Two sites go on Redland heritage register

The move will help protect the farm which was the subject of a dispute last year between developers and the community over its future.

The council-owned property also was nominated for State heritage listing _ which would have given it legislative protection _ but failed to make the grade.

Mayor Karen Williams said cultural heritage gave the city much of its character and the historical significance of the two sites was irreplaceable.

The listing brought the number of properties of state and local heritage significance in the Redlands to 70.

“Council is committed to ensuring the historical significance of these sites is protected and our local history retained for future generations,” she said.

The tallowood tree was just getting going when Galileo Galilei confirmed that the planets circled the sun, the King James Version of the Bible was published, Europeans moved to the American mainland and William Shakespeare was penning plays.

Cr Murray Elliott, whose division includes the tallowwood, said it was a great result.

“As one of the natural attractions of IndigiScapes, which is a popular attraction for both locals and visitors, the tallowwood tree is an historically significant feature of our city and is estimated to be more than 400 years old,” he said. 

Councillor Paul Gleeson, whose division includes Willard’s Farm, said the sites would receive the same protection as other historical sites in the area, including the School of Arts Hall at Birkdale and the remnants of the cobblestone roadway and bridge foundations at the Rocks Crossing, Tingalpa Creek.

Cr Paul Bishop, who fought for the decision, said the community had made it clear the farm was an important heritage site.

“Heritage protection is far more than just buildings, as we have shown by including the tallowwood tree on the register. Heritage cannot be replaced and today’s decision by council has ensured the unique values of the ancient tree and the historic farmhouse will not be lost.”