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Redland City Plan Shake-up: What it Means for Wellington Point and Beyond

Proposed amendments to the Redland City Plan carry direct implications for Wellington Point residents — while much of the region faces reduced lot sizes and higher density targets, separate provisions apply specifically to the canal estates.

Read: Cautious Hope for Koalas in Wellington Point and Surrounding Suburbs

Public consultation on the changes is now open, with submissions closing on 29 March 2025.

What it means for Wellington Point

The proposed amendments set out distinct rules for canal estate properties that differ from changes applying elsewhere in Redland. Under the framework, separate provisions apply specifically to the canal estates, a category that includes Wellington Point alongside Raby Bay, Sovereign Waters and Aquatic Paradise, where properties would generally maintain a minimum lot size of 600 sqm with at least 15 metres of street frontage.

Duplex or dual-occupancy development in canal estate areas would face stricter requirements. That type of development would require a minimum 1,000 sqm site with at least 30 metres of frontage.

The broader picture across Redland

The proposed changes vary significantly across different parts of the city. In certain low-density residential areas outside the canal estates, minimum lot sizes could drop to 300 sqm, which is down from the 400 sqm standard that has applied across much of suburban Redland. Dual-occupancy development in those areas would be permitted where density does not exceed one dwelling per 350 sqm, or one per 300 sqm on corner lots.

In newer growth corridors including parts of Thornlands and the Kinross Road precinct, minimum density targets would increase to at least 25 dwellings per hectare.

At Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island, dual-occupancy homes would require a minimum 800 sqm site with a 20-metre frontage.

Craft breweries and camping sites

Not all of the amendments in the Redland City Plan are about housing. The changes also open the door to boutique-style craft breweries operating in selected industry zones. Rural landholders may also benefit, with eligible properties potentially able to host up to five small, self-contained camping sites under the proposed framework.

Read: Birkdale House Prices Jump Nearly 30% in a Year

Driveway bans on key roads

Separate notices that came into effect on 27 February designated four major roads as “limited-access” corridors — Beenleigh–Redland Bay Road, Birkdale Road, Capalaba–Victoria Point Road and Colburn Avenue.

The move, made by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, tightens or bans new or altered driveway access onto those state-controlled roads. Property owners or anyone planning to build along those corridors should review the implications of the limited-access declaration.

Have your say

The amendment notices were signed by Redland City chief executive officer Louise Rusan. Consultation opened on 2 March and closes on 29 March 2025.View the full amendment documents and have your say through Redland City’s Your Say portal.

Featured image credit: Google Maps/Picture Purrfect

Published 3-March-2026

Cautious Hope for Koalas in Wellington Point and Surrounding Suburbs

After years of decline, there is cautious hope for koalas across the Redlands Coast, with new research suggesting the population may finally be stabilising. An independent Koala Population Assessment commissioned by Redlands and undertaken by researchers from Griffith University indicates the local koala population has shown signs of stabilising in recent years, following significant declines in previous decades.

The findings build on earlier Redlands Coast koala monitoring and assessment work led by the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), which has tracked koala population trends and habitat health across the region for many years.

Researchers caution that while the data does not show a continued sharp decline in recent years, overall numbers remain well below historical levels.

READ THE REPORT

Closer to Home in Wellington Point

Wellington Point forms part of an important habitat corridor linking Ormiston, Cleveland and surrounding bushland areas. Residents regularly report koala sightings in local reserves and suburban streets, particularly in treed pockets and near conservation areas.

The stabilisation trend suggests that local conservation measures, including habitat protection planning, wildlife monitoring and community reporting programs, may be contributing to improved outcomes.

However, experts emphasise that koalas in South East Queensland remain listed as endangered and continue to face significant threats, including habitat fragmentation, vehicle strikes, dog attacks, disease, and ongoing urban development pressures.

Protecting mature trees and maintaining habitat connectivity remain critical to long-term recovery.

