Monthly Archives: October 2013

Pulse eNewsletter – October 2013

October 31, 2013

Message from the Mayor – Get Ready Redlands
Art exhibitions showcase sustainability, femininity and an appreciation of the sea
Snakes alive when temperature rise
Clean up the bay
Go wild
Have your say on water
Boost for Coochie
Save the date

Message from the Mayor

Get Ready Redlands

The devastating scenes witnessed during the recent bushfires in New South Wales are a stark reminder of Mother Nature’s fury and unrelenting power. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been impacted by these fires.

We must all be aware that with summer fast approaching, there is always the potential for devastating weather events such as storms and fires. The fact we experienced both in the past year highlights the fact we cannot think it will not happen to us. Complacency can kill, so the time to prepare is now – do not wait for the weather alerts, do not wait for the fires to start, or the summer storms to hit. As a united community we need to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

Council takes disaster preparedness very seriously. We have already back-burned 47 hectares of land to lessen the fuel load and have a continuous program of vegetation management, maintaining hundreds of fire breaks cross the city.

In partnership with Council, 100 teams of volunteers recently distributed the Australian Red Cross’s emergency REDiPlan and the Department of Community Safety’s Bushfire Survival Plan to homes in high risk areas. These books contain important information and I encourage all residents who received them to read them carefully – they may save your life or the life of someone close to you.

Council has also developed a four-part disaster management plan, which provides residents with vital information on how to prepare for a disaster.

The first part of the plan was released in July. The second – which sets out a plan for the islands of Moreton Bay – will be released next week. The final two stages, covering the Redland City mainland, coastal and hinterland areas will be released early next year.

This level of inter-agency cooperation and planning means residents can be confident we are well prepared to cope in the event of a major disaster. But this does not mean residents; schools, businesses and other groups throughout the community do not also need to be prepared. I urge everyone to act now. The Red Cross Emergency Rediplan contains simple but important steps to help people prepare for an emergency.

Step 1: Be informed: Information is one of the best weapons against an emergency, so stay tuned to your local media, particularly the local ABC radio station and the Bureau of Meteorology for more information

Step 2: Make a plan: Being prepared can make emergencies less stressful by reducing disruptions. A guide for how to prepare an emergency plan can be found on the Red Cross website

Step 3: Prepare an emergency kit: Include items you may need if you have to evacuate your home in an emergency, or if you have to stay in your home when essential services have been cut off.

Step 4: Know your neighbours: People in a community who know each other are more likely to turn to each other for help, so getting to know your neighbours is an important part of preparing for an emergency.

Mayor Karen Williams
Redland City Council

More information

You can get a copy of the REDiPlan on the Red Cross website.

You can also download a copy of the State Government’s Bushfire Survival Plan.

Find out more about the Redlands’ disaster preparations by visiting the Get Ready Queensland website.

Exhibitions showcase sustainability, femininity and an appreciation of the sea

Three exhibitions showcasing the works of three talented artists will be exhibited at the Redland Art Gallery at Cleveland from this weekend.

The first two exhibitions will feature the works of artist Jo D’Hage in her exhibition Crafting Memory alongside her partner and fellow artist Russell Craig’s exhibition Slipstream.

The third exhibition, With or Without, will showcase the works of Nicola Moss, which raises some important questions about sustainability.

Crafting Memory continues the artists inquiry into the role and relationship between selected objects, being female and the painting process.

Russell Craig’s Slipstream is inspired by his travels and appreciation of the sea; the works act as a symbolic metaphor for the artist’s own personal journey of travelling in the slipstream of those that have gone before.

With or Without suggests we can make choices, or perhaps that choices need to be made regarding what we can we live with or without.

It explores how we are shaping our habits and activities to maintain a healthy environment in Moreton Bay – a RAMSAR site listed under the United Nations Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.

Exhibition details

Where: Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland
When: Sunday 3 November – Sunday 8 December

Floor talk: Floor talks and morning tea from 11am Sunday 3 November 2013

Snakes alive when temperatures rise

Residents are being warned to watch out for snakes with the warmer weather resulting in them becoming more active.

While snakes are part of living in Australia, particularly in the warmer months, residents need to be aware and take precautions.

Residents should also keep in mind that snakes are a protected species, so it is an offence to kill, injure or take snakes from the wild.

