THE opening of a new nursery at the Redlands IndigiScapes Centre has signalled the end of the first stage of a multi-million dollar upgrade to the Capalaba facility.
Attended by hundreds of visitors, the official opening on Saturday saw elected representatives, locals, visitors and volunteers celebrate with activities like children’s seed bomb craft, a seed propagation demonstration and a free barbecue.
Mayor Karen Williams said the new native plant nursery would provide information about the use of native plant species, and host monthly plant days and annual trees for weeds swap days.
“The IndigiScapes nursery also plays a significant role in propagating local native plant stock for Redland City Council’s conservation plantings across Redlands Coast,” Cr Williams said.
“This new community space is a naturally wonderful example of what we enjoy and appreciate about the Redlands Coast environment, and it was wonderful to see so many people exploring the nursery.”
Cr Murray Elliott said the opening event also gave people the opportunity to learn more about the refurbishment works planned for IndigiScapes.
“The stage two works about to begin will include a refurbished entry way, relocating the centre’s cafe and building a new theatrette with conference facilities,” he said.
“There will also be a new environmental interpretation area so people can discover more about the wildlife and native plants of Redlands Coast and learn simple things we can all do to protect them.”
Cr Elliott said the main centre building would close from January 28 for six to eight months while the work is being done.
The multi-million project is jointly funded by Redland City Council and the Queensland government.
Cr Williams said the new nursery would remain open during stage two construction works and provide access to the display gardens.
“People will also still be able to access our extension programs from their temporary home at Capalaba Place in Noeleen Street,” she said.
“Council will also continue to provide off-site events, such as koala food tree plantings, wildlife surveys, educational talks at schools and libraries and monthly bird watching and seed collecting excursions.”
Cr Williams said the temporary closure of IndigiScapes provided an opportunity for residents and visitors to explore places like Black Swamp Wetlands and Venman’s National Park.
For details on the refurbishment, visit redland.qld.gov.au/IndigiScapesExpansion.
