Milestone event with a historical connection dating back to 1930.
Brisbane, August 2024: Binna Burra Lodge has signed a major contract with IQ Construct for the construction of a new lodge and accommodation at Mt Roberts on the Binna Burra Cultural Landscape. It will replace the heritage listed Binna Burra Lodge and cabins that were destroyed in the early days of the 2019 Black Summer Bushfires across Australia.
Marking another critical milestone in Binna Burra’s ongoing recovery from the devastating bushfires five years ago, the multi-million dollar contract was signed by Binna Burra Lodge Chair, Steve Noakes and Vice Chair, Hal Morris and by Ian Morrison from IQ Construct. Susanne Cooper, the President of the NPAQ, provided the official witness signature on the contract, describing the event as ‘… a meaningful, enjoyable occasion.’
While Binna Burra is located in the scenic rim of the Gold Coast hinterland in Queensland, the official contract signing ceremony took place on Monday, 12 August 2024, at the offices of the National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ) in Milton, Brisbane.
‘Post the 2019 bushfires, apart from the $18 million grant we signed with the State Government, at $15.1 million, this is the second biggest contract ever signed by Binna Burra Lodge in its 90 year history.’ said Steve Noakes. ‘‘We are now creating the second era of a lodge at Binna Burra. The first creation of a lodge at Binna Burra bubbled around the members of the then newly formed NPAQ in the early 1930s. It was over 90 members of NPAQ that primarily became the first shareholders of Queensland Holidays Resort which was renamed into Binna Burra Lodge. Almost 100 years later, we honour their legacy and the historical connection between NPAQ and Binna Burra Lodge.’
As Chair of the Lodge Design Committee, Emeritus Professor of Architecture (Griffith University), Dr Gordon Holden said: “After nearly sixty years of association with Binna Burra I am honoured to be part of its rejuvenation following the disastrous bushfires in 2019. Working with the architects, our committee has listened attentively to shareholders in guiding the design of the new lodge and accommodation, especially in terms of character and facilities. Construction of the new bushfire resilient and highly sustainable buildings starts soon and I look forward to celebrating its completion with our Binna Burra family.”
Project Manager for the new lodge and accommodation at Binna Burra, Tim Medhurst said ’This will be the last and biggest piece of the jigsaw in the current masterplan for Binna Burra Lodge. The incredible support of local, state and federal governments, private foundations, shareholders and stakeholders has facilitated the replacement or upgrading of all other infrastructure lost in the bushfires of 2019. The new Lodge and accommodation will be the jewel in the crown for the long term sustainable future of Binna Burra.’
Architect Jono Medhurst said: ‘It’s an absolute privilege to be a part of a truly exciting project at a richly historical and amazing location, which has the support of so many.’
Commencement of Construction
Construction will begin on 1 September 2024, with a projected completion date of 23 January 2026. The rebuild is a testament to the resilience of the Binna Burra community and its commitment to preserving the rich heritage of the Binna Burra Cultural Landscape.
Background and Funding
The Queensland Government has allocated $18 million towards the reconstruction, ensuring that the lodge rises from the ashes stronger and more sustainable than ever. The funding is part of the Regional Tourism Recovery Program administered by the Department of Tourism and Sport, to support Queensland’s visitor economy through new and enhanced tourism infrastructure. Additional funding for all the furniture, fittings and equipment to the new lodge and accommodation has come from shareholder investments.
Steve Noakes said: ‘Binna Burra is particularly grateful for the support of the Queensland Government, and the Hon. Cameron Dick, Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment. The Deputy Premier has been instrumental in our recovery journey., not only with funding support but also to enable connections to and coordination between the various government departments that have been critical in the post disaster response and recovery stages.
Looking Ahead
As Binna Burra Lodge embarks on this new chapter, the Board, management, and stakeholders remain committed to ensuring that the new lodge embodies the principles of sustainable tourism. The design, construction, and operations of the new lodge will adhere to the highest standards of environmental responsibility expected under the Advanced Ecotourism Certification program that Binna Burra Lodge adheres to (managed by Ecotourism Australia).
While Binna Burra is already operating with different types of accommodation and services, in early 2026, the Binna Burra team will welcome visitors back to a new lodge that not only honours its past but also paves the way for a sustainable future.
The builder’s contact between Binna Burra Lodge Ltd and the Brisbane based IQ Construct was signed on behalf of Binna Burra by the Chair, Steve Noakes and the Vice Chair, Hal Morris who has previously served for eight (8) years as the Chair of the company and Ian Morrison, the Managing Director of IQ Construct. The architect for the new lodge and accommodation design Medhurst Architects, facilitated the finalisation of the contract details with the builder.
Following the devastation from the 2019 Black Summer bushfires, Binna Burra Lodge Ltd acknowledges the funding support of the Queensland Government to enable the rebuilding of a lodge and accommodation at Mt Roberts on the Binna Burra Cultural Landscape.
FEATURED IMAGE:
Front row, L to R: Susanne Cooper, President of the NPAQ; Steve Noakes, Chair of Binna Burra Lodge, Hal Morris, Vice Chair of Binna Burra Lodge.
Back row: L to R: Gary Grant. Director of Binna Burra Lodge; Prof Gordon Holden, Chair of the Lodge Design Committee for Binna Burra Lodge; Chris Martin, CEO of NPAQ; Jono Medhurst, Medhurst Architects; Ian Morrison, MD of IQ Construct; Jill May, IQ Construct.
