Judy Holt Park | Redland City Council

Judy Holt Park

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 This project addresses the legacy of outdated landfill practices by improving environmental management and protecting nearby ecosystems for future generations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

Redland City Council has secured a procurement contract for critical remediation works at Judy Holt Park. This project is essential for protecting the environment, enhancing safety, and delivering lasting improvements.

Important dates

  • Club access updates by: 10 February 2025 – Details on temporary arrangements for training fields and playing fields during the works will be shared.
  • Rugby field access ends: 10 February 2025
  • Contractor takes possession of site: 11 February 2025
  • Clubhouse and shed access is available until: 17 April 2025
  • Clubhouse and shed access closed from: 18 April 2025
  • Estimated project completion: Late 2026 (weather permitting).

Council acknowledges the impact this project may have on the club and the community. It is actively working on solutions to support club activities during this transition. Updates will be provided as they become available.

Scope of project

  • 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.
  • Expansion from three fields to four, providing more space for training, games, and community use to meet growing demand.
  • 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.

As part of this project, the current three fields will be transformed into four, creating more space and opportunities for community activities and recreation.

The field design image below is indicative only and subject to change. Final design, alignment, and details may vary due to contractor input, site conditions, and unforeseen circumstances. The boundaries and work site may also be adjusted to meet project needs.

Field design concept

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.

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.

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.

Judy Holt Park - project works map

  • 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

Judy Holt Park - Football field

Closed landfill management

Learn more about Redland City Council's closed landfill management.

Frequently asked questions

Project overview

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.

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.

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

Council completed preliminary works in September 2024, including vegetation management and temporary fencing. Site establishment and contractor mobilisation will start on 11 February 2025, when the contractor takes possession of the site. Note, some areas may appear untouched in the initial stages of the project due to ongoing testing, monitoring, or preparation. For safety, areas of the site will be fenced off at various times throughout the project. 

Council will closely monitor progress to ensure the project stays on track and will keep everyone informed about any changes to the timeline.

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

The rugby fields will remain accessible to the club until 10 February 2025. From 11 February 2025, access to the fields will cease, and the contractor will begin site remediation. The clubhouse and shed will remain accessible until April 17, 2025.

Council is actively working with the club to identify and secure suitable locations for temporary training facilities. Details about these arrangements will be finalised and communicated before 10 February 2025.

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

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.

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.

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

Closed landfill sites are locations where household and industrial waste has been buried.

Leachate is water that has passed through waste material in a closed landfill and picked up contaminants along the way.

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

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.

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.