Monthly Archives: June 2014

Hilliards Creek cycleway officially opened


June 30, 2014

Cyclists will welcome the new Hilliard’s Creek crossing Cycleway officially opened today by State Member for Cleveland Mark Robinson and Redland City Mayor Karen Williams.

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Mr Robinson said he was pleased to open the cycleway today along with the Mayor, and representatives from Bicycle Queensland, Redlands U3A Cycling Group and the Wynnum Redland Cycling Club.

“Providing better infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians is a part of our stronger plan for a brighter future,” Mr Robinson said.

“This is a great addition to the city’s walking and cycling trails as it provides an important link to the Moreton Bay Cycleway, which will eventually connect Redland Bay to Redcliffe.

“The cycleway is not just part of southeast Queensland’s recreational infrastructure, it a highly valuable community asset which will service many users ranging from local commuters to mobility scooter users.”

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The project was jointly funded by the state and local government at a cost of $1.4 million.
Cr Williams said the crossing added to the city’s already extensive network of shared bike and pedestrian pathways.

“The pathways, many of which pass through natural wetlands and foreshore areas, are a key part of Redlands attraction to visitors and recreational users, with the city becoming a very popular and accessible destination for recreational bike riders.

“We are intent on promoting the huge appeal and potential of the Redlands not just as a gateway for visitors but as a beautiful and entertaining destination in its own right.

“What better way to advertise our scenic and cultural treasures than through the healthy attributes of our walking and cycle paths.”

Division 1 Councillor Wendy Boglary said the new connection had already been in popular use for several months.

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“Since its completion it has provided a short cut between the suburbs of Ormiston and the shopping and dining attractions of Wellington Point Village with many people commenting on the greatly improved access the new crossing provides,” Cr Boglary said.

“I believe Council and the State Government also deserve credit for the sensitive way this new connection has been designed and built.

“The new track includes a large elevated section that passes through unique wetland habitat providing users with a great perspective while at the same time protecting the environment.”

The new path section connecting between Sawmill Drive, Wellington Pt and Bibury and Gloucester Street, Ormiston includes a 20 metre bridge and 194 metre boardwalk.

Budget 2014-15: Council’s budget lays the foundations for a strong and secure future


June 27, 2014

Redland City Council’s 2014-15 Budget will lay the foundations for a strong future and ease cost of living pressures on residents by again keeping rate rises to a minimum.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said this year’s $259 million Budget included a headline rates increase of 3.48 per cent, one of the lowest increases in South East Queensland for the third consecutive year .

“This is a budget for tomorrow, delivering today for Redland City, and for Redlanders,” Cr Williams said

“Under this year’s budget the average owner-occupied property (rating category 1A) will see a general rate increase of less than 80 cents per week.

“Council’s net result, which includes operating and capital revenue, is a predicted surplus of $10.16 million.

“This has been achieved at the same time as we have again absorbed millions of dollars in external costs rather than passing them on to residents in the form of higher rates.

“The Budget also provides funding for the commencement of key long-term strategic projects and a $61.9 million capital program that will create a positive legacy for Redland City for generations to come.

“Our strategic projects include marketing our key waterfront projects at Toondah Harbour and Weinam Creek to investors.  This funding will help secure investor buy-in to complete these long awaited projects, meaning this important community infrastructure will be paid for by investors rather than ratepayers.

“This year’s budget also provides $2.7 million in rebates for our pensioners, with a full discount of $330.”

Cr Williams said a relentless focus on efficiency and savings allowed Council to absorb millions of dollars of external costs.

“Council is not immune to the massive cost increases being felt by residents.  We are being hit with a 13.5 per cent increase in electricity and a 7 per cent fuel price hike, on top of the State Government’s increase in fuel excise and a more than 14.27 per cent increase in bulk water costs,” she said.

“These increases are outside our control and have combined to drive up Council’s operational expenses by $12 million, or nearly 7 per cent.

“If we had passed on these increases in full ratepayers would have been slugged with a hike of nearly 10 per cent.

