Geoff Skinner Wetland Reserve road closure permanent

After an extended trial road closure and community consultation period, Redland City Council has decided to permanently close Bligh Street at Wellington Point’s Geoff Skinner Wetland Reserve.

Mayor Karen Williams said that, as a unique foreshore conservation area, Geoff Skinner Wetland Reserve was originally purchased for its high environmental value.

“The trail closure of Bligh Street allowed Council to investigate the impact that restricting vehicle access would have on recreational users and the environment, and the month-long community consultation period late last year provided valuable feedback from the public,” Cr Williams said.

“Thank you to everyone who participated.

“Your input, and the evidence collected during the trial closure, have shown it provided clear benefits to both the wetland environment and the broader community.

“The permanent road closure will ensure the wetland’s environmental values are protected and will continue to improve, supporting the reserve’s primary purpose.”

Division 1 Councillor Wendy Boglary said strong community response during the community consultation period (November and December 2020) showed clear support for the reserves environment values.

“A couple of plantings have been undertaken during the trial road closure with more koalas and bird species now being spotted in the area,” she said.

“A number of those surveyed also pointed to the benefits of the road closure through reduced antisocial behaviour in the area, including hooning and rubbish dumping.”

“The permanent road closure will see less litter and pollutants making their way into Hilliards Creek, less dust created from road traffic and reduced edge effects impacting the creek and wetlands.”

Cr Williams said the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Road confirmed the site was not, and would not be, a designated boat ramp.

“We are fortunate to have other suitable boat ramps across Redlands Coast,” she said.

“Council continues to invest and partner with the Queensland Government in the delivery of boat ramps and recreational paddle craft access points for the community.”

For more information visit Council’s Geoff Skinner Wetland Reserve YourSay webpage.