Birkdale recreation reserve set for $1.3m boost

Safety and space will be improved under a major upgrade of the car-parking facilities at Judy Holt Recreation Reserve in Birkdale.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the carpark that services a number of sports and events at the site will be expanded and lighting added.

“This project has been funded to the tune of $1.3 million under the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) extension program,” Cr Williams said.

The work is expected to begin in July and continue to December, weather permitting.

Division 8 Cr Tracey Huges said the works at the Old Cleveland Road East site will involve expanding the existing carpark by approximately 50 to 60 more spaces subject to design approvals, as well as renewing the aging pavement in the existing parking area.

“With the addition of new lighting it will result in providing a safer, more formalised parking facility to the area,” she said.

Cr Williams said Council had been successful in securing more than $5.3 million in stimulus funding from the Australian Government to increase infrastructure investment and support the local and regional economy.

“This is over and above Council’s own stimulus spending program, meaning we can now improve community facilities from parks to roads that are additional to what we had planned to undertake using Council’s resources,” she said.

Wherever possible, Council will use local businesses and suppliers on the upgrade to the Judy Holt sports field, Cr Williams said.

“We will continue to support our Redlands Coast economy and employment opportunities,” she said.

The Australian Government has committed $5.3 million to works in Redlands City under the LRCI Program Phase 2.