Documents obtained under Freedom of Information (FOI) show the former federal environment minister rejected advice from his own department that a $1.4 billion development on protected wetlands being proposed by a major Liberal Party donor was “unacceptable”.
One of Australia’s largest private diversified development companies, Walker Corporation, wants to build a precinct that includes 3,600 apartments, a hotel, convention centre and marina on a stretch of coastline south-east of Brisbane.
Despite the Toondah Harbour being listed under the RAMSAR convention, which protects important habitats for migratory birds, former environment minister and current Treasurer Josh Frydenberg defends his decision to undertake a ‘proper assessment’ of the development plan, following sustained pressure from development corporation.