By Henry Pike, Member for Bowman
FOR too long, the Redlands has watched major infrastructure investment flow elsewhere.
The 2032 Olympics and Paralympics give our community a chance to change that.
That is why I have been fighting for the Metro extension to Capalaba since I was first elected, and why I’m supporting the Birkdale Community Precinct and Redland Whitewater Centre.
This is about more than hosting elite sporting events for two weeks.
It is about securing lasting infrastructure and community benefits for generations to come.
In 2019, the former Coalition Government worked with Redland City Council to secure the 62-hectare former Commonwealth site at Birkdale for community use.
The land had been in Federal hands since it was used as a Radio Receiving Station during World War II and was at risk of being subdivided into as many as 400 residential lots.
Instead, it was preserved as a major community asset for the Redlands.
Now we have the chance to turn land closed to the public for generations into something Redlanders can enjoy for generations to come.
Council has unveiled plans for a major public swimming lagoon, including kids’ waterplay areas, beach-style access and community facilities, with construction expected to begin next year.
But just as this project is gathering momentum, some opponents have tried to put the brakes on it.
After seven years of environmental assessment, the Federal Environment Department determined in May that the Birkdale project was not a controlled action under federal environmental law.
That decision was recently reconsidered following environmental appeals.
I wrote to the Federal Government urging it to stand by the original determination and allow the project to proceed.
The Federal Government reconfirmed the Birkdale Community Precinct remains not a controlled action.
These appeals by activists only brought unnecessary confusion and delay to this project.
The environmental work has been extensive.
Seven years of observation found no breeding female koalas in the development area, while independent studies found no significant impacts on local koalas, groundwater or Moreton Bay.
Two-thirds of the site will also be protected for conservation.
We need to protect our environment, but environmental assessment cannot become an endless justification for delays.
An independent expert review of proposed Olympic venues recommended the Birkdale project proceed, describing its case as compelling and its financial model as sound, with strong legacy benefits.
With the heritage restoration of Willards Farm and the WWII Radio Receiving Station also planned, this is an opportunity to preserve our history while delivering a major new community asset.
The Redlands has waited long enough for its share of major infrastructure investment.
I am pleased that we aren’t going to let this opportunity pass us by.
It’s time to get on with the job and see this legacy infrastructure built for Redlanders to enjoy for many years to come.
