PROTEST group Redlands2030 is chasing senior legal help for what it calls a David and Goliath battle to dig out information on the proposed $1.4 billion Toondah Harbour development.
In 2018 the group successfully took a case to the Queensland Information Commissioner to get details of the development agreement.
Before the information was released, the government and developer Walker Corp lodged appeals against the commissioner's decision.
President Steve MacDonald said Redlands2030 wanted to raise at least $5000 to hire a top lawyer for when the matter goes before the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
"Until now, Redlands2030 has represented itself at hearings and used its modest funds to cover costs," he said.
"We now need legal representation ... to give us the best chance against heavy-hitting corporate and state legal teams.
"We know it's a David and Goliath battle, but we believe the right to know is fundamental to our democratic system."
Walker's Toondah Harbour project spokesman Dolan Hayes said the developer had been open about the project plan. The development agreement had been examined by council and the state government.
"It is no different than the state and council have with other developers on major projects across Queensland. It contains commercial in confidence information for Walker Corporation as a private company that naturally we would not release.
"The infrastructure agreement for the development is already publicly available."
Mr MacDonald said the community had a right to know about the conduct of those in power. Transparency and accountability were vital to a free, functional society.
"It's pretty disgraceful that small community organisations like ours must go to such lengths to get information about what is probably the largest and most impactful development deal that will ever occur in the Redlands."
Mr Hayes said environmental impact statement consultation would take place in the next year and would go well beyond that which was normally required.
"The Redland community will see regular project updates on social and news media and can have their say at community information sessions," he said.