Monthly Archives: July 2014

Council offers tourism accommodation incentives


July 30, 2014

Tourism accommodation providers now have even more reason to invest in the Redlands with Council today adopting a tourism accommodation incentives package.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said today’s decision follows a Council resolution in June to investigate incentives that could be offered to tourism accommodation providers to generate investment in the Redlands.

“These incentives will help attract investment in tourism accommodation in the Redlands,” she said.

“They are designed to generate tourism accommodation projects that will not only provide local employment, but also attract more visitors to the Redlands.

“The Draft Redland City Economic Development Strategy identifies tourism as one of the key growth sectors of the Redland economy over the next 25 years, so it is important we support this growth.

“While the Redlands already has a healthy tourism industry it is no secret that the majority of mainland visitors are day trippers, with the Redlands being acting as the transit lounge for their South East Queensland visit.

“We want the Redlands to not just be part of the journey, but for it to be the main attraction and for this to happen we need a range of accommodation choices so people can stay longer.

“We also want to be able to attract conferences and events that require accommodation for those attending.”
The incentives adopted by Council today include:

  • 100% infrastructure charges concession provided on a first come first served basis for material change of use development (involving building works).
  • 100% development application fee concession provided on a first come first
    served basis for material change of use development (involving building
    works).
  • Twenty business day priority assessment of development applications that
    are well made.
  • Rating and utility charge concession during the construction phase for
    material change of use development (involving building work), pursuant to
    Part 10 of Chapter 4 of the Local Government Regulation 2012.

Cr Williams said the incentives showed Council’s commitment to generating investment in the city and complemented Council’s open for business strategy.

“Today’s decision supports existing incentives offered by Council, in particular the $1.5 million CBD incentives scheme with some of the incentives adopted today also applying to our CBD incentives that are already on offer,” she said.

“Council’s development initiatives are yielding results for the local economy.  In 2013-14 there were 275 approvals issued for projects worth $20.2 million and a 43% increase in planning applications, compared to the previous year.”

The tourism incentives package will be in place from 1 August this year to 30 June 2016.

Redland City waterfront projects receive strong market interest


July 30, 2014

The potential of the Toondah Harbour and Weinam Creek waterfront projects has translated into strong interest from investors during the Expression of Interest phase, which closed this week.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the interest from the market to develop the two Priority Development Areas (PDA) was positive for Redland City.

“Eight strong Expressions of Interest were submitted by firms interested in being part of these exciting projects to create retail, residential and economic hubs for the region,” she said.

“There were also 54 inquiries during the Expression of Interest period.

Toondah_Revised_Perspective1

“Redland City is located in one of the fastest growing areas in Queensland and the calibre of developers expressing their interest in these sites marks a new chapter for the city.”

Cr Williams said the next step would be for the submissions to be reviewed to ensure they incorporate the principles of the development schemes, including feedback from the community.

“Council and Economic Development Queensland will now review the submissions against the planning schemes before short listing potential investors who will then be asked to submit detailed design plans in late September,” she said.

“It is encouraging to see there has been strong recognition of the potential of both sites to be transformed into dynamic and exciting waterfront precincts.

“Situated on the beautiful Moreton Bay, both sites boast locations that bring enormous potential for opportunities such as boutique hotels, conference centres, marinas and mixed-use residential development.

“These projects mark a coming of age for this City. They will be catalysts for local job creation and economic growth. They will undoubtedly boost not only the Redlands’ but Queensland’s tourism credentials.’

“From a market cycle perspective, we are now seeing a resurgence in the Bayside market and, with this upswing after a tough five years, I believe the timing is in the Redlands’ favour.’’

