Author Archives: Geoff Shearer

Willards Farm recommended for State heritage register


January 21, 2022

One of Redlands Coast’s oldest surviving farms and residences which was saved by Redland City Council in 2016 from being demolished and subdivided into housing has been recommended for entry into the Queensland Heritage Register.

Willards Farm at 302 Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale.

Willards Farm, built during the periods of the 1860s to 1910s, was bought by Council in March 2016 and entered into the local Heritage Places Register in June of the same year.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Willards Farm at 302 Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale, represented a core value within the 62-hectare Birkdale Community Precinct and is a centre-point for the precinct’s current stage of draft master planning.

“The Department of Environment and Science has recommended Willards Farm be entered into the Queensland Heritage Register (QHR) with the Queensland Heritage Council (QHC) expected to make the final decision by March this year,” Cr Williams said.

Cr Williams said Council had identified Willards Farm and all heritage values in the Birkdale Community Precinct as being a priority for protection in the site’s draft master planning.

“We have been and we will continue to manage heritage values within the precinct appropriately,” she said.

“In 2021, Council commissioned an updated Conservation Heritage Management Plan which informs the best ways to protect and restore the heritage values of Willards Farm.

“The original Willards homestead and some original surrounding buildings, such as the milking shed (pictured right) and creamery, are still standing and help to define the whole precinct in terms of our city’s European pioneer history.

“This is such a well-loved and important property. It will no doubt become a jewel in the crown of Birkdale Community Precinct as we go forward.”

Cr Williams said Council budgeted $250,000 in the 2021/22 financial year to undertake primarily detailed design works for the restoration of Willards Farm and is appointing a heritage architect to undertake this work, in preparation for its restoration. The work was temporarily halted during the QHR consideration process.

Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop said Council was committed to protecting Willards Farm due to its significance for the community.

“This is quite a remarkable property which offers our community many more layers of value and significance than appears at first glance,” Cr Bishop said.

“It is a portal into our pioneer past with a wealth of stories, lessons and knowledge to impart, including stories of connection with First Nations People and South Sea Islander labourers. It also remains a place that can be enjoyed, treasured and celebrated by generations to come.”

This is the second time an application has been made to the DES to enter the property into the QHR, with an ultimately unsuccessful submission being made in July 2015. Both applications were made by the Birkdale Progress Association. QHC has the discretion to make a decision which differs from the current DES recommendation.

Willards Farm timeline:

Willards Farm on Birkdale Community Precinct.

1865: Land registered to the Willard family for farming.

1876: James and Margaret Willard take out a mortgage on the land. It is believed this may have been to start construction of the homestead.

Until mid-1920s: The Willards run a dairy farm on the property, also known as The Pines.

1933-1941: The property changes ownership a couple of times.

1941: Rosemary Cotton and her husband Doug buy the farm.

1942: After the Australian Government asserts possession of most of the site, the US Army Signal Corps builds radio receiving station and transmission towers. The Pines homestead and farm remain on a much reduced foothold.

1942-1979: The Cottons farm their portion of the land up until Rosemary Cotton’s death in 1979.

1979-2016: The farm changes ownership several times.

2016: Council buys Willards Farm following community concern that the site was subject to a development approval for subdivision into residential allotments

2019: Council buys the adjoining 61 hectares of Commonwealth land.

Dec 2019-2021: Community consultation begins and commissioned studies are conducted to gain an understanding of the site’s environmental, heritage and historical values.

Mar 2021: A two-month formal community consultation process opens to seek ideas and identify suitable community uses for the entire site known as Birkdale Community Precinct.

You can read more about Willards Farm and Birkdale Community Precinct on the dedicated Your Say page.

 

RPAC box office temporarily reduces opening hours


January 21, 2022

The Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) box office will have a temporary reduction in opening hours starting Monday.

In response to the evolving COVID-19 situation and to ensure that we can continue to provide service in peak times, from Monday 24 January, the box office will open Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm, and one hour prior to any performance.

Patrons are reminded that tickets to performances and events at RPAC are available online, 24/7 at rpac.com.au; by phone on 07 3892 8131; or in person at the box office.

RPAC continues to strictly follow Queensland Health directives which includes a mandatory requirement for visitors and employees to wear masks. Visitors and employees must also be fully vaccinated to enter RPAC.

For the latest updates on the impacts of COVID-19 on Council services, programs and events, follow Redland City Council on Facebook or check back on this news site.

Redlands Coast to form a 2032 Legacy Working Group


January 20, 2022

Redland City Council will assemble a working group of community leaders to ensure the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games deliver lasting legacies for the city.

Mayor Karen Williams – who will chair the Redlands Coast 2032 Legacy Working Group – said it would empower the community to set the direction for future legacy opportunities that flow from the once-in-a-generation opportunity.

“As the largest sporting event in the world, we know Brisbane 2032 has the potential to deliver exciting opportunities for our community and this group will be tasked with ensuring generations of Redlanders benefit from these sporting, social and economic benefits,” Cr Williams said.

