The Walker Group

Jun 16, 2022

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later. Dismiss Normal text size Advertisement An urgent native title mediation is under way over the $1.4 billion Toondah Harbour project, regarded by the Queensland government as the ‘Gateway to Straddie’. The region’s accepted native titleholders, the Quandamooka people, have lodged a second native title application over most of Redlands Coast and part of Brisbane, which could affect major projects including the long-planned marina and residential complex at Cleveland. The Quandamooka Coast claim, which has been progressing through the Federal Court for some time, also includes the southern bay islands. Redland City Council has asked for urgent advice from the Federal Court on native title issues linked to the $1.4 billion Toondah Harbour project. Credit:Walker Group According to Redland City Council, the claim does not cover freehold land or most leaseholds so “most landholders” will not be impacted. However, the council on Thursday confirmed 2500 sites, including sections of Toondah Harbour and the Weinam Creek boat mooring project, may be subject to native title rights. “Of these, there are around 80 in particular that we are looking for clarity on whether or not public works at the sites or prior tenure extinguishes native title,” a spokesman said. “These include Wellington Point, Cleveland Point and Victoria Point. “There are also 147 areas of interest that Council manages such as foreshores, creeks and canals where we are also seeking clarity on native title status.” The council has initiated a mediation process over the claim, which will see it come to a head in August. Advertisement The Walker Corporation, which is behind the project, estimates the new Toondah Harbour could bring “50,000 additional visitors to the Redlands Coast each year, injecting $17 million in new income for local businesses in Cleveland, North Stradbroke and the Bay islands”. The project includes the site of the Cleveland ferry and barge terminal to North Stradbroke Island, which is also known as Minjerribah, and the nearby GJ Walter Park and mangrove wetlands. Native title rights include the “use, share and exchange of natural resources” in addition to the ability to conduct ceremonies, burials, and teaching about “the spiritual attributes of the area”. An artist’s impression of a small part of the Walker Group’s planned Toondah Harbour development, which includes up to 3600 units and a 400-berth marina. Credit:The Walker Group The council has also questioned whether native title might apply to some public works built before the end of 1996 - including the existing harbour infrastructure itself, which was built by Stradbroke Island Ferries in 1972. “Council has placed this information before the State [government], the claim applicant [Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation] and the Federal Court to aid in determining the claim,” it said, after Brisbane Times obtained court documents and asked about the mediation. Conservationists have long argued the redevelopment, on land and water in the Moreton Bay Marine Park, would damage internationally recognised wetlands and sea bird, dugong and turtle habitat. Site of the proposed Toondah Harbour development, described as the future gateway to North Stradbroke Island. Credit:Tony Moore The Queensland government reduced the marina to 400 berths [from 800 berths] and building heights from 15 storeys to 10 storeys. The Walker Corporation plans to build 3600 units. The government is a second applicant to the native title review because of a development agreement between the developers and Economic Development Queensland. A government spokeswoman said it only recently became aware of Redland City Council’s March 2022 review of the Quandamooka Coast native title application. Site of the proposed Toondah Harbour development, described as the future gateway to North Stradbroke Island. The development proposes dredging in internationally-protected mangrove wetlands. Credit:Tony Moore The spokeswoman said the government would not comment until the court had resolved the issue and a formal development application had been made by the company. The Federal government is still assessing environmental issues linked to the marina development. The Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC), the native title body formed for the first Quandamooka people’s 2011 native title ruling over Minjerribah, declined to comment on the current native title claim. Save