To prevent attracting snakes people should keep their yards neat and tidy and should be vigilant when they are outside gardening or hiking and wear protective clothing such as covered shoes, long pants and gloves.

People should also never interfere with a snake, with most snake bites occurring when people try to capture or kill a snake.

If anyone finds a snake they should contact an authorised snake catcher to remove it. A directory of snake catchers is provided on the Wildlife Queensland website.

Clean up the bay

Redland City Council is helping to keep the bay beautiful by supporting Clubs Queensland’s inaugural Cleaning up the Bay campaign.

Everyone is encouraged to get their workmates, friends or family together for a day by the water that will also help make a huge difference to our environment.

The initiative is encouraging locals, visitors, businesses and community groups to pitch in on Sunday 1 December to clean up the beaches and waterways.

Collection points will be set up by Council to help people dispose of rubbish, the nominated collection points are:

Wellington Point Recreation (Main Road, Wellington Point)
Cleveland Boat Ramp (William Street, Cleveland)
Victoria Point (Colburn Avenue, North West Jetty)
Redland Bay Boat Ramp (Banana Street, Redland Bay)
Dunwich Boat Ramp (Yabby Street, Stradbroke Island)
Amity Point Boat Ramp (Claytons Road, Stradbroke Island)

Anyone wanting to take part or for further information can visit the Clubs Queensland website.

Go wild

It’s time for budding David Attenboroughs to get snapping with the annual IndigiScapes digital photographic competition opening soon.

The popular focus on our wild Redlands opens on November 1 and offers cash prizes in a range of categories.

There are a variety of categories and age divisions, with up to $500 up for grabs.

Entries close at 4pm on Sunday 24 November, with judging and the announcement of winners on Friday 29 November. The photographs will then go on exhibition from 1-20 December.

All entries must be submitted via email to photocompetition@redland.qld.gov.au.

For conditions of entry and more information, call the Redlands IndigiScapes Centre on 3824 8611 or check out the IndigiScapes website.

Have your say on water

Are you prepared to have water restrictions during drought if it means a cheaper supply year round?

These and other important questions are at the centre of a State Government review of south-east Queensland’s water security.

Redlanders have been encouraged to have their say as part of a State Government discussion paper which will help determine the long-term management of our water resources.

The aim is to make sure there is enough water to supply community needs now and into the future at the lowest cost.

The State Government review team particularly wants to know about the level of water restrictions people are prepared to face during droughts as a way of reducing future water supply costs.

To find out more and have your say on the proposed water security measures, visit their website.

Boost for Coochie

Community sessions on Coochiemudlo Island have led to design modifications for the island’s new jetty.

Almost 200 Coochiemudlo Island residents and property owners took the opportunity in September to view and comment on the proposed design for the island’s link with the mainland.

Involving nearly a quarter of the island’s population, the engagement process included a public display day on the island and promotion through social media and letters to island residents.

While the overall design was clearly supported by most islanders, a number of popular design modifications were suggested that have since been incorporated into the specifications for the new $3.5 million jetty project being jointly funded by the Queensland Government and Redland City Council.

Island residents and property owners have been advised of the results of the community consultation.

Dredging has been completed in preparation for construction of the new jetty, due to begin early next year.

Save the date

‘Tis (almost) the festive season – which means Christmas by Starlight is just around the corner. This year the popular community event will be held on Saturday 7 December, so watch this space for more detail.

Red or green substance appearing in waterways

October 30, 2013

Recently we have had reports from the public of red or green substance appearing in waterways around the Redlands, notably near Cleveland Point and Raby Bay.

The substance is Trichodesmium, which is a bright green naturally occurring algae that releases a pink substance.

What is Trichodesmium and how does it occur?

Subtropical climates provide warm and sunny conditions. These conditions can assist Trichodesmium to bloom in our waters.

Trichodesmium are cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that appear naturally in tropical and subtropical ocean waters and are commonly known as sea sawdust, whale sperm, whale food and sea scum.

Trichodesmium is a member of the phytoplankton family, and plays an important role in the aquatic food chain. Normally Trichodesmium are barely visible to the naked eye, but in water that has been calm for long periods it begins to float like sawdust on the surface.

Combinations of calm conditions, northerly currents and warm water temperatures can increase growth and even discolour the water.