“The group will be a cross-section of our community, potentially including Olympians, Paralympians, Quandamooka traditional custodians, sporting groups, school students, and representatives from sectors such as sustainability, transport, tourism, arts, culture, training, research and business.”

Cr Williams said Council was proud to have been part of the Brisbane 2032 journey since the Council of Mayors (SEQ) first began investigating a regional Games in March 2015.

“Council only committed to being part of Brisbane 2032 because of the legacy opportunities it could provide for our community and now the Games have been won we have to get to work to ensure these benefits are realised,” she said.

“With the Redlands named as the venue for Canoe Slalom at Brisbane 2032, the community will benefit from the construction of an integrated adventure sports precinct with a world class white water facility and other water play facilities for local families.

“But Brisbane 2032 is about so much more than a few weeks of sport and venues; it is also about better roads and transport for local families, better jobs for our kids and better sporting infrastructure for tomorrow’s sporting stars and this group will focus on delivering these legacy opportunities.

“The Redlands Coast community has an exciting opportunity with Brisbane 2032 and I want the community and Council to work together to maximise the benefits for our generation and for those to come.”

Council decision reflects history of need for lot size caps


January 20, 2022

A development application in Birkdale has been cited as the perfect example of why Redland City Council tried to cap lot sizes in parts of the city.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the application for four lots on Haig Road Birkdale, showed why Council tried to limit lots to a minimum of 2000sqm when they drafted the new city plan in 2015 ahead of its adoption in 2018.

“When we drafted our new city plan we proposed this area, along with others, be included in the low density residential LDR1 precinct, with a minimum lot size of 2000sqm, to try and retain larger lots in the area,” Cr Williams said.

“If our request had been approved by the State Minister it would have given the community greater clarity and made this development highly unlikely, making our decision on this application much clearer.

“Unfortunately the Minister of the day directed Council to weaken our caps on lot sizes under the city plan, leading to this position where we now have to make a very difficult decision on this application.”

Cr Williams said despite the Minister’s direction, Council voted against the application at yesterday’s general meeting and additionally would write to the current Minister to outline the history of why Council wanted to cap lot sizes in the area.

“The Ministerial condition was made by the previous Minister and so we acknowledge the current Minister may not be aware of the history and why Council wanted to limit lot sizes in the area,” Cr Williams said.

“We think it is important the State is aware of this history and this application shows why we made this request originally; so we will write to the current Minister to confirm State Government planning legislation still prohibits us placing clear and absolute caps on lot sizes in the area.”

Division 10 Cr Paul Bishop said Council’s decision reflected the wishes of the community.

“When we reviewed our city plan we received submissions from residents concerned about this sort of development, so we listened and tried to limit lot sizes in key areas, including Haig Road,” Cr Bishop said.

“While the State directive means Council must consider eligible development applications and cannot reject them outright, it is important we take the opportunity to send a strong signal to our community, developers and the State Government to confirm Council’s position has not changed.”

 

Plans for rural Southern Thornlands to be enterprise frontier


January 19, 2022

Redland City Council will prioritise economic development and employment in the Southern Thornlands Potential Future Growth Area (STPFGA) following public consultation showing the community supported the proposed plans for the area.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council today supported the community’s feedback on the plan and would now begin making the necessary changes to the city plan to create employment and innovation, while retaining significant areas of rural residential living.

“Council has always believed this area should be used for employment rather than merely being used as another residential area and our proposal supports this commitment,” Cr Williams said.

“Our plan for the area includes mixed industry and business, education, training and recreation, a transport precinct, storage and larger home-based industry enterprise activities.

“As part of our plans, land not used for economic uses should only be used for larger rural living blocks, reducing pressure on transport while protecting the area’s relaxed rural lifestyle.”

“Public consultation shows the community supports this plan with 80 per cent of the online respondents supporting Council’s proposal, providing a strong basis for proceeding with a major amendment to the City Plan.

“Council has consistently focussed on job creation as part of a prioritisation on economic development for this strategically important part of southern Thornlands; which is why we opened up this consultation to the entire city.

At today’s general meeting, Council resolved to commence preparation of a major amendment to the City Plan to reflect the preferred future land use intents for the STPFGA; and report back to the State Planning Minister outlining the public consultation outcomes, the proposed amendment and noting that urban residential land uses are inconsistent with Council’s preferred future land use intents for the area.

Cr Williams said it was great to see community support for the proposals for STPFGA.

“It has been a topic of discussion for nearly two decades with the State Government at one stage including part of the area in the urban footprint, meaning it could have ended up with it being subdivided for smaller lot residential development,” Cr Williams said.

“Fortunately that was later reversed and it was nominated as a Potential Future Growth Area which allowed Council to investigate its preferred future usages.”

For more information about STPFGA, including findings from the public consultation report and an economic feasibility assessment report, visit the project’s page on Council’s Your Say site.

