Monthly Archives: January 2016

Possible severe storms forecast


January 28, 2016

With the Bureau of Meteorology predicting possible severe thunderstorms for large parts of southeast Queensland over the coming few days, we’re reminding everyone to make sure they’re storm ready.

For tips on getting your property ready for storms, please visit www.redlanddisasterplan.com.au

In the case of a severe storm you should:

  • Move cars under cover or away from trees.
  • Secure loose outdoor items.
  • Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.
  • Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
  • Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.
  • Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
  • For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.
  • Listen to ABC 612 am or Bay FM 100.3 and follow our website, twitter and social media for updates.

As always, stay tuned to bom.gov.au for the latest weather forecasts and warnings.

Council proposal offers security to local child care centre


January 27, 2016

Redland City Council is close to delivering a solution that enables the St James Lutheran Community Kindergarten and Child Care centre to continue operating on Council-owned land.

At this week’s General Meeting Redland City Mayor Karen Williams received support from Councillors for her motion for Council to enter into a lease-to-buy agreement with the Lutheran Church of Australia Queensland District, which will eventually see it own the land.

“This outcome would provide certainty for the child care operator and for our Cleveland mums and dads who use the service,” she said.

Cr Williams said the child care centre had been leasing the property for more than 10 years without the security the lease-to-buy agreement would provide.

“This option will enable them to buy the land over an extended period rather than just leasing it on a temporary basis as they have been doing; providing the long term security they have been looking for,” she said.

“This means they are not only able to continue servicing the Cleveland community, but they can also plan for the future knowing they have the land there to use as they need.

“The fact that the St James Lutheran Community Kindergarten and Child Care centre will own the land rather than using Council-owned land means they will be the same as other local child care centres, providing a level playing field for all local operators.”

Cr Williams said the solution was in addition to a decision last month to rule out rezoning any Council-owned open space and conservation land following feedback from the community.

“I was very pleased when my fellow councillors supported my Mayoral Minute last month to rule out rezoning any Council-owned parks and conservation land following clear feedback from the community that they did not support the proposal,” she said.

“I hope this proposal will also be supported so we can provide St James Lutheran Community Kindergarten and Child Care the security they need to continue serving the community.”

The Lutheran Church of Australia Queensland District has provided in-principle support for the move and a report will come back to Council for a final decision following negotiations.

The park at 7 John Street was created as a result of a subdivision for the road widening of John Street and was transferred to Council in 1973.  St James Lutheran Church has had a permit to occupy the site since 2004.

Council-owned land at 61 McMillan Road not to be sold


January 27, 2016

A Council-owned land parcel at Alexandra Hills has been nominated to become conservation land after Deputy Mayor Alan Beard successfully brought a notice of motion at today’s General Meeting.

Councillor Beard said the move to repeal a resolution of Council from 2010 would keep the land in Council’s ownership and maintain this parcel as bushland habitat.

“During the recent City Plan consultation process, the proposal to implement Council’s previous resolution to sell the land for limited and reduced development and ensuring the long term protection of the bushland habitat was canvassed,” he said.

“I’m not at all surprised that the community reaction was strongly against the sale of the land, despite the fact the profit would have been returned to the environment levy, so today I have acted in line with my community’s wishes to ensure the land will not be sold.

“I am pleased Councillors voted to support my community’s views and repeal the previous 2010 resolution.”

Cr Beard said Council purchased the 9415 square metre 61 McMillan Road property in 2010 for about $1.5 million from the Environmental Levy fund.

Today’s notice of motion included a resolution to nominate the rezoning of the land as conservation during the submission review for Draft City Plan 2015.

“While adopting the planning scheme will be a decision for the next term of Council, today’s decision will leave no doubt that the current Council is supportive of this land being zoned conservation, which reflects the strong view of my community,” he said.

Redland City Council’s environment levy started in 1992 and is currently $87.20 per property. Council to date has purchased 351 properties totalling 840 hectares, at a cost of almost $27.6 million.

Council’s policy approach for this property was to purchase it for reconfiguring the block and on-selling it. The original proposed development for the site was an 11 lot subdivision which was likely to see the removal of almost all the vegetation on the property given the required road works and lots sizes. Retention of vegetation on this property, in particular koala habitat vegetation, would have been extremely difficult if the 11 lot subdivision was allowed to occur.

