Oxley Creek to Karawatha Outdoor Recreation Plan
Draft concept plan
What area does the project include?
The natural area reserves that are part of this corridor include:
• Sergeant Dan Stiller Memorial Reserve, Heathwood
• Glider Forest, Larapinta
• Parkinson Bushlands, Parkinson
• Beaudesert Road Park (Number 2911), Parkinson
• Karawatha Forest South, Drewvale
• Drewvale Bushlands, Drewvale
• Drewvale Bushlands (Trinity Way section), Drewvale.
Habitat
Natural area reserves within the corridor provide important habitat for a wide range of native plants and animals, some of which are rare and threatened. These wildlife species include koalas, wallabies, squirrel gliders, bandicoots, birds, frogs, lizards and bats.
Tree hollows within the corridor provide habitat for hollow-dependent species, including squirrel gliders, possums, birds and many more.
More than 100 bird species have been identified in the corridor. The southern section of Sergeant Dan Stiller Memorial Reserve is a popular bird watching spot. This reserve has a diverse habitat and many types of water bodies that attract different water birds.
The corridor also contains assemblages of plant species called ‘regional ecosystems’, and many of these ecosystems are threatened.
Restoring habitat
Parts of Sergeant Dan Stiller Memorial Reserve have been identified for habitat restoration work. This may include tree planting, weed control and habitat features such as branches, logs and hollows.
Management
Key management issues within the corridor have included illegal trail bike riding and four-wheel driving, rubbish dumping, weeds, dogs off the leash, vandalism, wildfire and pest animal
management. The Queensland Police Service has helped Council with the management of illegal access including trail bike riders. These issues are expected to decrease with ongoing Council management, during and after the implementation of the recreation plan.
Opportunities
This recreation plan outlines Council’s high-level intensions to offer a range of outdoor recreation opportunities. Please note that facilities and outcomes will be subject to further detailed assessment and design, which may result in some changes to the original concept.
There are many opportunities to look forward to in the corridor, including birdwatching, bushwalking, picnicking, canoeing and kayaking, learning more about nature and cultural heritage, and nature play for children.
Commercial recreational activities may be allowed within the southern section of Sergeant Dan Stiller Memorial Reserve as part of the Oxley Creek Transformation Project.
Themes
Every day, Council works with residents and local communities to help make our city what it is today with a long-term vision for the future. With community input, the Oxley Creek to Karawatha Outdoor Recreation Plan will deliver four core themes:
· Biodiverse, leafy and green
Protect and restore biodiversity to ensure these natural area reserves support a range of native plants and animals, and well-connected habitat areas.
· Accessible and connected
Provide connected, safe, comfortable and equitable access for all abilities where possible.
· Active and healthy
Provide appropriate, contemporary and innovative nature-based recreation infrastructure, and experiences for residents and visitors to enjoy.
· Meaningful and enriching
Provide opportunities to actively engage visitors about cultural and environmental values of the natural area reserves.
Have your say
Developing recreation plans involves Council and the community working together. Council invites your input on the draft concept plan and will consider feedback received by midnight Sunday 22nd October 2017.
Visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au to complete our online survey, or call Council’s 24-hour Contact Centre on 3403 8888 for help to complete the survey.
For more information
If you need further information, please email the project team at reserveplanning@brisbane. qld.gov.au or call Council’s Contact Centre on 3403 8888.
Oxley Creek to Karawatha Outdoor Recreation Plan
Draft concept plan
Brisbane City Council is preparing the Oxley Creek to Karawatha Outdoor Recreation Plan to support Council’s long-term vision for the future. This recreation plan shows Council’s commitment to keeping Brisbane clean and green, to ensure our city is liveable and sustainable for our children, and their children to follow.
The Oxley Creek to Karawatha Corridor is also part of what is known as the broader Flinders Karawatha Corridor which is the largest remaining continuous stretch of open eucalypt forest in South East Queensland. Council continues to consider the strategic values of this corridor when planning and implementing projects. Restoring habitat throughout the corridor will continue to be a priority throughout the corridor.
Draft concept plan map for all of corridor
Assumptions
· This plan is indicative only and some features may change.
· The “corridor track” that runs through the length of the corridor is subject to connecting
infrastructure such as bridges and underpasses. There will be no impacts to wildlife movement
infrastructure. This track includes existing and new tracks.
· There may be opportunities for commercial recreational activities within the southern section of Sergeant Dan Stiller Memorial Reserve.
· Educational infrastructure/opportunities such as signage will be provided where possible, with information about corridor and reserve values and history.
· Bicycle riders may be granted shared access to designated tracks, providing bush bike riding opportunities for families.
· Additional car parking may be required.
· All abilities access will be provided where possible, including new facilities in the southern section of Sergeant Dan Stiller Memorial Reserve, improving access and inclusion for all.
· Picnic areas will range in size from smaller secluded areas to larger open areas providing a range of experiences.
Oxley Creek to Karawatha Outdoor Recreation Plan
Draft concept plan
Sergeant Dan Stiller Memorial Reserve (southern section)
The southern section of Sergeant Dan Stiller Memorial Reserve is a priority site for the Oxley Creek Transformation Project. Parts of the reserve have a history of sand mining and these areas are being restored through weed management and tree planting.
The reserve provides habitat for native animals such as gliders and koalas, more than 100 bird species and threatened ecosystems.
Proposed facilities will provide opportunities for the community and visitors to enjoy nature and water views, participate in water activities such as canoeing or kayaking and learn about birds at the bird centre and tower.
A nature play area for children is also provided. Commercial recreational activities may also be allowed within the southern section of this reserve as part of the Oxley Creek Transformation Project.