The Queensland Greens have welcomed the news that Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek will reject Walker Corporation’s Toondah Harbour development proposal under EPBC laws, and are calling on Queensland Premier Steven Miles to rule out support for future development at the site.
The State Government signed a confidential project development agreement with Walker Corporation and Redland City Council to pursue the development under a State-designated Priority Development Area.
Queensland Greens Planning and Environment Spokesperson Michael Berkman:
“Steven Miles and the rest of Queensland Labor never should’ve pursued this destructive proposal. They need to rule out further support for development on these precious wetlands.
“Why did Queensland Labor push so hard to defend Walker’s plans, which would’ve destroyed over 40 ha of Ramsar listed wetlands for expensive private apartments?
“As Planning Minister, Steven Miles wasted everyone’s time pushing this destructive proposal, including spending more than $67,000 in public money to conceal the Government’s secret development agreement with Walker Corporation.
“Labor should’ve ditched this plan years ago. It shouldn’t have taken years of community pushback, thousands of taxpayer dollars and a Federal referral.
“Now that Federal Labor has finally said no to Walker’s plan, Queensland Labor needs to confirm they won’t support any future private development on the site.
“Fix the ferry terminal and protect the wetlands instead - no more secret sweetheart deals for private developers.”