Old mangrove tree in the wetlands next to Toondah Harbour – Photo: Chris Walker
This week we found out that the plan to construct 3,600 apartments on dredge spoil in Moreton Bay’s wetlands next to Toondah Harbour does not ‘stack up’ environmentally.
More than 5,000 pages of Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) material submitted by the Walker Group have not convinced the Federal Government to approve this project.
Tanya Plibersek’s decision
Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek announced on 9 April that she has made a proposed decision to refuse the Toondah project, under national environment laws.
The Minister’s proposed decision finds that the removal of 58.7 hectares from the internationally protected wetland is an unacceptable impact.
She also finds that the development would have an unacceptable impact on a range of threatened and migratory species including Loggerhead and Green turtles, the Eastern Curlew and the Grey-tailed Tattler. It will also have a significant impact on dugongs, dolphins and other shorebirds.
“I made my proposed decision after considering the relevant assessment material, visiting the site and meeting with the company as well as local residents, businesses, representatives of the Quandamooka people and environmentalists” said Ms Plibersek.
“I am making my proposed decision public so that the tens of thousands of people who have made public comments on this have a chance to respond. I want to hear from them before I make my final decision”, she said.
A day after announcing her proposed decision, Tanya Plibersek discussed her decision-making process in an interview with Sally Sara on ABC Radio National.
Comments due by 23 April
Walker Group, the proponent of the Toondah project, has been given 10 business days to comment on the Minister’s proposed decision.
The Minister has made it clear that she also wants to hear from others.
“I am making my proposed decision public so that the tens of thousands of people who have made public comments on this have a chance to respond. I want to hear from them before I make my final decision”, she said.
Comments on the Minister’s proposed decision to refuse the Toondah project can be made via the Environment Department’s EPBC website; click the “Make Comment” box.
Here is a direct link to the Make Comment form for the Toondah project.
You can also comment to the Minister about her proposed decision by email:
- minister.plibersek@dcceew.gov.au (ministerial office)
- tanya.plibersek.mp@aph.gov.au (electorate office)
Through the draft EIS consultation process about 26,000 people made submissions with 86% opposing Walker Group’s proposed development.
Community reactions to the refusal
The Toondah Alliance of organisations committed to saving Moreton Bay’s Ramsar wetlands welcomed the proposed Toondah refusal.
“We believe the Minister’s proposed decision is the right one and we urge the thousands of individuals who have worked so hard to save Toondah Harbour from development take the opportunity to voice their opposition by 23 April”, said Redlands2030 President Steve MacDonald.
“We’re thrilled that after a decade of campaigning by the local community and all of their supporters nationwide, Minister Plibersek has proposed to overturn this completely inappropriate development at such a spectacular and internationally significant site” said Birdlife Australia’s CEO Kate Millar.
“This is a landmark decision for nature and people. We commend Environment Minister Plibersek for standing up for wetlands, wildlife and community by announcing she intends to reject Walker’s destructive real estate proposal” said ACF’s CEO Kelly O’Shanassy.
“Federal environment minister Tanya Plibersek’s landmark proposed decision to refuse an application to dredge the critical wetland areas of Toondah Harbour for a massive marina and resort is absolutely the right choice for nature, and reflects the massive community outcry over the proposed development” said AMCS CEO Darren Kindleyside.
The Stradbroke (Terrangeri) Environmental and Cultural Protection Association Inc (SECP) welcomed the proposed decision of Minister Plibersek and called on the Miles Government to revoke the Toondah Harbour Priority Development Area over Ramsar listed wetlands. “The opposition to the Toondah scheme from residents of Stradbroke, both indigenous and non-indigenous, has played an important role in building public opposition to the scheme” said SECP Secretary Richard Carew.
Other reactions
Walker Group said that it “respects the Minister’s decision” according to ABC news.
“We will now take the time to carefully review and understand the reasons behind it” and work to see “what opportunities might exist to mitigate or ameliorate the environmental concerns that the department has raised” said Walker Group.
Redland City Council announced that it would write to the Minister with a statement of ongoing support for the project.
State Development Minister Grace Grace said the State Government would await Ms Plibersek’s final decision, as reported by ABC News.
But Capalaba MP Don Brown criticised the Minister’s proposed decision, saying: “This is a disappointing result. Over $3bn investment lost to the local economy, hundreds of job for local tradies and thousands of homes blocked in the middle of a housing crisis”.
Safe Passage event 28 April
The Toondah Alliance invites everyone to Safe Passage, a free local event for all ages celebrating the ten-year successful campaign to Save Toondah Harbour from a proposed major real estate project on Ramsar listed wetlands in Cleveland.
From 10am to 2pm on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at G.J. Walter Park in Cleveland, Safe Passage will be set against the picturesque backdrop of the Ramsar-listed Toondah wetlands in Moreton Bay Marine Park.
Safe Passage will feature an appearance by Beako, the giant Eastern Curlew puppet, knowledgeable speakers, community group market stalls, koala spotting, musical performances, food vendors, and a guided walk through the migratory bird flyway.
This will be a great opportunity to celebrate the Minister’s decision.
Redlands2030 – 13 April 2024
Please note: Offensive or off-topic comments will be deleted. If offended by any published comment please email thereporter@redlands2030.net
5 Comments
This is great news which has given me a lift in spirits, the planet needs to be looked after and not turned into concrete. The Toondah Wetland birds appear to be smiling today and the dugongs are having a party. Hooray!!
I voted for the current year Mayor because my belief was that she was against it. Was I wrong in thinking that ? I would not of voted for her if I had not in some way read or heard this from her campaign.
I was also unhappy with the new Mayor’s response and radio comments. A golden opportunity missed to respectfully accept the Minister’s proposed decision and refocus discussion on appropriate ferry terminal options. I contacted our Division Councillor Wendy Boglary, who supported the Mayor’s election, to express my dissatisfaction in the Mayor’s first public pronouncement.
The interim decision is a reflection of comprehensive community research and action and is thoroughly welcomed. It is a shame that some members of local and State Government remain out of step with the science, the social and environmental research and the wildlife and cultural heritage interests of this area.
I listened to the whole Mayors radio interview. I was particularly annoyed by the “500” extra jobs argument regurgitated by the Mayor in favour of the development.
Even if we assume this is correct (Which I do not believe) the residential development at Toondah will bring 9.000 extra residents leaving a shortfall of at least 5,500 jobs so these extra people will need to commute.
How is this a benefit to residents?
It is blindingly obvious the only one to benefit from this residential development is Walkers.