The Australian Greens have been the only party to consistently oppose the Toondah Harbour development. 

The Greens could hold the balance of power if Queensland elects a second senator and/or the Greens win enough lower house seats to form a minority government. If this happens they could save Toondah. 

As both Senator Larissa Waters and local candidate for the seat of Bowman provided comprehensive statements, I will publish Senator Waters today and include Ian’s in the next update.

In relation to the potential destruction of an internationally- significant wetland in the Moreton Bay Marine Park and foreshore koala colony on public land, Larissa wrote: 

I and the Australian Greens are committed to protecting the significant, pristine Toondah wetlands and broader Moreton Bay Marine Park against the Walker Corporation’s proposal. 

We have campaigned against the destructive development locally, and at the State and Federal level over many years.  I and Senator Janet Rice have visited the site as part of the Senate inquiry into the effectiveness of threatened species laws, and maintained pressure on the Federal Department of Environment regarding the assessment process at subsequent budget estimates.

The Queensland Greens have a published position opposing the development, which the Australian Greens support. We think the ferry terminal could be upgraded and remain in public hands, without any of the associated negative private over-development or impacts on GJ Walter Park or the wetlands!

At its heart, the Walker proposal which threatens Toondah Harbour is emblematic of broader problems with Queensland’s planning regime and national laws for the protection of threatened species and ecosystems. We are committed to reforming these laws to strengthen environmental and cultural heritage protections, strategic planning, transparency and community input into development decisions.

We have also raised concerns about the questionable history of political donations from Walker Corporation and related favourable treatment by the then Federal Environment Minister. 

We have used Budget estimates to seek information about meetings between Walker Corporation and the Minister that led to the Minister inquiring about changing the Ramsar boundaries to facilitate the development. 

The Greens strongly oppose such efforts to buy political favours and will clean up politics by banning donations from property developers, preventing environmental approvals being granted to any political donor, strengthening lobbying restrictions, and requiring Ministers to be transparent about who they have met with and what was promised.  We will also strengthen Freedom of Information laws so that it is easier to access information about government decisions.

Toondah Harbour is a precious area providing habitat, ecological services, and a sense of place for a community who love it.  You can be assured that the Australian Greens stand with you in your campaign to protect this precious place.

Yours in hope,

Larissa Waters

Senator for Queensland

Co-Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens