Redland City Council acknowledges the Queensland Government’s declaration of the Southern Thornlands SEQ Development Area (STSDA) as a Priority Development Area (PDA).
The PDA is approximately 900ha in size, framed by Boundary Road in the north, Mount Cotton Road in the west, Eprapah Creek in the south and properties directly adjoining Springacre Road in the east.
The area is anticipated to accommodate up to 20,000 people and approximately 8000 dwellings including social and affordable housing. This will include lots that are less than 300sqm, as well as duplexes and other higher-density housing options.
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The Queensland Government’s decision to declare it a PDA is contrary to Council’s long standing policy position on the area.
Council has consistently demonstrated that there is sufficient residential zoned land available under the City Plan to accommodate updated State population forecasts and that further greenfield land is not required for Council to achieve its housing targets.
Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said the PDA represented the largest proposed development seen on Redlands Coast – being more than twice the size of the Shoreline estate in the city’s south.
“In light of the potential scale of development envisioned in Southern Thornlands, the Queensland Government must make a commitment to our city that the full cost of delivering critical infrastructure both within and outside the PDA will be at no cost to Redland City Council and our ratepayers,” the Mayor said.
“This is a Queensland Government decision and in order to service the growing population this development will bring, we need infrastructure and transport connectivity.
“As well as upgrades to infrastructure such as roads to service the PDA itself, the Queensland Government must also commit to fast-track critical infrastructure for the entire Redlands Coast community, including the eastern busway from Capalaba to Carindale and the duplication of the Cleveland train line.
“It must also address the significant backlog of state infrastructure in the city, and fund and deliver the key upgrades to the State road network.
“Environmental values including protection of koala habitat and corridors must also be addressed.
“There is a need for this area to incorporate viable new enterprise areas to provide employment opportunities for new residents both in the development area, City and beyond.
“The Queensland Government must commit to actively engaging with the Redlands Coast community and Council to deliver a development scheme that contributes to our naturally wonderful lifestyle – and that can be delivered at no cost to our existing ratepayers.”
The Mayor said the proposed new development must provide the schools, parks, road upgrades, wastewater solutions, required for such a huge development.
STATE COMMITMENT NEEDED
Council expects the following commitments from the Queensland Government:
- The full cost of delivering critical infrastructure to service future new development within Southern Thornlands will be at no cost to Redland City Council and ratepayers.
- For development to occur, the Queensland Government must commit to region-shaping infrastructure for Redlands Coast.
- In terms of public transport this includes: the completion of planning and delivery of the full Eastern Busway extension to Capalaba; the finalisation of planning investigations to improve rail services including the duplication of the Cleveland train line between Manly and Cleveland; and high-frequency public transport connections to Capalaba, Cleveland, Victoria Point and Southern Redland Bay through to the Logan Hyperdome.
- Upgrades to the State road network including key intersections. At a minimum this would include a full upgrade for the Boundary Road/Duncan Road/Mount Cotton Road corridor from Thornlands to the Gateway Motorway; and a full upgrade for the Cleveland – Redland Bay Road corridor.
- New community infrastructure such as schools and emergency facilities.
- Ensure important environmental values across the area, (including koala habitat) are protected and enhanced.
- Actively engage with the Redlands Coast community and Council to deliver a development scheme that contributes to our naturally wonderful lifestyle, where you have access to parks, emergency services, health care and schools, employment opportunities, effective public transport, and good roads.
Despite Council’s reservations, Council is committed to collaborating with the Queensland Government agency Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) to ensure that Council achieves the best outcomes for the city and to then continue to advocate for adequate infrastructure delivery and funding.
Details of the PDA are available on the EDQ’s website here: Southern Thornlands | Economic Development Queensland
