Create | Birkdale Community Precinct

Koala-proof fencing that will help protect the local koala population is being installed on the Old Cleveland Road East boundary of the Birkdale Community Precinct (BCP).

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the koala-proof fencing was a proactive measure that could help prevent vehicle strike of koalas and other wildlife along Old Cleveland Road East.

“Designed with input from an ecologist, the fencing will help stop koalas on the site from heading onto the busy roadway and instead guide them to move through the precinct and the Tingalpa Creek corridor,” Cr Williams said.

“In addition, koala escape poles will be installed along the fence to assist any koalas in the roadway area to enter the precinct site.”

Cr Williams said installation of the first stage of the koala-proof fencing would run from the Willards Farm homestead all the way to the northern point of the property at 380 Old Cleveland Road East.

“This is a reflection of Council’s commitment to protecting our Redlands Coast koalas and how the Birkdale Community Precinct demonstrates best practise koala management to help protect and enhance the koala population on the site,” she said.

“We have a small, healthy breeding population of koalas residing on the BCP, eight of which are collared and monitored, three with joeys.

“One of these is ‘Jazza’, a koala that was recently released onto the site, and her joey.

“A number of other koalas use the site, although we’re not sure yet whether they visit regularly or occasionally.”

Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop said Bluetooth collars on the koalas indicated how they moved around the site.

“Partnership with research organisations helps in our understanding of which areas and trees are most favoured by koalas and enables Council to plan and develop more effective habitat enhancement projects. For example, the Gourmet Gum Leaves project being delivered in collaboration with researchers from the Australian National University,” Cr Bishop said.

“Whether it’s koala-proof fencing to help prevent death by vehicle strike, research for better nutrition, or regular health monitoring, Council is committed to working with experts on initiatives and programs that help improve conservation outcomes for this precious, endangered marsupial that is so important to our community and ecology.”

With Redland City Council committed to its role as a Junior Games Delivery Partner for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Council has made a submission to the Senate Inquiry into Australia’s Preparedness to host Commonwealth, Olympic, and Paralympic Games.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council believed it was imperative that the Inquiry was provided with information about the comprehensive research, planning and community consultation Council had undertaken for the proposed Redland Whitewater Centre and Birkdale Community Precinct.

“We do not believe the Inquiry has all the information required to make the recommendation it did in a recent interim report in regard to the Redland Whitewater Centre,” she said.

“Our submission is in support of the Redland Whitewater Centre to be built at Birkdale Community Precinct.

“It was made to provide factual information on which the Inquiry could make accurate recommendations.

“Our submission also will address information that other parties may have submitted during the hearings.

“Council is aware of the local lobby groups views made in their address to the Inquiry, but is also aware those views do not represent all the evidence and facts.”

Cr Williams said Redland Whitewater Centre was a Queensland Government project for which the Queensland and Australian governments had committed funding for its construction.

“This whitewater centre will be capable of hosting international, national and state events before, during and long after the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” she said.

“The centre also has significant legacy opportunities as a swift-water rescue training facility, which will include a flooded urban landscape mockup, for State, national and Asia Pacific emergency services personnel.

“Council has commissioned more than 20 independent studies to support evidence-based decision-making in relation to the venue, its design and its legacy mode.

“This evidence has demonstrated that the venue will not have a detrimental impact on the environment, and Council’s financial investigations show there is confidence the venue will deliver positive financial returns for Redlands Coast.

Cr Williams said the Queensland Government was currently undertaking a Project Validation Report for Redland Whitewater Centre.

“This process is ongoing until the Queensland and Australian governments endorse the Project Validation Report, so we believe it is pre-emptive to make the recommendation that was expressed within the interim report,” she said.

Click here to view Council’s submission documents.

Redland City Council has thanked the Redlands Coast community for their participation in the latest consultation into the delivery of Birkdale Community Precinct.

At its general meeting today[13 September 2023], Council endorsed the summary report on the consultation phase of the precinct’s Local Government Infrastructure Designation (LGID), and thanked those who made submissions.

Public consultation was held from 21 April to 22 May, 2023, with 2300 active visits recorded during that period to the dedicated Birkdale Community Precinct Your Say webpage.

