Redlands Region Embroiled in Development Disputes and Historical Scrutiny
The Redlands region has been the site of recent developments and historical transactions involving local council and property developers. These include the Redlands Council's termination of an agreement for the Weinam Creek project and the subsequent rejection of a developer's land offer, alongside past scrutiny over a former mayor's property sale preceding a crucial vote on the Shoreline development. Both situations have involved discussions around project scope, financial considerations, and potential conflicts of interest.
Weinam Creek Development Project Dispute
Rejection of Land Offer and Project Termination
Redlands Councillor Rowanne McKenzie has rejected a $5.5 million offer from developer Don O’Rorke of Consolidated Properties Group (CPG) to purchase land at the Redland Bay Marina. This decision follows the Redlands Council's termination of a two-year agreement with CPG late last year for a proposed $250 million project. The initial project included plans for a Coles-anchored shopping centre and a multi-storey car park.
The council now plans for the state government to develop only a car park for Southern Moreton Bay Islanders at the site. Councillor McKenzie communicated that she considered the relationship with CPG "no longer tenable," attributing this to recent media coverage which she suggested was initiated by O'Rorke's organization.
McKenzie characterized O'Rorke's offer as insufficient and stated that any future land sale would comply with the Local Government Regulation Act 2012, requiring a public tender or auction to achieve fair market value.
Councillor Shane Rendalls, who proposed the motion for the change, stated it would expedite the delivery of the car park.
Developer's Stance and Allegations
Don O’Rorke denied initiating the media coverage, stating his organization had provided a written statement first shared with the council. He expressed a preference to proceed with the Coles centre and car park as originally planned. O'Rorke had previously raised concerns about the council's decision to discontinue the CPG project, noting that it was reportedly progressing on time and within budget.
He also suggested that the decision could potentially benefit a local developer, Fox and Bell, which has family connections to the council’s chief executive, Louise Rusan.
A council spokesperson confirmed that Rusan’s conflict of interest was registered and managed.
Official Responses and Concerns
The change in plans for the Weinam Creek priority development area has elicited comments from various parties. Scott Hutchinson, chairman of contracted builders Hutchinsons, expressed surprise at the decision, citing resources already allocated to the project.
Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie described the council's decision as disappointing, noting an opportunity for "more than a car park" at Weinam Creek, including potential for shopping and medical facilities.
Shoreline Development Project and Former Mayor's Property Transaction
Former Mayor's Land Sale and Vote
In November 2015, former Redlands Mayor Karen Williams cast the deciding vote on the Shoreline development project. This occurred less than two years after she and her brother, Robert Tomaszewski, sold 2.8 hectares of their family farm to Joe Fiteni for over $4 million in 2013. Fiteni's company, Edrange Pty Ltd, was identified as one of the entities associated with the Shoreline development at Redland Bay.
At the time of the land sale, no development application for Shoreline had been lodged. Following this transaction, Williams and her husband purchased a rural property in Mount Cotton for $1.7 million, which was subsequently developed into a wedding venue.
The Shoreline development was a proposed $2.3 billion project, including plans for 4000 homes across 189 hectares. During the November 2015 Redland City Council meeting, which lasted over three and a half hours, Mayor Williams declared a perceived conflict of interest related to an applicant.
She indicated her intention to remain in the room and vote based on community interest, citing an estimated $100 million in infrastructure development as a benefit of the project.
The application passed by a vote of six to five, with Mayor Williams casting the decisive vote. A council member reportedly raised concerns about developers having attended fundraisers for Williams's mayoral campaign in 2012.
Shoreline Project Details and Progression
The Shoreline project was initially lodged by Edrange Pty Ltd and Fox and Bell in 2014. Concerns were raised regarding its location outside the existing urban footprint, which necessitated new sewage infrastructure, and potential impacts on local traffic.
In 2018, Lendlease assumed leadership of the project, with Fiteni and other landowners continuing as property sellers. Construction included a primary school and roads. A sewage treatment plant became operational in early 2026; prior to this, waste from the estate was transported by trucks.
The state government and Lendlease contributed to the $30 million sewage treatment plant. Lendlease later sold Shoreline, along with other developments, to Thai developers Superlai, who subsequently partnered with Stockland.