Council’s original intention for this block was to ensure a high level of protection of its habitat values through its purchase and then limited and reduced redevelopment protecting the vegetation on the property.

Further information on the land parcel at 61 McMillan Road, Alexandra Hills, can be found in Council’s register of environmental land acquisitions available online at www.redland.qld.gov.au/EnvironmentWaste/EnvironmentProtection/Documents/EnvironmentalLandAcquisitions.pdf

$400,000 boost for Redlands tourism and investment


January 27, 2016

Redland City Council has boosted incentives to attract more tourism accommodation and investment to the city.

It follows keen interest in building new places for visitors to stay in the City and last year’s adoption of a five-year tourism action plan which sets out how the tourism industry and Council can work together to increase visitation and tourism spending.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council voted at today’s general meeting to increase by $400,000 the incentives available through its Cleveland CBD and tourism accommodation incentive packages.

“Since the incentives were launched 18 months ago, we have received eleven development applications for tourism accommodation and apartments, with another one pending,’’ Cr Williams said.

“It shows incentives such as development application fee concessions are working in generating investment opportunities and jobs for Redlanders.

“They are also helping to fill a big void in the City, with the lack of tourist accommodation a barrier to fulfilling our potential as a great destination for overseas and domestic tourists.’’

Cr Williams said the uptake of the concessions indicated strength in the local construction and accommodation sectors.

“Council is keen to make the most of that opportunity,’’ Cr Williams said.

“With the original stimulus all but expended 18 months ahead of schedule, this move will capitalise on the momentum we have already generated and ensure that we can not only attract visitors to the Redlands but provide quality places for them to stay.

“Projects that these initiatives have helped attract to the city include a $14 million extension to the Alex Hills Hotel that is due to start construction early this year.

“In addition to refurbishing the hotel this project will also include 40 accommodation units that can be used for people attending functions or conferences.  This will enable the Redlands to host conferences and events, which will deliver real economic returns to the city.

“Two tourism accommodation projects proposed for Waterloo Street have also accessed the incentives.  These two projects would result in 7,767 square metres of vacant city land being transformed into vibrant, new accommodation and commercial precincts.”

The Redlands’ Tourism Accommodation Incentives Package was endorsed by Council in July 2014 to stimulate investment and construction in tourist accommodation, including B&Bs and tourist parks, outside of the Toondah Harbour and Weinam Creek Priority Development Areas.

Council’s City Planning and Assessment spokesperson Cr Julie Talty  said the package supported the Redland City Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2015 – 2020, which was informed by tourism industry feedback and Council’s Open for Business policy and Economic Development Framework.

“Our tourism action plan, which was adopted unanimously by Council, depends on us meeting tourism industry needs and capturing opportunities as they arise,’’ Cr Talty said.

“The extension of our incentives package ensures that we are ready for those opportunities.’’

Division 2 Councillor Craig Ogilvie (Cleveland, North Stradbroke Island) said the CBD development incentives program was aimed at attracting educational, health and aged-care enterprises and well as tourism accommodation to Cleveland.

“The incentives will continue to be on a ‘first come, first served’ basis to support developments which are of community benefit and which are consistent with the Redlands Planning Scheme and outcomes envisaged by the Cleveland Master Plan,” he said.

“It must also be demonstrated that they will be substantially completed by 30 June 2018.’’

Redlands investigates water-play parks


January 27, 2016

Water play may become a feature of Redlands parks in the future following a decision by Redland City Council today to investigate options for installing water-based play equipment in the city.

Division six Councillor Julie Talty today called for a briefing paper about installing water-play equipment in playgrounds, citing the infrastructure was popular with local families, who currently visited water-play parks in surrounding cities.

“Imagine if we had water-play equipment in our city, interactive water features that would rival the beautiful whales at the Wynnum Water Park or the fantastic water fountains at Darlington Parklands, Yarrabilba,” she said.

“Throughout the school holidays, parents have travelled to these popular parks for their children to enjoy free water-based playgrounds and they’re questioning why we don’t have such community facilities locally. I agree with them – why not in the Redlands?

