Have your say on the Draft Birkdale Community Precinct Master Plan

Redland City Council has adopted the largest and most exciting draft masterplan in the city’s history, with draft plans for the Birkdale Community Precinct getting the greenlight from Councillors at a Special Meeting today.

Mayor Karen Williams said the Draft Birkdale Community Precinct (BCP) Master Plan outlined an exciting concept for the 62-hectare site on Old Cleveland Road East at Birkdale over the next two decades.

“It will be one of the largest community spaces in South-East Queensland, and will include a Southbank-style public lagoon that the community has been asking for over many years,” Cr Williams said.

“It will also include restoration of the heritage-listed Willards Farmhouse and outbuildings, the heritage-listed former World War II Radio Receiving Station and the Redlands Whitewater Centre, which will be a host venue during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as a host of entertainment and recreational facilities.

“Birkdale Community Precinct is the largest and most diverse project of its kind ever delivered in the city and the Draft Master Plan shows what a truly superb showcase it is going to be for all of Redlands Coast.

“Flanked by conservation areas that represent some two thirds of the entire site, the Plan reveals seven Hubs which have been centred on what the community told us they wanted on the site during consultation last year.

“Some of the Hubs offer education, inspiration, adventure and activity, while others are more passive, offering quiet reflection on the surrounding landscape and affording relief from the urban environment.

“Although intrinsically connected, each offers a unique destination with its own experiences and uses.”

Cr Williams said the draft masterplan followed a decade of lobbying the Federal Government to secure the land for the community.

“We have been trying to secure this land so it can be preserved and enjoyed by the community, including meetings with no fewer than six Ministers and Assistant Ministers and two Prime Ministers,” Cr Williams said.

“We knew this property held exciting potential for the community and today is a red-letter day that will help us realise that potential.”

Community consultation on the next stage in the creation of Birkdale Community Precinct opens Saturday 30 April and will continue until 6 June through the project’s Your Say website as well as via two community Info Days to be held onsite on 13 and 14 May.

“This is a chance for the community to provide feedback on the concept plans for the site, which were created following community feedback last year,” Cr Williams said.

“I’m particularly excited that our young people have played a key role in shaping this draft plan and are responsible for some of the most exciting elements including the public lagoon.

“Council has opted to include a public lagoon rather than an aquatic centre in response to feedback from the community who have been calling for a South Bank style lagoon for years.

“Instead we will focus on upgrading the existing Cleveland aquatic centre.”

Cr Williams said the Hubs are defined in the Plan as follows:

Cultural Hub – A meeting point and launching pad for all the precinct has to offer. A melting pot and learning place for ecological and cultural information. Willards Farm (Food) Hub – With the historic Willards Farm as its centrepiece, this is where you can connect with the area’s farming heritage and where you can sample artisan produce or dine in style. Innovation Hub – A showcase, literally, where the future of farm methodologies and techniques, agricultural technology and food production, is on display in static and interactive exhibition spaces. Communications Hub – Anchored by the former US Army-built World War II Radio Receiving Station, this is where you can connect to the past, come to understand the bonds formed between Redlanders, Aussie troops and Allied US forces, and pay homage to their war and peace-keeping services. Entertainment Hub – Touring artists and local performers share outdoor spaces in an ever-changing composite of community choruses, concerts, crowds and creatives. BBQs, picnic areas and tables, oversized games and outdoor movies add to the fun. Recreation & Adventure Sports Hub – Redlands Coast’s first public lagoon will be the ultimate summer destination as will the adventure playground. Nearby, the whitewater centre will be home to Olympic and Paralympic athletes and adventure enthusiasts alike with its world-class training and competition course which has flexibility for use as a swift-water rescue training and exercise venue. Conservation Hub – Walking trails, interactive tours, wilderness experiences and education combine in a stunning showcase of ways to appreciate the valuable and protected natural habitats.

“The tagline for this next phase of Birkdale Community Precinct’s growth is, ‘Create a place with a space for everyone’,” Cr Williams said.

“And I encourage you to help Council along on the creation process by giving your feedback on the Plan.”

To read the Draft Birkdale Community Precinct Master Plan go to the Your Say website where you can fill out the online survey.

DIARY NOTE:

Birkdale Community Precinct Info Days, 302 Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale, Friday, May 13 & Saturday, May 14, 10am to 4pm both days. Entry via Jones Road. More details: yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au