LOCAL council was approached for comment following State Member for Capalaba Don Brown’s statement in Parliament where he gave his support to a smaller development for Toondah Harbour.
The original plan to build residential, commercial and community facilities as well as an upgrade to the North Stradbroke Island ferry received a proposed rejection from Minister for Environment Tanya Plibersek which resulted in developer Walker Corporation withdrawing the application on April 18.
Councillor for Division 2, where the proposed site is located, Peter Mitchell said any opportunity to “fix Toondah” could not be missed and he called on Federal and State Governments to be at the forefront of a long-term solution alongside Council, businesses and community.
“I throw my full support behind leadership in this direction without predicting any perfect model,” he said.
“Given the environmental sensitivity of the area, it is important to have the Federal Government at the table to ensure workable environmental outcomes are embedded into any proposal.
“Given much of the transport responsibilities are state-based, ratepayers cannot and should not be unfairly burdened with this state responsibility both mainland and island.
“Importantly, I hold a strong view that any Toondah proposal seen in isolation is short sighted and doomed to only partial success environmentally, economically and socially.”
Cr Mitchell said any new Toondah Plan must be linked in functionality and timing with a twin solution at the Port of Dunwich, as well as investment and upgrades to both land and marine public transportation.
“Development of both a Toondah Harbour and also Dunwich proposal must include wholly integrated smart ticketing public transportation with Translink,” he said. “This integrated transportation must also include transport to Toondah, the marine element and high frequency service to the three townships of Stradbroke Island.
“Without a vision and commitment for a holistic transportation solution, housing will not be liveable, tourism, social and economic outcomes will be poor.”
Mayor Jos Mitchell was approached for comment.