“Today’s decision is the first step and will investigate the type of water-play equipment available in neighbouring cities, how it works and the approximate cost to install and maintain it.”

A briefing paper about water-based play facilities in neighbouring cities will be returned to Council for consideration at a future workshop.

Cr Talty said Council would use the information to make an informed decision about the feasibility of pursuing the idea further.

“Modern playgrounds range from simple, prefabricated ‘plug and play’ designs to elaborate, custom-themed, iconic structures and it’s important we know the options before pursuing this idea further,” she said.

“From the River Heart Parklands in Ipswich to Brisbane’s Rocks Riverside Park and the Redcliffe Lagoon, the number of new and refurbished water-based playgrounds in neighbouring cities has grown in recent years.

“The fact that Redlands families are prepared to travel to visit these parks is testament to the popularity of this type of infrastructure.

“Enhancing our local parks with water-play equipment would ensure the Redlands is known as a destination of choice for families from near and far seeking a fun, affordable day out.”

Ground-breaking chlamydia vaccine trials begin for Redland koalas


January 25, 2016

Redlands koalas have been thrown a lifeline with a potentially life-saving chlamydia vaccine trial beginning last week.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council had provided $30,000 to the joint University of the Sunshine Coast and Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital trial aimed at finding a vaccine to fight devastating chlamydia disease.

“These trials are an exciting milestone and a ground-breaking step towards hopefully helping Redlands koalas fight this disease,” she said.

“Chlamydia is a cruel disease and Council’s support of this trial shows our commitment to helping our local koala population.

“Chlamydial infections have a huge impact on koala populations, causing conjunctivitis-related blindness and severe bladder and reproductive symptoms leading to infertility and a reduced number of females in the wild able to breed.

“While vaccines have been used on healthy animals in earlier trials, this trial will be the first full evaluation of a newly developed vaccine administered to koalas already clinically diagnosed with chlamydia in an effort to halt and reverse the disease progress. It follows a smaller trial conducted in Lismore last year.”

The initial trial will be conducted over several months and include koalas suffering from chlamydia, with one group receiving the vaccine and a control group receiving the traditional treatment of antibiotics.

The koalas will then be closely monitored during their stay at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital and upon release back into local bushland.

Cr Williams said she was honoured to attend the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital earlier this week to see the chlamydia vaccine in action.

“I was lucky enough to be on hand to see Flann the koala receive his final health check after being the first koala to receive the vaccine,” she said.

“I was very impressed with what I saw and am excited by the obvious potential of this trial and I will be speaking with my Council colleagues about other ways we can support this trial.”

Cr Williams said she had met with Professor of Microbiology at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Peter Timms, last year to see how Council could be involved in the trial.

“The Redlands is known for its koalas and I am keen to see the outcomes of this trial and continue working with the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital and the University of the Sunshine Coast to find solutions that can assist our national koala population,” Cr Williams said.

Professor Timms will lead the research team for this study and said it was wonderful to see the first full vaccine trial begin.

“The koala chlamydia vaccine trial being conducted at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital in conjunction with the University of the Sunshine Coast is a very important and exciting step in the development of a chlamydial vaccine for koalas,” he said.

koala1

Dr Rosie Booth, Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital Director, said Chlamydia was a significant problem for Australian koalas.

“About 38% of koala admissions at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital from July 2014 to July 2015 were due to chlamydiosis, so this vaccine is an important first step towards reducing the number of diseased koalas we’re seeing and creating healthier koala populations in the wild,” Dr Booth said.

Professor Timms’ research team will also use Redland City Council’s $30,000 funding to support other projects to look at whether chlamydial infections can be diagnosed through fresh koala scats and begin training a second koala detection dog to support the work of local koala detection dog Maya.

Cr Williams said efforts to save koalas needed to be multi-faceted – from bushland rehabilitation projects to community education and backing the efforts of scientists.

“The threats facing koalas are complex and varied, requiring the joint efforts of all levels of government, scientific experts and our community members,” she said.

“Council is proud to be associated with this scientific trial, which complements other measures we are taking to protect Redlands koalas, including the recent commitment to a three year comprehensive education campaign to better protect koalas from domestic dog attacks.”

