Political donation records linked to parties and local political groups are drawing renewed attention as debate intensifies over the future of the Weinam Creek redevelopment and the role of private development partners.
Public disclosure records indicate that between 2016 and 2017, Consolidated Properties Group Pty Ltd donated a total of $57,400 to the Australian Labor Party (ALP).
They made a further $10,000 non-political donation to the ALP in May 2025.
Separate disclosure data shows the company also donated a combined $51,870 to the Liberal National Party (LNP) across the 2016 and 2017 reporting periods.
If the donations period was 2020-2024, then Consolidated Properties gave nothing to the ALP and nothing to the LNP.
Separately, between 2020 and the present, Murray Haseler from the Stradbroke Island Management Organisation (SIMO) donated $197,200 to the Queensland Greens.
At the most recent local government election, Mr Haseler also donated $16,000 to Mayor Jos Mitchell’s Leading Change group, making him the group’s largest donor for that campaign period.
The donations come as the future of the Weinam Creek redevelopment moves to the centre of political discussion in the Redlands, amid ongoing questions about project governance, delivery arrangements and perceived influence.
In recent years, Consolidated Properties Group Pty Ltd has been linked to the Weinam Creek Priority Development Area through its involvement as a preferred development partner for key elements of the project.
The company was selected to help deliver major components of the redevelopment, including a multi-storey car park and associated retail precinct, designed to support expanded transport access and commercial activity around the Redland Bay ferry terminal.
The Weinam Creek project forms part of a broader long-term transformation of the Marina Redland Bay and surrounding foreshore precinct, with plans aimed at improving commuter infrastructure, expanding public space and supporting local economic activity.
However, governance and delivery arrangements have shifted in recent months following council decisions to abandon the commercial component of the redevelopment and terminate the memorandum of understanding tied to the broader development model.
Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell has warned the fallout from the decision could be felt most sharply by local and island communities who were promised services alongside the long-awaited multi-storey car park.
Speaking on ABC Brisbane Breakfast, Mayor Mitchell said residents had long expected access to grocery shopping, allied health services, cafes, restaurants and community space integrated with the ferry terminal precinct.
While the car park itself remains planned, it is now expected to be delivered without the surrounding retail and service components that had formed part of earlier visions for the site.
Under the revised arrangement, negotiations to deliver the car park alone are expected to occur directly between council’s chief executive and the State Government.
The decision has also created tension with the private sector partner.
Consolidated Properties Group says it won an open tender in October 2023 to deliver council’s own plans for a car park and a Coles-anchored retail precinct as part of a $250 million project.
The company said it had spent more than a year working with council-related entities and the State Government to progress the development and warned the decision not to extend its mandate had effectively cancelled around 200 local jobs.
Despite the setback, the company has indicated it will continue discussions with state agencies and council-related entities about potential future delivery options.
With the Weinam Creek Priority Development Area ultimately controlled by the State Government, the immediate focus is now on delivery of the multi-storey car park, while uncertainty remains around how or when broader commercial and community service elements might be reinstated in future planning.
Political observers note fundraising is a routine and necessary part of campaigning.
Parties and candidates rely on donations to fund advertising, staffing, compliance and voter engagement activities.
In some cases, donors contribute to multiple political organisations over time, a practice sometimes colloquially described as “two bob each way”.
A Consolidated Properties Group spokesperson said it is committed to delivering projects that create lasting value for the broader community, with a focus on enhancing amenity and leaving a positive legacy through high-quality development.
“For its entire 45 plus year history, CPG has always complied with all donations laws and given equally to both Labor and Conservative parties, consistent with our belief that a well-funded political process is essential to an effective democracy,” the spokesperson said.
“Don O’Rorke has never been a member of a political party and provides his time extensively, free of charge, to all three levels of Government to assist with policy development.
“CPG’s role is to work constructively with governments to help deliver what communities need across housing, office and retail development.
“This reflects CPG’s long-standing policy on donations and pro bono advisory support.”
