CR Mark Edwards believes there are so many different views on how the Weinam Creek ferry terminal should be developed that it is at risk of being delayed or becoming a dog’s breakfast.
Cr Edwards said the project had become the impossible ask.
Island residents have petitioned council to provide multi-level parking at Weinam Creek, while Moores Road, Redland Bay residents fear a car park will devalue their homes, be an eyesore and attract criminals.
In June council released a draft plan for the priority development area that included car parks, residential areas, restaurants, walkways and a boat ramp.
The plan shows medium and high density residential areas, a pedestrian bridge linking a car park on Moores farm land to Meissner Street and waterfront promenades.
Islander Gayle Nemeth has called on council to ensure the Weinam Creek development catered largely for islanders.
“Making the area aesthetically pleasing is desirable,” Ms Nemeth said. “However, any emphasis by council towards enhancing this very small area of the Redlands coast for the benefit of mainlanders is misplaced.
“There is no imperative, however desirable, for this area to have foreshore parklands, bike paths or any other attributes that detract from its use as a port for islanders and possibly as a park and ride for mainlanders.”
Cr Edwards last week presented a petition calling on council to urgently build the Moores Road car park.
He said Weinam Creek – as the only transit point for the islands – was the Redlands’ most critical transport infrastructure. “It’s more than the front door of the islands, it’s the life-line for the islands community,” he said.
“The PDA is designed to remedy the acute parking conditions and deliver a long-term solution that will ensure the community will benefit and thrive.
“The PDA will also deliver a raft of benefits for all the community both on and off the islands.”
Cr Edwards said the Moores farm car park would be used for overflow parking while buildings within the PDA were constructed.
“I’m happy for the Moores land to become a park or attraction, or anything else the community wants, after the parking needs are met near the terminal,” he said.
Cr Edwards said the infrastructure was being funded through joint commercial developments with the private sector.
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