The federal government has decided to reject the development of the Toondah Harbour project in Queensland, valued at $1.4 billion (US$930 million), due to concerns about its environmental impacts. The decision comes after nearly a decade of planning and consultation with relevant stakeholders.
The project, proposed by the Walker Corporation, aimed to create a mixed-use development including residential, commercial, retail, and tourism elements in a protected wetland area near Brisbane. The plan involved dredging the wetland and using the sediment for land reclamation over a 15-to-20-year period, resulting in the removal of 58.7 hectares of wetland and impacting various threatened and migratory species in the area.
Federal Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek found the project to be “unacceptable” and announced her decision to refuse its application after considering feedback from local residents, businesses, indigenous representatives, and environmentalists. The government received 26,000 public comments on the project’s draft assessment before making the final decision.
Walker Corporation has 10 business days to respond to the proposed decision, during which they will review and address the environmental concerns raised by the government. Redland City Council, a supporter of the project, expressed disappointment over the decision, citing potential economic losses for the region.
The Australian Conservation Foundation praised Minister Plibersek’s decision, calling it a “landmark” moment that highlights the importance of protecting nature and wildlife from unsustainable development practices. The organization emphasized the need to preserve vital habitats for migratory birds, koalas, and other wildlife affected by the proposed project. Could you please rephrase that?
Source link
