Monthly Archives: September 2015

Straddie residents: was your bin missed in today’s collection?


September 28, 2015

Due to weight limits, our contractor had to leave some behind. If you live in the following streets, they’ll come back for it tomorrow or Wednesday so there’s no need to notify Council.

Waste bins missed in these streets will be collected this Wednesday (30 September):

Tramican Street

Cumming Parade

George Nothling Drive

Flinders Street

Oxley Street

Banksia Street

Petrie Street

Mimosa Street 

Recycle bins missed on Tramican Street will be collected tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday 29 September).

Thanks for your patience.

 

Value mental health in the Redlands


September 24, 2015

Redlands residents are encouraged to support positive mental health on 8 October with Thrive by the Bay being held at Raby Bay during national Mental Health Week.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the local event was organised by the Bayside Mental Health Collaborative aimed at promoting positive mental health within the community.

“One in five Australians will experience mental illness this year and it’s time to raise awareness of its impact across the community,” she said.

“This event will provide information about what mental health services exist in the Redlands, as well as free entertainment, fun activities and food.

“Good mental health is vital for personal wellbeing and self-esteem, enabling us to have a deeper sense of belonging and appreciation of other people, as well as day-to-day life and the world around us.

“Mental illness is a health problem that affects how a person thinks, and poses many challenges for society, including discriminatory attitudes that can be more detrimental than the illness itself.

“Understanding that mental illness can affect anyone at any time is critical to reducing stigma, to prevent those affected from suffering in silence and eliminates the myths that discrimination creates.”

Council’s Community spokesperson Cr Lance Hewlett said by fostering connectivity throughout the community and encouraging those affected to seek assistance would help to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

“The effects of mental illness can be lessened by a strong and supportive community and events such as Thrive by the Bay are invaluable to generate discussion about mental health and encourage people to share their own stories,” he said

Redland City Council is proud to support Thrive by the Bay, a community event organised by the Bayside Mental Health Collaborative.

Event details
When: Thursday 8 October, 10am – 2pm
Where: Raby Bay Harbour Park

Fun slides into Redland City


September 24, 2015

A 325 metre waterslide will deliver plenty of fun for locals with Council securing yet another community event for the city.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the City Slider coming to the Redlands on Saturday 17 October continued Council’s push for the city to become an ‘events hotspot.’

“The City Slider looks like great fun and I have no doubt the community will come out in the droves to take their turn sliding down Ney Road Capalaba where it will be set up,” she said.

“This event is all part of Council’s renewed push to attract community events to our city and follows other successful events like the Tough Mudder held recently and the Caravan and Camping Expo, which is on this weekend.”

CitySlider2 (3)Division 9 Councillor for Capalaba Paul Gleeson said would be one of the biggest events to be held in the suburb.

“This is huge and there is a real sense of excitement around Capalaba because of it,” he said.

“Everyone loves a waterslide and this is one of those events that deliver good honest fun for the whole community.

“This will be an alcohol free event and local traders are already getting on board with plans to sell drinks and food at the event.

“Having this event in Ney Road will bring a large amount of people into this area and this will no doubt increase the customers for the local businesses during the slide’s operation.

“It is great to secure the first event of this kind in the greater Brisbane area and I look forward to seeing all the families out and enjoying this unique event as I will be with mine.”

DSC_1199Cr Gleeson said the event organiser would have to submit a series of applications to Council including traffic management plans to ensure the event was safe and didn’t adversely impact on surrounding residents and businesses.

The City Slider is an independent commercial business that operates in cities around Australia, with the event and ticket sales handled by the company.

“Everyone loves a water slide! They are synonymous with warm days outside in Australia. We can’t wait to get to Capalaba for a great family day out,” says Stuart Harris, co-founder of The City Slider.

“Although the slide is the main attraction, The City Slider is a festive day for all to enjoy, even boasting a free 25m mini-slide for the little ones (under 110cm tall).

The slide will begin down from Macquarie Street and continue down the hill to the intersection of Callaghan Way.
Early bird tickets are on sale from today.

