A Toondah Harbour Concept Plan prepared for the Toondah Alliance by John Mongard Landscaping has been well received by the local community.
The Toondah Alliance includes a number of community and environmental groups who have campaigned for many years against inappropriate development on the wetlands next to Toondah Harbour. These groups include:
- Koala Action Group
- Birdlife Southern Queensland
- ACF Community Bayside
- Queensland Wader Study Group
- Redlands2030
- Stradbroke (Terangeri) Environmental and Cultural Protection Association.
The Toondah Harbour Concept Plan (also known as The Better Plan) was exhibited at stalls at the Cleveland Markets on three occasions.
People stopping to chat about The Better Plan were invited to write comments which have been recorded and are presented in full below.
ACF Community Bayside Stall – Cleveland Markets – 24 November 2024
The ACF Community Bayside stall operated at the Cleveland Markets on 24 November 2024 from 7:00am to 1:00pm.
People were able to view a large A1 size image of the Toondah Harbour Concept Plan. Copies of the Toondah Harbour Concept Plan 8-page booklet were available to view and take away.
Some people stopping at the stall provided feedback on the Concept Plan by writing comments on yellow paper sticky notes. These comments have been transcribed. Each number is the feedback from a different person. Some people chose to include names and even contact details. We have not included any names and contact details in this transcription.
- Shows people the beauty history and culture of the Redlands without ruining it for community and wildlife.
- Love the new plan. Mangroves are essential for the Redlands. It is a nursery for the crabs, fishes and crustaceans. We need all the green spaces for the local community.
- Pest spray the area.
- The new concept plan will link in very well with the historic precinct. Create history walks like other towns have!
- I don’t like the changes that were the old plan. I like the new plan.
- Fantastic ideas put forward. Considers the landscape, the wildlife and reserves and includes infrastructure for human wants. Thank you.
- I like the plan which keeps the area environmentally friendly.
- Smaller car park can also stay full cost less to build.
- The new plan has much more appeal as a place in Cleveland for the people. AND IT’S ABOUT TIME.
- Ensure past local history is explained e.g. railway access, old hospital, farming activities (market gardens).
- Looks great! Love the idea of a boardwalk. The extra parking is very much needed.
- Get rid of the dog off-leash park. Ban dogs from being anywhere near where wader birds will be.
- We only need a new ferry terminal and parking. NOT a massive simulacra unit city.
- This is the future I want for my son – A mum and 14 month old.
- This new plan shows a lot of thought and innovation. Love the green wall idea for necessary multi-storey car parks.
- This is a well thought out proposal that is much needed. It addresses the needs but also introduces interesting spaces.
- Keep it natural, not an eyesore. No more large developments.
- Love this plan. Brilliant!! Why would you even consider an alternative to this.
- The multi-storey car parks , albeit they are needed, cannot be made commercial if 1500 spaces.
- The new plan is a much more appropriate response to the Walker model. Council should get behind this and start backing the community instead of a greedy developer. Where does the state government stand – with the people or with the dollars.
- I like the bike / pedestrian path. Also the bird hide. Keep nature and hide the parking if possible!
- Multi-storey needed with green aspect. Leave G.J. Walter Park alone.
- Can you hold a public forum so we can all hear the storey. Make sure Councillors are there and new MPs.
- A wonderful alternative plan, because once it’s gone, it’s gone. The community needs to rally now!!
Birdlife Stall – Cleveland Markets – 6 October 2024
The Birdlife stall operated at the Cleveland Markets on 6 October 2024 from 7:00am to 1:00pm. People were able to view plans for improvement to G.J. Walter Park and general information about the Toondah Harbour Concept Plan.
Some people stopping at the stall provided feedback on the Concept Plan by writing comments on yellow paper sticky notes. These comments have been transcribed. Each number is the feedback from a different person. Some people chose to include names and even contact details. We have not included any names and contact details in this transcription.
- The alternative plan proposed for Toondah Harbour is a great compromise and should be seriously considered.
- Great walkway to look at wildlife. Love the Visitor Centre Café.
- We were attracted to this area because of the beautiful wildlife and coastal waterway.
- Great parking solution minimal impact maximum practicality. Love this alternative plan which will bring joy to families and help protect our natural habitat.
