Redland City Council welcomes the Commonwealth Government’s decision to re-confirm that the Birkdale Community Precinct project will not impact protected environmental values.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty thanked Federal Minister Murray Watt and the National Environmental Protection Agency for their timely assessment and decision.
The Agency has confirmed that Birkdale Community Precinct – including the Redland Whitewater Centre – remains a Not Controlled Action – Particular Manner (NCA-PM) under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act).
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“We are keen to continue to work with both the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments to bring this fabulous community facility to Redlands Coast and to realise the many legacy and community benefits it promises to our community,” Cr Talty said.
The decision under section 78C(1)(b)(i) of the EPBC Act to confirm the original decision follows a public submission requesting reconsideration.
“This final decision provides certainty for the delivery of the transformative community project and confirms the thorough environmental process undertaken by Council in preparing the project,” Cr Talty said.
“Residents can be assured through this decision, as it confirms all environmental protections remain in place.
“Council thanks the Commonwealth Government and the National Environmental Protection Agency for delivering a timely outcome following the reconsideration consultation process.
“Council has worked diligently throughout the assessment process and has continued to engage constructively with Commonwealth authorities to ensure environmental values remain protected.
“This outcome provides clarity and confidence for the community that the project will not impact nationally protected environmental values and allows Council to continue progressing Birkdale Community Precinct in accordance with the environmental requirements established under the EPBC Act.”
Cr Talty said Council remained committed to balancing environmental stewardship with the delivery of important community infrastructure and public open space.
“Birkdale Community Precinct will create significant community, environmental, educational and recreational benefits for Redlands Coast residents and visitors,” she said.
“We welcome this outcome and look forward to getting on with delivering this important intergenerational project for the community.
“The first stage of works will focus on critical infrastructure, including roads, carparks, utilities, bulk earthworks and other enabling works required to support safe and staged access across the site.
“These works are expected to be delivered between 2027 and 2029, with the procurement process to include a multi-stage market approach, including an Expression of Interest and Request for Tender process.
“Construction of the much-anticipated swimming lagoon at Birkdale Community Precinct is also expected to start as soon as next year and will deliver early legacy benefits for Redlands Coast in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
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.
Council will continue to comply with all applicable Commonwealth and State environmental requirements as the project progresses.
For more information visit: redland.qld.gov.au (search “Birkdale Community Precinct”) or click here.
