COMMONWEALTH land at Birkdale has been excluded from the urban footprint in the South East Queensland Regional Plan.
The land had been included in the urban footprint in the draft plan, a move supported by council.
Capalaba MP Don Brown launched a petition in July calling for his government to make the change.
He said the exclusion would protect the bushland.
“It’s important that as we plan ahead for the future we preserve important aspects of our community like the Birkdale bushland and pursue high-quality, sustainable development,” he said.
“If there’s ever a serious proposal for a university campus at part of this site it could still go ahead if it received approval from the state government and adequately protected the bushland.”
Redland mayor Karen Williams said the exclusion was expected, given Mr Brown’s petition.
“This is disappointing but we will work directly with the Planning Minister to keep the prospect of a university for the Redlands alive.”
Bay islands
With regards to the islands, the plan acknowledges the unique circumstances and challenges on the bay islands.
The plan states development on the bay islands “will support local communities and provide opportunities for flexible island-based activities that promote variety in the local economy”.
It also states a co-ordinated response between government and key stakeholders would be necessary in future planning.
Cr Williams welcomed this acknowledgement in the plan.
“This is something I pushed very hard for,” she said.
“I want other levels of government, including the state, to acknowledge the additional support our island communities need with respect to planning and infrastructure.
“The first step to doing that is acknowledging these challenges and planning accordingly.”
Cr Williams said she was disappointed there was no mention of the North Stradbroke Island Economic Transition in the plan.
“Time is running out to make sure we don’t leave Straddie stranded without the necessary infrastructure to replace the jobs lost due to the state government’s decision to bring forward the cessation of mining,” she said.
Southern Thornlands
The plan earmarks southern Thornlands as one of 10 potential future growth sites in south-east Queensland.
It requires council to investigate by 2019 the area’s potential for employment.
“We are committed to this area being used for employment opportunity and not housing and will work to ensure this happens,” Cr Williams said.
