THE local government election and a plea by developers for more time has thrown back planning for the Weinam Creek redevelopment by three months.
Redland City Council has decided to give the Walker Group more time to put its development proposal together and to allow the company to absorb feedback from the new council.
Mayor Karen Williams said the main point councillors made was to improve public car parking and strengthen public access to the foreshore.
"We understand the project is essential to upgrade the port at no cost to ratepayers and provide a sustainable, long-term solution to parking at Weinam Creek," Cr Williams said.
"Walker Group requested more time to complete their final design concept and financial offer and this extension also enables Walker Group to take into account feedback by new councillors provided at a workshop on 13 April.’’
Cr Williams said the foreshore and its view were special and council sought to make the most of it through infrastructure like pedestrian promenades and parks.
Walker Corp's Peter Saba said the development masterplan had been revised, with foreshore access and parking the major issues being addressed.
"We're taking into account feedback and reviewing proposals,'' he said. "It's a big change on where we were heading and where we are now.''
Thornlands resident Neale Campbell _ who uses the Weinam Creek ferry terminal to visit bay islands _ said it was time the council got on with the job.
Mr Campbell is fighting the council over a ticket issued when he had to park in a nearby street.
He said the redevelopment and sorting out the parking mess had dragged on for too long.
Cr Mark Edwards said it was important the community was patient while the necessary steps were taken.
"I am as keen as every other southern Moreton Bay islander to get this project happening," Cr Edwards said.
"But we need to be patient and accept large, mixed-use marina developments that improve public port infrastructure take time and this is just another necessary step in the process.
"The latest draft of the proposal I have seen from Walker Group has hit the mark in most areas, so I consider we are on the homeward stretch.''
Mr Saba said detailed talks with the council would remain commercial-in-confidence at least until a formal proposal was presented mid year.
Mr Campbell said he had tried to park at the ferry terminal but it and surrounding streets were packed.
He parked his car on Hamilton Street which had no signs or yellow line marking indicating any type of parking ban. He was furious to find he and other drivers had received $82 tickets.
Mr Campbell complained to the council which replied that, although there was no signage nearby, he had parked on a nature strip which was illegal under state law and the fine stood.
In August 2016, a council and state evaluation panel will assess Walker's broad proposal. Should it meet all guidelines and public infrastructure aims, commercial negotiations and detailed design work will follow.
Walkers will then need to apply for development and environmental approvals from the state and federal governments and council and start further community consultation.