What to look for

Blooms are most common between August and December. You may have noticed a bloom washed up on a beach, in an estuary area or in the Broadwater. There may also be an unpleasant ‘fishy’ smell. Wind and current conditions often cause large amounts of Trichodesmium to group together.

Trichodesmium blooms can cause water to appear rust- coloured but traces of grey,

green and purple streaks can also be visible. In stagnant conditions, Trichodesmium
blooms can release a clear toxin that changes the blooms’ colour from rust brown to green
and also releases a pigment that colours the water pink.

The concentration of the toxin in a natural system, like the ocean, is generally not high
enough to be harmful to human health. However to be certain it is best to avoid
affected areas.

Don’t panic

Blooms generally disappear in a few days. Please remember if you have come in contact
with Trichodesmium it can easily be rinsed off the skin.

For further information on this topic, please contact us on 3829 8999 or view the fact sheet.

Capture the Redlands on camera and win!

October 29, 2013

It’s time for the Redlands’ budding David Attenboroughs to get snapping with the annual IndigiScapes digital photographic competition opening on 1 November.

The popular focus on our wild Redlands offers cash prizes in a range of categories.

“The amazing wildlife of the Redlands offers potential for that really special photo, as Jun Lembumfacil’s winning snap last year of a well-camouflaged leaf-eating grasshopper showed,’’ Redland City Council environment spokesman Cr Paul Gleeson said.

“There are individual sections for wildlife in the City’s parks and reserves, from birds and mammals to creatures like frogs, insects and reptiles.

“Or you might like to specialise in the wildlife in your own backyard, which has its own categories.

“There’s also a category for native plants and a junior category for photographers aged 14 years and under.

“There’s $100 up for grabs for each of the open categories, with $500 for the best overall photo in that group, as well as $200 for the winning junior.’’

Entries close at 4pm on Sunday 24 November, with judging and the announcement of winners on Friday 29 November.

The photographs will then go on exhibition from 1-20 December.

All entries must be submitted via email to photocompetition@redland.qld.gov.au.

Entries must be no larger than 10mb and should include your name, address, telephone number and which category your photo is to be entered.

Your photo can be entered in one category only.

For more information, call the Redlands IndigiScapes Centre on 3824 8611 or check out http://indigiscapes.redland.qld.gov.au

Public notice: Adoption of a minor amendment package to Redlands Planning Scheme

October 29, 2013

Minor Amendment Package 02/2013

Notice is given under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 that Redland City Council at its General Meeting held 9 October 2013 resolved to adopt Minor Amendment Package 02/2013 as a minor amendment to the Redlands Planning Scheme.

The 02/2013 Minor Amendment Package includes:

Home Business

Facilitating opportunities for a home business to be self-assessable within the Medium Density Residential zone.
Providing opportunity for a home business with a limited number of client visitations during specified times to be self-assessable

Excavation and Fill Code / Retaining Walls

Amending the provisions of the Excavation and Fill Code that relate to Retaining Walls to ensure consistency with the other parts of the Scheme.
Inserting and updating notations in the self-assessable development table of the Excavation and Fill Code.
Incorporating Retaining Walls into the Table of Assessment for Other Development within the Conservation Zone to ensure consistency with other zones.

Parking Requirements

Clarifying the parking requirements for a Display and Sale Activity.
Replacing the undefined term Mixed Commercial with Mixed Use.
Including a note on parking dimensions for boat storage.

Domestic Additions and Private Swimming Pools

Including Domestic Additions and Swimming Pools into the table of assessment of the Flood Prone, Storm Tide and Drainage Constrained Land, Habitat Protection and Landslide Hazard Overlays.
Including an administrative definition for Domestic Additions.

Road Design

Including a note to clarify design requirements for bus routes on collector streets on the Mainland.
Removing redundant road design characteristics for collector roads, access streets and places on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.

Service Stations

Amendments to address inconsistencies within the Service Station Use Code and to clarify setback requirements for corner allotments.

Zone and Overlay Mapping

Making a number of amendments to the Planning Scheme zone and overlay maps. Amended overlay mapping affects the following overlays:
- Bushfire Hazard Overlay;
- Flood Prone, Storm Tide and Drainage Constrained Land Overlay;
- Habitat Protection Overlay; and
- Waterways, Wetlands and Moreton Bay Overlay

The amendments to the Redlands Planning Scheme come into effect on 28 October 2013.

