Planting adds final touch to active pathway project

Community volunteers planted 400 seedlings at Jack Rosa Urban Habitat in Birkdale as the final stage of the Birkdale Active Pathway Upgrade project.

The $1.9 million project was jointly funded by Redland City Council and the Queensland Government.

Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said the upgrade aligned with Council’s vision of providing safer, more accessible pathway routes across Redlands Coast.

“This project underscores Council’s commitment to ensuring the community has access to safe and enjoyable active transport opportunities,” the Mayor said.

“The new pathway not only provides a better walking and cycling connection across the area, but also offers greater opportunities to enjoy picturesque wetlands and bushlands along the way.”

The project involved extending the existing shared pathway at Judy Holt Recreation Reserve to the Tarradarrapin Creek Wetlands in the north and Allenby Road, Alexandra Hills in the south.

“The pathway opened in February and it’s great to see the final stage of this project has now been completed with the planting of seedlings by Council’s Community Bushcare Team and other volunteers,” the Mayor said.

“In years to come, these seedlings will not only enhance the area’s scenic beauty, but will also maintain the environmental value of the area and support the habitats of local wildlife.”

Division 8 Councillor Tracey Huges said the pathway provided a safe and accessible facility for both pedestrians and cyclists.

“The connection from Judy Holt Recreation Reserve to Sunnybay Drive, Birkdale includes a pedestrian and cyclist refuge island with safety fencing to split the crossing of Old Cleveland Road East into two stages and ensure safety for all users,” Cr Huges said.

Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop said the new 2km long pathway provided an important new connection through Birkdale.

“It links communities in the north and south to Judy Holt Recreation Reserve and will eventually connect to the further Northern Greenway Active Transport Corridor, which is currently in the planning stages,” Cr Bishop said.

The Birkdale Active Pathway Upgrade was jointly funded by Council and the Queensland Government and proudly supported by the Queensland Government’s Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program.