Ongoing Local Habitat Conversations

The population update comes amid ongoing community discussion about habitat protection in areas near Wellington Point, including concerns raised about proposed tree clearing associated with expansion plans at Ormiston College.

Residents have argued that mature trees in mapped koala habitat areas play an important role in maintaining movement corridors between suburbs such as Ormiston and Wellington Point.

As growth continues across the Redlands Coast, the broader conversation remains focused on balancing development needs with environmental preservation.

Community Role Still Critical

Redland City Council’s conservation framework continues to encourage residents to report koala sightings, drive cautiously in signed koala areas, keep dogs secured, particularly overnight, and support local habitat conservation initiatives.

While the latest assessment offers cautious optimism, researchers stress that sustained community involvement and long-term habitat protection will be essential to ensuring koalas remain part of the Wellington Point landscape.

Published 25-Feb-2026

Featured Image Credit: xiSerge/Pixabay

Birkdale Canoe Slalom Venue Planned With Post-2032 Community Use in Mind

A proposed canoe slalom facility at Birkdale Community Precinct will provide ongoing training and recreation opportunities for Redlands Coast residents after the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The venue will host Olympic canoe slalom events during the Games, but local paddlers and water sports enthusiasts should benefit from the facility for decades beyond the two-week sporting event. Redlands Coast is working to ensure the venue becomes a permanent training and recreation hub rather than a one-time competition site.

Building for Community Use First

The Birkdale site puts the facility within reach of paddlers across the bayside region, from Birkdale and Thorneside to Cleveland and beyond. While the venue needs to meet Olympic standards for 2032, the design process is prioritising how local clubs, schools and recreational users will access the water after the Games wrap up.

canoe slalom venue — Photo Credit: GIICA

Canoe slalom requires purpose-built whitewater courses with adjustable gates and flow patterns, making permanent facilities relatively rare in Australia. A venue at Redland Whitewater Centre would give Redlands Coast paddlers year-round access to competition-grade training without travelling to facilities in other states.

Legacy Planning Shapes Venue Design

The focus on post-Games legacy reflects lessons from previous Olympic host cities, where some venues struggled to find ongoing use after major events ended. Redlands Coast is addressing this challenge early by consulting with local paddling clubs, schools and community groups during the planning phase.

The venue will support development pathways for young athletes, host regional and national competitions, and offer recreational kayaking and canoeing opportunities for local residents. Planning is ongoing, with construction timelines and facility details yet to be finalised.

More information about the Brisbane 2032 venues and legacy planning is available through the Redlands Coast website and Olympic planning channels.

Published 8-February-2026.

Koala Habitat at Centre of Ormiston College Expansion Dispute

Residents have rallied in Redlands over a controversial proposal by Ormiston College to clear hundreds of trees, many within mapped koala habitat, to make way for a major campus expansion.

Read: Hundreds of Koala Trees to Go in Ormiston as College Pursues Expansion

Around 60 community members gathered outside the school’s Dundas Street frontage in Ormiston, holding placards and calling for greater environmental protections as the college progresses plans for new sporting facilities, boarding accommodation and an Olympic-style swimming pool.

The protest follows the college’s application under Queensland’s Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) pathway, a state-level planning process that allows certain developments to bypass local council approval.

Residents say the proposal would see the removal of more than 600 trees, including mature eucalypts considered vital habitat for koalas in the Redlands area, a region already under pressure from urban development.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Una Sandeman

The site falls within an area identified as priority koala habitat under state mapping. Environmental advocates argue clearing at this scale could further fragment habitat relied upon by the vulnerable species.

Community group Redlands2030 has also raised concerns about the transparency of the MID process, arguing that residents have limited avenues to challenge the proposal compared to standard council development applications.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Queensland Koala Conservation Collective

Ormiston College has defended its master plan, stating it has engaged environmental consultants and intends to undertake staged planting to offset tree removal. The school says the expansion is necessary to accommodate growing enrolments and modernise facilities for students.

A spokesperson for the college previously indicated that replacement planting and environmental management strategies would form part of the project, and that the design has evolved following community feedback.

