‘Gateway to Straddie’ plan in limbo until developer makes next move
By Tony Moore
Serious doubts remain over the redevelopment of one of south-east Queensland’s most striking waterfronts, the ‘Gateway to Straddie’ at Cleveland, after more than a decade of planning.
The stalemate was exposed at this week’s budget estimates hearing, when opposition and crossbench MPs questioned State Development Minister Grace Grace about the Toondah Harbour project blocked by the federal government in April.
Despite failing in its bid to build $1.4 billion marina and unit development over the internationally recognised wetlands at Cleveland, the Walker Group retains first right of refusal to develop on the site.
A 2018 concept image for part of the Toondah Harbour project.
Greens MP Michael Berkman elicited the information after asking about a 2016 agreement between Economic Development Queensland, Redland City Council, their council-owned Redlands Investment Corporation, and the Walker Group.
The agreement was meant to deliver the Redlands community $116 million in development benefits - in 2016 dollars.
Economic Development Queensland director general Debbie McNamara said “the development agreement remains on foot,” despite Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek rejecting Walkers development application in April 2024.
Passenger ferries and vehicle barges depart from Cleveland on the way to Stradbroke Island.Credit: Scott Burrows
“The terms of that agreement dictate the way in which that development is brought forward. Within the terms of that agreement, there are certain components that Walker has to adhere to bring forward the development in the Toondah Harbour.”
Berkman said a fresh approach was needed to provide a ferry terminal providing a contemporary gateway to North Stradbroke Island, also known as Minjerribah.
“Both major parties have gone to staggering lengths to gift this land and water to a private developer and political donor, to trash critical habitat and trample community concerns,” Berkman said.
What the 2016 infrastructure agreement promised:
- Complete upgrade of the marine channel and swing basin;
- New ferry terminal, ticketing and information facilities;
- A minimum of 1449 car parks;
- Bus interchange;
- Waterfront plaza;
- Boardwalks;
- Improvements to GJ Walter park plus new foreshore parks and a water play area;
- Boat and watercraft launching facilities;
- Open space and wildlife corridors;
- Road and cycleway upgrades; and
- Sewerage, storm water and trunk water upgrades.
Source: Redland City Council Toondah Harbour Infrastructure Agreement, signed February 2016.
“EDQ has already spent $1.35 million on this hugely unpopular, destructive proposal. They need to ditch the sunk cost fallacy before any more time and public money is wasted.”
“Queenslanders, and especially the Redlands community, can’t wait around for Walker to get the port fixed.”
Berkman called for the agreement to be revoked and the government to start again.
“The government should tear up the agreement with Walker and revoke the Toondah Harbour PDA,” he said.
“We need both Labor and the LNP to rule out supporting private development on this site, and to get on with upgrading the ferry terminal.”
Walker Group was contacted through a spokesman, but offered no clarification.
Ministerial staff working for Grace - who oversees Economic Development Queensland - were unable to say when the agreement expired.