“We were not willing to do this and instead have absorbed the majority of these increases, providing a much-needed reprieve for residents from further cost of living pressures.”

Cr Williams said one of the biggest positives of this year’s Budget was that it strengthened Redland City’s financial security.

“Our strong financial position also provides security for our future. We have growing community equity of nearly $2 billion, cash reserves of more than $45 million and the lowest local government debt per household in South East Queensland.

“This makes us the envy of other South East Queensland councils and means residents can be confident we are future-proofing the city and providing the ability to be able to respond to any unplanned future emergencies.”

Highlights of the 2014-15 Budget include:

  • A headline rates increase of just 3.48 per cent, one of the lowest in South East Queensland for the third consecutive year.
  • A general rate increase of about 80 cents per week for the average residential owner occupied mainland property with a value of $282,000.
  • $2.7 million in rates rebates for pensioners, with a full pension discount of $330.
  • Capital program $61.9 million
  • A net predicted surplus of $10.16 million, including operating and capital revenue.
  • An operating deficit at the end of the 2013-14 financial year of about $2 million – the lowest  in many years and equating to a very small operating surplus ratio of less than -1 per cent.
  • Restricting the average water price increase to 3.3 per cent – despite a 14.27 per cent increase in State Government bulk water charges.
  • Maintaining existing assets and focuses on assets renewal rather than asset purchase.  Maintaining a manageable level of debt with the lowest Council debt per household in South East Queensland.

See what the Budget means for you with our interactive Budget infographic

Budget highlights video

Budget 2014-15: Community grants and cultural funding


June 26, 2014

Redland City Council’s 2014-15 Budget includes funding for local community groups and facilities such as our art galleries and performing arts centre.

This funding includes:

Community halls: $803,659 to maintain and operate the city’s community halls that are used by local community groups.

Cultural Centres and Art galleries:  $2.74 million to operate our art galleries at Capalaba and Cleveland and the Redlands Performing Arts Centre and Cleveland Cultural Centre.

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Libraries: $8 million for our local libraries at Cleveland, Capalaba, Victoria Point, Russell Island, Point Lookout, Dunwich and Amity Point.  As well as our mobile library and online library services.

Community grants and rebates:  This year’s budget maintains existing concessions for pensioners, with a full pension discount of $330, providing $2.7 million in rebates for local pensioners. Council also offers grants to community organisations, including $1.51 million in Council grants and $110,000 in Councillor small grants.

 

Budget 2014-15: Waste water treatment upgrades


June 26, 2014

An extra 40,000 are expected to call the Redlands home by 2030 so it is important to provide the infrastructure to meet this growth.

A big part of that infrastructure is wastewater treatment facilities which treat the wastewater from our homes and businesses.

This year’s Council Budget includes nearly $12 million for waste water treatment plant upgrades.

Below is a list of all projects included in this year’s Budget:

Waste Water Project  
Pt. Lookout Waste Water Treatment Plant 3,000,000
Sewerage Pump Stations 2,765,328
Waste Water Treatment Plant Inlet Works Expansions, Thorneside and Mt Cotton 2,410,000
Dunwich Sewerage Gravity Sewers 1,131,000
Pumps and Switchboards 726,300
Pump Station Infiltration reduction 500,000
Odour works at inlet – Cleveland 300,000
Flow Meters, Aerators & Mixers, Pipes & Valves and Lifting Gear 221,700
Pumps & Macerators, Odour Control, Dosing Pumps and Clarifiers 190,000
Cleveland Waste Water Treatment Plant 150,000
Confined Space Safety Equipment (Pump Stations and Reticulation) 150,000
Control Systems and Pipe Work & Valves 137,100
Civil, Generators, Cranes & Hoists and Blowers & Compressors 132,000
Pump Station Bypass Enabling 100,000
Thorneside Sewage Treatment Plant Odour Control – Additional Carbon Unit 70,000
Minor Wastewater Plant & Equipment 10,500
Total Waste Water 11,993,928

 

 

 

Budget 2014-15: Southern Bay Islands to benefit


June 26, 2014

Redland City Council has committed nearly $6 million over the next two years for projects on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands as part of its 2014-15 Budget.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said this year’s Budget included important community infrastructure for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, including $1million for road upgrades, taking the total spend on SMBI roads to $3 million for the past two years.

