Project summary
Works have started to rehabilitate Judy Holt Park, one of 28 former landfill sites on the Redlands Coast that have been transformed into green spaces for the community. This project addresses the legacy of outdated landfill practices by improving environmental management and protecting nearby ecosystems for future generations
The Judy Holt Park Rehabilitation Project is supported by the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI).
Project notifications
Remediation works
Council is in the final stages of securing the procurement contract for remediation works at Judy Holt Park. The process has been conducted with strict probity requirements, ensuring fairness, confidentiality, and compliance throughout.
We understand the frustration surrounding project timing and recognise the impact on the Muddies Rugby Union Club. Confidentiality obligations during the procurement process limited the information we could share initially. However, we have been working closely with the Club and providing updates wherever possible since early December.
To minimise disruption to training and games, Council is actively collaborating with the Muddies Rugby Union Club to explore alternative facilities and options to support rugby activities during this period.
This project timeline has been accelerated to meet the requirements for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, to uphold important environmental compliance commitments, and reduce costs by managing contaminated materials on-site rather than transporting them to distant locations.
Council remains committed to advocating for the Club’s interests and ensuring the best outcomes during this transition. Further updates will be shared as more details become available.
Scope of project
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- Protects nearby ecosystems, including Tarradarrapin Creek and RAMSAR-listed wetlands.
- Prevents contamination by managing ground and surface waters through engineered systems on landfills.
- Ensures compliance with contemporary environmental standards.
- Preserves water quality by minimising water penetration through engineered systems.
- Improved environmental monitoring and leachate management systems.
Muddies Rugby Union club players and community
- New surfaces and facilities to improve game quality, boost player safety, and create a better sporting experience for everyone.
- Modern amenities and safe conditions to attract new members, sponsors, and increased support from the local community.
- Strong environmental protections to keep Judy Holt Park green and thriving for future generations.
- A revitalised park that fosters local pride, encourages healthy lifestyles, and brings people together through sport and recreation.
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Note: once a contractor is onboard we will be working closely with them to finalise a schedule that will include the staging of the project and determine access.
Delivering the project in a single staging means all works will be completed in one continuous effort rather than breaking the project into multiple stages. This is the most cost-effective and efficient method to upgrade the fields to international standards.
Staging was initially considered as a potential option. However, after further assessment, it became clear that this approach was neither cost effective, good for the environment, or supported the clubs 2027 Rugby World Cup aspirations.
While we are still working with the contractor to finalise the schedule, we are unable to confirm at this stage the phasing of the project, or which areas will need to be close during rehabilitation works. However, our focus is always on safety and efficiency. Work will focus on different areas at different times, multiple work fronts will be active across the site.
Ultimately, completing the project in a single stage is the only viable and safe solution to ensure the work is delivered efficiently, cost-effectively, and with minimal long-term disruption.
Further updates on project phasing will be provided once we have confirmation from the contractor.
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Judy Holt Park rehabilitation will be carefully managed by an expert team including oversight by a contaminated land auditor to prioritise community safety and environmental protection. Managing buried waste materials may result in the release of hazardous substances or contaminants. Safety measures are essential to minimise potential impacts these measures include:
Tracking air quality and gas levels in real time. Implementing best-practice methods to manage risks.- Temporary closures are critical to carrying out these safety measures effectively and ensuring the well-being of the community and environment throughout the project.
- Closing the site and unsafe areas to protect public health.
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The below project site map is provided for informational purposes only and is subject to change. Final design, alignment, and details may vary based on contractor input and unforeseen circumstances.
The boundaries and details of the work site are subject to adjustments based on contractor specifications.
Please refer back to this webpage for the most current and up-to-date information.
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- Vegetation management: Clearing vegetation to facilitate site access and work preparation.
- Field capping: 60% of the cricket fields and car park area (existing capped area) has already been safely capped.
Photos
Closed landfill management
Learn more about Redland City Council's closed landfill management.
