Headland Park Upgrade

July 15, 2022

A new play space, additional formalised car parks and renewed picnic facilities in Headland Park at Point Lookout (Mulumba) on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) are open and ready for visitors.

Acting Mayor Julie Talty said the $1m-plus Headland Park upgrade provided a range of benefits in the popular park that would support other naturally wonderful attractions nearby.

“Headland Park is a well-loved open space that acts as a hub for many locals and visitors to Mulumba,” Cr Talty said.

“As a gateway to the southern access point for the Gorge Walk and a key pedestrian connection to South Gorge Beach and Main Beach, the park has an important role in linking these attractions while also providing a space for rest, relaxation and play.

“With additional picnic facilities such as shelters, seating and barbecues, and an exciting new marine-themed play space, this upgrade sees Headland Park contributing to the popularity of the Mulumba area.”

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said the upgrade reflected the outcomes from community consultation where the importance of a new play space, vehicular access and improved picnic facilities were balanced by the need to provide further environmental and cultural heritage protections.

“Locals told us it was important to retain the character of this wonderful park while improving facilities to support both the local community and the increasing number of visitors enjoying this spectacular island location,” Cr Mitchell said.

“Visitors young and old will appreciate the new play space, which sits comfortably in the island landscape with its whale and turtle play structures, dolphin spring toy and cone shell cubby.

“In addition, the play space has benefited from the vibrant and imaginative work of local Indigenous artists, who painted colourful designs on the crab and its sand balls.

“More formalised car parks will not only improve accessibility to the park and nearby attractions but also provide additional environmental benefits, including minimising erosion and improving drainage.

“Thousands of visitors annually use this park to access the Gorge Walk, South Gorge Beach and Main Beach and it is wonderful to see it now as a destination in its own right.”

The exciting upgrade of Headland Park at Point Lookout (Mulumba) on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) continues to take shape, despite the poor weather and inclement conditions experienced in south-east Queensland in early 2022.

The new play space is looking fabulous with the new marine-themed play space and upgraded picnic facilities nearing completion.

Over the school holidays, contractors will pause working on the play space to start pouring concrete for the car parking area where additional formalised car parks will be located.

The existing formalised car parking area will be available for use as usual throughout the school holiday period.

Upgrade works are expected to be completed by May 2022.

25 Jan 2022

Work has started on an upgrade to Headland Park at Point Lookout (Mulumba) on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah).

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the upgrade would provide a new lease of life to the popular park.

“This fabulous park is well-loved and enjoyed by local residents and the wider Redlands Coast community,” she said.

“New features will allow even more people to enjoy this wonderful space with room to rest, relax, play, picnic and appreciate Minjerribah’s spectacular environment.

“There will be a new marine-themed play space with dual-slide climbing unit, nest swing, spring rocker and shell cubby in the clearing near the existing amenities block.

“Nearby will be picnic facilities including a shelter, table, seating and barbecue, and another shelter with a table and seating will be located near the bus stop.

“The adjoining carpark will be sealed to provide more formalised parking spaces as well as additional protection for environmental values including minimising erosion and improving drainage.”

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said the upgrade would complement residents’ and visitors’ enjoyment of nearby features and attractions.

“Thousands of visitors annually access the southern entry of the Gorge Walk via Headland Park and pedestrians traverse its grassy open space to access both South Gorge Beach and Main Beach,” he said.

“With shops, cafes and gelati nearby, the upgrades to Headland Park will see it become an even more popular recreation space.

“The new facilities will make it easier for visitors and residents to stay a little longer and better enjoy their time outdoors in this very special place.”

Upgrade works are expected to be completed by Easter in mid-April, weather permitting.

26 Nov 2021

Redland City Council is planning an exciting upgrade for the popular Headland Park at Point Lookout (Mulumba).

Mayor Karen Williams said the upgrade would bring a new lease of life to the popular park.

“Next year will see some fabulous improvements in this wonderful park,” she said.

“A new play space with a dual-slide climbing unit, nest swing, spring rocker and shell cubby, themed to reflect local cultural connections and Minjerribah’s spectacular marine environment will be built on the larger clearing, closer to the amenities block.

“In the new play space we’ll also see picnic facilities including a shelter, table, seating and a barbecue, with connecting paths helping ensure this beautiful new community space is accessible for all.”

To make way for another shelter with a table and seating nearer the bus stop, ageing play equipment will soon be removed.

“Importantly, the 2022 upgrade will also include the sealing of the adjacent carpark to provide more formalised parking spaces and additional protection for environmental values,” Cr Williams said.

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said the upgrade would provide a community space for everyone.

“Headland Park is central to many of the activities locals and visitors to Minjerribah enjoy,” he said.

“It provides access to the recently reopened Gorge Walk and pedestrian connectivity to two of the island’s most popular beaches.

“The large, grassy, space has long been a go-to spot for picnickers and people enjoying gelati or fish and chips from the nearby cafes.

“The improvements next year will make the park an even more attractive recreation space now and into the future.”

As Council continues to work on recommencing the upgrade of Headland Park at Point Lookout (Mooloomba) on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), the area still offers locals and visitors spectacular experiences.

The Headland Park upgrade project was paused in June so the play space could be redesigned to suit a new spot closer to the existing amenities block, to further preserve an area of significant cultural heritage.

