In one of the first projects of its kind in Australia, more than 35,000 young mangrove plants have been propagated or salvaged and replanted into a new 9.8-hectare mangrove wetland at Stockland Shoreline in Redland Bay. 

 
Delivered by Stockland in partnership with Redland City Council, the large-scale restoration comprises mangrove plants sourced from stormwater drains and construction sites and grown in a nursery.  

 
The project, located next to the Southern Redland Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant, is transforming previously degraded and weed-infested land into a thriving mangrove forest and wetland ecosystem, creating vital habitat for fish, prawns and wading birds.  

 
The initiative marks Stockland’s first large-scale attempt at mangrove propagation and replanting. 

 
Stockland Senior Development Manager, Phil Mann, said the project is a leading example of how nature-based infrastructure can address environmental challenges while supporting community growth. 

 
“What’s unique about this project is how we’ve salvaged vegetation that would typically be cleared into a living, functioning ecosystem – one that improves water quality, stores carbon, restores habitat, and delivers long-term environmental value for the Redlands,” Mr Mann said. 

 
The wetland naturally filters tidal water from the Logan River, removing nutrients and sediments with every incoming and outgoing tide. Once the plant begins operating, the wetland will ensure high-quality water continues to enter the river.  

 
The dense mangrove root systems absorb substantial amounts of carbon from the atmosphere, protect the shoreline from erosion and storm surge, and support long-term climate resilience for the region. 

After 18 months of work involving dozens of planting crews and ecological specialists, the result is a flourishing intertidal zone that’s bringing biodiversity back and giving previously discarded plants a second life. 

 
“We’re already seeing the return of habitat and wildlife – it’s working,” Mr Mann said.  

 
“It’s a powerful example of how working with nature can deliver measurable outcomes– an important part of Stockland’s approach when designing sustainable, master planned communities.” 

Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said the project showcased how local government and developers could work together to deliver infrastructure that benefitted both the community and the environment.

“This wetland sets a new benchmark for how Council manages and treats water in growing communities,” Mayor Mitchell said.

“It represents a new model for infrastructure and climate adaptation – a forward-thinking solution that will help protect the Logan River, support biodiversity, and strengthen the long-term resilience of our region.”

Tony McAlister, Director and State Manager for Queensland at Water Technology, said it was exciting to see the team’s concept for the wetland brought to life after being carefully designed and engineered to deliver measurable water quality and environmental benefits using natural processes. 

“The Shoreline mangrove system wetland was designed to do much more than manage stormwater – it actively improves Logan River water quality every time the tide flows in and out,” Mr McAlister said. 

“State-of-the-art hydraulic and water quality modelling completed before the project was approved showed it could deliver substantial environmental benefits to the river. 

 
“Unlike traditional infrastructure, this system works with natural tidal flows and mangrove communities to remove nutrients and sediments, while also providing habitat and shoreline protection. It’s a great example of how engineered systems and natural processes can be integrated – supporting water quality, biodiversity, and long-term shoreline resilience.” 

 
The project is supported by science and is now part of a four-year Australian Research Council Linkage Grant led by Griffith University, with involvement from Stockland, Water Technology,  
Redland City Council, and the Queensland Government. 
 
The research is assessing the wetland’s environmental performance compared to traditional ‘grey’ and has been peer-reviewed by specialists from CSIRO, the University of Queensland, and other leading experts. 

 
The project included extensive community engagement and cultural monitoring throughout construction with the Traditional Owners the Danggan Balun (Five Rivers people). 

 
The wetland is part of a broader transformation at Stockland Shoreline, where more than 350 homes are already complete. The Southern Redland Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.