Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell has broken her silence on the council decision to scrap the commercial component of the long-planned Weinam Creek redevelopment, telling ABC Brisbane Breakfast she opposed the late-night move and warning it would cost the community vital services promised for the ferry terminal precinct.
ABC Brisbane Breakfast — Interview Transcript
HOST (Steve Austin):
Last year, council voted to scrap plans for a shopping centre and multi-storey car park development at Weinam Creek in Redland Bay. The area is home to the ferry terminal for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, and with population growth the current parking facilities are at capacity. The decision has caused controversy, with the State Government describing it as a “regrettable” decision to pull out of the deal.
Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell joins us now. Mayor, why did council pull out of the deal?
MAYOR (Jos Mitchell):
Good morning, Steve. My knowledge is limited to what I’m aware of. This came forward as an urgent notice of motion to council on 10 December 2025. It was circulated at about 7.13pm the night before the general meeting. The minutes are, of course, a public record. The motion was carried by a majority of council.
I did not support the motion, and I’m happy to explain why. I felt this was a major change to a significant project that had been in play for some time. The Priority Development Area has been in place since 2013.
HOST:
So you’re saying this wasn’t some sort of surprise, given it’s been around for a long time?
MAYOR:
The project itself was in place. The urgent notice of motion sought to make changes — essentially not renewing a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Consolidated Properties Group, which related to the commercial aspect of the PDA.
The other component, which council was also managing, is the multi-storey car park. The notice of motion delegated authority to negotiate with the State Government to continue progressing that part of the project.
HOST:
Just to clarify: you’re the mayor, you voted against this, but the rules allow someone to negotiate directly with the State Government to build a car park without the shopping centre?
MAYOR:
There are two components here. As I understood it, the project was progressing. All advice to me — and information on council’s website — was that the project was on track. This notice of motion was brought forward late in the process.
HOST:
And you don’t support this approach — dropping it late at a December council meeting?
MAYOR:
That’s correct. I have supported the project because the community has been asking for this multi-storey car park and associated facilities for a long time. Everything I’ve been told is that the community wanted access to grocery shopping, to be able to park, get groceries, jump on the ferry, as well as allied health, cafes and restaurants. That information was on council’s website. That’s what I’ve been working from.
That commercial component is now not going to happen.
HOST:
So what happens now?
MAYOR:
The agreement with Consolidated Properties Group is not progressing, following the majority decision of council. The multi-storey car park is now to be negotiated by the CEO directly with the State Government to deliver the car park.
HOST:
So the elected council is effectively being bypassed, with negotiations happening between council officers and the State Government?
MAYOR:
Council, through this notice of motion, has empowered the CEO to negotiate with the Redland Investment Corporation and the State Government to deliver the car park. That aspect was already in play.
I’ve been assured by senior staff that there is no delay to the car park project, but there is also no acceleration.
HOST:
So the timeframe for the car park won’t change?
MAYOR:
That’s what I’ve been advised — that it won’t be affected. I can only go on the information provided to me by senior management. This is a declared Priority Development Area, which means the State ultimately has authority.
HOST:
What does this mean for the people who elected you — the ratepayers of Redland City?
MAYOR:
A majority vote of council will always carry council decisions. I make my decisions based on what I believe the community wants and on the information available to me.
From everything I hear, people want the car park delivered as soon as possible. They also want the PDA area to provide for community needs — community space, amenities, access to health services, cafes. That’s what council had previously communicated.
HOST:
But they’re not going to get that commercial side now.
MAYOR:
The memorandum of understanding has been terminated by the majority of council, so an alternative plan will need to be developed.
HOST:
Mayor Jos Mitchell, thanks for your time.
MAYOR:
Thank you very much, Steve.
