Redland Bay locals win first round in fight against eight-storey unit block

The state government has threatened to block a fast-tracked Brisbane bayside tower, reinforcing its stance on over-height projects while unlocking new land to ease the housing crisis.

Redland Bay resident Amanda Paisnel is opposed to an eight-storey unit tower proposed for the neighbouring block of land. Pictures: Richard Walker

The state government has revealed its tough line stance on building developments that do not meet local council criteria, while also sticking to its mantra of opening up more land to tackle the housing crisis.

It has swooped on a residential tower block project earmarked to be built overlooking the waterfront at Redland Bay, announcing plans to revoke its approval.

In a major win for Redland Bay locals, Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie announced the plan to overturn the approval for the eight-storey housing development, fast-tracked under the previous Labor government.

Development site at 144 Broadwater Tce, Redland Bay, where a developer wants to build an eight-storey unit tower. Pictures: Richard Walker

Mr Bleijie made the announcement while in Redland City on Monday for a state cabinet meeting and to meet with Redlands Mayor Jos Mitchell, following last week’s announcement that the state would open up more than 900 hectares of semirural land in Thornlands for housing.

He confirmed that a “proposed revocation notice” had been issued to the developer, giving them five days to justify why the project should not be cancelled.

He said if the developer failed to bring the design in line with existing local planning laws, specifically reducing the height from eight to four storeys, the project would be revoked.

“There was not one community submission in support of this development,” Mr Bleijie said.

“The former government ignored local planning schemes and community voices. We are here to listen — and act.

“This is not about blocking housing, it’s about building the right kind of homes in the right places.

“Just down the road in southern Thornlands, we’re opening up 8000 new lots with 900 homes ready within the year — including affordable and social housing.”

Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie met with concerned Redland Bay residents and his Assistant Minister Rebecca Young in Redland Bay. Picture: Richard Walker

The state plan to overturn the project at Broadwater Tce, comes after months of community backlash against the residential tower block project, set to double local building height limits in Redland Bay.

The development, which aimed to deliver 73 units including a 30 per cent affordable housing component, was approved under the former Labor government’s State Facilitated Development scheme, a day before the caretaker period began for the 2024 state election.

The scheme was part of the $3.1 billion “Homes for Queenslanders” plan, designed to bypass local council processes to fast-track housing amid a national supply crisis.

The development site at 144 Broadwater Tce, Redland Bay, where residents have complained about plans to build an eight-storey residential tower. Picture: Richard Walker

Mr Bleijie also confirmed he was reviewing 11 SFDs approved under the former government, noting that only those lacking council and community support, such as Redland Bay and two in Tewantin, were at risk of cancellation.

“Where councils and communities support development, we’ll back it,” he said. “But where they don’t, we won’t force it through.”

The project, backed by developer Lyndoc Capital Management, drew concerns from Redland Bay residents, who argued it clashed with the area’s four-storey height limit and risked destroying the village feel of the waterfront community.

Assistant Planning Minister and Redlands MP Rebecca Young has listened to residents’ concerns about the unit development overlooking the water at Redland Bay. Picture: Richard Walker

Member for Redlands Rebecca Young, who hosted a community forum attended by hundreds, in February ahead of the March submission deadline, praised the decision.

“Our community made it loud and clear that this development was out of place,” she said.

“We want housing that fits — not towers forced on us without consultation.”

Local resident Amanda Paisnel said the proposed eight-storey complex would overwhelm the street, block natural light, and damage the character of the low-rise neighbourhood.

“We always knew something would be built there — just not something so oversized and out of place,” she said.

“It’s going to dominate everything and wreck the feel of the area.”

Another resident, Jennifer, who represents the body corporate of a neighbouring building, said the proposed development would cast shadows, overwhelm local traffic, and erode Redland Bay’s character.

“We put in a comprehensive objection because no part of this proposal was acceptable to our community,” she said. “We’re grateful our voices were heard.”

The move comes after months of tension between local and state governments over the SFD process.

A final decision on the Redland Bay development is expected within days.

Mr Bleijie is also expected to address the future of the $100 million Olympic whitewater venue proposed for council-owned land at Birkdale, as well as transport and access issues at the city’s ferry terminals at Redland Bay and Toondah Harbour in Cleveland.

Originally published as Redland Bay locals win first round in fight against eight-storey unit block