A Federal environmental decision has again cleared the way for Redland City Council to progress the Birkdale Community Precinct and its proposed Redland Whitewater Centre, with the project reconfirmed as not expected to significantly affect nationally protected environmental values.
The Commonwealth’s National Environmental Protection Agency has confirmed the project remains a Not Controlled Action – Particular Manner under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
The finding means the precinct can proceed subject to the environmental measures and conditions established through the assessment process.
It follows a public submission seeking reconsideration of the original decision, which had found the major Birkdale project did not require full Commonwealth approval under the EPBC Act, provided it was delivered in the specified manner.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty said the decision brought needed clarity after the reconsideration process.
“Council welcomes the Commonwealth Government’s decision to re-confirm that the Birkdale Community Precinct project will not impact protected environmental values,” Cr Talty said.
“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.
“Residents can be assured through this decision, as it confirms all environmental protections remain in place.”
Cr Talty thanked Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt and the National Environmental Protection Agency for what she described as a timely assessment.
She said Council had continued to work with Commonwealth authorities during the process to ensure environmental values were protected while allowing the precinct to move forward.
“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,” she said.
The Birkdale Community Precinct covers 62 hectares, but Council says its consolidated development footprint will be less than 20 hectares. Almost 39 hectares — about 62 per cent of the site — is to be retained for conservation, environmental protection and ecological enhancement.
The site is planned to include the Redland Whitewater Centre, community open space, sporting and recreation facilities, a swimming lagoon and supporting infrastructure.
The whitewater facility is intended to provide a Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games venue and a long-term recreational and training asset for the Redlands.
Champion Redland Coast chief executive Cindy Corrie said the decision was the right outcome for the region.
“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.
“Today’s 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.”
Council said it was committed to delivering the precinct while maintaining the environmental safeguards outlined through the assessment.
Those measures include the planting of about 10,000 native trees and tube stock to expand and connect habitat, the creation of habitat corridors and additional tree canopy, nest boxes and other habitat features, weed and pest management, and specialist koala monitoring under a dedicated Koala Management Plan.
The project will also incorporate stormwater treatment systems aimed at improving water quality. Council said the whitewater channels would be fully lined to prevent interaction with groundwater.
Cr Talty said the project would deliver a range of benefits beyond its 2032 Games role.
“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.”
Council’s next major phase will focus on enabling works, including roads, carparks, utilities, bulk earthworks and other infrastructure needed to provide safe, staged access across the site.
Those works are expected to be delivered from 2027 to 2029, with Council planning a multi-stage procurement process beginning with an expression of interest before a request for tender.
Construction of the precinct’s proposed swimming lagoon could start as soon as next year, according to Council. The lagoon is expected to provide an early public legacy component of the development in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032.
Council said it would continue to comply with all relevant Commonwealth and State environmental requirements as planning, procurement and construction progressed.