For more information on the Toondah Harbour and Weinam Creek PDAs, visit www.redland.qld.gov.au or www.edq.qld.gov.au

Cleveland a swinging sensation thanks to Variety, Council and community


July 29, 2014

Variety – the Children’s Charity of Queensland in association Variety Bash Car Aussie Rock, Ormiston College and Redland City Council have come together to fund a Variety Liberty Swing in the Raby Bay Foreshore Park on Masthead Drive, with the official unveiling taking place on Thursday 7 August 2014, the day before the XXXX Gold Variety Bash departs Brisbane for their 10 day adventure south.

Liberty

The swing, known as a ‘Variety Liberty Swing’ is a part of Variety – the Children’s Charity Liberty Swing Program which aims to install swings in areas where there is a great need, allowing children with intellectual or physical impairments, in particular those who mobilise through the use of a wheelchair, the chance to enjoy the simple pleasure of swinging in the air.

The Liberty Swing costs $25,000 plus installation fees that may be incurred.

One of the key contributors to the Cleveland Variety Liberty Swing project is Stephen Whittam, a Variety supporter and a Variety Bash participant since 2009.

“This Variety Liberty Swing in Cleveland will benefit the community in a number of ways. It will not only provide enjoyment for special needs kids but also serves a therapeutic purpose as well,” said Stephen.

“We’re encouraging everyone to come to Raby Bay Foreshore Park on the Thursday to see the unveiling and also to check out some of the Variety Bash cars that are in town for the famous Variety Bash,” Stephen said.

Programs Manager at Variety Queensland Samantha Shumack said it’s always an exciting time when Variety – the Children’s Charity is able to install a Liberty Swing.

“Variety, at last count, has 176 Liberty Swings installed in playgrounds and special schools around Australia and every time we’re able to fund another it brings such joy to the whole Variety team knowing how many children will benefit.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council was pleased to be part of such a worthy project by providing a location for the Liberty Swing, as well as upgrading the Raby Bay Foreshore Park.

“Situated on beautiful Raby Bay, this location is one of the most picturesque in the Redlands so this project will provide an all abilities swing at a beautiful location overlooking the beach,” she said.

“Council has also invested $62,000 in upgrading Raby Bay Foreshore Park, including improving disability access to toilets.”

Variety – the Children’s Charity of Queensland is dedicated to empowering Queensland children who are sick, disadvantaged or who have special needs to LIVE, LAUGH and LEARN. To find out more or to donate please visit www.variety.org.au/qld/donate

KEY FACTS FOR CLEVELAND VARIETY LIBERTY SWING OPENING
What: Official Opening and first use of the Cleveland Variety Liberty Swing – including a FREE SAUSAGE SIZZLE!
Where: Raby Bay Foreshore Park, Masthead Drive (adjacent to the corner of Portsmouth Place) Cleveland
Date: Thursday 7 August at 2pm

HAZARD REDUCTION BURNS: RUSSELL ISLAND


July 29, 2014

Our Conservation Fire Management team in conjunction with the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services – QFES (Urban and Rural Fire Brigade) are conducting a series of hazard reduction burns on Russell Island starting this morning. 

Tuesday 29 July: Whistling Kite Conservation Area- Centre Road, Russell Island
Wednesday 30 July: Melomys Wetlands Centre Road, Russell Island and Bilbungra Street, Russell Island
Thursday 31 July: Melomys Wetlands, Jingella Street, Russell Island

It is appreciated that this burn may cause some inconvenience, however, all attempts will be made to limit any smoke hazards from the work. The planned burn is necessary to reduce the volume of forest litter fuel, which will assist with hazard reduction and provide conditions essential for native plant species regeneration.

More information about staying safe and healthy in smoky conditions can be found in this Queensland Health factsheet: http://bit.ly/18kGErt

The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services communications centre has been notified and fire crews will remain on site until the fire is safe.

Exhibitions draw on essence of Quandamooka


July 28, 2014

Two intriguing exhibitions with connections to Quandamooka country are now featuring at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland.

Convolution, a woven sculptural installation, and Yunggulba (floodtide) by Megan Cope of the Brisbane-based Aboriginal Collective proppaNOW, will be on show until Sunday 17 August.

