WORK on identifying and protecting the heritage and environment on the former Birkdale Commonwealth land is on track.
Council had moved quickly to get experts on the ground after securing the 61.8 hectare property for $4.1 million late last year following years of negotiations with the federal government.
"We have fought hard to secure this land for the community and are committed to ensuring its significance is retained for future generations," Cr Karen Williams said.
Council's land assessment studies into the former Commonwealth land at 362-388 Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale is underway, with council this week noting a status update report.
"History tells us that this property carries many stories from our early farming history, cultural heritage and its significant role during wartime and this work will ensure these stories are captured and protected," Cr Williams said.
A heritage consultant has been assigned to conduct a review of indigenous, historic and natural heritage values, and to prepare a Heritage Management Plan that council will be required to implement.
Cr Williams said one of the areas council was looking closely at was the koala population and vegetation on the property and how this could be protected.
An ecologist has been tasked to report on the ecological values of the property and prepare a management plan for the land's conservation area, to meet contractual arrangements for long-term protection and conservation of koalas and koala habitat, a subtropical and temperate coastal saltmarsh ecological community and other ecological values within the land's conservation area.
A planning consultant has commenced work on a planning investigation that will give council a clear understanding of the statutory framework and physical attributes associated with the land, an assessment of opportunities and constraints and details of any information gaps.
Since council took ownership of the property, assessments have also been carried out relating to site safety and security, general land maintenance, including mowing, and weed and fire management.
"Following this specialist work council will then engage the community on how the land should be used to ensure it benefits the community," Cr Williams said.
The first phase of council's community engagement on the land is still underway, with residents urged to share their stories and knowledge of the land to help council understand its values to the community.
For more information on the consultation, visit the project page on Council's Your Say site.
A further report following completion of all relevant studies and management plans will be presented to council later this year.
