Toondah agreement to deliver $116m in community infrastructure

The Redlands will benefit from nearly $116 million worth of community improvements under an infrastructure agreement for the $1.4 billion Toondah Harbour project signed today.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said a wide range of community infrastructure would be provided to the City at no cost to ratepayers as part of the agreement with the Walker Corporation.

“This agreement offers the Redlands world-class community facilities which we would not otherwise be able to afford, transforming an outmoded and substandard ferry terminal into a magnificent waterfront attraction,” Cr Williams said. “This infrastructure – all $116 million of it – will come at no cost but great benefit to ratepayers.’’

Key infrastructure to be provided under the agreement includes:

• Complete upgrade of the marine channel and swing basin;
• New ferry terminal, ticketing and information facilities;
• A minimum of 1449 car parks, an increase of 71 per cent;
• 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

The project is expected to provide more than 1000 construction jobs a year and 500 jobs a year on completion of the project.
“This project will generate an estimated $2.3 billion in economic activity in the region, delivering a modern gateway to Moreton Bay and North Stradbroke Island, plus sewer, road and ferry terminal parking upgrades, provision of park and other open space enhancements and waterfront boardwalks,’’ Cr Williams said.

“This will be a place for all Redlanders, with greater public open space and access to the waterfront and new public foreshore parklands.
“It also will offer Redlanders a range of new residential options in a vibrant tourism and retail precinct which will also benefit our Cleveland business centre.
“This agreement, which was critical to the project going ahead, has secured community infrastructure for generations of Redlanders while retaining the flexibility for alterations to be agreed following the Federal Government’s review of the project.”

The Infrastructure Agreement will be made public in the New Year.