Capalaba's newly renovated Redland IndigiScapes Centre will be among the most unusual and popular environment centres in Queensland.
The reopening on Friday followed a $3 million transformation of the centre - including theatrette and conference facilities, a Discovery Centre, cafe and gift shop as well as garden improvements - funded by Redland City Council and the state government.
Mayor Karen Williams said the project marked the evolution of IndigiScapes into one of Queensland's premier eco-destinations which was built around a community environmental centre.
"IndigiScapes is one of Redlands Coast's true treasures. It was the first of its type in Australia when it opened 20 years ago and, thanks to the latest upgrades and the very busy environmental program they support, it remains a leader in its field.
"It is a wonderful example of a sustainable eco-tourism attraction which has a strong emphasis on community working with council to manage and improve our naturally wonderful environment," Cr Williams said.
Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said upgrades and improvements to the cafe, entry area, interpretative centre and public amenities meant a better visitor experience for everybody.
"This project, funded with $916,137 from the 2017-19 Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program and $682,609 from Redland Shire Council, has supported an estimated 17 jobs," Mr Hinchliffe said.
Redlands MP Kim Richards said up to 50,000 visitors each year enjoy the family-friendly setting including picnic areas, playgrounds, walking tracks and free barbecues.
"The cafe and gift shop provide fresh produce with a unique bush tucker twist, and the bush tucker experience will only be improved in the new expanded cafe."
Capalaba MP Don Brown said IndigiScapes has long been much more than a visitor attraction.
"It is a community hub for volunteer community groups, including the Bushcare program, which works to restore Redlands conservation areas," he said.