For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/TheCitySlider

TICKETING INFORMATION
Early Bird tickets – $29 + Booking Fee – limited number available so get in fast!
General Release tickets – $35 + Booking Fee
Tickets can be paid in two installments – once upon booking the tickets and the second on October 6
Sessions begin at 9:00am with final session closing at 8:30pm
Ticket holders must be a minimum of 110cm tall to experience the big waterslide and those between 110cm and 130cm must be accompanied by a ticketed adult.
A FREE mini-slider (25 metres long) will be available throughout the day for visitors under 110cm

ABOUT THE CITY SLIDER
The City Slider is a 325 metre-long waterslide that is touring Australia throughout the year. Tickets for previous events including Launceston, Hobart, Toowoomba, Wollongong, Tweed Heads, Newcastle and Townsville sold out rapidly on release.
The City Slider has a recycling system in place to minimise water usage but it also asks all participants to enter into a ‘social contract’ when purchasing a slide ticket where they commit to reduce their water usage before and after their day on the slide.
The City Slider is 6 metres wide with two lanes and a layer of 35mm foam underneath for a soft landing.

Redlands in the games thanks to new liaison committee


September 23, 2015

Redland City Council has established a special liaison committee to identify and coordinate opportunities for the city from the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the Commonwealth Games Liaison Committee was made up Council officers with economic, cultural, sporting and tourism expertise to help the city benefit from the Commonwealth Games.

“The eyes of the world will be on South East Queensland during the Commonwealth Games and this committee will identify how the Redlands can get a piece of the pie both from an economic and a cultural perspective,” she said.

“With thousands of athletes and supporting staff from 71 Commonwealth countries competing just down the road, there will be significant opportunities for the Redlands.  The role of this committee is to ensure we don’t miss out.

“Whether it is attracting more tourists, accommodating athletes and support staff or forming cultural and commercial relationships with other countries, the possibilities are endless.

“In particular the cycling and shooting events will be held just outside the Redlands, at Belmont and Chandler, meaning the Games are literally on our doorstep.”

Today’s decision follows a Notice of Motion from Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards last month calling for Council to investigate the establishment of the liaison committee.

“This group will be the conduit between the city and various Commonwealth Games committees, including the State Government’s Embracing 2018 Advisory Committee, which was formed to identify benefits for the State from the games,” Cr Edwards said.

“The Redlands committee will liaise with local business and community groups and advocate for them at a State level, as well as feeding commercial and cultural opportunities back to locals so they can take advantage of them.

“It is not just about generating short-term gain while the Games are being held; the Redlands Commonwealth Games Liaison Committee will also look at longer-term legacy opportunities.

“This includes identifying infrastructure upgrades and lobbying the relevant level of government, as well as up-skilling local businesses so they can market themselves to competing countries during and after the Games.”

 

Domestic violence support service gets a new home


September 23, 2015

Redland City’s domestic violence support service has a new home in Cleveland after Council today approved their application to set up in Bloomfield Street.

Council’s City Planning and Assessment spokesperson Cr Julie Talty said Council had approved the application from the Working Against Violence Support Service (WAVSS) after considering community feedback and relevant planning legislation.

“It needs to be clear that this is a counselling and advice service, not a women’s shelter and Council has approved the application as a community facility on this basis,” she said.

“There will be nobody staying at the facility overnight; it is not a halfway house.

“The application process included a public notification period, which resulted in two submissions and Council has taken the issues raised in those submissions on board and conditioned the approval in response.

“These conditions include restricting operating hours and the applicant providing sufficient car parking for staff and clients.

“The location is also appropriate in that it is not in a central business area, providing clients with privacy and a safe place to seek help.”

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said domestic violence services were needed across the city to deal with the social issue.

“Unfortunately domestic violence has been central in the media recently and is an issue that affects the whole of the country with more than 100 women, children and men dying each year in Australia because of domestic and family violence,” she said

“No city is immune, including the Redlands.  In 2013-14 the Cleveland and Wynnum Magistrates courts together issued almost 4 per cent of Queensland’s domestic violence orders – more than other areas of comparable size such as Caboolture and Toowoomba.

