THE public private partnership put together between Walker Corp and Redland City Council to redevelop the Weinam Creek ferry terminal appears all but over.
Redland City Council mayor Karen Williams would not say if the project was washed up but said she made no apologies for delays in getting it started because council was determined to get the best deal.
“We have to get it right given it is the gateway to the islands and there is a growing population there,” she said.
The Weinam Creek redevelopment is a state government-declared Priority Development Area covering 42 hectares. PDAs are parcels of land identified for accelerated development, with a focus on economic growth.
Council’s aim with a PPP has been to upgrade the ferry terminal at no cost to ratepayers. With the development to include substantial commuter parking, it is understood Walker Corp has struggled to put together a plan that would see the project return it a profit.
Walker Corp spokesman Peter Saba said he was unable to comment on the PDA, nor on why it had disappeared from the company’s website list of major projects.
A spokeswoman for State Development Minister Cameron Dick also would not comment, saying only that the government was expected to make an announcement in about a month.
Cr Williams said the fact that council had bought farmland nearby did not necessarily mean the deal with Walker Corp was finished.
“Having the land puts us in the best position. It gives us more skin in the game,” she said. “It gives us choices about what we do with the PDA.
“Whether it continues with Walker corp or someone else, it gives us the opportunity for the best outcome.”
In December council bought 4.5 hectares of farmland at Weinam Creek for ferry terminal parking for $3.2 million.
Cr Mark Edwards said then that buying the land meant the redevelopment could be progressed.
Cr Williams said the farm on the southern side of Weinam Creek was suitable for car parking.
Council provides 475 secured long-term parking bays in two compounds but more are needed.
Last year Walker Corp submitted a revised proposal for the PDA, which included units, parking and foreshore work, but it was suggested ratepayers might need to contribute towards parking.
Council’s operational plan also shows that a “plan B” was being prepared by Redlands Investment Corporation for council consideration.