Caboolture Region Environmental Education Centre Masterplanning Project

Challenge

SLR was commissioned by Moreton Bay Regional Council (MBRC) to undertake the Masterplanning works on the Caboolture Region Environmental Educational Centre (CREEC) in Burpengary.

Although the Queensland State Government owns the land, MBRC are the trustees of the site, responsible for upkeep and day to day running
of it in line with its environmental and educational function.

Solution

SLR undertook a range of site-based and desktop analysis as well as ‘study tour’ with MBRC staff to inform the project in benchmarking other environmental educational sites in South East Queensland.

SLR determined that while the CREEC site had an established environmental centre set near Burpengary Creek, the site did little to promote its environmental bona fides or its commercial opportunities.

During stakeholder communication a number of priority items were identified that were to form the basis for Masterplanning outcomes and
future deliverables. These were then developed into a series of strategies and opportunities on site that were endorsed by MBRC.

The future planning and strategies for CREEC were focused on creating a clear character and identity to promote its use and attract visitors. This was closely followed by the resolution of vehicular access and parking which currently detracts from the character of the site and creates an undesirable first impression of the site.

SLR aimed to bring nature ‘closer’ to the central focus of the site; the educational centre. Other initiatives such as new playground and picnic amenities, outdoor educational facilities and a greater focus on shaded, equitable access around the site would assist in making the site more functional. The overall Masterplan will be submitted to the State as part of an overarching Land Management Plan.