Rehabilitation project to manage legacy of former Birkdale landfill

Works have commenced on the first phase of a rehabilitation project at the northern end of Judy Holt Recreation Reserve in Birkdale that will ensure the former landfill site can be maintained as a sport and recreation facility into the future.

The rehabilitation works are designed to manage effects arising from historical waste disposal and will be completed over coming years as part of Redland City Council’s landfill management program.

Mayor Jos Mitchell said the project would include reshaping slopes, installing ventilation systems, expanding the leachate management system, and enhancing monitoring to maintain strict adherence to environmental standards.

“The works will protect nearby ecosystems and contribute to the long-term health of the park, ensuring its legacy as a sport and recreation facility can continue into the future,” the Mayor said.

“Contractors were appointed for the first phase of tree clearing in July, with a pre-work survey conducted by fauna spotters and a cultural heritage specialist from Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation prior to essential vegetation clearing beginning on site in August.

“Timeframes for the main construction works to commence will be confirmed once a contractor is appointed for that phase of the project.

“Like many local governments across south-east Queensland, Council must manage the impacts of historical waste disposal completed before the strengthening of environmental laws.

“Council has already completed extensive rehabilitation works at the reserve, with a significant portion of the site already undergoing capping to create a barrier between the natural environment and the closed landfill.”

For the main construction works to commence, and to ensure the safety of workers involved in the project, some vegetation in the subject area needs to be cleared.

The vegetation tagged for removal was evaluated in an environmental assessment report, and only vegetation in areas necessary for the works received approval to be cleared.

Council’s environmental protection measures for the works include creating protective buffers around the clearance zone and having a koala spotter on site to safely relocate any animals encountered during the clearing and construction process.

Crews will also eradicate declared weeds during this process, contributing to a healthier biodiversity within the reserve.

Division 8 Councillor Tracey Huges said initial works would focus on a section of land bordering the venue’s rugby fields at the northern end of the site and would include installing a leachate collection trench, pump station and a new access road.

“The rehabilitation works have received approval from the relevant Queensland Government agencies such as the Department of Environment Science and Innovation (DESI) to ensure environmental compliance,” Cr Huges said.

“Council has also committed almost $200,000 for planting and rejuvenation efforts in land adjacent to the Koala Bushland Coordinated Conservation Area at Mount Cotton to offset vegetation cleared during the rehabilitation works.”

Council takes closed landfill management very seriously, adhering to strict policies, procedures, and practices to ensure effective and safe management.

This involves regular assessments of soil, water, and air quality to ensure environmental safety.

Council manages and maintains 28 closed landfill sites across the city, many of which have been transformed into community spaces such as sports fields and reserves.

For more information about the Judy Holt Recreation Reserve rehabilitation project, or to read more about Council’s landfill management program, visit the Council website.

Redland City Council provides a suite of services to 166,873 residents and more than 63,000 residential households across Redlands Coast. Our naturally wonderful city on Quandamooka Country is home to more than 335 kilometres of coastline, six island communities and 12 mainland suburbs.