EDQ).
The council recently released an artist’s impression fly-through video which shows a dramatic increase in infrastructure.
Not without its own controversy, it would include a multi-level carpark – to the chagrin of many a local – for day-trippers to nearby islands and for island residents to park.
Some long-time residents of the adjacent Orchard Beach Estate have bemoaned an alleged lack of notice from the council about the scope of the PDA development.
A foot bridge linking the marina to the newly built Moores Road carpark has already been built and a luxury-focused boutique waterside apartment complex has kicked off construction.
The multi-year project would, according to council, include “a mix of residential and retail spaces including cafes, restaurants and potential for a medical precinct; rejuvenation of existing parkland; a new boat ramp to separate emergency and public access; new pedestrian and cycle ways and improved drop off and storage facilities for island residents and visitors”.
SHORELINE MASTERPLANNED HOUSING ESTATE
Sewage is currently front of mind for this behemoth housing estate predicted to attract some 10,000 extra residents to Redland Bay.
Land on the west of Serpentine Creek Rd, opposite Scenic Rd, at Redland Bay is soon scheduled to be cleared for what is planned to be a 3,500-lot, 262ha estate.
Developer Lendlease in February met with residents and Redland City Council and Logan City Council representatives to discuss its construction of a sewage processing plant to serve the influx of residents.
Currently proposed to be built on the Logan River it has fallen foul of some Logan residents who fear environmental degradation and the spoiling of tourism plans.
Alternate plans include building the treatment plant inside the housing estate at Redland Bay or using an existing plant at Mount Cotton.
However, Redland City Council has baulked at this arguing the plant could not handle the increased load.
Under current plans sewage would be trucked to the proposed plant to be dumped; a process feared to be “quite smelly”.
MASSIVE CLEVELAND AGED CARE FACILITY
With its application process currently before Redland City Council, this mammoth aged care facility at 236-246 Queen Street should set a new benchmark in scope, were it to proceed.
Plans lodged by Bristar Group Pty Ltd show a sprawling project covering more than 13,000 sqm with 199 units over three levels on a sloping site.
A five-minute drive from the Cleveland CBD the development would provide a welcome influx of customers to the bayside hub which has experienced a steady loss in trade over the past years.
A development report states if successful the proposal would see the creation of a multi-level retirement village of nearly 200 semi-dependent dwellings, a managers unit, extensive communal facilities, open space, landscaping, on-site servicing of the development and accompanying parking.
“The development has been designed to present as a series of interconnected buildings with the primary community spaces centrally located within the development,” the report states.
“The development will be completely integrated so that all elements of it can be readily accessed by residents by either interconnecting pathways, elevated walkways, ramps and lifts.
“The design intent is to create a sense of community where residents can experience a village atmosphere, interact with others in the community and enjoy a lifestyle in their retirement years.”
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