MAYORAL candidates Karen Williams and Greg Underwood agree on how acreage at Thornlands should be allowed to be developed.
Both believe there should not be small-lot housing in the Thornlands Integrated Employment Area, bordered by Taylor and Springacre roads and Woodlands Drive. Both believe the spot should be used to create jobs.
But that is where the similarities end.
The type of development allowed on the land is governed by the state, which made no change to zoning for Thornlands in September when it gave the green light to putting the draft City Plan out for public consultation.
Under the draft plan, the land will continue to remain outside the urban footprint but be investigated for future urban development.
Mr Underwood told November's Chamber of Commerce meeting the area was ideal for light industry and small business.
He said, if elected, he would ditch the city plan because it promoted small-lot sizes for housing which ultimately only created short-term employment.
"My view is Redland should create a large, enterprise, technology, learning area as was proposed by two former elected councils."
Cr Williams made her suggestion on Wednesday, asking for support to back an investigation into options for the land, zoned for future urban growth.
"The last thing I want to do is allow any speculation that area will be small-lot housing,” Cr Williams said.
"If we are going to be dealing with a 'future growth area' then I suggest ... we need to provide jobs and certainty - some of that work has been done.”
Cr Williams said there were a range of opportunities for the area using high-speed broadband and as a transport corridor.
