GREENS candidates in three Redlands seats have opposed the $1.3 billion Toondah Harbour redevelopment.
David Keogh from Redlands, Brad Scott from Oodgeroo and Joshua Sanderson from Capalaba all oppose the big marina and residential project.
They say the 73 hectare project – which includes 50 hectares of Ramsar wetlands – would destroy an internationally important wetland as well as critically endangered species.
“The Greens will never stand by and allow such an important part of our community be destroyed by big developers,” Mr Keogh said.
“The required dredging for this development would see massive destruction of mangroves and marine life.
“We support improved facilities at Toondah Harbour, including a more substantive ferry terminal, but we will not support the wanton destruction of the bay.”
Oodgeroo candidates, the LNP’s Mark Robinson and Labor’s Tony Austin, were approached for comment on North Stradbroke Island sand mining and the Toondah Harbour redevelopment but did not respond.
Mr Scott said the ALP and LNP’s support of the project was further proof of the relationship between the major parties and big developers.
“Both the ALP and LNP have received political donations from Walker Holdings Group, the company leading the re-development,” Mr Scott said.
“We must … ban corporate donations as well as cash-for-access meetings between big business and politicians.”
Mr Sanderson said the Greens wanted to overhaul and democratise the planning system by giving the community a greater say in planning decisions.
“The Greens will launch a groundbreaking trial of deliberative neighbourhood democracy,” he said.
“Under the trial, neighbourhood plans would be drafted by a panel of residents randomly selected from the community with assistance from architects and town planners.
“We’ll ensure equality of participation by paying people for their time.
“Councils would still have to approve the neighbourhood plans but we would give communities the final say through a direct, binding vote.
“This is about putting people and communities at the heart of our towns and cities.”
