Redland City Council is supporting RSPCA Queensland to deliver a purpose-built Wildlife Hospital and Wildlife Centre of Excellence through the provision of a hectare of public land in the Redlands IndigiScapes Centre precinct.
It was announced on the IndigiScapes site at Capalaba recently that RSPCA Queensland and Council had partnered to accelerate the vision for the state-of-the-art facility.
Mayor Karen Williams said the Wildlife Hospital would provide the highest standard of rehabilitation facilities and care to incoming native wildlife patients.
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“It is the most exciting environmental and animal welfare project for Redlands Coast since IndigiScapes itself opened in 2000,” Cr Williams said.
“This centre is expected to cost more than $20 million, which is being realised by RSPCA Queensland whose supporters have already pledged generous philanthropic gifts. There also is a $5 million commitment from the Federal Government to the project.
“Council’s role in this project is to provide an in-principle lease to the RSPCA for land in the precinct, just east of the IndigiScapes Native Nursery. This was endorsed at the November General Meeting of Council.”
Cr Williams said Council’s partnership with RSPCA Queensland was a strong acknowledgment of Council’s environmental credentials.
“Council has been advocating to both levels of government for many years for this type of facility and other opportunities for koala rehabilitation on Redlands Coast,” she said.
“It is exciting to finally see this eventuating. There is significant public education and environmental benefits in establishing this world-class facility on Redlands Coast.”
Cr Williams said the project would include native animal wards, specialist medical equipment, outdoor enclosures, surgical suites and an ancillary plantation for specific animal fodder. It will not cater for domestic animals.
Educational spaces are anticipated to include an auditorium and ancillary training rooms which will provide important opportunities to build community awareness and engagement, she said.
“These spaces will also enable research partnerships with local, national, and international universities, attracting overseas students and raising the profile of Redlands Coast as an ecotourism destination,” she said.
Cr Williams said that after the Wildlife Hospital and Wildlife Centre of Excellence on Redlands Coast was established there would be undeveloped land available at the IndigiScapes precinct.
“This remaining land is the subject of ongoing planning to improve the overall connectivity and function of this wonderful precinct,” she said.
