Redland City Mayor Melva Hobson has described as “bittersweet” the decision to zone the land for koala habitat, and said the council was concerned about impacts from increased “infill” building in the rest of the city.

“We’re certainly delighted the State Government has responded to the values and aspirations of the Redland community and taken serious action to help protect bushland koala habitat and stabilise the rapidly declining koala population,” Cr Hobson said.

“However, we still need to consider how the plan’s emphasis on infill and higher density development within existing centres and transport corridors will impact urban koalas as they traverse through centres.”

"In relation to the Thornlands development, it was always our position that best practice sustainable planning would allow for an appropriate balance between the environment and economic opportunities."

Division 7 councillor Murray Elliott said the loss of industrial land at Thornlands "destroyed in a single blow the local jobs future for Redlands residents".

"The council supported the industrial enterprise area at Thornlands because it would not have any housing in it at all," Cr Elliott said.

"This was a specific commitment by the council to preserve the area only for the employment opportunities, a large education precinct and the proposed regional sports facility.

"I am astounded that no alternative was directed or indicated by the state at this time when 'jobs, jobs, jobs' is its catchcry in the current economic climate."

Cr Elliott said while other opportunities existed at Kinross Road, Thornlands and Double Jump Road, Victoria Point, both will be subject to more housing as the Redlands expands to meet population projections, without offering local employment to the existing residents.

Division 1 councillor Wendy Boglary said the loss of local industrial land would lead to more and more travel in and out of the Redlands.