“The Budget also includes nearly $1 million for a community sports and resilience centre on Russell Island to complement the sporting fields and multi-purpose courts that opened last year,” she said.

“Key commitments included in this year’s Budget will provide an ongoing positive legacy for the SMBI community, such as upgrading the intersection of Minjerriba and Centre roads (Russell Island) including road widening,” she said.

“Funding is also allocated for the start of the Macleay Island foreshore project, which will be constructed over two years and include a new recreational boat-ramp and car parking facilities.

“The community has been calling for this project for years, so residents will be very pleased to see it included in the Budget.

“Nearly $100,000 has also been included for local parks with upgrades planned for Lions Boulevard Park (Russell Island), High Street Park (Russell Island) and Pioneer Children’s Memorial Park (Russell Island).”

Southern Moreton Bay Island projects funded in the Budget include:

  • Upgrade Lamb Island car parking, including resurface and access.
  • Macleay Island road resurfacing: Western Road, South Sea Terrace, Thomas, Oomool, Lonicera, Kate, Jan and Baracoota streets.
  • Russell Island road resurfacing: Bay Drive, Channel, Guthrie and Patterson streets.
  • Lamb Island road resurfacing: Lucas Drive.
  • Minjerriba Rd, Russell Island – Intersection improvement at the Centre Road intersection including road widening and concrete islands.
  • High St Path, Russell Island – Complete missing link in pedestrian network between ferry terminal and shopping centre.
  • Russell Island Park works: High Street, Pioneer Children’s and Lions Boulevard.
  • Upgrade Macleay Island boat ramp.
  • Russell Terrace Macleay Island sea wall and asbestos capping.

Budget 2014-15: Nearly $14 million in marine projects floated


June 26, 2014

Redland City’s reputation as a city of islands will be enhanced, thanks to almost $14 million of marine infrastructure projects in the 2014-15 Budget.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the funding would include new jetties and boat ramp upgrades.

“Redland City has a large coastal population including about 10,000 residents who live on islands, so it is important we provide the infrastructure to support our coastal lifestyle,” she said.

“This includes major projects such as commencement of the Macleay Island foreshore project, which will be constructed over two years and includes a new recreational boat-ramp and car parking facilities.

“The Budget also commits $4.6 million for a new jetty for Coochiemudlo Island, a joint State Government and Council project that will provide a new all-weather and all-abilities jetty for residents.”

Cr Williams said Redland City had a large number of boat owners who would benefit from a number of capital projects included in this year’s Budget.

“An upgrade of the Wellington Point south boat ramp will be completed along with two floating walkways at the Williams Street boat ramp at a cost of $900,000,” she said.

“Dredging works in preparation for the new Victoria Point Jetty are also expected to commence by the end of the year.

“Revetment wall maintenance and dredging works at canal estates are also included in the $61.9 million capital plan.

“We live in a beautiful location with canal and foreshore access, and these areas need to be maintained so future generations can continue to enjoy them.”

Local marine and foreshore projects to receive funding include:

  • Beaufort Court (Cleveland) revetment wall upgrade $3,320,000
  • Thompson’s Beach (Victoria Point) Stage Two – rock revetment wall $612,063
  • Coochiemudlo Island jetty $4,660,000
  • Victoria Point jetty $2,660,000
  • William Street (Cleveland) northern and southern ramp floating walkway $900,000
  • Upgrade boat ramp – Macleay Island $550,000
  • Russell Terrace Macleay Island sea wall and asbestos capping $330,000
  • Seawall and causeway renewal – Junner St (Dunwich) $300,000
  • North St, Redland Bay revetment wall $224,392
  • Mainland – boat ramp and seawall upgrades $110,579
  • Southern Moreton Bay Islands – pontoon, boat ramp and seawall upgrades $60,350

Budget 2014-15: $14 million for Redland City roads


June 26, 2014

Redland City Council will spend $14 million to upgrade roads as part of its $61.9 million capital budget.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said $2.5 million of the investment was earmarked for Southern Redland Bay roads.

