Billionaire developer Lang Walker’s Breakwater project hits flood of objections from Robina residents

A PROPOSED 73-hectare, $1.2 billion housing development that will add more than 2000 homes to a Gold Coast suburb prone to flooding is facing major backlash from locals.

A PROPOSED project by a company linked to the development of Hope Island has Robina residents up in arms.

Residents close to the Walker Corporation’s planned $1.2 billion Breakwater development have raised concerns the project could worsen flooding issues in the area and that any disturbance of the region’s acid-sulfate soils could have toxic results.

The Walker Corporation, linked to veteran developer Lang Walker, is planning to build a 73-hectare masterplanned community with more than 2000 townhouses and apartments on a site just west of the city’s planned Green Heart Parklands, fronting lakes northwest of the Titans’ home-ground Cbus Stadium and Mudgeeraba Creek.

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The proposed Breakwater development on the Robina-Merrimac floodplain has residents concerned of the risks if further floods, such as these in 2008, occur.

The development will be on the Robina-Merrimac floodplain, raising among residents that flooding could become more severe during construction of the project and after it was completed.

Linda Bristow said while she was not concerned about being trapped by floodwaters she felt floodwaters could be redirected on to properties close to All Saints school if the development went ahead.

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“I been living here a few years and I have seen Highfields Dr cut off on its northern end,” she said.

“My partner has been here since 2002 and has seen floods topping the 2m mark on street measurements.

“In March last year when Cyclone Debbie came through if any of those building works had been done I believe the effect could have been very dangerous for a lot of people.”

Fairley Airey said she would look to sell her property if the development was approved.

“None of us want to consider it (selling),” she said.

“We have a close-knit set of neighbours and none of us want to move but most of us will have to contemplate it if development goes ahead.”

Residents were also concerned with the issue of acid-sulfate soils, which were raised in an objection to the project by Robina Group which claimed that nothing in Walker Corporation’s development application mentioned about how the developer would manage any gases that would be released when the soil was disturbed.

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Cars in Robina were swamped by floodwaters during a deluge.

“Indeed, the disturbance of Acid Sulfate Soil can react with oxygen present in the air, and through this process of oxidation release sulfate dioxide gas and hydrogen sulfide when in contact with water (also present in the air),” Robina Group’s objection said.

“These two gases can cause harm to human health with symptoms which range to respiratory problems, which could be aggravated in young children and cause further harm with asthma.”

However, a spokesman for Walker Corporation defended the project, saying the site had an existing approval for a development and that the project would help boost the local economy and provide an average of 293 full-time jobs during construction.

Lang Walker has developed parts of Hope Island

Tim Allerton said the site did present challenges, including the management of flooding and acid sulfate soils.

“Property developer, Walker Corporation will draw on its vast experience and best practice to mitigate any environmental effects of its planned masterplanned community,” he said.

“To manage flooding impacts, Walker will deliver future dwellings and road infrastructure within and around the site built up above the flood levels in accordance with Council standards and best practice.

“Flood and storm water will be directed into new channels to prevent and mitigate any dangers of flooding on the site and the existing surrounding community.”

Walker Corporation chairman Lang Walker has proposed a mega housing estate in Robina. Photo by: Matt Murray

Mr Allerton said acid sulfate soils were natural sediments, common along the Gold Coast.

“Research and experience has greatly changed both government and industry understands how to best manage them. Walker will employ current best practice in managing the treatment of acid sulfates and other site constraints.

“Despite the site’s challenges, the development provides numerous benefits to the community

“About 25 per cent of the Breakwater Robina site is currently degraded agricultural land and wetlands, infiltrated by pest and invasive weeds.

“These areas would be rehabilitated to the benefit of both residents and native wildlife, with plans in place to include a range of facilities to promote active living, such as walking trails, canoe launch platforms, nature corridors, recreation areas and playgrounds.

“About 40 hectares — more than 50 per cent of the site — will be retained as green open space, with opportunities eventually linked to the city’s planned Central Park via 6 kilometres of pathways.

“The addition of two new roads provides alternative routes to Robina Hospital, All Saints Anglican School and Raptors sporting club, which will result in 600 to 800 fewer cars each day along Breakwater Drive so the community will benefit from this feature as well.”