- The birds and bees need their trees. Please save green spaces.
- Incorporate Aboriginal (Quandamooka) artwork into the plan. Agree with community plan. Long term shorebird counter.
- Toondah Concept Plan. This plan is in line with what the community have been asking for. We want the council and state government to listen.
- Leave it natural. Upgrade the ferry [terminal].
- Can off-leash dog park be moved away from G.J. Walter Park to Linear Park or elsewhere? It’s critical habitat.
- Great plan – well thought out with an eco-balance in mind. Common sense rules!
- Focus on community and environment, NO high-rise. Boardwalks and paths along the shore.
- Great plan ideas involving community consultation with emphasis for wildlife critical habitat preservation.
- Restaurants / bars in front of ferry terminals.
- You need to keep our wildlife (age 7).
- Protection of the Ramsar wetlands and migratory shorebirds is a priority. Developing a visitor centre café remains environmentally friendly and will create a family friendly environment. Problems with the ferry terminals will be solved, as will improvements to car parking.
- I love the proposed vision for Toondah harbour and fully support it.
- Great proposal. Redland City Council should be on board with this!
- Toondah Harbour to Oyster Point Art, Nature and Cultural Trail.
- Save the animals.
- Make this happen. The plan is awesome and benefits us all – human and non-human animals alike.
- Yes in agreement. Upgrade is needed. Need parklands. Need road upgrade.
- We need our birds.
- Community facilities to become a possible skate park. Plan is good idea. P.S. Save some mangroves.
- Agree with the new vision. Let the wildlife live.
- This is important for the local area (and shorebirds).
Birdlife Stall – Cleveland Markets – 29 September 2024
The Birdlife stall operated at the Cleveland Markets on 29 September 2024 from 7:00am to 1:00pm. People were able to view a plan which included the following key points:
People stopping at the stall provided feedback on the Concept Plan by writing comments on yellow paper sticky notes. These comments have been transcribed. Each number is the feedback from a different person. Some people chose to include names and even contact details. We have not included any names and contact details in this transcription.
- Totally agree with the concept plan. Keep wildlife areas to wildlife areas.
- I fully support concept plan, protecting the environment.
- Totally need the concept plan from the community that allows the birds and Eco friendly [Stay] and add more planting and manage the foreshore.
- Keep the environment natural – nature is best!
- I agree with all of the proposal for Toondah Harbour Concept Plan. Go for the wildlife!
- I fully support the Toondah Alliance proposal for a new Toondah Harbour development plan.
- Keep the area natural so that all of our kids will still be able to see birds in their natural habitat so close to the city.
- More planting of habitat is great. No to housing. Keep our wildlife safe.
- I agree with the Toondah Harbour Concept Plan.
- I fully support the Toondah Harbour Concept Plan. Stop messing with environment. This Harbour is so vital to the environment. LEAVE IT BE!!!
- Any idea has got to be better than development. I know progress is necessary but not to the extent of Toondah Harbour high rise.
- Would like Dog Park enclosed. One for big dogs and one for small dogs and a shark proof pool area. (Permanent long term park user).
- Reducing the size of the dog park but including a section of the beach for dogs.
- Love the idea of a nature trail from Toondah up to Oyster Point.
- Trail from Redland Bay to Wellington Point.
- A more environmentally friendly development that protects the Ramsar area and promotes Eco-tourism is what the community needs at Toondah Harbour.
- Make more bird hides e.g. Wynnum Bird Hide. (age 10 years)
- Wet play area, it doesn’t have to be a lagoon like Wynnum Water Park. But a water bird theme.
- Plan looks impressive. Considers all stakeholders – ferry operators, walkers, dogs.
- Any improvements that enhances the natural environment and improves it as a family friendly area is better than residential development.
- I really like the Toondah Harbour Concept Plan. I do not agree with high density development.
- I’d like to see more beautiful natural spaces that families can walk in without destroying the environment.
- Don’t do anything except harbour.
- Oval is currently used to refuel firefighting aircraft – please consider alternative plan for this important function. Agree with rest of plan.
- I support our community based plan for our wildlife and our future!
