The future of sport, recreation and conservation in the Redlands has received a boost with 159 hectares of land acquired at Mt Cotton.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said 277-293 Heinemann Road had recently been purchased by Council, with about a third of the area to be used for sports and recreation in the future and the remainder to be preserved as a conservation area.
“Existing sports grounds and facilities are at capacity in the Redlands and this site will provide our residents with more sporting fields and community amenities to enjoy,” she said.
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“With its recreational potential and environmental values, this is a unique parcel of land that will support future demand for sporting facilities in the Redlands while also protecting a significant area of natural habitat close to existing Council-owned conservation land.
“Much of this land is heavily vegetated and will be retained as an environmental reserve, while the section already cleared will be used for future sports fields and associated infrastructure, including carparking.”
Cr Williams said Council officers would undertake a detailed planning study over the next 12 months, in consultation with all stakeholders including local sporting groups, to determine the best use of the site and provide recommendations for a future program of works.
“Given the size of this site, a multipurpose approach is most likely, with any number of popular ball sports and specialised recreational activities set to benefit,” she said.
“This precinct will not only be valuable for sporting clubs, but also provide cultural and economic benefits as an event space, cementing our reputation as an events destination.
“We expect to be able to also use the site to host local festivals, national sports events and cultural showcases in the future, like those often held at venues like the Cleveland Showgrounds.”
Division 6 Councillor Julie Talty said the site and Mt Cotton locality was ideally suited as a sports and recreation precinct particularly for residents in the southern part of the city.
“There is scope to connect this area with existing multiuse tracks and trails in nearby conservation areas like the Bayview Conservation Park, which would be welcomed by horse riders, mountain bikers, trail runners and bushwalkers,” Cr Talty said.
“The site would also link surrounding residential communities and expand the list of family-friendly natural attractions at the southern end of our city.”