The debate reflects broader tensions across South East Queensland, where rapid population growth continues to collide with efforts to preserve green space and native wildlife corridors.

Read: Koala Habitat Concerns Raised Over Ormiston College Expansion

Residents say they will continue lobbying the State Government to reconsider the scale of clearing proposed and to explore alternative design options that protect more existing vegetation.

Published 3-Feb-2026

Featured Image Credit: Craig Watson/Pixabay

Business Case Proposed for Rickertt Road and Tingalpa Creek Bridge

A funding agreement for a $500,000 business case study examining options for the Rickertt Road and Tingalpa Creek bridge bottleneck is expected within weeks.

Read: Wellington Point Community Mourns Loss of Year 12 Student

A Redland City spokesperson said council is reviewing Queensland’s proposal to develop a business case examining options for improving capacity along the Rickertt Road corridor, from Thorneside to Green Camp Road.

The spokesperson said that if council accepts the proposal, the business case would help council better understand the project’s complexities and scale, and would assist in determining whether future consideration or alternative funding pathways may be required.

Photo credit: Google Street View

The funding deed is anticipated in coming weeks, with work on the business case expected to progress over the next 12 months once finalised, according to the spokesperson.

Negotiations between the Transport and Main Roads Department and Redland City officers have been ongoing for several months to determine project delivery arrangements and the scope of the business case.

The road is one of three key arteries into Capalaba, all of which are experiencing increased traffic volumes. Residents have identified the bridge bottleneck as a priority issue for years.

Multi-council coordination

The project’s location on the border between Redland and Brisbane areas involves coordination between multiple government bodies. Brisbane’s local officials clarified that while Redland is leading project delivery, Brisbane will be consulted on designs due to the project’s location within its local government boundary.

Redland City Cr Peter Mitchell said transportation issues across Redlands, Brisbane, and Logan would benefit from a shared and coordinated approach.

Cr Shane Rendalls said the study would determine the cost-benefit analysis of either replacing or duplicating the existing bridge and upgrading the single-lane sections on both the southern side in Redlands and the northern side in Brisbane.

Cr Rendalls said these works will only be possible with significant State and Federal funding.

Read: Man Critically Injured After Birkdale Electric Skateboard Collision

Next steps

Member for Capalaba Russell Field described the funding as a critical first step in a project that has been long overdue. Mr Field said he has maintained regular contact with the Minister’s Office and TMR to monitor progress on the project.

The business case will examine various options for addressing capacity constraints along the corridor, though specific solutions have not yet been determined. The 12-month study is expected to examine options and their feasibility for potential upgrades.

Published 16-January-2026

Historic Radio Receiving Site Linked To Allied Wartime Operations

Located inland from Wellington Point, a World War II radio receiving station formed part of a critical communications network that supported Allied operations across the South West Pacific.

Read: Wellington Point Community Mourns Loss of Year 12 Student

World War II Radio Network Supporting Allied Communications

A World War II radio receiving station located inland from Wellington Point formed part of a critical communications network that supported Allied operations across the South West Pacific.

Constructed by the US Army between 1942 and early 1943, the facility—then known as the Capalaba Receiving Station—operated as a major radio hub, transmitting secure communications to the United States via San Francisco and linking command centres throughout the region.

Photo Credit: The Ram/Radschool Association Inc

Continuous Wartime Operations

Throughout the war, the station handled multiple teletype and radio telegraph circuits, servicing the entire South West Pacific Area during a period when long-distance communications were essential to military coordination and intelligence sharing.

Its role extended beyond routine traffic, providing redundancy within the broader communications network to ensure continuity during active operations.

Photo Credit: The Ram/Radschool Association Inc

Site Selection And Interception Capability

Radio interception required space, isolation and direction-based antenna systems capable of identifying the source of incoming transmissions. Land near Wellington Point provided the necessary separation from urban interference while offering favourable reception conditions.

The station was built on Willards Farm, later known as Cotton Farm, after the land was acquired to allow construction of a specialised receiving facility. The location supported large rhombic antenna systems designed for long-range reception.

