Outrage over plans for 3,600 apartments next to Toondah Harbour is expressed in letters including lack of ethics and integrity, possible legal options, and the Environment Minister’s flying visit.
Recent opinion surveys in Cleveland and Point Lookout (Division 2 in the local council elections) show overwhelming opposition to the idea of 3,600 apartments in the Bay.
A petition to Queensland Parliament calling for an independent inquiry into the Toondah project is attracting strong support.
If you have something to say about plans for development at Toondah Harbour, email: theeditor@redlands2030.net
Where have integrity and ethics gone?
Stradbroke Flyer ‘Legacy’ departing Toondah Harbour
Australia has an Environment Protection Biodiversity and Conservation Act to protect our iconic environment for the current and future generations.
Australia is also a signatory to the international Ramsar agreement, along with some 169 other countries, to protect special wetlands.
I have difficulty understanding why any council or government in Australia would risk dishonouring Australia’s reputation in the eyes of the world by endorsing the destruction of 42 hectares of Ramsar wetlands in Moreton Bay for an unnecessary residential development under the guise of upgrading a ferry terminal.
Where have integrity and ethics gone?
Perhaps a new Council in the Redlands will restore these essential traits.
J.D.
Cleveland
Maintain the outrage about Toondah
Petition for an inquiry into the Toondah project can be signed by any Queensland resident.
The various processes required to make things happen at Toondah seemed to have stagnated. I feel this is an indication that those who are pushing for this project have realised that there is a large proportion of our community now against it.
The strategy now seems to be lying low for a while, in the hope that people lose interest and tire from continuing to maintain their rage. The proponents will then begin again with more subtle approaches to make things happen without raising too much noise.
If the proponents and their supporters can get to the point of having all the approvals in place …. then it will be full steam ahead to make Toondah a reality.
If this is the strategy of Walker Group it would seem that we have to maintain the rage with all the ammunition we have.
This includes all the objections that many people have already made as well as questioning so much of what has already happened.
I previously raised the number of high rise apartments with 3,600 units, the loss of community access to the natural foreshore of G.J. Walter Park, the destruction of Ramsar protected wetlands, the intrusion of a large marina which would cater mainly for wealthy boat owners and the commercial competition against the Cleveland CBD.
I am very concerned about the effects of construction and resident traffic on the amenity of Cleveland, and that clearly adds to the list of negatives.
It would be an interesting exercise to have a public town hall debate where the positives and negatives are presented. This should be a forum for all the community. That doesn’t seem likely to happen given the small target approach now underway by Walkers.
Sadly, I think this will never happen mainly because the Redland City Council has abrogated its responsibility but the idea may bring a focus on the truth about how this project will affect our community.
BP
Cleveland
Federal Environment Minister visits Toondah Harbour
Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley at Toondah Harbour – Photo Redland City Bulletin
Shame on Andrew Laming for ignoring the opinions of thousands of residents and Minister Ley for not understanding the scientists in the Federal Government who already have said this development will destroy our Bay and the massive impact on the Marine Park. Andrew Laming is quick to promote chats in coffee shops to promote himself but could have just as easily promoted this important visit with the Minister.
TB
Will Toondah go to the International Court of Justice?
Little Rushy Swamp in the Barmah Forest Ramsar site – Photo: Victorian Government
Did Redlanders notice the recent article in the Courier Mail on the Ramsar wetlands at Barmah in Victoria?
It makes very interesting reading, Professor Dix environmental barrister and scientist states “caring for endangered migratory habitat is at the heart of the Ramsar Wetland treaty”
In the Toondah context, does this mean nothing?
Finding the article in the Courier Mail was a bit of a shock given the editorial stance the paper has taken to date. But the article went on to say, “this matter has the potential to go to the International Court of Justice.”
I thought Redlanders might be interested and I thought of the likely costs of going in that direction to save the Toondah wetlands.
NB
Cleveland
Toondah planning ignores ecological and economic impacts
Dugong in Moreton Bay – Photo Janet Lanyon
Why would any sensible council sign a binding agreement with a developer, that is not binding on the developer and involves permanent damage to the environment?
I am one of the marine scientists that have highlighted the damage that would result from the dredging of acid sulphate soils in the area.
Other more senior marine scientists have pointed out that seagrass meadows could die as a result of dredging. We know that dugong and marine turtles rely on seagrass beds for food so obviously their populations would decrease as a result of dredging.
A coral specialist at Moreton Bay Research Station has indicated that the corals surrounding Peel Island would also likely die off, and it will have adverse effects on fish and other marine life.
Do you think the development company or Mayor of RCC or Jeff Seeney or Jackie Trad have factored any of these adverse effects into their calculations? In two words – “not likely”.
We need an independent arbiter to assess this proposal.
The ferry terminal can be upgraded for about $20-25M and it certainly doesn’t need dredging for a marina or reclaiming land for an atrocious 3,600 apartments up to 10 storeys high. Do you think Peel Island would attract any more film crews with a 10 storey artificial horizon … a real eyesore … in the background?
DT
Victoria Point
More letters
Here are more letters that have been published by Redlands2030:
Koalas, climate change and ethical decisions
Toondah Harbour and right to information
Council elections and wildlife care in letters
Claire4mayor, safety and plastic roads in letters
Redlands2030 – 28 February 2020
Please note: Offensive or off-topic comments will be deleted. If offended by any published comment please email thereporter@redlands2030.net
As a resident of Ormiston , I am appalled at the proposal to construct the Toondah Harbour complex. We do not have the infrastructure to cope with an influx of such a population , roads , schools and never mind that the Redlands hospital isn’t able to cope with the present demand on it;s services. If the current harbour needs dredging , then there are numerous sites to dispose of the fill without destroying our mangroves and their wildlife populations . A rep from the Walker was present when a supposedly independent survey of local residents was being conducted , and he didn’t revel his identity until I started challenging his statements. How underhanded is that. The proposal is a disgrace.
Who would have thought the ALP would put the LNPs development from 800 to 3600 apartments