- We feel it’s vital to protect the natural habitat of fauna. The waterfront is not the right place for highrises. Once we destroy the habitat that’s it! No Way. Bloomfield Street is the PERFECT place for highrise to invigorate the area – It’s a ghost town and will make business more viable.
- I totally agree with the Toondah Harbour Concept Plan. No units. Keep wildlife – ecotourism.
- One of the reasons this place is so beautiful is because of the wildlife. Tourism will reduce if you destroy the area. Council seriously need to consider this plan.
- I agree with your ideas as in relationships to preserving the history and culture of Cleveland and surrounding area to protect the natural habitat for our current community peoples and for our future generations important to keep it as is. I particularly like idea 5 and 10 and most importantly no. 3.
- [Agrees with dot points 1-8 and 12. For item 9 (Mangrove Boardwalk) concern at extended section too much for the limited mangrove area. For items 10 (ferry terminal car parking) and 11 (ferry terminal) improvements but limited.]
- Stop collecting money from developers to line your corrupt pockets!!
- Much better sustainable plan.
- Agree with reducing Dog Area to increase koala habitat. Agree with multi-storey parking but make consideration for island residents who need to park on mainland and concessional fees.
- Keep trade school to assist youth. Retain public space. Improve Ferry Terminal definitely.
- Plan is great. But need State to agree they must fund Ferry Terminal upgrade.
Keep it as natural as possible, nature is a wonder to behold,, but once it’s gone it’s gone. Encourage all kinds of wildlife , important we involve the local indigenous community,they have so much to offer
We really love the new plan – a great compromise that will be good for the community, eco-tourism and will improve tourist access, with the proposed high risk carpark to Stradbroke island, the jewel of the Redlands
I moved here 7 years ago from Gumdale and love the kolas and natural coast areas
Please don’t destroy it by building more units we need the animals birds insects to survive. I walk down that area regularly don’t want to see changes that will destroy that…
We do need more car parking spaces st the ferry as it’s becoming congested -Stradbroke is very popular. Camouflage high rise parking can be done
Most residents want a wildlife friendly area with no blocks of units which destroy wildlife and the magnificent view. We own a dog but I’m not sure this is the right place for a dog “off leash” area. We have plenty of parks for dogs. The main thing is to conserve nature for our wildlife, including koalas, birds and mangrove ecosystems.
The new plan is excellent. From the minute the insane Toondah proposal was produced I was stunned that it even got off the ground. We’ve been here 27 years and seeing the decline of Cleveland and Toondah has been soul-destroying. It didn’t need to happen. It doesn’t need to continue. It doesn’t need more of the same ghastly, grey and white, over-development we are seeing everywhere.
We have magnificent, inspiring natural beauty in our waterways, wetlands, mangroves and parks and of course the stunning back-drop of all the islands in Moreton Bay – large and small. Educating visitors and locals alike about the astounding environment, incorporating indigenous history and local knowledge getting kids enjoying visits and wanting to come back – all will rejuvenate the area positively without destruction.
As a responsible dog owner I fully understand the need to ensure wildlife is protected, but don’t agree with only fully-fenced ‘squared off ‘ enclosures claiming to be dog ‘parks’ – usually designed by non-dog owners. GJ Walter park is so beautiful and early mornings roaming with our dogs were so peaceful and relaxing there. Hopefully the off-leash area will still incorporate trees, shade, large expanses to run and somehow a water area for cooling off in the summer. Plenty of space reduces the chance of stressful interactions. Maybe it’s some of the humans that need fencing in not the dogs? Again, it can be done and not at the expense of native wildlife.
Public transport is essential – maybe this can be the trigger to get free shuttle buses on circuit routes running every 15 mins – check out the ‘Gong Shuttle’, the fantastic service in Wollongong. Buses in 2 directions, slightly different routes service, harbour, beaches, university, hospital, major hotels, railway station – all around the city centre. Free every 10-20 mins 7am – 10:30pm . Car parks are very necessary, including options for long term/annual parking permits. Regulars to and from the island do need car parks for commuting, whether that be resident commuters, home services, community/emergency services – nurses, doctors, vets, support workers, surf lifesaving just to name a few.
Enough said. Thanks for the years of hard slog, let’s hope this plan gets up.