Redland City Council art, culture and innovation spokesman Cr Paul Bishop said the exhibitions creatively fused art with local natural and traditional history.

“These are about the essence of Quandamooka country and show the strong environmental and social character of the Redlands,” he said.

“They are important events for our gallery, which is set in the midst of the country from which the artists’ inspiration was drawn.

“They continue for a few more weeks and are really worth exploring.’’

Convolution features the woven sculptures of contemporary fibre artists Casselle Mountford and Anaheke Metua, who explore a range of methods of weaving natural fibre and other materials to create individual, site-specific installations in the gallery.

This exhibition is a branch project of North Stradbroke Island’s annual Lines in the Sand: Art in the Environment festival, with materials and inspiration sourced from Straddie’s natural environment.

Both artists have been “artists in residence” during Lines in the Sand and their installations reflect the creative spirit and environmental sensitivity at the festival’s heart.

Megan Cope’s Yunggulba (floodtide) is an extension of the artist’s series After the Flood, which raises questions about climate change and the vulnerability of coastal residents.

Cope uses military topographical maps from 1930-45, when Aboriginal people were largely invisible on the social landscape and heavily affected by government policies, to expose the cultural legacy of colonialism.

For more information phone: (07) 3829 8484 or email gallery@redland.qld.gov.au

Posted in Arts and tagged .

Council and emergency agencies combat major headache


July 28, 2014

Redland City Council has put its emergency management capabilities to the test as part of a multi-agency exercise to combat a fictitious but potentially very real scenario for the Redlands.

Redland City Mayor and Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group, Cr Karen Williams, said Exercise Headache was run over the last three days and involved key agencies coming together to battle fires burning across South East Queensland, including one at Mount Cotton.

“While the scenario was fiction, our own mapping shows a number of areas in the Redlands are susceptible to bushfires, so it is important everyone remains vigilant and exercises like this help test our disaster management plans and response capabilities,” Cr Williams said.

“ Emergency agencies were met with a number of challenges during Exercise Headache.

“The Mount Cotton area includes key infrastructure including communications towers, sewerage and water connections and reservoirs.

“Much of the water infrastructure is fed by Leslie Harrison Dam, which is already depleted due to the current upgrades, so this scenario will certainly put skills and resources to the test and ensure we are equipped to deal with a real scenario if ever faced with one.

“During the desktop exercise Redlands crews were called on to help in the neighbouring Council areas of Moreton Bay and Brisbane, providing a collaborative approach to fire fighting efforts in the south east.

“The scenario commenced as if there was a real disaster, with representatives of the Local Disaster Management Group meeting to set the strategic response to the event.

“This meeting was a who’s who of disaster management and included Queensland Inspector General for Disaster Management Iain MacKenzie, Queensland Fire Commissioner Lee Johnson, Queensland Assistant Fire Commissioner John Watson and Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Peter Martin.”

Cr Williams said while Exercise Headache was an imaginary scenario, the messages from it were very real.

“At the end of the day we do these exercises to ensure we are prepared in case of a real scenario and I urge all Redlanders to do the same,” she said.

“Earlier this year the Redlands was faced with a potentially devastating fire on North Stradbroke Island and we know there is the potential for similar fires across the city.

“People should not wait until the fire is at their door to prepare. They should take the necessary steps now, including preparing an evacuation plan.”

More information including how to prepare an emergency plan and emergency kit is available at www.redland.qld.gov.au or www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au.

Good sports help disadvantaged youngsters


July 28, 2014

Disadvantaged youngsters are getting a chance to join organised sports thanks to a pilot project at Capalaba.

The project, which will provide grants to help keen eight to 12-year-olds, has already been boosted by a $1200 donation from Capalaba Sports Club.

A special information session will be held at 6pm on Monday 4 August at Capalaba State College where residents, businesses and sports clubs can find out more about what they can do to be involved.

