History
The land that would become Redlands Research Station was originally cleared during the 1880s. The government purchased the first 8.5ha in November 1948 to develop a research farm, with further purchases made in 1953 (43.5 ha) and 1958 (14.4 ha).
The station now has a total area of 66.4 ha. Over half the land is uncleared and provides valuable habitat for a range of native wildlife species.
Location and geology
Redlands Research Station is situated at Cleveland, near the shores of Moreton Bay about 30 kilometres from Brisbane, Queensland. Being close to Moreton Bay, elevation is low and ranges from 15 m above sea level on the flats of Hilliards Creek to 37 meters above sea level on the higher areas.
Climate
The climate at Redlands Research Station is generally temperate with a widely dispersed but summer dominant rainfall pattern. Of the annual average rainfall of 1322 mm, two-thirds usually falls between November to April.
Temperatures are mild, with maximum temperatures rarely exceeding 32oC and minimums rarely dropping below 5oC. Terrestrial minimum temperatures of -2 or -3oC are recorded once or twice a year.
Soil types
The soils of Redlands Research Station can be broken into three major groups:
Irrigation
Trials conducted on the station are assured of access to water. Water is drawn from Hilliards Creek, fed by greywater from Redland City Council. The station also has access to a greywater pipeline owned by the council. Overhead, pop-up and trickle irrigation systems are in use.
Facilities
Further information