THERE will be more than koalas in the trees at Victoria Point’s Eprapah scout property soon, with Redland City Council approving an application for an eco-tourism venture on part of the site.
It will have every kid’s dream – high ropes, flying foxes, bridges and nets across 4ha of the 38ha site.
The project is being put together by TreeTop Challenge director Max Taylor.
His company owns similar adventure parks at Mt Tamborine on the Gold Coast hinterland and at coastal Currumbin.
Mr Taylor said the project would cost between $800,000 and $1.1 million.
It was expected to be open by the Christmas holidays but he did not respond to questions on what it might cost.
Prices at the company’s other facilities are $49 for adults and $39 for children.
Queensland chief scout commissioner Daryl Scott told council that scouts were long term owners of the Eprapah property which was costly to run.
Mr Scott said he had looked at other properties run by TreeTop and their operation was a good fit.
“There’s a good synergy there,’’ he said. “...This will improve the environmental integrity of the site and employ about 10 staff.’’
Mr Taylor said about 20,000 people were expected to use the site annually.
Mayor Karen Williams said the facility would complement the district’s ecological values while providing tourism and economic opportunities.
"With our bayside location and 10,000 hectares of conservation land across the city, the Redlands has a strong reputation for nature-based and adventure tourism,’’ she said.
Cr Lance Hewlett said the project would become a fantastic community facility and Aboriginal scar trees at the site would not be impacted.
"This facility will be ideal for corporate events, school and community groups, giving those outside the city more reason to come to the Redlands and for local groups to stay local for their next team-building event,’’ he said.
“...The facility has been designed to minimise vegetation impacts, including the office and car park to be built on land previously cleared for the current scout hut.’’
A report to council on the site which is known for its koalas said five eucalyptus trees would be removed for a car park.
“It is considered the proposed development will not result in a significant impact on the existing regulated vegetation and wildlife habitat,’’ the report said.
“The development has been designed and located to result in minimal removal of native vegetation and to avoid impact on the existing koala habitat.’’