“Southern Redland Bay is a key growth area for the Redlands so it is important we provide the road network to support this expected growth,” she said.

“Residents will be pleased to see funding for the sealing of Orchard Road, as well as an upgrade to School of Arts Road, including two key intersections at Viola Drive and Watsonia Street.

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“Council’s capital program also includes $1 million for road works on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, taking the total roads commitment on these islands to $3 million over the last two years.

“Projects on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands will include upgrading the intersection of Minjerriba and Centre Road, Russell Island, as well as upgrading car parking on Lamb Island.”

Cr Williams said more than $8 million will be spent resurfacing mainland roads to make them safer for local motorists and residents.

“The Budget also provides funds for footpath and car park upgrades,” she said.

“A total of $1 million will be spent on footpaths, including constructing more than three kilometres of new footpaths and providing a number of missing links throughout our community.

“More than $1.7 million will be spent to upgrade car parks, including work at the One Mile ferry terminal on North Stradbroke Island.

“An extra 40,000 people are expected to call the Redlands home by 2031 and this commitment from Council is all about providing the roads and other infrastructure needed to ensure the expected population increase can be accommodated.”

A snapshot of roads to receive funding as part of the 2014-15 Budget includes:

  • City-wide road resurfacing $8,220,876
  • South Redland Road Upgrade Program $2,500,000
  • Pavement Rehabilitation Program $1,125,650
  • Road Upgrade Program – Southern Moreton Bay Islands $1,000,000
  • One Mile overflow parking – North Stradbroke Island $445,000
  • Flinders Street (Coochiemudlo Island), road construction $350,000
  • Collingwood /Spoonbill streets and Carinyan Drive/Stratus Street (Birkdale) intersection upgrades $320,000
  • Thorneside Road pedestrian refuge improvements $100,000
  • Bloomfield St pedestrian refuge $100,000
  • Babiana and Robinia streets (Alexandra Hills) traffic island installation $45,000

Budget 2014-15: Maintaining parks and sports fields


June 26, 2014

Everyone loves our open spaces and parks and this year Council has committed approximately $22.6 million to maintain this land, including mowing, landscaping and conservation.

Council owns approximately 620 hectares of parkland, 11 hectares of streetscapes and 9,650 hectares of conservation land.

All of this land combined is equal to nearly three times the size of all Southern Moreton Bay Islands combined.

This funding also includes programs like our habitat protection program and waterways extension program.

Part of this funding is provided by Council’s environmental levy. Due to the large amount of conservation land Council has to maintain, this year’s Budget includes a slight increase to the environmental levy.

Budget 2014-15: A clean and green community


June 26, 2014

Waste collection is an important service that Council provides to its residents. Each year Council spends about $7.8 million to operate the eight Redland City transfer stations and a further $11.2 million collecting waste and recycling from local homes and businesses. This commitment maintains our strong environmental character by maximising resource recovery and reducing waste to landfill. This year’s Budget also includes funding for three waste projects:

