Historic antennae at Birkdale Community Precinct being stored before being restored

Three of the four historically significant rhombic antennae located at Birkdale Community Precinct are being removed so they can be safely stored prior to restoration and to enable construction across the site when approved.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said removal of the antennae planned for the end of January, subject to weather conditions, was vital for site safety and to ensure their ongoing preservation.

The WWII Radio Receiving Station as it looked during the war.

“Also known as the rhombic array, these antennae played an important role in world history,” Cr Williams said.

“Installed in several locations from 1943 as an integral part of the former World War II Radio Receiving Station, the array – along with others in Redlands Coast and Brisbane – was crucial for effective communications during the War in the Pacific.

“Records show that the two functions of the station were to listen to enemy broadcasts and receive encrypted messages from Washington DC, which were then relayed directly to General McArthur’s headquarters at Lennon’s Hotel in Brisbane.

“It is thought that the message that the Japanese surrender had occurred, and the war was over was relayed to this very station – you can imagine the joy and exultation of the people working here at the time.

“Redland City Council is honoured to be entrusted with helping ensure these important World War II artefacts are safeguarded for future generations.”

The historic rhombic antennae arrays are located to the east of the receiving station, well away from the site of the proposed Redland Whitewater Centre which is to the north-west of the receiving station. They are being removed now to simplify the construction of the precinct’s access roads and initial park space.

An artist’s impression from the Birkdale Community Precinct Master Plan of how the precinct may look in 2032.

Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop said the condition of the antennae has been fully recorded and the relocation approved by the Queensland Department of Environment and Science.

“The entire process of relocating, restoring and returning the antennae to the same position will be fully supervised by Australian Heritage Specialists,” Cr Bishop said.

“The three antennae leaving the precinct site will be stored safely before being restored and then returned to their precise locations.

“The remaining antenna cannot be removed without impacting important vegetation, and as it is unlikely to affect site safety due to its location, it will remain in-situ and be provided an extra level of protection while works are being carried out.”

As shown in the Birkdale Community Precinct Master Plan, the former World War II Radio Receiving Station will be the centrepiece of the precinct’s Communications Hub.

The 62-hectare Birkdale Community Precinct – designed for and by the Redlands Coast community – will feature seven hubs:

Cultural Hub – a meeting point and launching pad for all the precinct offers. Willards Farm Food Hub – a celebration of farming heritage with a restored Willards Farmhouse, classic Victorian garden and space for outdoor food markets, restaurant, café and cooking school. Innovation Hub – an exhibition space showcasing the future of farm methodologies and techniques, agricultural technology and food production. Entertainment Hub – multiple outdoor spaces for local performers and touring artists as well as BBQs, picnic areas, oversized games and outdoor movies. Communications Hub – memorial and contemplation space paying homage to war and peace-keeping services, anchored by the former US Army-built World War II Radio Receiving Station. The radio station was open to the public during a series of open days in 2021. Recreation, Resilience and Adventure Sports Hub – Redlands Coast’s first public lagoon, whitewater centre as well as an adventure playground and running track. Conservation Hub – 2.8km of walking trails, interactive tours, wilderness experiences and enhanced koala habitat.

For more about Birkdale Community Precinct, visit yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/imagine