ENVIRONMENT and Heritage Protection Minister Steven Miles has signed a Stop Order prohibiting all work at a Birkdale property, known as Willards Farm.
The farm, at 302 Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale, was the site of one of Redlands first farms and houses the Willard family’s homestead, The Pines, built in 1863.
Capalaba MP Don Brown called for the Stop Order after reports the homestead was in danger of being destroyed.
“This stop work order will prevent any development from occurring that may destroy or reduce the cultural heritage significance of this property for 40 business days,” Mr Brown said.
“If necessary, the Minister will issue additional stop orders for this site while a heritage application is considered.
“This shall allow the property to be considered for inclusion in the Queensland Heritage Register through a thorough assessment without any damage to the property in the meantime.
“Further, I shall be personally supporting the application for the property’s inclusion in the Heritage Register.
“It’s important that we protect these historically significant sites,” Mr Brown said.
Council has significant research documenting the 8164sq m site which is being assessed for a 12-lot housing development and public road.
A town planning assessment by Plan A Group Pty Ltd showed the development complied with the Redlands Planning Scheme Development Codes.
It found the proposal would not impact on heritage places and did not need to be assessed against amenity criteria.
Federal government land next door to The Pines also has significant history and was used by General Douglas MacArthur as a radio transmitting and receiving station during World War II.