Redland Animal Shelter to close temporarily


January 13, 2022

Due to staff shortages as a result of illness, the Redland Animal Shelter in South Street, Thornlands, will be temporarily closed from noon Saturday 15 January until 8.30am Monday 17 January.

For any enquiries regarding an animal in our care, please phone 3829 8663.

Council apologises for any inconvenience.

‘Earthy’ water being experienced across the region


January 13, 2022

Redlands Coast residents who have noticed an earthy taste or smell to their tap water have been assured by bulk water supplier Seqwater that it is safe to drink.

Seqwater advises that the water situation is being experienced across the region – including in Brisbane, Ipswich and Logan.

This rare and harmless occurrence is caused by increased natural organic compounds entering the raw water supply during warmer weather.

Seqwater is taking action to dilute the water coming from the affected system, with water taste and smell expected to return to normal within a few weeks.

For more information, including tips on neutralising water taste go to the Seqwater website

 

Traffic restrictions lifted at Birkdale


January 10, 2022

Normal traffic arrangements resume today at the entrance to Birkdale Recycling and Waste Centre and Judy Holt Recreation Reserve on Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale.

A temporary speed limit reduction and traffic management had been in place during the traditionally busy Christmas holiday period.

Redland City Council would like to thank motorists for their patience and adherence to the directions during this time.

 

Land swap paves the way for exciting times at Redland Bay


January 6, 2022

The rejuvenation of Weinam Creek is set to create more than 700 jobs and generate almost $30 million for the local economy after the State Government gave the project’s exciting Master Plan the green light.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Economic Development Queensland’s approval of the Weinam Creek Master Plan was great news for the local community and economy.

“This is a red-letter day for Redlands Coast, in particular the southern part of our city and bay islands, with this project set to deliver much-needed transport upgrades, community services and jobs,” Cr Williams said.

“A partnership between Redland City Council, Economic Development Queensland and Redland Investment Corporation, this project will transform Redland Bay into a vibrant waterfront precinct with restaurants, cafes, a supermarket, more parking, new walkways and more open space.

“When I am out and about in the south of the city, the community tell me how keen they are to see this project progress and the approval of the Master Plan is an exciting milestone that brings it another step closer.”

Cr Williams said thanks to collaboration between Council and the State Government, the project would also include a new satellite hospital.

“Council and the State Government negotiated a land swap that saw land at the ferry terminal transferred to Council, which will now form part of the Weinam Creek upgrade,” Cr Williams said.

“In exchange Council land on Meissner Street was transferred to Queensland Health to use for their satellite hospital, which is great news for our ageing community.”

Member for Redlands Kim Richards said the land swap was a good outcome and a key milestone in the State Government’s commitment to deliver a local satellite hospital.

“Our satellite hospital at Meissner Street in Redland Bay will deliver essential services for Queenslanders in our rapidly growing community,” Ms Richards said.

“The Satellite Hospitals Program will also support up to 773 jobs during construction, critical for our economic recovery.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards welcomed the land swap and said it would bring important health services to the area while helping to progress Council’s vision for Weinam Creek.

“It’s good to see that collaboration across the different levels of government has resulted in such a great outcome for the community,” he said.

“The redevelopment of this area is expected to create 102 direct and indirect construction jobs, 699 operational jobs, and inject more than $29 million into the local economy.

“Stage 1 delivered more than 500 new parking spaces at Moores Road, new pathways, and a footbridge; with the next stages to include better connectivity to the marina, lighting and pedestrian upgrades along Banana and Meissner streets, and open space and park upgrades.”

The Weinam Creek Master Plan was approved by the Minister for State Development and it can be viewed on the Queensland Government website.

For information about the Weinam Creek redevelopment project, and to see a flythrough, visit Council’s Your Say website.

Traffic management during busy times at waste centre


December 14, 2021

Redland City Council is asking residents to slow down in their rush to the Birkdale Recycling and Waste Centre this festive season.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council would improve safety by temporarily reducing the speed limit and implementing other safety measures near the popular Birkdale facility, which traditionally experienced an increase in traffic during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

“It’s a great time for a clean-out at home or in the garden, but Council wants to make sure the trip to the local recycling and waste centre is as easy and as safe as possible,” Cr Williams said.

“To do this we will implement some temporary traffic controls during this busy time from 18 December.”

Division 8 Councillor Tracey Huges said the objective was all about safety for customers.

“It is to reduce the risk of incidents occurring, and improve the flow of traffic in and out of the sites,” Cr Hughes said.

Please note the following changes:

Birkdale Recycling and Waste Centre

From 18 December 2021 to 9 January 2022:

  • A section of Old Cleveland Road East will be reduced from 60km/h to 40km/h during centre opening hours of 7am to 5.30pm.
  • When leaving the facility and Judy Holt Park, customers will be required to turn left only on to Old Cleveland Road East.
  • Signage will be in place and traffic controllers will be at the site entrance to help manage traffic flow.
  • A green waste bypass lane will be opened to allow residential customers with green waste to enter more quickly.