Phenomenal benefits to quality of life

A Council commissioned report has shown the ongoing social benefits set to be delivered by Birkdale Community Precinct.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the report – Beyond the Boundary: Unlocking the enduring social value of the Birkdale Community Precinct (April 2022, Jacobs) – was helping lay the foundations for the once-in-a-lifetime project.

“This is the largest and most exciting project in our city’s history and we are committed to ensuring it delivers lasting legacies for generations of Redlanders,” Cr Williams said.

“This report shows the social benefits to be delivered through the project including increased community health and recreation as well as economic benefits and local jobs.”

Cr Williams said the lasting project benefits were built off the back of the Redlands Whitewater Centre, which would be a host venue for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“A project of this scale is only possible with investment from other levels of government and that investment is secured through the Redlands Coast whitewater venue,” Cr Williams said.

“Without the whitewater venue we couldn’t deliver our city’s first public lagoon and the exciting social benefits outlined in this report.”

Cr Williams said social value came from such benefits as inclusion, health and wellbeing, and connectedness to other people.

“You achieve this by providing ways to engage with historic buildings; by having high quality open spaces and green spaces; by having meeting spaces and areas for families; and to even simpler things like having cycling and walking trails,” she said.

“The Cultural Hub and Entertainment Hub have large open green spaces, as do parts of the Communications Hub and the surrounds of the public swimming lagoon in the Recreation and Sports Hub. Additionally, the Willards Farm (Food) Hub has a traditional Victorian garden to explore and enjoy.

“Additionally there will be ongoing opportunities for the community to be part of the precinct through training and apprenticeships; access to plenty of all abilities sport and recreational facilities; and increased access to other environmental and cultural experiences.”

The Beyond the Boundary report informs the Draft Birkdale Community Precinct (BCP) Master Plan which outlines how the 62-hectare precinct will be brought to life over the next 20 years. The Plan is currently open for community consultation, running until 6 June, 2022.