A celebration of our Redlands culture


January 25, 2016

Cultural diversity in the Redlands will be celebrated on Tuesday when 144 residents from across the globe take part in the City’s Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams will preside over the ceremony at the Redlands Performing Arts Centre to welcome people from 31 countries as Australian citizens.

“Throughout last year, we welcomed 769 new citizens from 57 countries, further adding to the multicultural character across the Redlands, for which we are incredibly proud,’’ Cr Williams said.

“This City was built by the hard work and vision of pioneering migrants, so it is wonderful to see our beautiful bush, beach and bay environment and strong sense of community continue to be a strong attraction for those seeking a new life.

“And what better way to celebrate what makes our nation and our City great than becoming a citizen of our great country and warmly welcoming those who do?

“Again this Australia Day, we will come together to embrace them all and the contribution they make in ensuring our City truly is the best place to live, play and do business.”

Cr Williams said that for many of the candidates, becoming an Australian citizen has been a transition that includes their entire family.

“The citizenship ceremony is marks an important milestone for many in our local community, which makes it a very special event,” she said.

Nations represented at Tuesday’s ceremony are: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Denmark, Fiji, Finland, France, Hong Kong, India, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Poland, Republic of Ireland, Russia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.

Guest speaker at the ceremony will be 2015 Redland City Australia Day Citizen of the Year, Mick Bentham, founder of the Bentham Foundation which helps underprivileged children in Nepal. 

Redland City Council Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony event 

  • Tuesday 26 January 2015
  • Doors open at 8.30am for a 9am start
  • Concert Hall, Redland Performing Arts Centre, Middle Street, Cleveland

Council calls for community grant applications


January 25, 2016

Got a great idea for a community focused project? Apply now for a community grant from Redland City Council and turn your ideas into reality.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the latest round of community grants wil open next week, with applications accepted until Friday 26 February.

“Last financial year, Council provided more than $500,000 in community grants and sponsorship, supporting a diverse range of projects and events that benefited the broader community,” she said.

“An example of the great community initiatives supported by Council in the last round included an education awareness program on North Stradbroke Island about the detrimental effects of the drug Ice.

“Projects raising awareness of domestic violence, mental illness and brain cancer shared in more than $60,000 of project support grants last round, as well as a series of skateboarding workshops for disengaged youth.

“The record-breaking launch of Sirromet Parkrun, which attracted 620 participants to its inaugural event on 9 January – and set a record for the biggest launch in Australia – was also supported by our community grants program.”

Community and cultural spokesperson Cr Lance Hewlett said the diversity of successful applicants across the community illustrated the range of initiatives supported.

“From a video capturing stories of childhood from a bygone era across Quandamooka country to fauna surveys and wildlife rehabilitation programs, Council assistance is available for a variety of projects so it’s worth checking our application criteria to see if an initiative is eligible,” he said.

“Organisations seeking to improve their services are also eligible for funding, with Bayside Red Tent, Redlands Swimming Club and North Stradbroke Island Golf Club among six organisations who shared more than $17,000 in funding last round.”

Applications for this round of community grants will be accepted from 25 January until 26 February in the following categories:

  • Organisation Support Grant – for projects associated with becoming more sustainable and improving capacity to deliver services.
  • Project Support Grant – for projects that deliver short-to-medium term positive outcomes for the community.
  • Conservation Grants – for conservation projects that benefit the environment and wildlife.

Applications for the next round of Sponsorship will be accepted from 15 February until 18 March 2016 and will support community-based activities and events that provide measurable benefits to Council.

For eligibility criteria and to learn more about how to apply for grants or sponsorship, visit our Grants and Sponsorships webpage or call 3829 8912.

Local heroes recognised at Redland City Australia Day Awards


January 22, 2016

The selflessness and dedication of Redland City’s Adrian Addicott has resulted in him being named Redland City Citizen of the Year last night.

The community volunteer was presented with the prestigious award by Redland City Mayor Karen Williams during a special ceremony along with other award recipients in eight categories.

“Redland City residents are known for their generosity and commitment to helping others and the annual Australia Day awards are an excellent way for everyone to recognise those that help make our city great,” she said.

