Redland City Council welcomes confirmation by the Australian Government that the ecology-forward Birkdale Community Precinct project will not impact nationally protected environmental values.
Importantly the decision validates Council’s detailed scientific work over many years which have then informed plans for the site, delivery of community facilities and the Redland Whitewater Centre, while protecting and enhancing more than 60 per cent of the site for conservation, was the right approach.
The Australian Government has determined that the Birkdale Community Precinct – including the Redland Whitewater Centre – is a Not a Controlled Action – Particular Manner (NCA-PM) under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
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The determination confirms the project will not have a significant impact on Matters of National Environmental Significance, provided it is delivered in the particular manner specified.
Redland City Acting Mayor Julie Talty said the decision confirmed Council’s role as careful environmental stewards for the precinct and gave clarity on how the project will proceed.
“Ecology has been integrated into this project from the outset,” Cr Talty said.
“Council was always confident that its positive environmental stewardship of the site would factor in the result we have now achieved following Council’s self-referral to the EPBC process.
“The decision means Council can proceed without further federal assessment, with the precinct’s delivery and some future operational matters subject to a limited number of conditions the Commonwealth have imposed.”
The 62-hectare Birkdale Community Precinct includes a consolidated development area of less than 20 hectares, with nearly 39 hectares (approximately 62 per cent of the site) retained for conservation, protection and active ecological enhancement.
Environmental stewardship measures
- Planting approximately 10,000 native trees and tube stock to expand and connect habitat
- Establishment of habitat corridors and tree canopy
- Installation of nest boxes and habitat features
- Active weed and pest management
- Ongoing specialist koala monitoring under a dedicated Koala Management Plan
- Water quality improvements through stormwater treatment systems
- Fully lined whitewater channels to prevent groundwater interaction.
Birkdale Community Precinct will combine parklands and recreation with heritage and conservation outcomes for the community.
The precinct’s two protected heritage areas – Willards Farm and the World War II Radio Receiving Station – sit within the development footprint and will be preserved and celebrated.
The Redland Whitewater Centre, co-delivered with the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA), is earmarked to host Canoe Slalom events for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games and will create legacy as a high-performance, community and emergency services facility beyond the Games.
A public swimming lagoon is planned to sit alongside open parklands, an amphitheatre, adventure play and the working heritage of Willards Farm.
Council’s community consultation from 2021 to 2023 engaged thousands of residents and helped shape the precinct’s vision, design and conservation commitments.
Council acknowledges the Quandamooka People, whose cultural heritage is integral to this place and its story.
For more information visit: redland.qld.gov.au (search “Birkdale Community Precinct”) or click here.