Frequently asked questions
Project overview
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The project will restore the protective capping covering the old landfill beneath Judy Holt Park. This engineered capping system helps to seal waste, minimise water penetration, and manage environmental risks, such as leachate and landfill gases.
In addition to restoring the capping, the project will upgrade the existing rugby fields and add a fourth field. This will meet the community's growing needs. These upgrades will provide a safer, more modern space for sports and recreation while ensuring the park remains environmentally sustainable.
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The project will have numerous long-term benefits for the community, including improved water quality, enhanced recreational opportunities and preservation of biodiversity. By safeguarding the wetlands, we are investing in the health and well-being of both current and future generations.
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The Eastern part of the site has been capped with an engineered capping system, which is designed to minimise the penetration of water. Other infrastructure includes a leachate collection trench and pump station. The leachate collected from the Eastern part of the site is sent to the Capalaba Wastewater Treatment Plant for treatment.
Works timing and progress
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Council completed preliminary works at the site in September 2024, including clearing vegetation within the project footprint and installing temporary fencing. Site establishment is planned for January 2025, pending final contractor arrangements and favourable weather conditions.
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Council will closely monitor progress to ensure the project stays on track and will keep everyone informed about any changes to the timeline.
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Council has an inspection and maintenance regime in place, including an Incident Response Plan for managing any leachate outbreaks. While the northern section of the site does not have an engineered cap, it does have measures to reduce infiltration and ensure waste remains safely buried.
Club and community impact
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The scale and timing of the closure is being developed, and Council will share updates as details become available.
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Council is in discussions with the club to identify suitable locations for temporary facilities. Updates will be provided as arrangements are finalised.
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Regular updates will be shared to the club and on this webpage. Updates may also be posted on the Redland City Council facebook page.
Environmental protection
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The nearby Tarradarrapin Creek runs into the Ramsar-listed Tarradarrapin Wetland. These wetlands are vital for biodiversity, water quality, and habitat preservation. They act as natural filters, support diverse plant and animal life, and mitigate flooding. Protecting these wetlands is essential for ecosystem health and the well-being of both wildlife and the community.
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In 1971, representatives from 18 nations, including Australia, met in the Iranian city of Ramsar to sign the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, known as the Ramsar Convention. This convention aims to stop wetlands being lost globally and conserve those remaining. Wetlands are listed for their biodiversity, unique landscapes, or importance to waterbirds and threatened species. Queensland has five wetlands listed under the Ramsar Convention.
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Stringent environmental guidelines underpin the planning, design, and delivery of this project, and Council is committed to meeting all environmental responsibilities. The prime objectives are to reduce the migration of leachate offsite and its generation.
Landfill and site safety
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Closed landfill sites are locations where household and industrial waste has been buried.
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Leachate is water that has passed through waste material in a closed landfill and picked up contaminants along the way.
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Landfill sites in Queensland are regulated by the Queensland Department of Environment , Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) through the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act).
Research and environmental monitoring
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Council monitors the water and air at Judy Holt Park by regularly sampling from:
- 16 groundwater wells, 11 leachate monitoring wells and 5 surface water sampling sites, and gas wells, vents, site structures and the ambient air.
This data has informed an Impact Assessment and a Mitigation Strategy, which was developed in partnership with an Environmental and Engineering Design Consultant who:
- reviewed the site conditions and monitoring data
- prepared a report highlighting any gaps in this data and knowledge
- undertook any fieldwork or monitoring to close the data gaps
- prepared a draft Contamination Land Investigation Document (CLID) which has been reviewed by the Contaminated Land Auditor (CLA).
This work has been reviewed independently by a contaminated land auditor to ensure it is appropriate.
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In Queensland, an auditor for contaminated land independently evaluates a contaminated land investigation document and prepares an auditor’s certification of the document.
The government then relies on the auditor’s certification to determine what action should be taken regarding the contaminated land.
Approval to be an auditor in Queensland is a legal status that can only be granted by the chief executive of the department administering the Environmental Protection Act 1994, which currently is the Department of Environment , Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI). Without that approval, a person cannot act as an auditor.
Contact information
For more information about this project contact Redland City Council.