The receiving building originally housed extensive rows of radio equipment along both sides of the structure. Documentation confirms the use of CW3-D Radio Receiver Assembly OA-59/FRC units, crystal-controlled receivers designed for fixed-frequency teletype and radio telegraph communications, operating in conjunction with matched rhombic antenna arrays.

Photo Credit: The Ram/Radschool Association Inc

Secure Voice Communications

In addition to radio traffic, the station supported the SIGSALY encryption system, one of the most advanced secure communications technologies of the war. This system enabled encrypted voice communications between Brisbane and overseas command centres and was never compromised.

Photo Credit: The Ram/Radschool Association Inc

Withdrawal And Legacy

By early 1946, preparations began for the US Army’s withdrawal. Following discussions regarding repairs and acquisition, the site was formally vacated at midnight on 30 November 1946 and transferred to the Postmaster-General’s Department.

Read: Birkdale Community Precinct to Host Redland Whitewater Centre as Design Search Opens

While most antenna arrays no longer remain, one complete rhombic antenna survives and is protected under State heritage listing. The site stands as a lasting reminder of the quiet but significant role played by the area near Wellington Point in maintaining Allied communications during World War II.

Published 6-Jan-2026

Photo Credit: The Ram/Radschool Association Inc

Birkdale Community Precinct to Host Redland Whitewater Centre as Design Search Opens

A major new sporting facility planned for the Birkdale Community Precinct has moved a step closer, with the Queensland Government launching a design search for the Redland Whitewater Centre ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Read: Thorneside Parks Lead Nation With Free Sports Gear Locker Trial

The project forms part of the wider Sport and Active Recreation Precinct and is intended to deliver a permanent whitewater venue with ongoing benefits for local communities.

The design phase invites architects and designers to put forward ideas that will help shape how the Whitewater Centre functions, looks and integrates within the Birkdale Community Precinct.

Design Search Underway

This stage will help inform the appointment of a design partner and guide future planning, with a focus on safety, accessibility and long-term use.

What It Means for the Bayside

Once built, the Redland Whitewater Centre is expected to support whitewater paddlesports training and competition, while also offering recreational opportunities for the broader community.

For Wellington Point and surrounding suburbs, the project represents a significant addition to the region’s sporting and recreation infrastructure.

Community Input Ahead

Community feedback is expected to form part of later stages of the project, with opportunities for residents to share ideas and considerations as planning progresses.

Officials say this approach will help ensure the centre works well for everyday users and fits within its precinct setting.

What Happens Next

After the design search concludes, submissions will be reviewed to guide the selection of a design team. More detailed plans and artist impressions are expected to follow as the project advances.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Read: Koala Habitat Concerns Raised Over Ormiston College Expansion

Published 30-Dec-2025

Wellington Point Community Mourns Loss of Year 12 Student

The Wellington Point community is mourning the loss of a Year 12 student following a tragic incident at a school formal venue in Brisbane on 18 November.

Read: Redlands Area Sports Results – Nov 21-23

Emergency services were called to the venue that evening, and Queensland Police have confirmed the death was sudden and non-suspicious. A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Wellington Point State High School informed families of the loss in a letter, describing it as “a distressing event” that has “deeply impacted our school’s community”.

The school extended its sympathies to the student’s family and friends whilst requesting families’ support during this difficult time.

School leadership asked parents to monitor their children’s social media use in the coming days, noting that whilst many posts may come from a place of care, online comments or speculation can be deeply distressing forn those grieving.

“The most respectful way we can support the student’s family and friends is by maintaining their privacy,” the school’s letter stated.

The Queensland Department of Education confirmed that Wellington Point State High School is ensuring students, staff and families have access to a range of support services.

“The department extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, students and staff affected by this tragic incident,” a spokesperson said.

Guidance officers and Youth Support Workers are on site at the school, with additional support made available from the regional office. Students and parents are encouraged to reach out to the school at any time if they need assistance.

