TWO blocks of bushland, owned by the federal government at Birkdale, have been earmarked as a site for a university after plans for their sale were announced yesterday.
The land, totalling 80 hectares is south of the Howeston Golf Club and bordered by Tingalpa Creek on Old Cleveland Road East.
Both blocks are likely to be sold on the open market with their current environmental overlays.
The land is used by Air Services Australia to guide aircraft into Brisbane airport and by the Australian Communications and Media Authority to monitor broadband spectrum use.
Buyers would have to demonstrate future uses of the land would protect the environment and satisfy Redland City Council and state government zonings.
Federal MP Andrew Laming said the "once in a generation sale" would "change the face of Redlands" as it would unlock land for a range of public uses including a university.
Mr Laming said the land sale was the culmination of nine years of hard work trying to convince the two federal authorities they didn't need the land.
Redland mayor Karen Williams and Capalaba MP Steve Davies also worked behind the scenes to convince them of the benefits for Redlands of selling the land.
The two federal authorities have now agreed the land in Redlands is surplus to their needs.
Cr Williams said in the last term of council, she failed to get council support to lobby the federal government to consider the land for regional sporting facilities.
"This area could serve environmental,educational, sporting, recreational and/or employment opportunitiesfor Redlands," she said.
"I have consistently advocated the importance of tertiary facilities for Redlands but look forward to hearing the views of the community and advocating accordingly on their behalf."
Mr Laming said the site was ideal for a university campus as it was close to bus interchanges and rail.
Anyone with suggestions for the land use can call Mr Laming or Cr Williams.
