Would you and your family want a mega carpark constructed in your neighbourhood? Residents at Orchard Beach in Redland Bay are calling for help from like-minded citizens across Redland City to join them in objecting to plans for a 600 vehicle car park proposed for development by Redland Investment Corporation.
Steven Komorowski and his neighbours will seek to put their case at the next Council general meeting on Wednesday 22 May. It is a chance to witness democracy in action and show support to those speaking up for their local community.
Submission opposing Weinam Creek car park plans
Please find attached an Objection by way of a submission to planned works at Weinam Creek in the form of a mega carpark and pedestrian bridge across Weinam Creek at Moores Road, Redland Bay.
As a concerned resident (of 25 years) and on behalf of our community I seek the help of Redlands to have this development overturned. Please take the time to carefully examine the proposal by the Redland City Council for the development of a Mega Carpark and Pedestrian Bridge.
If approved this development will destroy a wonderful area and if built it will, a best, be a band-aide solution to the parking woes of Redland Bay. There are over 4500 people living on Russell Island, they need more than just a carpark. They need an alternative cheaper way to transport their cars to the islands. Another option must be found.
The carpark as planned, if approved, will be a major safety concern during flooding. It will increased traffic, noise and light pollution meaning a nightmare for the locals living adjacent the carpark. Environmental damage will be significant to Weinam Creek and the local habitat will be affected.
The carpark (if approved) is a legacy that we should not be leaving to our younger generation.
Readers of Redlands2030, please make your own submission but if you are time poor or whatever please copy and past the draft submission set out below and lodge your objection.
Submissions close to object to the carpark on Wednesday 22nd May.
We (the local residents) hope that people across the Redlands will lend their support to our situation by making a submission. One option is to make a submission based on the template below. A better option is to make your own submission. Irrespective, submissions must be made to: pdadevelopmentassessment@dsdmip.qld.gov.au
Steven Komorowski
Redland Bay
Objection to DEV2018/991 3-11 Moores Road and 12 and 22 Meissner Street, Redland Bay
Dear Minister
| Application type | Material Change of Use (MCU), Operational Work |
| Details | MCU for Car Park and Undefined Use (Bridge); OPW for Tidal Works, Vegetation Clearing, Filling and Excavation |
I am concerned Redland Bay residents are to be adversely impacted by a 600 Carpark space and operational works for the proposed Pedestrian Bridge upon land at 3-11 Moores Road, Redland bay. This submission relies on statements in the Weinam Creek Priority Development Area Development Scheme (or WCPDADS).
The proposed carpark and pedestrian bridge development do not meet the existing character of the area. The Weinam Creek Priority Development Area Development Scheme (WCPDADS states Pg 4 S 3.2) Development Assessment under the Land Use Plan that any development must be consistent with existing and approved development in the preliminary approval area or adjoining areas.
“Under the ACT, development that is inconsistent with the scheme cannot be granted approval.”
The existing area is residential and houses will surround the proposed carpark. The local residents do not want to live adjacent a Mega Carpark as it will diminish the existing lifestyle and ruin the character of the area.
The Redland City Council has an obligation to contribute to the area and not to destroy the character of the area with a mega carpark catering for the island community. The local residents will suffer from increased anxiety through disturbance caused by the additional traffic, noise and light pollution, and crime brought closer to local families. We fear land devaluation which has already been noted by local real-estate prices falling in the area along with land prices recently published by State Government Department of Natural Resources.
Nobody wants to live next to a mega carpark.
Vision
The Vision (3.3) of the Land Use Plan (WCPDADS) Pg 6 states that new areas of public open space enhance opportunities to enjoy the water front and Moreton Bay and support stewardship and reconciliation. The Redland City Council should be contributing to this Vision not destroying this Vision. Redland Bay is a peaceful quiet community that has long been admired by many who come to appreciate the calm coastal waters of Moreton Bay. This land that is on the door step of Moreton Bay and should be enhanced for everyone to enjoy not for just a few who are more focused on parking availability for islanders.
Koalas, Flying Foxes and Wallabies are regularly seen in the area. Moores farm should be available to be enjoyed by all especially when bird life is an abundance when the fresh water lake is full. The song by Joni Mitchell –“Paved Paradise and Put in a Parking Lot” is very ironic here.
Community safety and development constraints
Community safety and development constraints (3.4.6) ofLand Use Plan (WCDSPDAS) Page 11 states that ensure that people and property are safe from Hazards, Flooding etc and to avoid or mitigate adverse impacts. The Redland City Council or Redlands Investment Corporation commissioned “Engeny Water Management” for part of the PDA Submission for Flood Impact Assessment and Storm Water Management Plan.
The ENGENY Report (pg2) as submitted gives no comfort to residents because of the disclaimer in the SBSMP and Flood Impact Assessment (File):
DISCLAIMER This report has been prepared on behalf of and for the exclusive use of Redland Investment Corporation and is subject to and issued in accordance with Redland Investment Corporation instruction to Engeny Water Management (Engeny). The content of this report was based on previous information and studies supplied by Redland Investment Corporation Engeny accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for it in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report by any third party.