The amendments can be viewed at Council’s Customer Service centres and on our website.

For further information on the planning scheme amendment, please contact Redland City Council’s City Planning and Assessment Group on (07) 3829 8654.]

Residents urged to ‘Get Ready’ for severe thunderstorms tomorrow

October 28, 2013

Residents across the southeast and central areas are being urged to ‘Get Ready’ for severe thunderstorm activity tomorrow.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has predicted a surface trough will enter the southwest of the State tonight and approach the Southeast Coast District tomorrow afternoon and evening.

Showers and severe thunderstorms are likely as the trough moves through Western, Central and Southeast Districts. There is also the potential for wind gusts in excess of 90 km/h and large hail, particularly through the south east corner of the State.

The thunderstorm activity should then contract further north into the Wide Bay and Burnett and Capricornia districts during Wednesday.

BoM Senior Meteorologist Michelle Berry asked people to keep up to date with the latest information.

“Given the increased threat from the weather, it’s important to make sure you have the latest information so stay tuned to local radio and track the weather and warnings on the Bureau’s website,” Miss Berry said.

Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) Director of Disaster Management Brian Cox said people within these areas, particularly across south east Queensland, should “Either tonight or first thing tomorrow put loose garden furniture and toys inside and secure items which can’t be moved, such as trampolines and swing sets. Ensure your animals have shelter and are secured and that your vehicles are under solid shelter or covered,” Mr Cox said.

“Disconnect all electrical items, external television and radio aerials and computer modems.

“When the storms strike stay inside and shelter well clear of windows, doors and skylights. If you have no choice but to be outdoors, seek solid enclosed shelter and never under trees. If you’re driving stop clear of trees, power lines and streams.”

Mr Cox said it was not uncommon for power to also be lost during severe thunderstorms so make sure you have the basic items, such as a torch, medications and food and water close by.

“Now is also a prime time to ensure your emergency kit is well stocked and up to date,” he said

“After the storm passes always be aware of fallen powerlines, trees and flooded watercourses. If it’s flooded, forget it.”

For flood and storm assistance contact the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500 and for a life-threatening emergency always call triple zero (000).

For further information and tips on how to Get Ready and to register for your own personalised step-by-step plan visit www.getready.qld.gov.au/

Exhibitions showcase sustainability, femininity and an appreciation of the sea

October 25, 2013

The Redland Art Gallery at Cleveland will come alive with three exhibitions showcasing art from three talented artists from next week.

Council’s Arts, Culture and Innovation spokesperson Cr Paul Bishop said the exhibitions would offer a variety of experiences for art lovers.

“The first two exhibitions will feature the works of artist Jo D’Hage in her exhibition Crafting Memory alongside her partner and fellow artist Russell Craig’s exhibition Slipstream,” he said.

“The third exhibition, With or Without, will showcase the works of Nicola Moss, which raises some important questions about sustainability.”

Cr Bishop said the first two exhibitions from the artistic couple combined contrasting yet complementary art in a collaborative display in the main gallery.

“Crafting Memory continues D’Hage’s inquiry into the role and relationship between selected objects, being female and the painting process,” he said.

“Russell Craig’s Slipstream is inspired by his travels and appreciation of the sea and references concepts of rhythm, motion and natural erosion.

“The works act as a symbolic metaphor for the artist’s own personal journey of travelling in the slipstream of those that have gone before.”

Image: Jo D’Hage, Deep time 2013, oil on linen.

Cr Bishop said the final exhibition explored two important components of sustainability – waste management and biodiversity conservation.

“This exhibition raises some very important points regarding sustainability,” he said.

“With or without suggests we can make choices, or perhaps that choices need to be made regarding what we can we live with or without.

“It explores how we are shaping our habits and activities to maintain a healthy environment in Moreton Bay – a RAMSAR site listed under the United Nations Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.

“As winners of Keep Queensland Beautiful Sustainability Awards 2013, we are proud to raise awareness about art, environment and the importance of looking after our ecology.”

“All three artists have a significant profile in the visual arts in Queensland and nationally, with D’Hage and Craig completing their postgraduate studies overseas and exhibiting internationally.”

