Redland City Council has been recognised for its innovative approach to creating community-focused public spaces with its Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) forecourt redevelopment named the 2026 Queensland winner of the Community Based Initiative of the Year at the Parks & Leisure Australia (PLA) Queensland Awards of Excellence.
The awards celebrate initiatives that demonstrate the positive impact that parks, public spaces, and leisure facilities can have on communities, and recognise projects that deliver meaningful benefits to the community.
Acting Mayor, Julie Talty said the award was recognition of the vision and collaboration behind the project.
“The RPAC forecourt redevelopment has transformed the area into a more welcoming, accessible, inclusive and flexible community space,” she said.
“With a revitalised, vibrant civic space for people to gather and connect ahead of performances, the show really does begin in the forecourt now.
“Increased use of the area also highlights the impact of thoughtful design on wellbeing and liveability for the Redlands Coast community.”
Portfolio representative for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Councillor Paul Bishop said the initiative had delivered a space that was functional, attractive, and is already being activated in innovative ways by users.
“This award from PLA demonstrates the value of a community-focused approach, and recognises RPAC’s project among the leading parks, leisure and community initiatives across Queensland,” Cr Bishop said.
“Our community can be rightly proud of Redland’s centre for the performing arts.”
Portfolio representative for Economic Development Councillor, Peter Mitchell said investing in the forecourt was delivering a clear economic benefit, supporting increased visitation and activity for the local area.
“The project has delivered a 30 per cent increase in community use and enhanced event capacity,” Cr Mitchell said.
“This is a great example of how targeted investment in public spaces can support local visitation, activity and economic growth.”
The project will now progress to the 2026 PLA National Awards of Excellence in December, where it will be considered alongside regional winners from across Australia.
The Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) Forecourt Redevelopment project was made possible through $1,867,197 in funding from the Australian Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