The upgrade will see a new play space with marine-inspired play elements with cultural connections, including a whale-inspired climbing unit and turtle play structure, as well as new picnic facilities and sealing of the carpark.

Meanwhile, residents and visitors to Point Lookout can still enjoy panoramic views, access to the north and south sections of the Gorge Walk and grassy spaces perfect for picnics.

Nearby boutique stores, gourmet coffee, accommodation and gelato shops make it easy to stay a little longer.

Although the current play equipment has been taped off for safety reasons and in anticipation of the exciting new play space that is planned, just 2.5km down the road from Headland Park, the recently upgraded play space at Point Lookout Oval (opposite Point Lookout Bowls Club) is ready for action.

An easy, five-minute drive from Headland Park, Point Lookout Oval has a skate park, tennis half courts, kick-about area and play space with climbing net and slide, swings, spinner and treehouse cubby. There is also plenty of shade and parking, right beside a glorious stretch of beach.

Council will continue to update the community on the upgrade plan for Headland Park.

Redland City Council is working to recommence the Headland Park upgrade at Point Lookout (Mooloomba) on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) to ensure additional protection of cultural heritage values.

New time frames for delivery are being finalised based on a redesign; and Council has prioritised this project and aims to start work as quickly as possible.

Council is committed to preserving the values of this important area of cultural heritage while delivering this project to include an exciting play space and improved parking.

The new design will further protect the site’s cultural heritage values, and Council is working collaboratively with Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation.

A popular park on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) is receiving a $1.1 million upgrade.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the works at Headland Park, Point Lookout, included the renewal and relocation of playground equipment and concreting an unsealed carpark.

“Headland Park is popular with both island residents and visitors as it provides access to the stunning Gorge Walk,” she said.

“The upgrade will ensure this naturally wonderful space continues to meet the needs of a growing population into the future.

“Council has undertaken community consultation on Headland Park at various times during the past 10 years, which has resulted in the development of a park master plan and concept plan.

“The current upgrade has taken into consideration safety and accessibility requirements as well as the park’s unique natural setting.”

The Headland Park upgrade forms part of Council’s $13.8 million commitment to improve popular community parks and sports fields this financial year.

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said the old play equipment would be removed from its current location near the bus stop and a new playground would be installed at the eastern end of the park.

“This new, larger playground will provide a safe area for children to play, with improved access and connection to existing facilities,” Cr Mitchell said.

“It will include marine-inspired equipment including whale and turtle play structures, a dolphin spring toy and a cone shell cubby. There will also be a wheelchair-accessible carousel.

“The unsealed carpark will be concreted to reduce ongoing maintenance and environmental issues relating to material being washed into the reserve during heavy rain or being blown about in windy conditions.

“The upgrade also includes picnic facilities, a new drinking fountain and water tap, a relocated waste and recycling bin enclosure, and installation of a swinging park gate, safety barrier fencing and handrails to stairs.”

The upgrade is expected to be completed by late August, weather permitting, with work being undertaken Monday to Friday 7am to 6pm.

The park will be closed for the duration of the project, but the main carpark, toilets and nursery will all remain open.

On 25 June 2020 Redland City Council adopted budget for financial year 2020/21. Council approved a budget for the Headland Park Upgrade project of $1,078,577.

The detailed design phase is now complete with the project currently moving through tender.

Park features include:

• Play space which draws inspiration from the unique land forms and ecosystems on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah). Suited to a wide range of ages and skills, play equipment includes:
  1. basket swing
  2. dual slide play structure
  3. spring rocker
  4. accessible carousel
  5. shell cubby
• Picnic facilities, seating and connecting footpaths
• Existing car park resurfaced with coloured concrete to manage erosion
• Authorised park vehicle access point. Park events, maintenance and Bushcare nursery.

Project construction is currently proposed for commencement on 27 April 2021.

Thank you to everyone who provided comments, thoughts and suggestions during community engagement held between 3 February and 21 February 2020.

The Headland Park Upgrade Your Say page had 421 visits, and it is estimated that 60 people engaged with the project team at midweek and weekend events on Wednesday 12 February, and Saturday 15 February 2020.

Below are some of the key topics discussed during the community engagement process.

Play space character and location

The existing play equipment adjacent to the bus stop requires removal due to age and poor condition. Replacement and upgrade of the play space in the new location improves its connection to existing facilities and open space areas. The play space will be designed with consideration to the surrounding landscape setting and natural environment themes.

Car park size and design

The existing unsealed carpark area is planned to be upgraded to a durable surface such as natural toned concrete. The carpark will remain approximately the same size and include a turnaround zone and shade trees. The car park design will consider and implement best practice for car park and water sensitive urban design principles to ensure a sustainable outcome.

Bushcare Nursery and Park access

Vehicle access will be provided for park maintenance and management, occasional Bushcare nursery requirements, and also for community events.

Park Furniture

Seating and picnic shelter locations will be further explored during design development phase. Additional shaded seating will be consistent with existing park character and materials.

Public Amenities

An increase in the capacity of public amenities at Headland Park is being investigated for future planning and budget preparations.

Project time-frames

Following analysis of community and stakeholder feedback initial design development is underway. Project construction commencement is currently planned for early-mid 2021 pending approvals and funding.