COUNCIL today voted to develop a vision for the Birkdale Community Precinct, based on a staggering response from the community.
In March the community were encouraged to share what they wanted on the 62 hectare Old Cleveland Road East site, and picnic facilities, wildlife tourism and conservation have ranked high on the list.
In a special meeting, Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the community engagement had provided a clear, well-rounded picture of what the community wanted and expected for the transformation of the site, which will be a project spanning 25 years.
"We heard from all age groups, saw some 3000 people visit the site for open days; had more than 25,000 interactions online; 1600 surveys completed; about 700 people attending pop-ups across the city; and held a series of ideas forums involving school students, youth groups and interested stakeholders, community groups and organisations," she said.
Key ideas emerged in the summary report across online and in-person engagement activities.
"The community told us they wanted picnic facilities, cycling and walking paths and circuits, access to Tingalpa Creek and natural areas, café and dining areas, community markets, camping and overnight stays, an amphitheatre and performance spaces, education and training facilities, paddock to plate, wildlife tourism and night walks," Cr Williams said.
The vision for the land will incorporate five core themes into a future community-use precinct: environment/ecology; adventure/recreation; heritage/history; education/discovery; and agriculture/rural tradition.
Online surveys showed a new swimming pool, water play, Olympic standard whitewater and adventure sports facility ranked at number eight out of 21 options. It was listed at number nine out of 45 options in the in-person engagement activities.
"People supported the concept of a Redlands Coast Adventure Sports Precinct - including an Olympic-standard pool, Olympic-standard canoe slalom whitewater facility that could serve as a venue should Brisbane be selected as host of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, water play and adventure sports facilities," Cr Williams said.
Conservation and new recreation facilities scored high on the written feedback of the survey.
She said the site had identified environmental, cultural and historical significance, which would be protected.
"This is a large precinct that has space for exciting projects that would enhance lifestyle and benefit communities and economies, as well as bring forward important transport infrastructure.
"It presents the opportunity to create a world-class precinct that could drive employment, boost local and regional economies, become a significant drawcard for tourism and shine an even brighter light on the naturally wonderful Redlands Coast," she said.
Cr Williams said council would continue to consult the community in the development of the precinct, including significant community engagement on a draft master plan.
