REDLANDS business leaders are urging Redland City Council to move quickly on the Birkdale Community Precinct after the Federal Government reconfirmed the project, including the planned Redland Whitewater Centre, will not impact nationally protected environmental values.
Champion Redland Coast Chief Executive Cindy Corrie said the latest environmental ruling should end uncertainty around the major project and allow work to begin.
“It was always the right decision,” Ms Corrie said.
“Champion Redlands Coast has consistently stood behind the Birkdale Community Precinct and Redland Whitewater Centre, advocating for the project, supporting the evidence-based environmental assessment, and making sure the voice of our community and industry was heard.
“The Federal Government decision restores much-needed certainty for this transformational project.
“Now let’s get on with it – put a shovel in the ground already.”
The National Environmental Protection Agency has confirmed the Birkdale Community Precinct remains a Not Controlled Action – Particular Manner under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
The Federal decision followed a public request for reconsideration of the original assessment.
It confirms the project can continue under the environmental safeguards identified through the assessment process.
Redland City Council said the decision provided clarity that the development would not impact nationally protected environmental values, while retaining all required environmental protections.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty said Council was keen to progress the precinct in partnership with the State and Federal Governments.
“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 62-hectare precinct is planned to include the Redland Whitewater Centre, a swimming lagoon, recreational facilities, public open space and supporting infrastructure.
The whitewater centre is proposed as a Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games venue, with a long-term role as a recreation, tourism and training destination.
Council says the development footprint will be less than 20 hectares, while almost 39 hectares – about 62 per cent of the site – will be retained for conservation, protection and ecological enhancement.
Environmental measures include planting about 10,000 native trees and tube stock, establishing habitat corridors and canopy, installing nest boxes, managing weeds and pests, specialist koala monitoring, stormwater treatment and fully lined whitewater channels designed to avoid groundwater interaction.
Council’s first construction phase is expected to cover roads, carparks, utilities, bulk earthworks and other enabling works required for staged access across the site.
Those works are currently expected between 2027 and 2029, with Council to undertake an expression-of-interest process before progressing to tender.
Council says construction of the swimming lagoon could begin as soon as next year, providing an earlier community feature in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032.
