LONG-TIME Redlands resident Deborah Bayard has urged the community to look beyond stereotypes and consider the personal stories behind local landholders, as the Queensland Government begins planning for thousands of new homes in Southern Thornlands.
“We’re not greedy landowners. Far from it,” Ms Bayard told the audience at the Victoria Point Sharks Sporting Club during the first community information session hosted by State Member for Redlands Rebecca Young.
“I’m turning 70 this year, and I simply can’t manage a property of this size anymore,” she said.
“And with the regulations and overlays now in place, the land has become too much for me to maintain.”
The session marked the start of community consultation on the new Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area (PDA), which is expected to provide up to 8000 new homes over the next two decades.
The PDA was declared to help meet the demands of a fast-growing Redlands population, which is projected to rise from 161,700 in 2021 to more than 210,000 by 2046.
Ms Bayard said her family had lived in the area for nearly four decades, after she and her husband – then a young couple – were priced out of Brisbane’s bayside suburbs.
“My husband was a Wynnum boy; I was a Manly girl. When we got engaged, we couldn’t afford to live in Manly anymore,” she said.
“So, we looked further out and found the Redlands. It was, and still is, a beautiful place to call home.”
She recalled riding her horse through the area and discovering the property they would eventually buy – even though it was then located between poultry farms.
“I thought: ‘What a great opportunity – this land will never be built out.’ Isn’t it ironic?” she said.
Now, as the area is earmarked for transformation, Ms Bayard said she and her husband had carefully considered their future and welcomed the chance to be part of a solution that could help young families – just like they once were.
“When Carl (Bruhn) from Urbex came along with an opportunity that gave us some certainty, it was a no-brainer,” she said.
“I ask anyone in this room – if you were in our position, what would you do?”
Economic Development Queensland (EDQ), which is leading the planning process, says the proposed development will include a mix of housing types – such as detached homes, terraces and duplexes – to increase affordability and diversity.
Land will also be allocated for enterprise and employment to support balanced, sustainable growth.
The community is invited to share its priorities on infrastructure, green space, transport and essential services.
EDQ has committed to working closely with Redland City Council and residents to ensure development aligns with the ShapingSEQ 2023 Regional Plan and meets the needs of current and future generations.
“Our son grew up surrounded by good neighbours and other kids, able to play safely in the street,” Mrs Bayard said.
“Now it’s time to give the next generation the same opportunity.”
A second session scheduled for Saturday at the Victoria Point Sharks Sporting Club has been cancelled due to low registrations.
