A WAVE of anger and disbelief has erupted among Redlands residents following the announcement that the multi-million-dollar restoration of Willards Farm will open to the public next month — with a $10 ticket price attached.
The historic Birkdale site, positioned by Redland City Council as the future “welcome gate” to the Birkdale Community Precinct, is set to launch guided walking tours from May 6.
But as bookings open, new figures reveal the project’s total cost has climbed well beyond the headline restoration figure intensifying community scrutiny.
Council yesterday cited $6,876,457 as the cost of restoring the farm buildings alone.
However, the total spend at Willards Farm has now reached about $9.1 million, highlighting a widening gap between the core restoration cost and the overall project investment.
Importantly, that $9.1 million only relates to Willards Farm itself — not the broader Birkdale Community Precinct, where additional works are also being funded.
Separate budgets are supporting upgrades and planning across the wider site, including enhancements to the World War II Radio Receiving Station, geotechnical studies, detailed design and engineering, heritage investigations and infrastructure planning.
The figures underscore a complex and expanding investment and sharpen the focus on what the community will ultimately receive for the price tag.
Against that backdrop, the decision to charge entry has triggered an explosion of online reaction, with many questioning why ratepayers are being asked to pay again.
Julie Chandler summed up a common frustration, posting: “Do we get a scone and jam for our 10 bux.
“This restoration has already been paid for from our rates and taxes. What is the cost for.”
Nora Howard echoed the sentiment, writing: “Why do Redlands residents have to pay. Our rates paid for this.”
Others pointed directly to the rising project cost.
“That’s a disgrace,” Simone Trinder wrote.
“If it was their money, they would watch every cent.”
Terry Doyle added: “I just can’t comprehend how this restoration has cost so much money… absolutely ridiculous!!
“And now we have to pay $10 to have a look at it!!!!”
Long-time commenter John Beatty claimed the blowout had been evident for some time.
“I’ve been telling everyone on these pages that it’s been over nine million for two bloody years. Biggest waste of money on the planet!” he wrote.
Some residents broadened the criticism to future projects.
Shirley Brensh questioned: “Happy to have the Willard’s home restoration, but if this has cost more, what are we in for with the white water rafting deal?”
Others were more blunt.
“Total scam,” Wayne Crawford posted.
But not all feedback was negative, with some residents defending the project and pointing to broader economic pressures.
Laurie Blacka wrote: “Similar increase as all housing/reno/construction costs Australia wide. A budget 1-2 years old you can almost double. Fantastic community asset saved, bring on the rest of the site development before it doubles again!”
Still, criticism extended beyond cost to the project’s perceived value and priorities.
Abraham Gubler argued: “The swimming lagoon is the only thing that anyone will care about… This huge spend is all so the Redlands 2030 Inc. crowd wouldn’t have to ‘suffer’ some town houses being built in Birkdale.”
Former councillor Paul Gleeson added: “Absolute waste of ratepayers money.”
The $10 ticket price — plus booking fee — is understood to cover operational costs for guided tours run by Council’s Local History team, rather than recouping the multi-million-dollar restoration.
Tours will run in small groups twice a month, adding to concerns about access for ratepayers who funded the project.
“At six groups of ten people twice a month how many decades will it take before all ratepayers have an opportunity to visit?” one commenter asked.
With millions already committed and more investment flowing into the broader precinct, the backlash highlights a growing tension between heritage preservation, long-term planning and immediate cost-of-living pressures.
As the gates prepare to open, the key question remains for many residents: what will the community ultimately get for the price tag?
