AN island resident has warned that commuters, carers, tradies and businesses could face a parking “nightmare” as construction-related changes begin at Weinam Creek next week.
Les Barkla is calling for an urgent on-site meeting and a temporary parking plan before the marina’s existing seven-day parking area – Zone A – closes for interim works on Wednesday, October 28.
Economic Development Queensland’s latest project update confirms Zone A will close before reopening in November as temporary permit parking.
Later this year, Zone D is expected to close, Zone C parking will be reduced, and Zone E will be restricted to authorised vehicles as construction of the new multi-level car park begins.
Mr Barkla said the changes could force hundreds of vehicles to find somewhere else to park in an area already struggling with demand.
He estimates up to 342 spaces in Zones A and D could be affected, with another 30 to 50 vehicles regularly parked on verges and corners, potentially leaving 380 to 400 vehicles needing alternatives.
EDQ says the final construction footprint and exact number of affected spaces have not yet been confirmed.
“We need to step up and demand action now to fix this nightmare,” Mr Barkla said.
Redland Bay resident George Joyce said the changes had added to concerns that parts of the 42-hectare Weinam Creek Priority Development Area had become a “no man’s land”.
Mr Joyce said footpaths along the southern end of Banana St and near the fishing club footbridge had been dug up during earlier Redlands Investment Corporation works and remained hazardous.
He said he had contacted State Member for Redlands Rebecca Young and Division 5 Councillor Shane Rendalls seeking action but was still waiting for a clear commitment on who would repair the damaged paths.
Mr Joyce also questioned why orange bollards had remained for years at the entrance to the Redland Bay war memorial, rather than a more permanent gateway.
Mrs Young said the multi-level car park was the permanent solution island communities had called for over many years.
“Delivering a major infrastructure project within an operational transport precinct will inevitably involve some disruption, and we have been upfront about that,” she said.
Mrs Young said the staged transition was designed to maintain reliable access for island residents, commuters, carers, tradespeople and businesses, with about 1150 parking spaces expected to remain available.