Mayor Karen Williams said a total of 172 submissions on the LGID were received, of which 92 were proforma submissions.

In endorsing the Birkdale Community Precinct LGID Consultation Summary Report and its submissions, Council noted that officers would continue to progress amendments to the LGID based on the report, Cr Williams said.

“The submissions will help shape the detail in the precinct’s LGID which is the statutory planning process required to deliver this amazing intergenerational project on 62 hectares in Birkdale,” she said.

“The Birkdale Community Precinct LGID will ensure that precinct-wide land use and activity rights have been established in accordance with the conceptual spatial layout and design principles to reflect the values and aspirations of our community and stakeholders that are incorporated in the Master Plan.”

The Birkdale Community Precinct Master Plan was adopted by Council at its general meeting on 15 March 2023.

Work to restore the historic Willards Farm homestead and outbuildings will start soon, with contractors this week undertaking preparation works at the site on Birkdale Community Precinct (BCP).

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the heritage values of the circa 1870s farming property would be carefully protected while work was undertaken to revitalise its historic beauty.

“Restoring this fabulous homestead – along with the milking shed, creamery, garage, inground well and elevated water tank – to its former glory is a project dear to many Redlands Coast residents’ hearts,” she said.

“The history of this property dates back many decades, but in 2016 it was facing demolition, prompting Council to step in and buy it for $1.45 million to protect its heritage for future generations.

“Since then, locals have shared some fascinating memories of the property and I know I’m not the only one looking forward to seeing new life breathed into these historically important buildings.”

Cr Williams said Willards Farm was a key hub and first stage of the 62-hectare BCP, an exciting intergenerational community destination.

“Its restoration kicks off a program of works that will ultimately see a precinct for our whole community, today and in the future,” she said.

“The restored Willards Farm will be the welcome gate to international visitors as they arrive for our world-class Olympic venue for the Brisbane 2032 Games, which will leave a legacy as the Resilience Training Centre of Excellence for Swift Water and Urban Flooding training.

“I am excited to share our unique history with the world.”

“The history of this property dates back many decades, but in 2016 it was facing demolition, prompting Council to step in and buy it for $1.45 million to protect its heritage for future generations.

“Since then, locals have shared some fascinating memories of the property and I know I’m not the only one looking forward to seeing new life breathed into these historically important buildings.”

Cr Williams said Willards Farm was a key hub and first stage of the 62-hectare BCP, an exciting intergenerational community destination.

“Its restoration kicks off a program of works that will ultimately see a precinct for our whole community, today and in the future,” she said.

“The restored Willards Farm will be the welcome gate to international visitors as they arrive for our world-class Olympic venue for the Brisbane 2032 Games, which will leave a legacy as the Resilience Training Centre of Excellence for Swift Water and Urban Flooding training.

“I am excited to share our unique history with the world.”

A derelict, one-room hut at Birkdale Community Precinct once owned by the locally famous “Goat Lady” will be dismantled starting this Thursday, 31 August.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the often-vandalised hut used by the late Isabella Alcock, who was fondly known as “The Goat Lady” of Birkdale, had reached its end-of-life.

“It contains asbestos and, while it is sad to see it go, keeping it would present a danger to people as we begin the process of opening up Birkdale Community Precinct to the community,” Cr Williams said.

“The hut does not sit within the State heritage-listed zones or the Conservation Zone of the precinct.”

Work on dismantling the hut will be carried out by licensed contractors who will be responsible for ensuring the safe removal and disposal of the asbestos that it contains, Cr Williams said.

“Unfortunately, the structure cannot be safely restored once the asbestos has been removed,” she said.

“We have engaged heritage specialists to undertake an Archival Recording, to ensure that an appropriate record is documented about Isabella’s legacy and the hut.”

Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop said that while it was sad that the hut would go, it was important to ensure Ms Alcock’s legacy would continue.

Together with her mother, Ms Alcock ran a small dairy (cattle and goats) on the northern part of the land, at that time known as Cotton’s Farm, from about 1953.

“While they were effectively squatters, the goat ladies’ enterprise was instrumental in keeping this valuable piece of Redlands Coast pastoral land from being developed when it passed from private to public ownership in the events following World War II,” Cr Bishop said.

