The Redland City Council and local residents are disappointed to learn that the federal government plans to sell the Birkdale land on Old Cleveland Road East to developers for residential housing. The land is owned by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). ACMA is planning to sell the property which will become the site for 400 houses, aimed at helping to reduce the prices of residential properties in the area.

Continuous Efforts To Protect Birkdale

Mayor Karen Williams was surprised to learn of the planned development. Her council has been negotiating with the federal government for over three years to purchase the land. The council aims to build facilities on it for the whole community. In fact, the site has long been considered a potential site for a university. She also said that the Redlands doesn’t need more residential properties. The Redlands has already met the state government’s housing requirements until 2041. An online petition has been launched to garner more support to help prevent the site to be turned into a residential development. So far, it has gathered over 6,000 signatures.

The Influx of Support

Queensland Treasurer and Deputy Premier Jackie Trad is astounded by the federal government’s decision. She is also concerned about the koala habitat within the land that could get affected should a residential development push through. The Queensland Government has heard the cries of the Redlands as State Planning Minister Cameron Dick stated that the land was outside the urban footprint in which residential housing is not allowed.

A Reassurance

Mayor Williams met with Michael Sukkar, federal assistant minister to Treasurer Scott Morrison in May. She said that the Mr Sukkar told her that the first offer for the land would be from the council. Mr Sukkar also said that there is no rush at all to sell the land. Mayor Williams is negotiating to offer an off-market price for it thus she will now be working to acquire the funds needed to acquire the land.