THE announcement last week that the $1.3 billion Toondah Harbour redevelopment will begin within two years will come as a welcome boost to Cleveland.
The 300-berth marina and retail precinct was announced on Friday by the deputy premier Jackie Tradd, dispelling any suggestions the project might be canned by the ALP government.
The most important aspect of the announcement and one that will be welcomed by the Cleveland community is that Walker Group general manager Peter Saba gave a firm commitment that the development would not encroach on nearby foreshore parkland.
This comment will be held to account by Cleveland residents, but importantly amid Friday's back-slapping was a guarantee that G. J. Walter Park, an important open space that has been at the centre of concern from protesting residents, will remain intact.
As well, Mr Saba said there would be no net loss of open public space, which he claimed would increase four times under the project.
The development will include a range of retail opportunities, a central plaza and boardwalks, which will open up a new community at the gateway to one of the Redlands' biggest drawcards, North Stradbroke Island.
The deputy premier indicated the project would create 1000 construction jobs, but in an unusual twist said this would make up for job losses on North Stradbroke Island after sand mining ended in 2019.
While there will be employment opportunities in this development, which has yet to win any state or federal government development and environment approvals, squaring off with the job losses with the close of sand mining on the island rings hollow.
The swift move to end sand mining by the ALP government has come as no surprise to the Redlands, but nothing has been put in place to transition the island economy to life without the mines.
The survival of the island communities will be under enormous stress with the closure of sand mining, which has been the back bone of its economy for decades.
Following the abrupt announcement about the termination of sand mining with an attempt to smooth the waters with the lure of job prospects could arise from a project that is yet to win a full stamp of approval, is shallow.
The Toondah project has always been touted as a fitting gateway to Straddie and its stunning attractions.
Now, however, with pressure mounting on the island's economy, we cannot allow the project to become a gateway to nowhere.
Nevertheless, the redevelopment presents a tremendous challenge for the developers, planners and designers to make a spectacular statement.
With much concern over sensitive environmental and open space issues, the blank canvas is the perfect opportunity to get it right.
