Federal Member for Moreton, Graham Perrett MP welcomes the federal government’s proposed decision to refuse an application for a development on Toondah Harbour in Cleveland.

Toondah Harbour is part of the Moreton Bay Ramsar Site, which is recognised as an internationally significant wetland.

Mr Perrett said “many people contacted my Electorate Office to express their concern about the proposed $1.3 billion development of a marina, high-rise homes, shops, and restaurants.”

He visited the site in March 2024, saying, “Toondah Harbour is a crucial habitat for migratory birds and the gateway to Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and Moreton Bay. Wetlands are under threat globally and we need to protect their biodiversity.”

He said that the Minister made her proposed decision after reviewing the relevant assessment material, visiting the site, and extensive consultations with the developer, local residents, businesses, representatives of the Quandamooka people and environmentalists.

It was clear that project was going to have an unacceptable environmental impact, removing 58.7 hectares from the internationally protected wetland, and threatening a range of species including loggerhead and green turtles, the eastern curlew, and the grey-tailed tattler. It would also have negatively impacted the habitat of dugongs, dolphins, and other shorebirds.

Mr Perrett also highlighted the opportunity for more feedback on the proposed decision. The Minister has made her proposed decision public so that the thousands of people who have made public comments on this have a chance to respond before the final decision is made.