The tragedy occurred during what should have been a celebration for Year 12 students marking the completion of their secondary education. The school held its graduation ceremony for Year 12 students in the days following the incident.

Read: Man Critically Injured After Birkdale Electric Skateboard Collision

Support Services:

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

Headspace: 1800 650 890

Published 27-November-2025

Man Critically Injured After Birkdale Electric Skateboard Collision

A 30-year-old Alexandra Hills man remains in a critical but stable condition at Princess Alexandra Hospital following a collision between an electric skateboard and a car at a Birkdale roundabout on Monday night.

Read: Thorneside Parks Lead Nation With Free Sports Gear Locker Trial

Queensland Police were called to the intersection of Birkdale Road and Quarry Road at approximately 8.10pm on 3 November after a southbound grey Toyota Prado struck the electric skateboard near the roundabout.

The electric skateboard rider sustained serious head injuries in the collision. The driver of the Toyota, a 40-year-old Birkdale woman, was not physically injured in the incident.

Police are continuing their investigation and have urged anyone with information or relevant dashcam footage to come forward by contacting Policelink or using the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting. The incident reference number is QP2501990061.

The Birkdale collision occurred during a particularly concerning five-day period across South East Queensland that has seen four separate e-mobility incidents, resulting in two fatalities and two people fighting for life.

Earlier on the same day as the Birkdale incident, a 23-year-old e-scooter rider suffered significant head and facial injuries after colliding with a ute on the Logan Motorway off-ramp at Drewvale at 11am. He was transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital in a potentially life-threatening condition.

The incidents followed two tragic fatalities in the preceding days. Eight-year-old Zeke Hondow died in an e-bike collision on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday, and 15-year-old Fudou Stovell was killed in an e-bike crash on the Gold Coast on Saturday.

The series of crashes has intensified calls for urgent reforms around e-mobility device regulations, with Premier David Crisafulli indicating that “change is coming” while resisting pressure to fast-track reforms before Christmas.

Read: Koala Habitat Concerns Raised Over Ormiston College Expansion

Anyone with information about the Birkdale incident can also report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Published 4-November-2025

Childcare Appeal Succeeds as Birkdale Project Gains Approval

A proposed childcare centre in Birkdale has secured approval after the initial refusal of the development from the Redland City authorities.

Read: Man Critically Injured After Birkdale Electric Skateboard Collision

Background of the Proposal

The childcare centre is planned across four adjoining lots on Birkdale Road and Carinyan Drive, with a combined area of 4629sqm and a frontage of 93m along Birkdale Road. The application was lodged in June 2023 and later refused by Redland City Council in September 2024.

The site sits about 1.3km from the planned Birkdale Community Precinct, where major recreational facilities are proposed.

Photo Credit: Pexels

Court’s Findings

The appeal was determined by Judge David Kent, who found the proposal appropriate for its setting. The decision overturns the council’s refusal and permits the centre to proceed subject to conditions. The approved plan features a single-storey, house-like building intended to fit the surrounding low-density residential environment.

Need and Scale

The centre is designed to cater for 117 children, supported by 22 staff and 37 car parks. Expert assessments presented to the court outlined strong short- to medium-term demand for childcare places in the Birkdale catchment, including waitlists at nearby centres. The council and nearby centre operators had raised concerns about size, amenity and zoning, but the court found the broader assessment benchmarks were met.

Photo Credit: Pexels

Site Characteristics and Key Considerations

The site is located along a busy four-lane section of Birkdale Road, with approximately 24,000 vehicles passing daily. The ruling noted that no direct road connection would be created between Birkdale Road and Carinyan Drive as part of the development. The design includes landscaping and setbacks to support its residential presentation.

Next Steps

Read: Thorneside Parks Lead Nation With Free Sports Gear Locker Trial

The court has approved the project, with final conditions to be settled between the parties. The decision concludes a two-year process for the applicants and confirms additional childcare capacity for families in Birkdale.

Published 4-Nov-2025

Photo Credit: Pexels

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