What’s Happening?
Redland City Acting Mayor Julie Talty met residents and school students at the future Birkdale Community Precinct swimming lagoon site this week. The gathering gave Council an opportunity to discuss the project, its planned features and its benefits for Redlands Coast.
Students from Birkdale South State School also shared their ideas for the future facility. The project will create a new aquatic recreation destination for the community, with construction expected to start in 2027.
Why It Matters
Cr Talty said community involvement was important because local people would ultimately use and benefit from the lagoon. “The site visit allowed us to speak with local people about the project, its planned features and the benefits it will bring to our community,” she said. “It was especially nice to see students from Birkdale South State School sharing their ideas and excitement about having a new place to spend time with their family and friends.”
Cr Talty said the project would create a place for the wider community. “This project is about creating a place for the whole community to enjoy,” she said.
Local Impact
The lagoon will offer Redlands Coast residents another location for aquatic recreation close to home. Cr Talty said it would also support active lifestyles and community connection. “The lagoon will provide a new recreational destination for Redlands Coast, and indeed for south-east Queensland, supporting active lifestyles, community connection, and opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy aquatic recreation close to home,” Cr Talty said. “The visit also celebrated a step forward for this project, which will be a lasting legacy for our city.”
Students also raised questions about future activities at the precinct. “Birkdale South students were excited about the prospect of having school-based swimming programs so close and asked if they would be able to also try the whitewater slalom, rafting and canoe sports,” Cr Talty said. “The answer from both Council and the local canoe club was a resounding ‘yes’.”
By The Numbers
- Almost 2000 square metres will be covered by the planned community swimming lagoon within the parkland.
- Two storeys are planned for the pavilion beside the lagoon, with food, beverage and community facilities.
- 2027 is when construction of the future Birkdale Community Precinct swimming lagoon is expected to start.
Zoom In
The lagoon design includes children’s waterplay areas, a toddler splash zone, an accessible beach and ramp entries. Council also plans a pavilion alongside the lagoon with food and beverage facilities and community spaces.
Three-time Paralympian and Cleveland resident Daniel Fitzgibbon OAM welcomed the accessible elements included in the design. “This is a place where everyone, regardless of their age or ability, will be able to enjoy a day out with friends and family,” he said. “Having a lagoon in our own backyard also means that residents won’t need to leave Redlands Coast to experience world-class water play.”
Zoom Out
Fitzgibbon, a Redlands Coast 2032 Legacy Working Group member, also highlighted the importance of water safety. His experience includes a professional sailing career and a lifetime spent on the water.
“I’m a Redlands resident, I’ve spent my life on the water as a professional sailor, and I know the importance of water safety, particularly for children,” Fitzgibbon said. “I think a lagoon like this with areas for people to get comfortable in the water is invaluable for our city and will be a real winner for families during the summer holidays.”
What To Look For Next?
Construction of the community swimming lagoon is expected to start in 2027, with the planned facility becoming a major asset within the Birkdale Community Precinct parkland. The project will bring together aquatic recreation, accessible water areas and community facilities, with plans also including opportunities for school-based swimming and activities involving the local canoe club.
