Master Plan released for precinct
Redland City Council has unveiled plans for what will become one of Queensland’s largest and most exciting parks, including Redlands Coast’s first ever swimming lagoon, and an adventure playground sure to be a hit with local families.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the Birkdale Community Precinct Master Plan that was adopted by Council at its general meeting on 15 March 2023 focussed on giving the 62 hectares of public space back to the community.
“Local families have been crying out for a project like this for years, and Council has listened by creating a Master Plan with the community for the community,” Cr Williams said.
“Brisbane has South Bank and New Farm Park, Townsville has the Strand and Cairns has the Esplanade, and now Redlands Coast will have Birkdale Community Precinct.
“This land was always owned by the community, but it was locked away as a Federal Government communications facility for decades. It is time it was opened up for the community to enjoy.
“After buying the property in 2019 to save it from being used for small-lot housing, Council has spent the last two years engaging with the community to create this exciting Master Plan.”
Cr Williams said Birkdale Community Precinct struck the perfect balance between the past and future.
“This Master Plan maps out a 20-year journey – so it has specifically been designed with our youth in mind – providing somewhere for kids to play, somewhere local bands will take to the stage and somewhere our youth can meet their friends,” she said.
“But just as importantly it also includes some exciting history that will be retained and celebrated, including the restoration of the 1870s Willards Farm, which is expected to begin later this year. Again this property was saved from demolition when Council bought it in 2016.
“We will also be breathing new life into the heritage-listed World War II Radio Receiving Station that sits at the heart of the precinct; delivering an historical precinct that commemorates Redlands’ role in the conflict in the Pacific.”
Cr Williams said the Birkdale Community Precinct Master Plan would ensure Redlands Coast was the focus of international attention as host of Olympic whitewater slalom events during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Knowing the eyes of the world will be on our community thanks to this precinct should provide a real sense of pride for every Redlander. This is your city and thanks to Birkdale Community Precinct we will have the opportunity to show the world why it is the best place to live,” she said.
“The whitewater venue is about so much more than the Olympics. It is being specifically designed as a swift-water and resilience training facility that will train emergency service agencies from across the world, meaning the skills perfected at Birkdale could quite literally save lives.”
Cr Williams said the Master Plan was rounded out with about 40 hectares of protected environmental land.
“As former farming land there are clearings in the centre of the property where we will build the playgrounds, stages and water play, ensuring the surrounding vegetation is protected,” she said.
“These areas have tracks and trails where residents will be able to take a stroll to appreciate our naturally wonderful lifestyle.
“We will also build a 2km running track around the perimeter, which will be a huge hit for local running groups.”
Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop thanked the community for their engagement on this important project.
“In the years ahead I look forward to working together with the community to bring the many historic stories of the site to life,” Cr Bishop said.
“There are important educational opportunities on this site that help us understand our past in ways that can be appreciated by future generations.”