Exhibition details

Where: Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland
When: Sunday 3 November – Sunday 8 December

Opening event:  6pm Friday 1 November 2013
    Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland
    RSVP acceptances by Wednesday 30 October 2013
Telephone RSVP line: (07) 3030 4163 or email:
gallery@redland.qld.gov.au

Floor talk: Floor talks and morning tea from 11am Sunday 3 November 2013

Snakes alive as temperatures rise

October 25, 2013

Residents are being warned to be on the lookout for snakes as they become more active with the onset of warmer weather.

Redland City Council environment spokesperson and Division 9 Councillor Paul Gleeson said residents needed to be aware that the onset of spring meant snakes were out and about.

“Snakes are part of living in Australia, particularly in the warmer months, so residents need to be aware and take precautions,” he said.

“Snakes generally come in looking for food and shelter, so keeping yards mowed and free of timber that attracts mice and rats will help keep a snake free environment.”

Cr Gleeson said there had already been a number of reports from residents about snakes in the Redlands.

“One lady contacted me to say that six snakes had been located in her backyard, so I think it is timely for all residents to keep in mind that snakes may be about,” he said.

“People should be particularly vigilant when they are outside gardening or hiking and wear protective clothing such as covered shoes, long pants and gloves.”

Cr Gleeson said the Queensland Government Department of Environment and Heritage Protection provided valuable tips on their website for people to keep their homes snake free.

“I think the most important thing to remember is that people should never interfere with a snake, in fact most snake bites occur when people try to capture or kill a snake,” he said.

“People also need to remember that snakes are a protected species, so it is actually an offence to kill, injure or take snakes from the wild.

“If a snake is in your house you can contact an authorised snake catcher to remove it.”

A snake catcher directory is provided on the Wildlife Queensland website www.wildlifeqld.com.au

Economic Development eNewsletter – October 2013

October 25, 2013

Message from the Mayor: Secret’s out – Redland City the place to be

Redlands’ international exposure

Investment central

Making headlines

Planning for the future

CBD momentum

Secret’s out: Redland City the place to be

The secret’s out: Redland City is officially on the map as a great place to live, work and do business.

I am happy to report that my recent Asian trade mission has already delivered results and our hard work locally to promote the city and its potential is also having a positive impact.

Since returning from Japan, Taiwan and China I have hosted two follow-up fact-finding missions from potential investors, one from Beijing and the latest a large Hong Kong-based consortium with major projects worth billions of dollars either delivered or on the drawing board in Asia, Japan and Australia.

It was a pleasure to host the Far East Consortium’s Chairman Mr David Chiu and Executive Directors Andrew Chiu and Craig Williams. They were impressed by what they saw of Redland City and by the investment potential here. They have already taken follow-up action from their special trip to Queensland.

I was able to show both groups our Priority Development Areas at Toondah Harbour, Cleveland and Weinam Creek, Redland Bay, and other opportunities in the city.

There is an air of confidence in and about Redland City, as our Open for Business and Investment message spreads.

It is also encouraging to see our Cleveland CBD revitalisation project is also delivering results, with two recent major sales of properties in the CBD indicating confidence is returning. I am confident the surge of interest in Redland City investment will continue.

This makes it even more vital that local businesspeople support the formation of the proposed Cleveland Business Improvement District, that is aimed at providing further longer term benefits for business and customers.

I am also keen to bring together tourism stakeholders with a view to collaborating to “sell” our magnificent tourism product.

We have been for too long the undiscovered secret of South East Queensland, and I am determined to do what we can to change this.

I want people to not only know what and where we are, but to come here and experience Redland City for themselves – we have so much to offer, on the mainland and our wonderful islands.

Business, education potential

During my Asia trade mission I also identified enormous potential for Redland City schools and businesses.

In Kani City, Japan, there is an opportunity for our SMEs to consider their products for export. Size does not matter – it is the quality and creativity that can cut through and open markets in Asia.

A number of local businesses are taking advantage of the opportunities by exhibiting at the Kani City Industrial Fair.

As a result of my visit to our Chinese Sister City Qinhuangdao, we have already matched up Redland businesses to share our marina and canal expertise to their new tourism city.

There is a growing middle class in China who are keen to offer their children quality education, and they are looking at Australia. There was also great interest in educational opportunities from Taiwan and Japan.

The message I sent during the mission was Redland City had some of the best schools in Queensland, and that we are a welcoming community with wonderful natural assets.