“Adrian Addicott is a perfect example of this commitment and I am honoured to present him with this year’s Citizen of the Year award.

“A well-known face across the Redlands, Adrian is a dedicated volunteer who devotes his time to helping out at community events across the city, simply for the joy of helping the community.

Redland City Citizen of the Year Adrian Addicott

Redland City Citizen of the Year Adrian Addicott

“Adrian has helped at many events over the years, including Redlands Easter Family Festival, Relish Festival and RedFest, where he is a member of the show’s committee and has notched up more than 30 years of volunteer service.

“Renowned for turning up just to lend a hand, Adrian contributes his time and energy with a smile on his face and an attitude that nothing is too much trouble.”

Cr Williams said 27 nominations were received for this year’s awards, with the judging panel having a tough time selecting the winners from a raft of outstanding finalists.

“Congratulations not only go to the winners, but also all nominees as well as those who took the time to nominate them,” she said.

“This year’s Senior Citizen of the Year was awarded to Ken Thackeray OAM, the driving force behind one of the largest cruising yachting networks in the country and a tireless contributor to the community through his service to charitable organisations and to veterans.

“Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Kirra Longmuir, a determined young local businesswoman and fitness model who is a role model for countless young Redlanders, inspired by her wide ranging business and personal achievements.

“Local musician Anita Taylor received the Cultural Award, acknowledging her contribution to the enrichment of the region through the formation of Redland City Choir, a non-auditioned community choir of all ages and abilities that has raised funds for victims of domestic and family violence.”

The full list of Redland City Australia Day 2016 award winners are:

  • Citizen of the Year Award – Adrian Addicott
  • Young Citizen of the Year Award (under 30) – Kirra Longmuir
  • Senior Citizen of the Year Award (over 60) – Ken Thackeray OAM
  • Local Hero Award – Peter Gould
  • Community Organisation Award – The CAGE Youth Foundation
  • Cultural Award – Anita Taylor
  • Environment and Sustainability Award – Deirdre Hargreaves
  • Sports Award – Sandra Middleton
Australia Day award winners

The winners of each category awarded at a special ceremony on Thursday night

Two special awards were also presented, with Jake Eve receiving an international commendation for sport and Jill Lindley highly commended as a local hero.

Attached is a full list of winners and their bios and the finalists for each award category [DOC 29kB].

Trade college a coup for Redland City


January 11, 2016

Redland City students and businesses will soon be reaping the benefits of the Australian Industry Trade College’s new education facility at Cleveland.

Work on the college is complete with the first trainees starting on Wednesday 27 January.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams, who inspected work on the new education facility today, said the independent co-educational senior college would provide huge benefits for the city.

“This has been nearly three years in the making, so I am thrilled to see how far the new college at Toondah Harbour has progressed,’’ Cr Williams said.

Mayor with trade college and kids

“Local students in years 11 and 12 will soon have access to high quality trade training and senior education that is proven to increase employment opportunities. And this means local businesses will soon be able to benefit from access to apprentices and trainees who are work ready.

“It also comes at a very important time for the Redlands as crucial projects such as the $1.4 billion redevelopment of Toondah Harbour, a stone’s throw away, advances following the recent signing of an infrastructure agreement which will deliver $116 million of community improvements to the city.

“This college will fill a real void in the area, with the AITC’s curriculum designed for the real world, allowing students to complete their Queensland Certificate of Education while training full time as a school-based apprentice.

Mayor with trade college kids

“It will be training local young people for local jobs in what will be a massive plus for local businesses and industry. In the past, too many young people have been forced to leave the Redlands to get this sort of training and to find work.

“I am also encouraged by the level of support from local businesses, which have backed the venture by offering training and employment opportunities.

AITC CEO Mark Hands said the college’s goal, as an independent senior school with a trade focus, was to train young people to the highest standard.

He said more than 80 students had already enrolled for courses ranging from carpentry and mechanics to hairdressing and boat building.

“We’re looking forward to soon be working with Redland City Council, local registered training organisations and employers to expand our successful model to the city,” Mr Hands said.

“We see the Redlands becoming a place of opportunity for well-trained young people.’’