REDLAND City Council has agreed to help plan the newly declared Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area (PDA) despite years of opposition to urban development in the environmentally sensitive region and concerns about the potential cost to ratepayers.
The Queensland Government formally declared the 900ha site a PDA on April 4, placing it within the South East Queensland Urban Footprint and overriding Council’s existing planning scheme.
Councillors who supported the move said participating in the planning process would give the local community a stronger voice and help secure better outcomes.
However, critics warned the decision could accelerate unsustainable growth and place further pressure on already stretched local infrastructure and services.
The decision comes as Redlands grapples with a worsening housing crisis.
Local young people – many born and raised in the area – are finding it increasingly difficult to get a foot on the property ladder as prices soar, supply remains tight, and demand continues to rise.
With up to 20,000 new residents expected to move into Southern Thornlands over the coming decades, pressure is mounting to deliver more housing – and fast.
The Southern Thornlands PDA is a key strategy to address Redlands’ expected population increase – from 161,700 residents in 2021 to more than 210,000 by 2046.
Despite some reservations, councillors voted to join project control and technical working groups alongside Economic Development Queensland (EDQ), giving Council a seat at the table to advocate for land use, infrastructure, and community needs.
A Mayoral Minute passed unanimously last month reaffirmed that infrastructure costs associated with any future development should be fully borne by developers and the State.
Cr Jason Colley, who moved the officers’ recommendation, emphasised the importance of Council’s involvement.
“This PDA is going to affect everybody in our city, whether they live inside the PDA area or not,” he said.
“Our priority as a council must be to ensure that we deliver the best outcomes for all residents.
“We may not have the final say, but I cannot in good faith walk away from this process and then look our residents in the eye and say we did everything we could.”
He stressed the need for proper infrastructure funding, road upgrades, improved public transport, and greater employment opportunities to support new growth.
“The figures involved are astronomical,” he added.
“Sewerage alone could cost hundreds of millions of dollars.”
Cr Tracey Huges urged caution, warning that Council’s advisory role gave it limited influence.
“We do not want to be drawn into decisions or commitments that could ultimately lead to our ratepayers footing the bill,” she warned.
Cr Paul Bishop also opposed entering a formal partnership at this stage, citing a lack of clarity and financial risk.
“The scale and implications of what’s proposed demand greater caution and alignment with existing planning frameworks,” he said.
However, Mayor Jos Mitchell said it was vital for Council to remain engaged.
“If you step away, in my view, you remove yourself from the process entirely,” she said.
“We must be present to articulate our community’s needs and concerns.”
Redlands MP Rebecca Young welcomed the decision, highlighting the importance of Council’s voice in addressing both growth and environmental values.
“We are committed to rebuilding strong planning partnerships with local councils after a decade of the previous government sidelining them,” she said.
“I thank Redland City Council for stepping up and recognising that commitment today.
“By taking a seat at the table, Council now has the opportunity to directly advocate for the infrastructure, environmental protections, and balanced growth our community needs.
“This is a critical moment for Southern Thornlands to ensure future planning reflects the voices of our local community and respects the unique environmental values that make the Redlands so special.”