In order to brief schools on these opportunities and to gauge their interest in either expanding or entering the lucrative international education market, I have convened an Education Round Table at the Redland Performing Arts Centre on 7 November. All City secondary schools have been invited.

Redlands’ international exposure

The Redlands has been putting on a show for major Japanese trade chiefs.

For the second year, the City has been represented at the annual Kani City Industrial Fair, in the Gifu Prefecture, which attracts more than 20,000 distributors, retailers and vendors.

The October 26 event allows the Redlands to showcase quality local producers, such as the Alchemy Cordial Company, the organically grown Straddie Teas and local indigenous product from Salt Water Murris.

The Redlands’ award–winning Sirromet Wines, which already sends its fine wines to Japan and China, had its own stand.

During the event, the Redlands invited Masami Tashiro, head of the massive Valor food and supermarket corporation, to have a drink on us with the presentation of a basket of Redlands goodies, including Sirromet wines, Alchemy cordials and Straddie teas.

Moreton Bay tourism attractions and details of investment opportunities in the Redlands also featured in the display.

It is part of plans to develop the City’s economic, education and cultural ties with Japan and China.

Mayor Karen Williams has recently returned from her first visit to Kani City, where Mayor Shigeki Tomida and City officials were very welcoming.

Redland City is keen to strengthen its relationship with Kani City and Cr Williams hopes to host Mr Tomida in the Redlands next year.

Investment central

Council’s “open for business’’ ethos continues to generate exciting results for the city with another Asian business delegation visiting the Redlands last week to explore investment opportunities.

The delegates were from the Hong Kong-based Far East Consortium, an international development company with a strong Australian presence.

The visit included tours of both Redland City Priority Development Areas (PDAs) followed by a presentation and in-depth discussion of investment opportunities.

The investors obviously liked what they saw, promptly engaging their architects to present design options for potential investment in the Redlands.

This most recent delegation follows the visit from Beijing-based investors to explore similar opportunities.

Both visits were generated by Mayor Karen Williams’ business mission to Asia, where she flew the Redlands’ flag and invited both groups of investors here to see firsthand what we have on offer.

Mayor Karen Williams with Far East Consortium representatives.

Making headlines

Business and investment has been gathering momentum in the Redlands recently, and it appears the media is starting to take notice.

Several stories have appeared in recent weeks showcasing the Redlands as a location for investment.

The September 14 Courier-Mail Home property section featured the headline “Booming Bayside’’ with a beautiful aerial photograph of the Redlands on the front cover.

Inside, the stories outlined the exciting Priority Development Area (PDA) plans for the Toondah Harbour and Weinam Creek marine precincts, along with the Kinross Road development in Thornlands.

The Courier-Mail’s Prime Site section then spread the word further on 18 October.

A story entitled “Investors drawn to Redlands” told of international investors visiting the City to investigate business opportunities.

The following day’s Courier-Mail continued the trend, with a story entitled “Open for business’’, a catchcry for which the Redlands is becoming known.

The story featured a photograph of Mayor Karen Williams with Beijing investors who visited the Redlands recently, as well as mentioning the Mayor’s recent address to the Urban Development Institute of Australia.

Planning for the future

Project Manager for the Redlands Planning Scheme review, Kim Kerwin, has hit the ground running since she started her new role six weeks ago.

Kim is under no illusion about the massive scope of this important two-year project, which will ultimately deliver a blueprint for future development across the City from 2015.

“The new Redlands Planning Scheme will serve as a pivotal instrument to facilitate sustainable development outcomes for the City,” she says.

“It has to take into account a wide range of issues, such as high-growth projections and the community’s lifestyle expectations.

“It also has to give developers the confidence they need to invest by clearly defining appropriate land uses.”

Fortunately for Council, Kim comes well-qualified for the role – she has honed her skills in the specialist field of development and planning with both private and public sectors for the past 35 years.

Her CV includes stints as coordinator of the South East Regional Organisation of Councils, as executive coordinator of regional planning and urban design at Gold Coast City Council and, most recently, as deputy CEO of Croydon Shire Council in Far North Queensland.

She says her love affair with the Redlands dates to her childhood when her parents introduced her to our City’s unique blend of bush, bay and island lifestyles.

