The Redlands great outdoors is set to get even greater under a program designed to improve the experience for tourists visiting the city’s natural attractions.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the Enhancing the Visitor Experience program, which would be tabled at tomorrow’s General Meeting aimed to make the most of the Redlands natural beauty.
“We all know one of the Redlands’ best attributes is its location and this program aims to showcase our natural surroundings and make them more accessible to visitors,” she said.
“The program will deliver projects and services over three phases that open up the value of parks and natural areas for people’s enjoyment, health and well-being while protecting the Redlands’ environmental biodiversity.
“Phase one is already underway and includes providing maps of local tracks and trails and improving carparking facilities, signage and identifying camping spots.
“The upgrade of local trails such as the popular Bayview Conservation Area is also part of the plan, as is identifying and mapping launch points for small water craft such as kayaks.
“We are also currently working on regional trails that travel between the Redlands, Brisbane and Logan, linking us with neighbouring councils.
“Longer-term the program will see Council work with stakeholders such as local mountain biking groups, horse riding groups and conservation groups to ensure the plan delivers for the community.
“Through the EVE program Council will identify capital works needed to keep our parks and natural areas attractive to visitors, with these works to then be considered for inclusion in Council’s 10 year capital plan.”
Council’s parks and conservation infrastructure spokesperson Cr Paul Gleeson said the program would build on the Redlands’ growing popularity as an adventure playground.
“The Redlands has already hosted exciting events like Tough Mudder, junior surfing championships and national mountain biking competitions and this program will add to the city’s appeal as a location of choice for these sort of events,” he said.
“This program was an action identified in Council’s tourism strategy and action plan adopted recently and there is no doubt that attracting more visitors to the city will deliver economic return for local businesses.”
