Southern Thornlands PDA: Responsible Growth for Redland's Future

The Queensland Government has announced a new Priority Development Area (PDA) to enable Redland city to grow responsibly for years to come, while providing a critical housing and infrastructure boost.

The Southern Thornlands PDA responds to the Redland city’s forecast population growing from 161,700 people in 2021 to 211,500 by 2046.

Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) is leading this initiative and will work in partnership with Redland City Council in the next planning phase engaging with state agencies, the development industry, community and other stakeholders. Formal community consultation is planned for 2026.

The PDA ensures growth is planned for, delivered responsibly and at pace. This includes identifying supporting land uses and infrastructure such as transport, community facilities, utilities and greenspaces, while protecting the area’s liveability and its valuable environmental assets.

The new PDA came into effect on 4 April 2025 and covers an 890-hectare area bounded by Boundary Road, Mount Cotton Road and Eprapah Creek.

Increasing housing according to need

The PDA will deliver more diverse housing mix in line with local needs.

The PDA will enable:

• Approximately 8,000 new dwellings to increase supply, including smaller and more affordable dwellings.
• An Early Release Area providing an initial boost of 900 new homes.
• Low-rise, medium-rise and diverse housing types to provide a variety of options based on need.

The Southern Thornlands PDA directly responds to Redland city's housing challenges. For example, data shows approximately 85% of housing stock in Redland city has three bedrooms or more, despite average household sizes reducing over time. Diversifying the housing mix in Redland will make it easier for young and working families wanting to enter the market.

An integrated approach to growth

The PDA will enable the right infrastructure to be delivered at the right time and in the right location. This will be done using a whole-of-government response, as well as through partnerships with Redland City Council and the development industry.

This PDA will unlock:

• Supporting infrastructure such as transport, community facilities, utilities and greenspaces through a coordinated approach.
• Enhanced protection and rehabilitation of key environmental corridors, including Eprapah Creek, koala habitats and other natural assets.

Boosting the local economy and jobs

The PDA will also enable more jobs, closer to home. This includes delivering a major new employment area to accommodate a mix of business and industrial uses with good arterial road access. The precinct will provide greater economic development opportunities, boost local jobs, encourage investment and increase local spending.

With over 40% of Redland city locals travelling to work in Brisbane, the area will also increase land supply to meet its long-term industry and commercial needs.

Next steps

An Interim Land Use Plan (ILUP) is now in effect and regulates development until the Development Scheme is completed, which is anticipated by late 2026.

The community will have opportunities to provide input, with engagement activities beginning later this year, ahead of formal consultation in 2026.

To learn more about Priority Development Areas and how they support Queensland's growth, click here.