“This facility will give domestic violence victims a place to get advice and counselling, including group sessions with other victims.

“The WAVSS Across the Redlands service has been operating out of the Cleveland Court since May while they looked for a permanent home and today’s decision provides that home so they can get on with providing a valuable service to the community.”

The Redlands based Working Against Violence Support Service (WAVSS) is a State Government-funded service.

Council calls on community to act as eyes and ears for wildlife


September 18, 2015

Redland City Council is calling on the community to watch for people harassing local wildlife after a resident witnessed a family of Ospreys being buzzed by an aerial drone at Wellington Point recently.

Wellington Point resident Paul Harper lives near the Osprey nest which sits upon a Council built specially designed pole and said he was concerned to see the adult birds leave the nest and their chick when the drone was hovering over their nest.

“It certainly caused some concern for them, the adults just kept circling the nest and didn’t come back for some time,” he said.

Ospreyss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr Harper said he wasn’t sure if the person meant to disturb the birds or was just trying to get vision of the nesting Ospreys, which have become somewhat of an attraction for residents in the area since Council installed the nesting pole in April.

“I’m not sure if they meant to harass the birds, but anyone would know that flying a drone around the nest would cause them distress, so the person who did it is either arrogant or ignorant about wildlife.”

Ospreys
Division 1 Councillor Wendy Boglary called on the community to contact Council if they saw a similar act.

“I really hope this was a matter of ignorance rather than malice, but either way people need to know that flying drones around birds is not on and can actually result in legal action being taken under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 if the Ospreys are harmed,” she said.

“This nest and the lovely family of Ospreys have become well known around the local area, so we want to make sure the Ospreys aren’t harmed or scared off because a few people are being irresponsible.”

Mayor Karen Williams extended the advice by asking the community to keep an eye out for the wellbeing of all animals across the city.

“The Redlands is known for its environmental character and our wildlife is a big part of that so all residents should keep an eye out and report any harassment or abuse of animals to either Council or the RSPCA,” she said.

Anyone with any information is encouraged to call Council on 3829 8999.

Note: Council erected the specially designed Osprey Pole in April to provide a home for the birds.  Minutes after the pole was erected a family of Ospreys inhabited the nest, a video of the family can be found here.

Photography note: Thank you to photographer Garry Watterson, of Elevated Photos, for the use of these images. They are taken from a 26m mobile tower located well away  from the osprey pole, not from a drone.

 

 

Dîner en Rouge to again raise funds for domestic violence programs


September 18, 2015

Tickets for Dîner en Rouge, an annual fundraiser for Redlanders affected by domestic and family violence, will go on sale from today.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said she would be working with Zonta clubs, Soroptimist International, Rotary Club of Cleveland and local domestic and family violence service advocates on this year’s fundraiser, to be held on Saturday 14 November 2015.

“Our inaugural fundraiser was attended by more than 200 people, raising more than $10,000 and starting important community conversations about a serious social issue,” Cr Williams said.

“As recent tragic events have shown us, domestic and family violence continues to affect our state and nation and its devastating consequences are far-reaching.

“Since last year’s fundraiser, we have seen the opening of the WAVSS across Redlands service, the first regional domestic and family violence service dedicated to the Redlands.

“This has been a great advancement, but there is still much to be done and I am proud to be working with community organisations to again raise funds and awareness.

“Dîner en Rouge 2015 will help continue these important community conversations and give a voice to those who need it most.”

This year’s fundraiser, to be held in a secret location in the Redlands, will be held from 5pm on Saturday 14 November 2015. Guests will again meet in Cleveland, where the secret event location will be revealed.

Cr Williams said the black tie corporate fundraiser – where guests will be treated to a sumptuous banquet, beverages, exceptional entertainment and silent auctions – would again have a red and white theme.