The report is not independent and relies on information received from the Council. As a local resident who has been living in the area for over 20 years the area constantly floods including Moores Road – Not 1 in 100 years.
Then Engeny Report (Pg4) states Analysis on the earthworks level has shown that full immunity (i.e. completely dry) of the access road in the 1:100 AEP flood event cannot be achieved without causing significant flood impacts to Moores Rd. This is a safety concern for locals and the public use; and contravenes the Act – again this area floods frequently well in excess if 1:100 year event. See pictures attached.
Under the Act this a contravention as stormwater runoff at the PDA boundary will increase that which presently exists (see WCDPDADS Pg11). The Carpark will worsen flood conditions in the area and to mitigate this flood water during high tide and storm events will be a miracle of engineering – the photographic record attached is surely evidence enough!.
Redland Investment Corporation has openly stated that they will not be mitigating the Storm Water runoff and signs will be present possibly to say “park at your own risk” also documented in the RIC PDA Submission, this is a callous disregard of being a responsible developer and landowner. Council have just recently placed “Road Subject to Flooding Signs” on Moores Road adjacent the carpark, it seems that finally council has a realisation to flood conditions in the area. Again see pictures of the area.
Street and movement network
The Land Use Plan (WCDSPDAS) (S 3.4.3 Pg 10) states the Plan will Take into consideration impacts to existing networks while ensuring acceptable levels of amenity and minimising negative impacts of through traffic. If a 600 carpark on Moores road built for local traffic only will most certainly contravene this as stated in the scheme. The impact to the Orchard Beach estate resident’s will be significantly affected by the 600 Carpark. These small local roads were never meant to cater for the additional traffic. Cars heading south will use the local road (named The Boulevard) heading south, and cars towing boats will also use the estate as a short cut. The local community uses “The Boulevard” foreshore regularly, the elderly, young families with children and the disabled enjoy the seaside walk along the bay.
Wedding and school graduation photographic event are seen here on a regular basis. The additional traffic will ruin the area and also create an immediate safety concern with the prospect of an imminent tragic accident with a car and a pedestrian.
The adjacent Orchard Beach should be blocked off at Moores Rd turning right onto the “The Boulevard” to stop traffic Rat Run through the quiet seaside estate, to address a safety concern for the additional cars and to reduce the future parking in the residential streets in the estate by island commuters. This should be a suggestion by the State Government to Council and would be at minimal costs – see Plan attached. A traffic study is needed for the WHOLE area at the very minimum and 50 km/ hour signs reduced to 40km/ hour in line with new estates.
Ensure Carpark areas are not visually dominant
The Plan commits to ensuring Carpark areas are not visually dominant and do not detract from the building relationship with the street whether at-grade or in multi-deck configuration (WCDSPDADS Pg10).
How do you hide a 600 carpark bay and a concrete Pedestrian Bridge?
These constructions will abut existing houses inside the PDA. Noise, light pollution and people movement will be a constant issues for residents. The carpark will be open 24 hours a day to the public and if the proposed boat ramp is approved (even in the future) then boat and trailer noise and movements through the area will be a concerning issue to the adjacent residents backing on to the carpark.
Natural Environment
The Natural Environment section of the Land Use Plan (WCDSPDADS 11 S 3.4.4) requires the outcome maintains and improves water quality and the functioning and characteristics of the existing hydrological network.
How will this be achieved?
Oil leaks from cars straight into Weinam Creek . The pedestrian bridge will also bring about littering over the creek with cigarette butts and the like ruining a mangrove protected and fish habitat area. Even the scenario of more boats moving further up the creek puts the local environment at risk.
Conclusions
These are just a few topics raised that contravene the Weinam Creek Priority Development Area Development Scheme and simply cannot be ignored.
Please take into consideration these issues. To this time we have lived in is a peaceful waterside suburb and the council actions to propose a massive carpark will destroy the character of our area, it will leave a lasting eyesore, and realise the growing levels of anxiety among the residents. The development will be an environmental disaster as a legacy for our future generations.
Ask yourself and your family a simple question: Would you want to live adjacent a Mega Carpark that if approved will destroy a wonderful area?
I thank you for taking the time to read this submission, I look forward to your response.
Let us NOT Pave Paradise and Put in Parking Lot.
