Ms Plibersek on Tuesday proposed refusing a development application on Toondah Harbour, east of Brisbane, that would have created a mixed use residential, commercial, retail and tourism precinct.

Construction by Walker Corporation was to occur through dredging of the wetland, with the sediment used for land reclamation over a 15-to-20 year period.

The environment minister found removing 58.7 hectares from the internationally protected wetland was an unacceptable impact, and denied the project in a draft ruling.

Ms Plibersek has invited comment and feedback before making a final decision.

Walker Corporation has 10 business days to respond.

“These wetlands are rare, unique and important to prevent the extinction of animals like the eastern curlew and loggerhead turtle,” Ms Plibersek said.

“My proposed decision says that we can’t destroy portions of this internationally important wetland.

“I am making my proposed decision public so that the tens of thousands of people who have made public comments on this have a chance to respond. I want to hear from them before I make my final decision.”

More than 26,000 comments were made on the development when its draft environmental impact statement was released.

The Australian Conservation Fund welcomed the minister’s draft ruling to keep wildlife habitat safe.

“Walker Group’s marina and high-rise apartment plan would have destroyed irreplaceable feeding grounds for migratory birds, a big chunk of the Ramsar wetland and mature eucalypts that are home to koalas and other wildlife,” chief executive Kelly O’Shanassy said.

“ACF, BirdLife Australia and the Toondah Alliance, along with local groups, have long campaigned to stop this bid to replace a living ecosystem with a concrete wasteland.”