Unique heritage agreement to cover Birkdale Community Precinct

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 revised and slightly smaller state heritage footprint 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 this week’s 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 QHC will execute a Heritage Agreement on how all 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 State Heritage Register in June 2020.”

The heritage agreement will incorporate management codes and requirements that will allow development to occur that is 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 QHC.

“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 outcome of the appeal recognises Council’s commitment, that was also noted by the QHC, to manage state heritage matters 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 of Environment and Science to ensure the c1870s historic farming property could be revitalised for future generations to enjoy while protecting its heritage values.

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