Local heritage in the Redlands has been expanded today with Councillors unanimously voting to add two sites of local historical significance to the city’s Heritage Places Register.

Redland Mayor Karen Williams said Willard’s Farm at Birkdale and an ancient Tallowwood tree at Redlands IndigiScapes Centre would now be protected.

“Local cultural heritage gives our city much of its unique character and the historical significance of these two sites is irreplaceable,” she said.

“We now have a total of 70 properties of state and local heritage significance in the Redlands that have been identified on the Heritage Places Register, which are integral to the cultural heritage of our city.

“Council is committed to ensuring the historical significance of these sites is protected and our local history retained for future generations.”

Division 7 Councillor Murray Elliott, whose division includes the Tallowwood tree, said it was a great result for the preservation of our past and for the future of our city.

“As one of the natural attractions of IndigiScapes, which is a popular attraction for both locals and visitors, the Tallowwood tree is an historically significant feature of our city and is estimated to be more than 400 years old,” he said.

Division 9 Councillor Paul Gleeson, whose division includes Willard’s Farm, said he was pleased with today’s decision.

“Willard’s Farm and the Tallowwood tree will now receive the same heritage protection as other historical sites in the area, including the School of Arts Hall at Birkdale and the remnants of the cobblestone roadway and bridge foundations at the Rocks Crossing, Tingalpa Creek,” he said.

Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop, who was instrumental in Council’s decision to purchase Willard’s Farm and in having it added to the Heritage Register, said the community had made it clear that the farm was an important heritage site and today’s decision showed that Council had listened.

“I’m delighted that Willard’s Farm and its 153-year-old homestead, has been included on the register, along with its dairy, laundry, front fence and gates, and established trees,” he said.

“Heritage protection is for more than just buildings, as we have shown by including the Tallowwood tree on the register. Heritage cannot be replaced and today’s decision by Council has ensured the unique values of the ancient tree and the historic farmhouse will not be lost.”