Redland City Councillors today supported a request from Mayor Karen Williams to investigate establishing dedicated spaces to support existing events and help attract new events to the city.
Cr Williams said the Redlands was fast becoming an events hot-spot and so it made sense to look at whether new venues and facilities were needed to support the city’s newfound reputation.
“Events bring considerable economic and social benefits to the community and today’s decision is designed to look at how we can maximise these benefits for the community,” she said.
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“The Redlands has successfully attracted a number of new events recently so the time is right to look at how we can take advantage of this influx.
“For example the recent Bikes and Bulls attracted more than 3000 people to the city, last year we hosted the first Bayside Blues Festival and later this year Straddie will host the high-profile Australia Junior Surfing Titles.
“It is estimated the new events attracted to the city over the next 12 months will be attended by around 50,000 people and generate about $6.5 million into the Redlands’ economy.
“While new events coming to our city are a positive, community groups have also told me that space is becoming a premium due to some community spaces becoming very popular with local sporting and community groups.
“Today’s decision will look at what is the best fit to ensure our great local community activities and events can thrive while at the same time attracting new events.”
Cr Williams said the Council report would also include a sports field demand study to look at the utilisation of local sports fields.
“This will include Council-owned sports fields, whether there is any potential for shared use of existing fields and the possibility of partnering with stakeholders to maximise the use of existing facilities,” she said.
“We will also look at the success of the Council and State Government pilot of shared school sites at Victoria Point State High School and Capalaba State College to see if this model should be expanded.”
Cr Williams said today’s decision continued Council’s commitment to fostering an active and vibrant local community.
“The Redlands is open for business and this doesn’t only apply to traditional business opportunities, it also applies to events that help attract tourists and put the city on the map,” she said.
“Today’s decision also follows Council’s decision last year to appoint a new position designed specifically to support community events and attract new and exciting events to the city.”
A report outlining all available options will come back to Council for their consideration by the end of November.
