Keylin and Kinstone Group are the latest developers to give land back for nature reserves on the Gold Coast as the state government continues its bid to muscle in on another site.
A 27ha “gift” to the Gold Coast City Council has been made as part of the $650-million Serenity 4212 development near Hope Island.
The parcel of land dedication was a requirement of the application approval and is expected to the Coombabah Nature Reserve and Wetlands.
Keylin director Louis Cheung said it was also an opportunity to contribute to wildlife preservation.
“One of Serenity’s greatest appeals is it’s immersion in natural surrounds despite being just moments from a sought-after lifestyle precinct, and so it was extremely important to us that we preserve the ecological amenity wherever possible,” Cheung said.
Keylin and Kinstone purchased the development in February, 2020 from Sime Darby and Brunsfield International Group.
As well, 30ha at Merala Nature Refuge, next to the Currumbin Valley Eco Village, originally purchased by private landholders for preservation, was added to the state government’s protected areas in recent weeks.
The Queensland government is in the process of trying to “compulsorily acquire” 148ha of farmland at Currumbin Waters which was originally approved for 348 residential lots.
The site, known as Martha’s Farm or Martha’s Vineyard, was put on the market mid-2020 by Aveo Group and bought by brothers John and Bruce Neumann of the Neumann Group.
Neumann Developments was contacted regarding the issue and declined to comment.
Minister for State Development Steven Miles said they had been in talks with landowners since the start of the year to purchase the site.
“Unfortunately, an agreement has not been reached, and we have had to take further action. We remain open to a commercial resolution with the landowner,” Miles said.
“Martha’s Farm or Martha’s Vineyard has been subject to several development approvals since the 1980s, with the current approval for 348 residential lots, a marine precinct and artificial lake.
“It’s a highly constrained site with steep topography and flooding issues, making it difficult to develop, but has some unique features that make it worth preserving and enhancing.”
The state government is already in the early stages of masterplanning the Currumbin Eco Parkland for that site.