A community project led by Division 9 councillor Paul Gleeson (Capalaba), it also will look at setting up a foundation to continue raising funds to cover the costs of sports gear and fees for youngsters whose families are battling.

Through the project, youngsters can apply for $100 grants through their preferred sporting club.  It will be a top up to State Government assistance of $150 through its Get in the Game program.

“I really hope that the community gets on board and this can become City-wide,’’ Cr Gleeson said. “Six schools and a range of Capalaba sports groups are already keen to be involved in the pilot project.

“We are going to try to raise $10,000 in four weeks to sponsor 100 youngsters and see how it goes from there but I am encouraged by the response so far and thank Capalaba Sports Club for getting involved from the outset.

“This is about trying to build an environment where a child can join a club where they feel comfortable and safe, where they are encouraged to be healthy and feel part of the community.’’

Cr Gleeson said funding for the community project would come from such events as school free-dress days and the generosity of clubs, businesses and individuals.

“Businesses, for example, could sponsor a child,’’ he said.

Under the program, applications for assistance will be made through the sporting clubs and money provided directly to the club to cover annual and game day fees, and necessary gear such as boots and uniforms.

“I believe it is important for kids to be involved in organised sport but the costs involved these days can be a barrier for some,’’ Cr Gleeson said. “The community spirit of the Redlands can make that happen – and, who knows, it may provide the opportunity for the next Harry Kewell, Darren Lockyer or Cathy Freeman.’’

For more information: Cr Paul Gleeson on 0488 714 030.

Get the facts: tree clearing article on Redland City Bulletin website


July 25, 2014

The article in the online Redland City Bulletin (25 July 2014) around tree clearing incorrectly states that Council has been found guilty of illegal clearing of marine plants.

Council has been working with representatives of the  Department of Natural Resources and Mines and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for more than 12 months regarding vegetation clearing by Council contractors that relied on advice from State representatives.

The agreement made with the State about the natural restoration of the area has been the subject of further discussion during May and June 2014 including with a community representative, noting the State has recently approved the restoration program for the area.

This advice occurred on 17 July 2014 and includes fencing and signage which is currently being implemented. Council accepts responsibility for the work carried out by contractors and has been working with the state.

You can read more about vegetation management on our website.

Disaster manager urges residents to prepare emergency management plans


July 25, 2014

Our disaster manager Mike Lollback urges residents to have an emergency management plan.

A joint emergency services and council fire management exercise over the last three days reinforces the real bushfire threat to parts of Redland City, particularly Mt Cotton and the Bay Islands.

Download these plans:

Residents urged to be bushfire ready


July 18, 2014

Redlanders have been urged to be bushfire ready as continuing dry conditions and high winds increase the risk of fires.

Redland City Mayor and Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group Cr Karen Williams said the heightened level of bushfire risk had led to Wildfire Alert 2 status being declared.

“While the elevated alert status is precautionary, Council and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) are taking all the necessary precautionary steps and I would encourage all residents to be aware of the potential risk and take the necessary steps now,’ she said.

“This warning should resonate strongly with local residents after the Straddie bushfires early this year and the heightened bushfire risk in areas such as Mount Cotton.

“This increased level is due to the recent high daytime temperatures and forecast high winds expected over the weekend, so residents should remain aware of the conditions and make themselves and their friends and family aware of the situation.”

Cr Williams said residents needed to ensure they had a family emergency plan and emergency kit at the ready, including a first aid kit, protective clothing, medication and a battery operated radio.

“Don’t wait until a fire to make the necessary preparations and decisions, everyone should familiarise themselves with the necessary information now and prepare their home and families,” she said.

“We would also ask that people not light fires, including burning off in their backyards and should be mindful of disposing of cigarette butts safely during these hot and dry conditions. People should also listen to the radio stay connected to Council and QFES social media channels for any updates.”

More information including how to prepare an emergency plan and emergency kit is available at www.redland.qld.gov.au or www.fire.qld.gov.au.