“Many locals fondly recall stories of encounters with Isabella who was a protector of the land and her cattle.

“It is hoped that stories can keep their spirit alive in future years as a reminder of how simple life used to be, from pioneer days until quite recently.”

The Birkdale Community Precinct Master Plan, released in March this year, allows for a visual art piece near the main entry to the precinct commemorating Ms Alcock’s life.

Share your memories of Ms Alcock – ‘The Goat Lady’

Council would like to hear your stories about Ms Alcock and the hut in which she lived. To share your story and photos, go to the Share Your Story tab on this page.

Koalas are one of the most iconic and beloved animals in Australia and their protection is a top priority for Redland City Council. A unique research project, involving a collaboration between Council and the Australian National University, is looking specifically at the nutritional quality of what these cuddly marsupials eat. Dubbed the Gourmet Gum Leaves project, it is aimed at improving landscape nutritional quality which will assist in koala conservation and management.

Researchers onsite at Birkdale Community Precinct

The throw-line launcher’s weighted bag whistles up into the canopy of the gum tree, loops over a small branch and bends its whitish stem. A rope is twisted to the side, it goes taut … crick-crack … and the branch and its leathery, laurel-green foliage drops in a slow spiral.

It is certainly not a high-tech piece of research equipment, but the launcher beats physically climbing the tree to hand-pick seven or eight suitable branches from as many trees in one collection day. This way the pair of research scientists conducting this work for the Australian National University (ANU) can collect samples from more than 30 trees in a day.

“It works really well when you have the skills to be able to use it,” says one of the launcher’s operators, Dr Christina Zdenek, with a grin as she retrieves the downed branch from the ground, deep inside the conservation bushland area of Birkdale Community Precinct. “It is very efficient.” And also a little fun judging by that grin.

Dr Zdenek, a Queensland ecologist working for The Australian National University, and her fellow researcher and launch buddy James Skewes, a Queensland-bred ecologist who has flown up from his current base at Canberra’s ANU for this job, are part of a unique research project that is looking into the nutritional quality of the leaves of koala food trees.

Dubbed the Gourmet Gum Leaves project, it is a collaboration between Redland City Council and ANU, and is aimed at improving landscape nutritional quality which will assist in koala conservation and management.

The collection of leaves from the eucalyptus species in Birkdale Community Precinct is part of the project’s first phase, which involves vegetation surveys, mapping and evaluation of the nutritional quality of leaves from about 160 trees at the site.

Seeds are also being collected from up to 30 koala food trees on Redlands Coast and nearby locations in south-east Queensland known to have relatively high nutritional quality.

These seeds, according to Mr Skewes, will be propagated at Redlands IndigiScapes Native Community Nursery at Capalaba and grown into seedlings for future planting at the Birkdale Community Precinct site which currently sustains a small but significant koala population.

“We’ve got a few areas that have been pinpointed for planting,” says Mr Skewes. “And the seeds are collected from trees that we’ve already got strong data on; so we already know that they’re nutritious for koalas. It will be really good to eventually see them planted on site here.”

ANU College of Science Research Fellow Kara Youngentob says the aim is to recommend a targeted revegetation strategy.

“One of the most important factors influencing the distribution and numbers of koalas in any area is the quality of their food trees,” says Dr Youngentob. “This pilot ultimately intends to increase the local koala population by providing a higher quality food source by growing high nutritional quality koala food trees.

“Better quality habitat for koalas results in healthier more robust populations, that are more likely to produce healthy young who will thrive.”

It is not only koalas who benefit.

“Ultimately, projects like these also help to restore and rebalance the landscape for all native species both flora and fauna,” says Dr Youngentob.

“The ultimate goal of most wildlife conservation programs is to improve the long-term viability of populations in the wild. The capacity for nutrition to contribute to this goal is often overlooked due to difficulties of measuring nutritional landscapes.

“However, landscapes with higher nutritional quality are likely to support larger populations of herbivores, and animals with access to high quality foods are more likely to be resilient to environmental change.”

As she picks healthy leaves from the fallen branch, weighs them, dates and files the samples away, Dr Zdenek says the long-term benefits of improving the nutritional landscape through the Gourmet Gum Leaves initiative, are being supported in the shorter term by Council.