She says she was drawn back here by the opportunity to play an important role in its future.

RPS review project manager Kim Kerwin drills into the detail that will become a blueprint for sustainable development in the Redlands.

CBD momentum

There has been significant movement in the Cleveland CBD in the past month, pointing to a bright future for local retailing and investment.

The recent $1.41 million sale of Bloomfield Street’s Bank of Queensland building has been quickly followed by a $2.825 million deal for the nearby Centrelink building.

Both properties were sold by Chesterton International’s Glenn Conridge, who said there was growing evidence investors were switching on to the Redlands’ lifestyle benefits.

He also indicated there was keen interest in another key building.

Meanwhile, Suncorp bank has moved across the road to new premises on the corner of the Stockland shopping mall on the north side of Middle Street.

Stockland reports that the old Suncorp bank on the south side of Middle Street is now being refurbished and will open as a discount retailer just before Christmas.

There also is movement in the small-business sector with the expansion of Fish on Fire, on Middle Street, well underway. A new business, The Spice Grinder, has moved into Metro Arcade.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the investor and business interest in the Redlands was just another example of the city being open for business.

“This activity is a positive sign for the Cleveland CBD and shows that the momentum for rejuvenation has started,’’ Cr Williams said.

“As it gathers pace we can look forward to an economic boost and jobs growth, particularly with redevelopment of Toondah Harbour on the horizon.’’

Cleveland Councillor (Division 2) Craig Ogilvie said Council’s recent Commercial Investment Attraction Study highlighted a strong retail sector, proximity to public transport and visual amenity as the CBD’s strong points.

“Redland City Council has created an incentives package to promote development and investment in Cleveland’s business heart, with a particular focus on unlocking the development potential of under-utilised sites,’’ Cr Ogilvie said.

“These incentives include discounts on development application fees and infrastructure contributions, as well as prompt assessments and car parking concessions.’’

For more information, visit our website.

“There’s a really proactive and positive vibe here at the moment,” she says.

“The Council’s ‘open for business and investment’ philosophy is getting real traction … the City is moving forward.”

The new Redlands Planning Scheme will fit hand-in-glove with the next incarnation of the South East Queensland Regional Plan, as well as a raft of other State Government planning instruments designed to preserve the lifestyle we love in the Redlands.

Hunt on for remarkable Redlanders

October 18, 2013

Do you know of a remarkable Redlander or community group who deserves recognition for doing something special for the Redlands? If so, we want to hear from you.

Nominations are now open for the Redland City Australia Day Awards 2014 to honour those who have made outstanding contributions to the City.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the awards showed the City’s appreciation of the often unheralded, selfless commitment of residents to their community.

“Our Australia Day Awards acknowledge high-achieving community members who have made truly outstanding contributions, giving freely of their time, knowledge and enthusiasm to promote the welfare and wellbeing of the Redlands,’’ Cr Williams said.

“If you know of a person, group or community organisation who is worthy of recognition for their community efforts, I encourage you to nominate them.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to honor and applaud the contributions of the great Australians in our own community.

“The Redlands has a sense of community like no other because of the many selfless people who help make us so special.’’
Last January, Capalaba’s Jeff Underhill was named Redland City’s 2013 Citizen of the Year for his dedication to organisations such as the Lions Club, local PCYC and Meals on Wheels, as well as his personal generosity in support of city charities and community organisations.

The award categories include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, as well as a Local Hero award for a citizen or group, community organisation award and cultural, environment and sports awards.

“All you have to do is go online at www.redland.qld.gov.au/awards and click on ‘Australia Day Awards’ to fill out the nomination form. It’s quick and easy,’’ Cr Williams said.

“Nominations are open now and close on Friday 8 November.’’

Dead or dying birds in the Redlands

October 18, 2013

The Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection has explained that the appearance of dead or dying Short-tailed Shearwaters or “mutton birds” at various locations in the Redlands, is part of a natural phenomena.

The birds are likely to be dying from exhaustion and starvation as a result of bad weather conditions during their 10,000 kilometre non-stop migration from northern Russia to rookeries in Victoria and South Australia.

As a precaution members of the public are advised not to handle the birds.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife have authorised us to monitor and collect the dead birds, including those being found in popular swimming locations such as Adder Rock and Home Beach on North Stradbroke Island and at several mainland sites.