“Red is for Redlands and white is to acknowledge the national campaign to stop violence against women, White Ribbon Day (held on 25 November 2015).

“We are honoured to have Jonty Bush, Young Australian of the Year 2009 and victims’ rights and anti-violence campaigner, as one of our guest speakers with more event announcements to be made soon.

“We hope that support for this year’s event will grow to about 350 guests and again attract great sponsorship.

“It will be a special community occasion, bringing people together to raise money and giving the message that there’s no place for domestic and family violence in our community.

“All proceeds from Dîner en Rouge will go towards supporting an application for housing for Redlanders affected by domestic and family violence.”
Ticket prices for Dîner en Rouge are $195 each or $1900 for a table of 10.

Tickets can be purchased from Friday 18 September until sold out through Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) ticketing:
•          Online: www.rpac.com.au
•          Telephone: 3829 8131
•          In person: RPAC Box Office, 2-16 middle Street, Cleveland

For details on sponsorship packages or for more information, please call the Office of the Mayor and Elected Representatives on 3829 8624 or visit Council’s website at www.redland.qld.gov.au/dinerenrouge.

Council is also bringing two special performances of a play about domestic violence to the City.

It All Begins with Love is a short 35-minute theatre piece that will be presented at 1pm at Capalaba Place Hall on Wednesday 11 November and 11am at RPAC on Thursday 12 November.

For It All Begins with Love performance details and ticketing, visit www.rpac.com.au.

Sensational school holiday fun in the Redlands


September 17, 2015

Robot bootcamps, never-ending fairytales, oriental textile art and our wonderful wildlife are all part of a jam-packed program of events on offer for kids across the Redlands these school holidays.

Redland City Council’s Cultural and Environmental spokesperson Cr Lance Hewlett said Council was again offering an impressive line-up of events and activities over the next two weeks designed to engage and inspire students of all ages.

“Redland Libraries, Redland Art Gallery and IndigiScapes have a superb assortment of free events on offer these school holidays, with activities for wildlife warriors, book lovers, green thumbs, aspiring artisans, sports fans and tech buffs alike,” Cr Hewlett said.

“Kids can fly away to Neverland with Peter Pan or make their own Blinky Bill, build a simple robot, dress as their favourite fairytale character, create a dinosaur scene, experiment with pixels, and make a magnet maze at libraries across the city.

“Celebrate Save the Koala month with a family fun day on Friday 25 September at IndigiScapes, with kids encouraged to come along dressed as their favourite animal to see a snake display and enjoy wildlife presentations and environmental activities.”

Cr Hewlett said Redland Art Gallery’s Japanese-themed school holiday workshops were held in conjunction with their exhibition Wabi Sabi: The beauty of impermanence, on display at the gallery until Sunday 4 October.

“Teens can learn the art of shibori on 22 September with Wabi Sabi exhibiting textile artist Cathy Moon, while youngsters can get their hands dirty making kokedama on 30 September, traditional Japanese hanging plants made from a ball of soil, moss and an ornamental plant,” he said.

For a sporty alternative for 5-12 year olds, join the school holiday sports program B‑Active on Wednesday 30 September featuring netball, touch football and tennis, supported by Redland City Council. Visit www.returnserve.net/b-active to register.

Activities in the Redland City Council school holiday program are offered at low cost or free of charge. Visit www.redland.qld.gov.au/SchoolHolidayActivities for further details and booking information.

Robot boot camp event tile

Draft Redland City Plan 2015 – be part of your city’s future


September 15, 2015

The draft Redland City Plan 2015 was today released for public consultation, with Council encouraging the community to be part of the city’s future by having their say.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said today’s opening of the public consultation process was a milestone in developing a new blueprint for the city.

“Council has been working towards this moment for more than a year, so it is exciting the community can now view the draft plan and have their say,” she said.

“From today residents will find a raft of information on Council’s website, including the draft city plan and information specific to individual suburbs.

“Today also signifies the beginning of an extended public consultation period with the first community engagement session being held in Cleveland this Thursday.

