Walker Corporation talks about jobs for locals in proposed Toondah Harbour project

Speaking at a jobs forum attended by about 40 people at the Alexandra Hills TAFE, Walker Corporation's project designer Craig Addley said the project would create about 1000 jobs a year.

Mr Addley said that Walker, as a private company, could procure the project so that locals would benefit.

"We want to make sure we prioritise work and job opportunities for Redlands contractors and sub-contractors," he said.

Mr Addley said the company had a minimum target of 15 per cent apprentices.

The proposed redevelopment includes an upgraded port, parklands with a lagoon pool and water play area, a retail and dining precinct, hotel and convention facilities and 3600 dwellings.

Environment and community groups have fiercely opposed the project raising concerns about its impact on a Ramsar site, the loss of public space, impacts on koalas and foreshores, and road and public transport issues.

Capalaba MP Don Brown said that locals working on the $1.4 billion project would keep money and jobs in the Redlands.

He and Redlands MP Kim Richards said scientific assessments were yet to be done on the project.

Mr Addley said the 12 to 18-month environmental assessment had just started. "If approvals and permits are granted, the project would start soon after," he said.

Mr Addley said the Redlands population was expected to be 200,000 - about the same as Townsville - in 20 years. He said places where people could live, work and play would encourage young people to stay in the Redlands.

Any Access Mini Excavations owner Paul Roberton said he went to the forum to find out if his business could benefit.

"I think there will be opportunities even though we are a small firm, even if it means working with a large enterprise," Mr Roberton said. "It would be tremendous because so many projects just go out to tender and go to big companies."

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