Redland City Council is confronting a pivotal period in planning and development, with decisions on housing, transport infrastructure, urban design and environmental protection set to define the region’s growth trajectory. From state-imposed housing areas to contentious waterfront projects, these are the 10 biggest planning decisions facing council in the year ahead.
- 1. Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area
- 2. Weinam Creek Redevelopment and Multistorey Car Park
- 3. City Plan Overhaul and Housing Diversity Codes
- 4. Capalaba Town Centre Revitalisation
- 5. Shoreline Estate Infrastructure and Connector Roads
- 6. Cleveland CBD Parking Reform
- 7. Priority Development Area Management — Toondah Harbour
- 8. Infrastructure Needs — Roads and Sewage Expansion
- 9. Internal Audits and Governance of Major Precinct Projects
- 10. Balancing Growth with Environmental and Community Values
1. Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area
One of the most consequential planning challenges is the Southern Thornlands PDA. Declared by the state government in 2025, this 890-hectare precinct will be governed under a state planning framework rather than the local City Plan and is expected to deliver around 8,000 new homes alongside community infrastructure. Council continues to press for state funding of critical transport and community services to avoid burdening ratepayers.
2. Weinam Creek Redevelopment and Multistorey Car Park
After more than a decade of planning, council recently backed a state-led push for a long-awaited multistorey car park at the Weinam Creek transport hub, pausing its own mixed-use proposal. The decision clears the way for Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) to take responsibility for the project, along with master planning for the broader PDA area.
3. City Plan Overhaul and Housing Diversity Codes
Council is progressing significant amendments to the Redland City Plan, including new medium-density residential provisions designed to deliver diverse housing options while protecting neighbourhood character. Recent amendments clarify setbacks, site cover, landscaping and mix of unit sizes for multi-dwelling developments.
4. Capalaba Town Centre Revitalisation
A multi-million-dollar transformation of Capalaba’s urban core — including new retail, entertainment, library and customer service spaces — remains a planning and investment priority. The project aims to boost economic activity and foster a more vibrant day-night economy.
5. Shoreline Estate Infrastructure and Connector Roads
The massive Shoreline community development at Redland Bay continues to test council planning decisions, including approval of feeder roads and transport connections that have drawn resident concerns about environmental impacts and traffic flow.
6. Cleveland CBD Parking Reform
Council has initiated public consultation on reshaping parking rules in Cleveland’s central business district, aiming to manage long-stay commuters in retail car parks and improve turnover for shoppers. The proposal to impose time limits and fines has attracted both business support and community scrutiny.
7. Priority Development Area Management — Toondah Harbour
The long-running Toondah Harbour redevelopment remains unresolved, with revised plans recently discussed that would reduce residential density and add public car parking. Council’s involvement has been subject to debate over transparency and community consultation, as final state approval is still pending.
8. Infrastructure Needs — Roads and Sewage Expansion
Key infrastructure — such as sewer trunk expansions at Victoria Point to unlock new housing — continues to be a focus. Securing state funding through programs like the Residential Activation Fund is crucial to supporting growth without unduly impacting local budgets.
9. Internal Audits and Governance of Major Precinct Projects
Controversy over governance of large Council-led projects has surfaced, such as calls for an audit into the Redlands Coast Regional Sport and Recreation Precinct at Heinemann Road. These governance reviews could influence how future major developments are managed.
10. Balancing Growth with Environmental and Community Values
Underlying many planning decisions is the need to protect environmental values — such as koala habitats and other wildlife corridors — while accommodating demand for housing and infrastructure. Environmental advocates have warned that major growth areas like Southern Thornlands could impact key habitat if not carefully managed.