“This plan will help shape the future of the city and because of its importance we will be keeping public consultation open for 11 weeks, nearly twice as long as we are required to, providing plenty of opportunity for the community to get involved.

“Up until 27 November a consultation roadshow will be rolled out across the city including engagement sessions and pop-up displays.  Council will also write to every resident to encourage them to get involved.”

Council’s City Planning and Assessment spokesperson Cr Julie Talty (Division 6) said Council’s draft city plan was designed to balance the needs of our growing city with the Redlands’ unique environmental character.

“The State Government has asked us to find room for an estimated additional 50,000 people and 26,000 new homes between now and 2041 and this draft plan focuses development in existing residential areas rather than new green field sites,” she said.

“It’s about getting the balance right so new residents can be accommodated while maintaining all the things we love about the city.

“The draft Redland City Plan 2015 is also easier for people to use, meaning residents will have a better understanding of how it will guide the city’s future moving forward.

“Public submissions can be made either by hard copy or online.  Council officers are on hand to show people how to make a submission and answer any questions.”

Consultation events will include:
· Open House events at locations across the City
· More than a dozen pop-ups information booths across the city
· Permanent displays at Council Customer Service Centres
· Meet the planner 20-minute sessions – on Tuesday each week, telephone Council 3829 8999 to book

Collateral
· Six-page Divisional Householder Brochure mailed to each city residential address – includes a summary of division specific changes
· Fact sheets mailed to absent landholders, organisations and businesses
· A dedicated website, including factsheets and divisional information
· Email updates to registered users
· Facebook, Twitter promotion and video content

To view the draft Redland City Plan 2015 and the full list of engagements visit www.redland.qld.gov.au/cityplan.

Bushcare’s big family fun day


September 11, 2015

Redlanders will celebrate 20 years of the local Bushcare movement at a free family fun day at Redlands IndigiScapes Centre on Sunday, 13 September.

The event, which also incorporates National Bilby Day, will be packed with fun and entertainment for adults and children from 10am-2pm.

“There will be the opportunity to get hands on with practical workshops and activities, as well as meet a koala and a bilby,’’ says Council environment spokesman Cr Lance Hewlett (Division 4).

“But above all you will get to learn plenty about our local environment and celebrate the enormous contribution that our many Bushcare volunteers have made to the Redlands over the past 20 years.’’

Bushcare volunteer Margrit Lack of the Coochiemudlo Island Bushcare Group, one of the earliest to join the then-Redland Shire Bushcare program, says the movement is continuing to bring positive changes to the community’s attitude and awareness of our special natural environment.

“Our island is blessed to have a green belt called the emerald fringe and our group looks after several areas along the foreshore. I am lucky to be the convenor of a passionate group of people who are committed to the care of these sites,’’ Margrit explains.

“We do our best to keep them weed free and replace native vegetation when required, many times with plants from the island’s native nursery.

“We are determined to continue our work by example to bring about further positive changes.’’

Margrit says that as well as helping the environment and fostering community interest in native plants and bush-friendly activities, Bushcare is also big on community spirit.

“We take part in island market days with an information stall with educational and promotional materials, as well as interesting displays relevant to the island’s environment,’’ Margrit says.

“Many new Bushcare members have joined through this … maybe it was just our irresistible charm! And we must not forget our famous morning tea after our hard work, a time to chat and have fun, to foster warm friendships and to confirm how much we care about our little jewel of an island.”

Enjoying the outdoors, gaining life-long friendships and  making a difference to your local environment are just some reasons to  join a Bushcare group.

Come down to the Bushcare Mayor Day Out event this Sunday to find out more. It will be a fun day with prizes to be won, a sausage sizzle and the chance to take a mystery bus trip. It’s on at Redlands IndigiScapes Centre, 17 Runnymede Road, Capalaba.

Bushcare

Photo courtesy of Lee Steindl: Margrit Lack (Convenor-front left) with Rae Wear, Richard Moon, June Outteridge, Daveen O’Pray, Jacqui Pritchard, Dennis Lack and Annette Drennan