A community survey on the Redlands’ two waterfront redevelopment projects has shown overwhelming support for development at Weinam Creek and Toondah Harbour and for government to work with commercial partners to fund the critical infrastructure.

The full survey can be found on Council’s website >>

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the survey also supported more foreshore parks, boating facilities, bike and pedestrian walkways and small businesses.

“One of the key findings from the survey of 300 residents was that something needs to be done at the two sites, with people preferring the projects be funded through private partnerships,” she said.

“More than 76 per cent of respondents said they wanted Council and the State Government to look at opportunities for commercial partnerships to pay for the projects rather than ratepayers having to foot the bill.

“Council has already started looking for these commercial partnerships with several potential investors visiting the Redlands and this will continue during the Expression of Interest phase.

“Another key finding is that people support more foreshore parks (82%), and I am pleased that the draft planning schemes recognise existing green space and plans to improve access to the bay for residents.

“The majority of survey respondents wanted both Priority Development Area (PDA) sites to include better boardwalks along the waterfront, cafes and restaurants and a pier or promenade.

“A key point to take from the survey is that overwhelmingly people want to see something happen at these areas, with only 10 per cent of people wanting Toondah Harbour left ‘as is’ and 11 per cent not wanting any improvements at Weinam Creek.

“This sentiment has also been clearly expressed throughout the rest of Council’s engagement on these projects, which has included speaking with more than 2000 people at 10 community sessions since May last year.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the survey also showed one of the key considerations for the Weinam Creek project was parking.

“It is obvious car parking is considered critical to the future of the Weinam Creek area. We also want car parking to be considered and this has been included in the draft planning scheme,” he said.

“The aim has always been to achieve a sustainable, long-term solution through a mix of parking options and to deliver a project at Weinam Creek that will be of benefit to the whole community.”