Redlanders are invited to join a community conversation, including three community forums, about the transport needs of our City now and into the future and how these needs should be addressed.

The forums will offer residents an opportunity to have their say on the issues of the present as well as explore ways of meeting those needs now and in the future.

The experts who will lead these discussions are leaders in their fields and independent and innovative thinkers.

The ideas and information to flow from this will be invaluable in informing all levels of government of community expectations and what needs to be planned and funded now to cater for our future needs.

This is timely as our Draft City Plan 2015 is with residents for their input and both the State Government, through its review of the State Infrastructure Plan, and the Federal Government have recently brought the need for transport infrastructure planning to the fore.

As part of the State Government’s review, it has encouraged local government to engage with communities and Redland City will be among the first to do so through a conversation which will inform a priority infrastructure plan to be developed next year.

The State Government on 9 October also  launched its Queensland Tourism and Transport Strategy discussion paper and is asking communities for ideas on how to deliver seamless and connected travel that contributes to a positive holiday experience.

Council is also currently working with Brisbane City Council, the State Government and the Federal Government to address connectivity from Redlands to Brisbane.  This project has strong benefits for both cities.  Brisbane is the commuting destination for many Redland residents and strong transport links between Redlands and Brisbane are important to the economic growth of Brisbane.

Through our Economic Development Framework Redland City Council has identified local economic growth as a priority and inadequate infrastructure as a major threat to that priority.

The forums will feature experts such as Program Head of Planning at the University of Queensland, Dr Neil Sipe; Senior Research Fellow and Australian Research Council-Discovery Future Fellow Professor Matthew Burke of the Urban Research Program at Griffith University; and Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Executive Director Darren Crombie.

The free forums – which will cover current issues, future needs and how they can be funded – are:

November 1: “Connecting Cities”, Redland Performing Arts Centre, 2pm-4pm.

November 7: Navigating the Future”, Victoria Point Library, 1pm-3pm.

November 14: “Getting into Gear”, Capalaba Sports Club, 2pm-4pm.

Residents can RSVP to events@redland.qld.gov.au