Residents of the Redland Shire are set to benefit from the development of two key waterfront sites following the launch of an Expressions of Interest process to attract investors to the region.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney helped launch the revitalisation process that has been a joint effort between the Queensland Government and Redland City Council.
“Our government promised at the election to deliver better infrastructure and planning and the declaration of Priority Development Areas at Toondah Harbour and Weinam Creek are strong examples of our policies at work in cities, towns and suburbs across Queensland,” Mr Seeney said.
“The developments planned for these sites will help grow the local tourism industry and create vibrant waterfront communities for residents to enjoy.
“Redland City is located in one of the fastest growing areas in Australia and the development of these areas marks a new economic era for the region.
Mr Seeney said the overarching plans for the areas have now been finalised and have incorporated changes requested by residents such as reduced building heights, retention of existing open space and the requirement that developments respect amenity issues such as local character, views and breezes.
“The next stage is to go out to the market and gauge interest in developing the sites,” he said.
“Economic Development Queensland and Redland City Council have today launched an expression of interest process inviting development proposals for government land within the Toondah Harbour and Weinam Creek Priority Development Areas.
“We are confident that developers will share our vision to enhance the role of Toondah Harbour as the gateway to Moreton Bay and North Stradbroke Island and Weinam Creek’s role as the gateway to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.”
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said these two projects at Cleveland and Redland Bay Toondah have enormous potential to transform into dynamic waterfront precincts that are destinations in their own right.
“These are the two most exciting projects to ever take place in the Redlands,” Ms Williams said.
“The community has been calling for these two sites to be developed for many years so there is a real sense of excitement now that we have moved to the next stage of inviting Expressions of Interest from investors.
“Council has always said the redevelopment of these key sites should be taken up by the market rather than left to the ratepayers and the Expression of Interest stage is our chance to sell the Redlands to the world to secure the investors needed to make these projects a reality.
“Desired outcomes for Toondah Harbour include a new plaza and passenger ferry terminal, marina precinct and mixed-use urban village that will be the heart of the area delivering a range of community, tourism and recreational experiences.
“There is also the potential for marine and tourism-associated retail, business and residential opportunities.
“All of this will be balanced with community open space and parks that will enhance the bayside location.
“At Weinam Creek there is a potential for a new waterfront esplanade and public space to be lined with shops cafes and apartments to attract locals and tourists, as well as a marina.
“At the same time it is also important to ensure locals have the amenity and services they require including sustainable long-term parking for island residents and facilities for existing community groups.
“Existing commercial centres such as the Cleveland CBD will also be considered as part of the overall process, to ensure these exciting projects complement the city’s existing strengths.”
Following the release of the invitation today, interested groups have six weeks to submit an EOI which closes on 28 July.
For more information:
www.edq.qld.gov.au
www.redland.qld.gov.au
To view the EOI documents:
www.etender.qld.gov.au
Reference no: EDQ-10-229/14