  • Redland Bay transfer station upgrade $300,000
  • Mobile garbage bin purchase $125,000
  • Waste capital improvements $88,105
Job Name Description Budget Year 1 2014-15 $000s Estimate Year 2 2015-16 $000s Estimate Year 3 2016-17 $000s
Clean Up Australia Day Acceptance of Clean Up Australia Day waste at transfer stations, provision of bulk waste bins and waste disposal for cleanup sites 1,050 1,092 1,136
North Stradbroke Island Transfer Station Acceptance of residential waste and commercial greenwaste at island transfer stations, including waste disposal and management costs 492,114 510,839 530,825
Kerbside Recycling/Waste Collection Subsidisation of collection costs for properties requiring manual collection to support the elderly or people with disabilities 33,416 34,758 36,154
Bulky Item Collection for HAS Clients Exemption of fees for waste disposal to Home Assist Secure clients 18,082 18,808 19,564
Russell Island Transfer Station Acceptance of residential waste and commercial greenwaste at island transfer stations, including waste disposal and management costs 405,157 421,434 438,365
Macleay Island Transfer Station Acceptance of residential waste and commercial greenwaste at island transfer stations, including waste disposal and management costs 385,768 401,266 417,387
Lamb Island Transfer Station Acceptance of residential waste at island transfer stations, including waste disposal and management costs 110,914 115,370 120,005
Karragarra Island Transfer Station Acceptance of residential waste at island transfer stations, including waste disposal and management costs 98,775 102,744 106,871
Coochiemudlo Island Transfer Station Acceptance of residential waste and commercial greenwaste at island transfer stations, including waste disposal and management costs 170,601 177,455 184,585
1,715,876 1,783,767 1,854,893

Note: the estimated budget figures shown for year 2 and year 3 may differ slightly when detailed budgets are prepared for each subsequent year (e.g. contract rates may change as contracts change or shifts in recyclables revenue).

Budget 2014-15: Play time to be enhanced thanks to almost $6 million injection


June 26, 2014

Local parks and sporting fields will receive nearly $6 million in upgrades as part of Redland City Council’s 2014-15 Budget.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council’s $259 million Budget included a $1.27 million lighting upgrade for local sports fields.

“Redland City is known for its active and healthy lifestyle and upgrading lighting at local sporting fields will help support this way of life,” she said.

“This year’s Budget also includes more than $733,000 for stage three of the Point Lookout Gorge Boardwalk, which will enhance Straddie’s existing reputation as a tourism hotspot.

“A total of $300,000 is also included to upgrade the popular WH Yeo Park at Victoria Point, with new play equipment designed specifically for toddlers, along with upgraded picnic facilities and a space for weddings to be held.

“Bloomfield Street Park in Cleveland will also receive an upgrade with new play equipment and seating.  Located in the Cleveland city centre, this park will not only provide a place for local families to play, but it will also attract people to the CBD, supporting local businesses.

Amber Rylance, 2, enjoys the specially selected play equipment at Redland City Council's Gundagai St park at Capalaba

Amber Rylance, 2, enjoys the specially selected play equipment at Redland City Council’s Gundagai St park at Capalaba

“Playground equipment will be upgraded at Wellington Point reserve and a wetlands viewing area will be constructed at Wellington Point Village.”

Cr Williams said the Southern Moreton Bay Islands would benefit from the Budget, with more than $1 million in park and open space upgrades, including stage two of the Russell Island sport and resilience hub.

“Stage one of the project included sporting fields and multi-purpose courts and was opened last year,” she said.

“This year’s Budget commits the funds for stage two, which will include a community centre that provides a clubhouse for local sports and community organisations as well as functioning as a disaster resilience and training centre.

“This will be a place to build the capacity and capability of the whole Southern Moreton Bay Islands community.”

Local parks and sports fields to receive funding as part of the 2014-15 Budget include:

• Coochiemudlo Island Foreshore $430,000
• Bloomfield Street Park (Cleveland) $300,000
• WH Yeo Park (Victoria Point) $300,000
• Wellington Point tennis court and Wellington Point Reserve Playground $120,000.
• Wellington Point Village wetlands viewing area $200,000
• William Taylor Memorial Sportsground (Thorneside) $110,000
• Russell Island Parks: High St Park, Pioneer Children’s and Lions Boulevard $97,000
• Henry Ziegenfusz (Cleveland) sports field (drainage) $312,000
• Charlie Buckler Sports Field (Redland Bay) lighting $275,000
• Point Lookout Gorge Boardwalk Stage three and platform $733,000
• Cleveland Aquatic Centre $80,000