“Preserving old growth trees and conservation areas at Birkdale Community Precinct is fantastic. It’s really best practise management,” she says.

“Obviously we’re amid a global biodiversity crisis, as people are probably aware, sadly, and that’s no different across Australia where we’re losing many species and even in Queensland.

“The idea is to think global but act local. And that’s exactly what we’re doing here. Then on top of that, using evidence-based information and science to improve that landscape into the future, to give the koalas and other species a fighting chance.”

From a safe distance, Redland City Mayor Karen Williams and Council’s Principal Adviser (Community Education) Stacey Thomson are watching the researchers in action, having trekked their way into the bushland, within cooee of Tingalpa Creek. About two-thirds of the 62-hectare Birkdale Community Precinct is protected conservation area.

Cr Williams says the Gourmet Gum Leaves project and other initiatives on the site have intergenerational aspirations.

“What makes me most proud is that we’re not only just protecting this unique environmental area, we’re actually enhancing it so that future generations can not only enjoy this space, but learn from our unique environment,” she says.

Ranger Stacey agrees. “It is protecting and enhancing, that’s what it is all about,” she says. “This research is something that will give hope to our koalas in the future, and they deserve it!”

Acting globally to reverse the biodiversity crisis may feel like a long shot, but with the launcher tensed for another flight up into the gum tree’s canopy, the goal locally is certainly within sight.

The next stage of Birkdale Community Precinct is here and with it comes an opportunity to see the amount of detailed research and planning required to bring this highly anticipated and exciting 62-hectare community space to life.

Redland City Council has released the proposed Local Government Infrastructure Designation (LGID) for Birkdale Community Precinct (BCP) for public viewing and has called for submissions on its content.

The Redlands Coast community currently have until midnight on Monday 22 May, 2023, to read the LGID and supporting documents, and make a submission.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said an LGID is the statutory planning process required to deliver a community facilities precinct such as BCP and includes the preparation and assessment of an Environmental Assessment Report (EAR).

“This is to ensure that all planning matters, including the environment, design, traffic and transport, cultural heritage and hazards, and much more, are all addressed in detail,” Cr Williams said.

“A comprehensive EAR has been prepared that shows how any impacts of the proposed LGID will be mitigated or managed in accordance with statutory policy and best practice.”

Cr Williams said Council has been working diligently behind the scenes on a comprehensive delivery plan for BCP.

“The current LGID process follows two rounds of extensive community consultation over the past two years that informed the development of both the Vision for the site and the Birkdale Community Precinct Master Plan,” Cr Williams said.

“Similar to a large, complex development approval, the LGID will ensure that precinct-wide land use and activity rights are in accordance with the concepts and design principles in the Master Plan that – thanks to the previous consultations – reflect our community’s aspirations for the site.

“As explained in the LGID, Development Applications will still be required for relevant works on site as they occur, and these will proceed through the usual public notification and approval processes.

“Making a submission on the LGID is yet another way the community can be involved in bringing this exciting precinct to life.

“Moving forward, the community will be with us on each step of the journey.

“An existing multi-year activation framework has already seen successful implementation of a pilot community partnerships program. Combined with a social value action plan, the activation framework will form the basis of a future deliverable, Bringing Birkdale Community Precinct to Life – Social & Community Activation plan.

“Birkdale Community Precinct is the largest community precinct project ever delivered by Council – it has lots of moving parts and it is essential we keep the community informed and able to have their input throughout all stages of its rollout.

“While we believe the intergenerational precinct is likely to cost approximately $300 million, the reality of operating a precinct of the scale and complexity of Birkdale Community Precinct is that the ultimate financial operating costs, and indeed the capital investment, will depend upon future decisions of Council, as well as the complex interconnectedness of those decisions.

“This city-shaping project includes the significant commitment by the Federal and State governments to fund the construction of the Redland Whitewater Centre that will be a host venue for Canoe Slalom events during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Council will also actively seek industry and government partners and grants to assist in its delivery, Cr Williams said.

To view the LGID documents and to make a submission (closing 22 May) visit Council’s Your Say site at: yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/imagine.

