REDLANDS MP Rebecca Young says she is working to solve parking problems at Redlands Bay Marina, focusing on a community-driven solution as part of the broader Weinam Creek redevelopment.
Ms Young outlined her concerns over a previous State Government proposal that fell short of meeting the growing demand for parking.
She called for a new plan that reflects the needs of the local community, especially as the population of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands continues to rise.
With increased pressure on local infrastructure, Ms Young emphasised the need for a carefully considered approach that includes not only additional parking but also improved ferry services and alternative transport solutions.
The parking problem has been a persistent challenge, given the increasing number of residents on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and the rising tourism demand at the marina.
The redevelopment of the Weinam Creek Priority Development Area (PDA) has been seen as a potential solution.
However, Ms Young emphasised the need for careful planning, saying that the previous $95 million proposal to build 1200 car parks by late 2027 was insufficient to meet community expectations.
“We need a solution that works for the community, and 1200 car parks simply won’t cut it,” Ms Young said.
“The community is expecting more – closer to 2000 spaces – and I’ve asked the Redland Investment Corporation to come back to me with a more comprehensive plan, which they did before Christmas, for the government to consider.”
Ms Young also addressed the complexities of funding, noting that the initial $15 million allocated for a feasibility study was only a starting point and was never meant to cover the full cost of the project.
She said she was focused on finding a balanced solution that would accommodate the islands’ growing population, which is estimated at about 10,000 residents.
“We are looking at all options, including car share and disability parking, to ensure that we meet the needs of our community, especially with the high number of elderly residents on the islands,” she said.
As planning work continues, Ms Young says she remains committed to securing a solution that will provide lasting benefits to the community, while also ensuring that taxpayer money is used wisely and effectively.
