Tanya Plibersek, Federal Environment Minister, paid a visit to Cleveland on 7 March to meet members of the community and hear their deep concerns regarding the Walker Corporation’s final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for its proposed Toondah wetlands real estate scheme.
Steve MacDonald, President of Redlands2030, expressed gratitude for the Minister’s willingness to hear directly from members of the Toondah Alliance, many of whom have been actively campaigning against the proposed mega development for over a decade.
Tanya Plibersek is currently expected to render her ministerial decision about the Toondah Harbour proposal by 23 April 2024.
During the meeting, Alliance members delivered brief presentations to the Minister, highlighting flaws, deficiencies, omissions, and scientific credibility issues found within the Toondah Harbour EIS document.
“There continues to be significant local, national, and international opposition to this real estate scheme,” stated Mr MacDonald.
“Over 26,000 individuals expressed opposition during community consultations for the draft EIS, and in recent months, thousands more have urged the federal government to reject the project. Local opinion polls consistently show about 85% of locals are against the development.
The proposed development threatens over 40 hectares of internationally sensitive Ramsar wetlands. Migratory birds, including the critically endangered Eastern Curlew, rely on these wetlands for feeding before their journey back to the Arctic Circle.
The mega development will further threaten the survival of the well-loved and well known Toondah koala colony and future community use of the heritage listed G.J. Walter Park.
The proposed real estate scheme would introduce 3,600 units in 60 buildings up to 10 storeys on the Toondah wetlands within Moreton Bay Marine Park. It would accommodate approximately 7000 people and become one of Queensland’s most densely populated suburbs.
Members of the Toondah Alliance represent a diverse coalition of organizations, including Redlands2030, Birdlife Australia, Birdlife Southern Queensland, Queensland Wader Study Group, ACF Community Bayside, Australian Conservation Foundation, Stradbroke (Terangeri) Environmental and Cultural Protection Association, Koala Action Group, and Australian Marine Conservation Society.
Photos are all by Ari Balle-Bowness for the Australian Conservation Foundation.
Redlands2030 – 11 March 2024
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3 Comments
Please Tanya Plibersek reject this destructive development! The world is watching.!!!
It’s crazy and noisy enough around here with all the high units as is, and only one exit. Please do the right thing and dump the plans thankyou. Marie Bassett
I just hope Minister Plibersec can find the grounds to reject this offensive proposal to give nearly 40 hectares of Moreton Bay to a developer for their private gain and to the dedtrement of our Bay which can never be given back.
It will be a slum of the future if 7000 people are crammed into what is a beautiful part of the bay which will bve degraded forever.
The birds and animals deserve better.
Minister Plebersek, please save our beautiful bay.