Once consultation closes on the proposed LGID, Council will review all submissions it has received and prepare a consultation report summarising matters raised and how they have been addressed. It will also consider the outcomes of a state interest review by the Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning.

Redland City Council’s appeal of sections of a State Heritage listing for Willards Farm at Birkdale Community Precinct has resulted in an agreement on formalising a unique heritage code for the precinct.

Planning and Environment Court Judge McDonnell ruled, with the consent of the parties, on Wednesday 7 June 2023 that the appeal be upheld in part, resulting in a slightly smaller state heritage boundary for Willards Farm.

The property at 302 Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale, is one of Redlands Coast’s oldest surviving farms and residences and was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register (QHR) by the Queensland Heritage Council (QHC) in March 2022. Council appealed sections of the listing in April 2022.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the revised boundary resulting from the court decision was agreed to by the QHC as part of the appeal process, which continues to recognise the important state heritage features of the land.

“Council and the Department of Environment and Science will execute a Heritage Agreement on how state heritage matters on the Birkdale Community Precinct site will be managed,” Cr Williams said.

“This will cover both Willards Farm and the nearby former World War II Radio Receiving Station that was entered into the QHR in June 2020.”

The heritage agreement will incorporate management codes and requirements that will allow development consistent with the Birkdale Community Precinct Master Plan, the Heritage Management Plans commissioned for Willards Farm and the World War II Radio Receiving Station, and a range of acceptable outcomes jointly determined by Council and the department.

“Practically this allows development on site within the state heritage boundaries in accordance with the Birkdale Community Precinct Master Plan and heritage agreement,” Cr Williams said

“The collaborative approach that has resulted in the outcome of the appeal reflects Council’s commitment to manage historic heritage values to the highest standard on the Birkdale Community Precinct, ensuring they were protected, recognised and celebrated.”

State-approved restoration works will begin this year on the original Willards farmhouse and fencing, milking shed, creamery, inground well and elevated water tank, as well as era-specific landscape areas.

Cr Williams said Council had worked closely with the department to ensure the c1870s historic farming property could be revitalised for future generations to enjoy while protecting its heritage values.

This decision has no impact on other sections within the Birkdale Community Precinct.

Negotiating the swift waters to deliver a whitewater centre of excellence takes teamwork.

That is why Redland City Council has formally invited partners on its journey to bring the Olympic-standard Redland Whitewater Centre at Birkdale to fruition.

The best way to deliver a first-class facility is to learn from others.

Both centres, working together, will draw future National, Oceania and World Cup events in the lead up to, and well beyond, the Brisbane 2032 Games.

Already, the NSW State Government committed to a $3.1 million investment in February this year to upgrade the Penrith Whitewater Stadium in preparation for the 2025 Canoe Slalom World Championships. Redland Whitewater Centre will work with a revitalised Penrith Whitewater Stadium to attract even more sporting competition to Australia.

The Redlands Coast facility, which will be a key component of the 62-hectare Birkdale Community Precinct, is expected to be operational and open to the public in 2027.

Redland Whitewater Centre will not be a stand-alone venue at Birkdale, but part of the broader Redland Resilience Training Centre, with a primary focus on swift-water and urban flooding rescue training while remaining accessible for paddle sport elite training and international level competition as well as to the community for recreational purposes.

The Redland Resilience Training Centre presents significant legacy opportunities as a world-class natural hazard resilience training facility for state, national and Asia Pacific emergency services personnel.

While the focus of both Penrith and now Redland venues is on the elite paddle aspects of the venue and the Olympics, the Penrith venue has proven through more than 20 years of operations, that the vast majority of its revenue (and usage demand) comes from tourism and recreational rafting opportunities.

The Redlands Coast facility seeks to bring a rafting and paddle experience to Queensland, leverage its coastal environment and support tourism.

The precinct will boast Redlands Coast’s first public swimming lagoon, an adventure play area, outdoor concert and performance areas, open green parklands, a 2km running track loop, bush tucker gardens, cafes and restaurants, some 2.8km of walking tracks through nearly 40 hectares of protected bushland, tree-top walk and zipline, and a canoe launch area for accessing Tingalpa Creek.