Almost 150 hectares of southern Gold Coast land is to be transformed into one of the largest eco-parks in the country through compulsory acquisition from the defiant owners.
The state government has today announced it will begin the process to acquire 148 hectares for the Currumbin Eco-Parkland — locally known as Martha's Farm or Martha's Vineyard.
The government is working to strike a deal with the commercial owners, who have a council-approved plan for a 348-residential lot, a marine precinct and artificial lake.
Leaders of a local advocacy group say they are optimistic about the change but will be happy when the deal is officially finalised, putting an end to almost four decades of development threats.
'Further action' to lock up problematic land
Minister for State Development Steven Miles said, after failed negotiations with the owners, the state would set out to compulsorily acquire the land.
"Unfortunately, an agreement has not been reached, and we have had to take further action," he said.
The ABC is seeking comment from the owners.
Mr Miles said the site had been subjected to "several development approvals since the 1980s".
"It's a highly constrained site with steep topography and flooding issues, making it difficult to develop," he said.
The state government currently has $15 million put aside for the land.
If the owners refuse to come to an agreement, the government will only need to pay market value to secure the property.
'Never too late' for hidden gem
President of community advocacy group Friends of Currumbin Peter Kershaw has been fighting development plans since the 1980s.
Mr Kershaw said the site had changed hands several times and had been considered for a retirement villa, residential estate and golf course.
He said he was cautiously optimistic about the acquisition.
"It's never too late," he said.
Mr Kershaw said he has submitted several suggestions to the government for the land, including a cultural centre dedicated to the local Yugambeh traditional owners, low-impact eco-tourism cabins, a tree-planting area and a place for recreational ovals on the floodplains.
"There's also a lot of activity that takes place along the border track," he said.
"There's bushwalkers, birdwatchers, orienteers, trail runners and occasionally the local bikes.
"There's an opportunity… to let the community know a little bit about the hidden gems that are in there."
Mr Kershaw said the land's proximity to services and natural beauty attracted developers in the first place.
"It's one of the few areas set aside for development without heading to the north of the Gold Coast and wandering into the cane fields and further areas up north," he said.
Koalas, wildlife big winners
Under the government's ownership, the area will be open to the community as eco-parkland, and serve as a protected home for native flora and wildlife, including koalas.
Minister for the Environment Meghan Scanlon said the decision would deter the ambitions of new developers and protect natural and delicate rainforest.
"This decision will protect koalas and other local wildlife and stop development from encroaching on the local blackbutt forest" she said.
"Martha's Vineyard is already popular with hikers and nature-based activities, and we want to not just protect that access but improve it.
"Just like the land next door at the Merala Nature Refuge is being restored, we'll see our rangers protect and preserve this valuable pocked of nature."
Last week, locals Alan and Meryl Wilson agreed to lock up their nearby 30 hectares of land in the Currumbin Valley for the same reason.
