Toondah Harbour to put Redlands on the world stage

The revitalisation of Toondah Harbour has the potential to be a game-changer for south-east Queensland’s economy – a “generational opportunity” to bring a new era of jobs and productivity growth.

Research by The Business of Cities, based at University College London, found the $2.3 billion project could put the Redlands region on the map as one of the world’s most unique harbourside developments.

It said Toondah Harbour could emulate or even surpass famous international locations such as HafenCity in Hamburg and Greenwich Peninsula in London, and emerging harbour locations such as Chula Vista in San Diego.

Lead by Professor Glen Clarke and Dr Tim Moonen, The Business of Cities has been providing global analysis, benchmarking and advice on Australian cities and regions for more than 10 years.

The group’s research was released earlier this month at a local business function hosted by the Redlands Chamber of Commerce as part of its Championing Redlands Coast initiative.

It found Toondah Harbour could attract many new year-round eco and cultural tourism jobs due to its proximity to Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and southern Moreton Bay.

Protecting the environment and telling the story of the area’s rich history were also important aspects to ensuring a truly world-class project.

“This project can set a standard in Australia and beyond as to how to unlock a strategic location and also minimise the disturbance of natural ecosystems and habitats,” the research said.

“The commitments to a conservation area acting as a buffer zone between Toondah Harbour and surrounding islands, anchored by a wetlands education centre, provide an important environmental and educational legacy.”

Enhancing lifestyle and economic opportunities for locals in the region was also a key focus for the project.

“Toondah Harbour is not only an opportunity to provide access to a mixed-use, amenity rich and lifestyle-led environment that is not easily accessible in the Redlands or outside inner Brisbane,” the research said.

“It also enables communities directly with areas of new open space, new walking and cycling trails, dining and shopping spaces, without disrupting enjoyment of existing parkland and natural assets.”

Dr Moonen said Toondah Harbour could be a new post-Covid paradigm, where suburban coastal locations became synonymous with variety, amenity, identity, sustainability, and creativity.

“What makes Toondah Harbour stand out is what it combines, stunning physical and natural assets at its doorstep and the developments scale and ambition to create real critical mass. Few locations around the world can match this,” he said.

The project would use the best practice from across the globe to enhance what is great about Redlands while ensuring a new era of prosperity for the region.

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