REDLAND council has launched a long awaited strategy for the 62 hectare Birkdale public land, with suggestions for an Olympic standard whitewater facility, a pool, and history and environment components.
These are suggestions, with locals to have seven weeks to voice ideas on what they want.
Mayor Karen Williams said five urban design teams were asked to each develop a theme for the Birkdale Community Precinct.
Themes were education and discovery, agriculture and rural tradition, heritage and history, environment and ecology, and adventure and recreation.
"The designs are not intended to portray what will ultimately be at the precinct, but to help people imagine what its future uses could be and what is actually possible on the land," Cr Williams said.
The site at 302 and 362-388 Old Cleveland Road East includes two properties - the former Commonwealth land at Birkdale and Willards Farm - and council may buy land nearby to increase it to almost 100 hectares.
Although a whitewater rafting facility would potentially put Redlands in the running for some 2032 Olympics events, Logan council already has plans in hand for a similar venue at Park Ridge. It has been costed, has a business management plan, and has gone to Queensland Treasury for assessment.
A smaller scale pool area is also part of preliminary proposals by developer Lang Walker, should the Toondah Harbour residential project win approval.
Cr Williams said that at almost 10 times the size of The Gabba, the Birkdale land had plenty of space to enhance lifestyle, create jobs, boost the economy and bring forward important transport infrastructure.
The project, spanning 25 years, had potential for adventure sports, an aquatic facility, and water park - facilities that some locals had long asked for.
"This is a really exciting opportunity to deliver a precinct that rivals anything currently on Redlands Coast or arguably south-east Queensland. Think of Brisbane's South Bank or the Strand at Townsville. It's time for Redlands to have somewhere like these well-known recreation areas."
Cr Williams said the precinct had important environmental, cultural and historical significance, which would be protected.
Cr Paul Bishop said council had undertaken extensive cultural and environmental studies. "We have management plans in place to protect the precinct's unique values," he said.
To see the designers' ideas visit the Birkdale Community Precinct page at yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au. People also can visit during two open days on April 16 and 17. Consultation closes on May 4.
