REDLAND City Council has backed a state government recommendation for heritage protection of a former US army radio receiving station used in World War II, however the historic Rhombic antenna may not be listed.
Earlier this year council moved to get experts to evaluate the Birkdale Commonwealth land after securing the 61.8 hectare property for $4.1 million following years of negotiations with the federal government.
The government has since applied to the Environment Department to have a portion of the historical site listed on the Queensland state heritage register.
Properties on the register have legislative protection.
Mayor Karen Williams said key heritage features on the council-owned land - including the main radio receiving building, surrounding yard and access road to Old Cleveland Road East - were included in the preferred boundary proposed for a state heritage listing.
However, the Rhombic antenna was not of state significance, had been replaced several times since 1943 and could be better managed at a local heritage level.
Cr Williams said as part of the process, the DES prepared three options for the extent of the heritage listing and asked council for comments.
Councillors were divided when they voted this week on the state heritage nomination.
Cr Williams voted to support the recommended boundary which did not include the antenna under the state listing.
Cr Wendy Boglary said she was disappointed council did not try harder to put heavier protection on the antenna as it was important to preserve Redlands history.
"If it is listed as local heritage it could be changed when a new council comes in, but being state listed it's set and has a buffer around it," she said.
Cr Paul Bishop said it was a site with many stories, from the Quandamooka people through to pioneers and the US army radio receiving station technology that was used during WWII and was the radio headquarters for all in-coming communications in the fight against the Japanese army.
"They were able to receive messages from across the world using encrypted technology that was the basis of the modern internet," Cr Bishop said.
"I look forward to this site being protected and many more stories being told about this remarkable place."
Council's feedback will be passed onto the Queensland Heritage Council, which was expected to consider the matter later this month.