Job opportunities to grow with IndigiScapes Centre upgrade

Upgrade work on the IndigiScapes plant nursery and education centre in Redland City is set to begin, meaning more employment and training opportunities are on the way for locals.

Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Mark Furner joined Capalaba MP Don Brown and Redlands Mayor Karen Williams at the IndigiScapes Centre today to turn the first sod at the start of construction.

Mr Furner said nearly $110,000 in funding was provided by the Palaszczuk Government to Redland City Council to expand their capacity to grow native plants and support local jobs.

“The subsidy will assist Council to construct a shed, shade enclosure and parking for heavy vehicles at the IndigiScapes Centre,” Mr Furner said.

“The IndigiScapes Centre currently supports 38 employees across the environmental education centre, café, nursery and gardens, and also has more than 400 volunteers caring for flora and fauna.

“The nursery upgrade will provide even more opportunities for paid employment, volunteers, work experience for students, and opportunities for people with disability.”

Capalaba MP Don Brown said that once the upgrade was complete, the centre could attract an extra 8000 visitors each year.

“The expansion will increase the number of plants the nursery can grow, allowing for around 105,000 plants in tube stock at any one time, which are then replanted back in our community,” Mr Brown said.

“We expect the extension could result in an additional 15 direct jobs and five part-time indigenous jobs, as well as more training places available for people with disability based at the neighbouring MyHorizon community education centre.”

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Redlands IndigiScapes Centre played an important role in the city.

“IndigiScapes was established in 2000 as an environmental education centre and native botanic gardens - the first centre of its kind in the southern hemisphere,” she said.

“Council’s investment in the IndigiScapes expansion shows our commitment to preserving the local environment for future generations.

“I thank the State Government for their commitment to the Redlands community through investing in the nursery upgrade. 

“I am committed to working with the State Government to deliver for the future of the Redlands and will continue to advocate for future State Government funding for projects that deliver for the community. 

“As the home of Council’s environmental programs, IndigiScapes features and propagates only native plants indigenous to the Redlands and offers advice and support to help landholders and residents make a difference to our natural environment.

“The IndigiScapes nursery expansion is expected to boost availability of native species stock for Council’s planting program.

“Bushcare and community plantings will also benefit from the upgrade as will our residents, through the nursery’s monthly plant sales.

“I would like to thank all our IndigiScapes volunteers, including our nursery helpers and volunteer seed collection group for their monthly excursions into conservation areas to replenish nursery supplies. Without their help and effort IndigiScapes would not be what it is today.”

Funding was provided through the 2016-17 Local Government Grant and Subsidies Program, which supports Councils to deliver infrastructure that create jobs and builds safe, caring and connected communities.

Media contact: Minister Furner’s office – 0408 317 992; Redland City Council – 3829 8849