Kind regards,
ADD YOUR OWN NAME AND ADDRESS HERE
Your submission can be made by:
- Either cut and paste this submission in an email, and send the email to: pdadevelopmentassessment@dsdmip.qld.gov.au OR
- Send this page (using the envelop symbol at the top of the post) to create an email direct to the Minister’s delegate: pdadevelopmentassessment@dsdmip.qld.gov.au
Published by Redlands2030 – 15 May 2019
Please note: Offensive or off-topic comments will be deleted. If offended by any published comment please email thereporter@redlands2030.net
3 Comments
Are Redlands residents aware that even though they normally pay approximately 26 % of developers’ infrastructure costs for every housing or apartment development they build in the Redlands , with this Weinam creek PDA we will be paying for ALL the developers’ infrastructure costs . 100 % . Yet we have never been shown ANY final financial costings since it was announced over 5 years ago on how much this massive project , the largest ever in the Redlands , is ultimately going to cost us , or how much the Redlands Council will have to borrow in Redlands ratepayers’ names . We have never been shown any overall plans , just artists impressions , which is totally unacceptable when we are talking about a commercial build project that could very conservatively cost ratepayers in excess of over 100 million dollars . There has been absolutely no face to face community consultation with either the residents of Redland Bay , Orchard Beach Estate or the SMBI ferry commuters who are all directly affected by this PDA . The parking needs of the SMBI commuters could have been looked after years ago , without the unnecessary expense of building a ” temporary car park ” at Moores Rd , which is in an RCC flood and storm surge zone , and ocean inundation mapped area . A multi storey car park could have been built years ago at the 2 adjoining Meissner St level carparks that the RCC already own , instead of paying $3.2 million for private land on Moores Rd , plus pledging $3.1 million more to the ” temporary car park ” there . The Meissner Rd site does not flood , and it is on the northern side of Weinam Creek , and therefore far closer to the Redland Bay ferry terminal . A subsequent car park next to the ferry terminal could have then been built right next to the ferry terminal , as the SMBI population continued to grow in future . With all the apartment blocks being proposed within and on the boundary of the Weinam Creek PDA , plus the shops , cafes and restaurants , overflow car parking will soon be required for these residents , customers and visitors too , and this will definitely impact on any car parking at the ferry terminal . No other alternative sustainable solutions to easing the car parking problems at the Redland Bay ferry terminal have ever been looked into by either the Qld State Government or the Redland City Council in the last 5 years since this PDA was announced . In fact , representatives from both levels of Government have not even bothered to attend at least 2 community meetings that they were invited to , to discuss the Weinam Creek PDA . A simple cable car barge to southern Russell Island , the most populated island in the Redlands , would immediately relieve parking stress at Redland bay . Why has this not been investigated in the past 5 years ? Last December , I spoke at Council and respectfully asked them to lobby the Qld State Government to look into a State Government funded cable car barge system to Russell Island . To my knowledge there has not been done by the RCC . Why not ? It is becoming increasingly obvious that this PDA is just about benefiting developers , not SMBI commuters . In fact , the Qld State Government has stated that it is just an ” Economic Development ” , not about a car park extension . And even though the RCC have said that it is all about a car park extension , they seem hellbent on supporting as much residential development at Moores Rd , for starters . Yesterday a massive area was dug up in preparation for approximately 10 small lot houses on Moores Rd farmlands ( within the flood and storm surge zone ) , with absolutely no provisions made to safeguard storm water run off into Weinam creek . Why not ? Why the rush ? Why were no protections put in place to safeguard the nearby waterways that go directly into a marina and the Redland Bay ferry terminal area and Southern Moreton Bay, adjacent to a Conservation Area . Both levels of Government seem to not be taking care of the environment within this PDA , especially in light of this first stage of construction next to the Conservation Area that is a breeding and maternity area for endangered flying foxes , and one of only a few very rare habitats for the Illidge Ant/Butterfly . One of the only other known habitats is at the Pt Halloran Conservation Area in Victoria Point . It was the discovery of this extremely rare habitat that saved Pt Halloran from being turned into a massive canal home development . This area is also home to koalas , kangaroos , curlews and a multitude of birdlife and nursery fish stocks for Moreton Bay . Intertidal Weinam Creek is also noted in the comprehensive BAAM Ecology environmental report ( commissioned by the RCC over 5 years ago ) as being of ” high value ” to nursery fish stocks to Southern Moreton Bay . The proposed expensive initial dredging of the creek ( plus dredging maintenance to stop subsequent silt build up ) to house a public boat ramp further up into the shallowest end of Weinam Creek , will destroy these nursery fish stocks . All this because the RCC has plans to put in a pedestrian bridge and a boardwalk from Moores Rd , which will also require the removal of substantial creek and mangrove vegetation . Removal of mangroves is not allowed anywhere else in the Redlands but it is being proposed for this PDA . This will only enhance the proposed developers’ apartments that are being planned in Auster St ( next to the Moores Rd proposed ” temporary car park ” , but will be unnecessary in the long run . What a waste of ratepayers’ money , and destruction of our natural environment , but it certainly helps private developers with their apartment developments there on the foreshore , doesn’t it ? Wake up Redlanders . All this RCC / EDQ driven current Weinam Creek PDA plan in its’ present state , that is being financed by you , is NOT for the long term benefit of the SMBI commuters , but for the sole benefit of developers . the Council to collect more rates , and the Qld State Government to collect more Stamp Duty revenue .
Well said, Junita. Have you considered submitting your thoughts to the local Bayside Bulletin, to allow more people to read you succinct summary of this devastating and ill-conceived project?
Re parking issue at Weinam Creek ferry terminal. I repeat here what my cousin had to say arriving at the terminal where she was boarding a vessel to visit a friend on Russell Island. When the area came into view, on seeing motor vehicles parked all over the place, a messy looking eyesore, her comment was and I quote: “what is needed here is a multi-storey car park”. Perhaps the Redland Investment Corporation could consider this as a project to finally have motor vehicles parked in ONE PLACE? a few steps away from boarding a vessel. Too hard?