Historic Commonwealth land at Birkdale signed over to Redland City Council
A decade of fighting for the ownership of historic Commonwealth owned land has come to a close this week with Redland City Council securing the prized site.
Redlands Coast
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A DECADE of fighting for the ownership of historic Commonwealth owned land has come to a close this week with Redland City Council securing the prized site.
While a dollar figure has not been alluded to, confirmation of the council’s purchase of the site came today, two days after councillors were shocked by a request during their general meeting for a memorandum of understanding between the council and Redland Museum for the management of neighbouring site Willards Farm.
The council has put out the call for residents to share any historic or cultural information they may have about the land at Birkdale, which contains indigenous and World War II significance.
Mayor Karen Williams said the council was inviting personal stories about the 61 hectares of land at 362-388 Old Cleveland Rd East, Birkdale while a suite of heritage, environment and land studies were carried out.
“This is the first stage of speaking with the community about this property, with formal public consultation to occur next year after all heritage and environmental studies have been completed,” Cr Williams said.
“The Redlands Coast community has had a long and strong relationship and interest in the Birkdale site over many decades, including its Quandamooka cultural significance and historic role in World War II.
“While much is already known about the land, a great deal of its history is locked in the memories and experiences of residents, with many having childhood stories of the land and the creek.”
CULTURAL HERITAGE PRESERVED FOLLOWING BIRKDALE DEAL
COMMONWEALTH LAND MUST BE KEPT FOR OPEN SPACE
Cr Williams said securing the property had taken a number of years and conversations with many Federal Government ministers.
“We have been trying to secure this land for years and for it to now be owned by the community is exciting news,” she said.
“We want to thank the Federal Government for agreeing to sell the land to the Redlands Coast community so its significance will be protected and the land can be retained for community benefit.
Federal MP Andrew Laming (Bowman) said the transfer of ownership was a project he initiated with then mayor Don Seccombe shortly after being elected in 2005.
“It took 5270 days and navigating dozens of ministers and advisers but we got there. The greatest victory being a sale to Redland City Council rather than into private hands which the law would usually require. There isn’t a deal like this anywhere nationwide.
“Council has been a model purchaser and tolerated plenty of ups and downs from Canberra, including last year’s federal budget which incorrectly listed the purpose of sale for development.”
Cr Williams said more than 72 per cent of the 61.78 hectare site was already principally zoned conservation within the City Plan, with the remaining 17 hectares of the site zoned for community purpose.
“This land purchase is a major and strategic opportunity to secure a lasting legacy for future Redlands Coast generations.
“This includes the opportunity for community recreation, sport and tourism uses on the small portion of the site that is zoned for community purposes.
“Council’s commitment today is to ensure that the future for the land is part of well-informed conversation with the Redlands Coast community.”
Visit the yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/BirkdaleLand page to tell your story.
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