THE first steps of the $2billion Shoreline development, in southern Redland Bay, were taken this morning when billboards were erected calling for public comment.
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Residents have been asked their views on the 4000-house development proposed for some cow paddocks flanking Scenic Road and Serpentine Creek Road.
The billboards notify residents of the proposed housing development for 10,000 people, which can be approved under the current "investigation zoning".
The land, which abuts the BayView Conservation estate, is owned by developer Joe Fiteni and farmer and businessman Gordon Wilson, in partnership with developers Fox and Bell.
The 279hectares is not zoned for residential use and is not included in the state government’s urban footprint development area.
In the “impact assessable” application, submitted to Redland City Council in July, developers Shoreline Redlands Pty Ltd ask council to allow it to build a “master planned” residential community, which is in line with Redland council's current town plan "investigation zone".
Shoreline's Garry Hargrave said the application followed council investigations and reports done in 2007 and 2008.
"It's a really exciting project and a game-changer for Redland City as it gives opportunities for employment and foreshore parks that wouldn't otherwise be available," Mr Hargrave said.
"We will provide district-level sports fields to make up for the chronic lack of sporting facilities in southern Redlands and will work with state and council to ensure appropriate road works are done in a timely manner."
Under an “impact assessment” application, the developer must advertise the proposal during a six-week submission period and people who make properly-made submissions have legal rights to appeal.
Issues raised in the application included infrastructure costs, mosquito control, environmental impacts and the need for the development.
In October last year, Fox and Bell managing director Greg Bell said 474 people surveyed by his company approved of the $2billion proposal, while 12 per cent opposed it.
He said his company would consider “improvements” such as public transport; building a foreshore park, water park, boat ramps or perhaps a marina. Building a jetty at the proposed site was also rated by 83 per cent as desirable.
At the time, Redland City councillor Murray Elliott told council he could not vote for changes to the planning scheme to allow the development to go ahead.
He said council had adequate land supply for housing and the state government would not be providing the needed road and other infrastructure within the next decade.
He said he did not want ratepayers in the north of the city to foot the bill for the necessary infrastructure, such as sewerage and roads, and said he believed developing the area would lead to traffic and transport problems.
“So there is no need for us to be investigating this area south of Redland Bay at the moment because it’s going to be a huge problem in 10 or 15 years’ time,” Cr Elliott said last year.
Fox+Bell managing director Greg Bell rejected Cr Elliott’s claims.
“As the developers, we will be responsible for the total cost of infrastructure, not ratepayers," Mr Bell said.
"In fact, this development will provide much-needed infrastructure to residents of the southern Redlands area who do not enjoy the amenity those in the north of the city do. Without this development that infrastructure will not be built."
It is unknown when council will decide on whether to approve the application.
