Monthly Archives: June 2016

Be prepared for severe storms and heavy rain this weekend


June 18, 2016

Redlands residents have been advised to prepare for severe storms and potentially heavy rain this weekend.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast  severe weather for South East Queensland from Saturday, with the possibility of heavy rain and isolated  thunderstorms on Sunday.

Redland City Council’s Local Disaster Coordination Centre has been placed on alert status and is monitoring the situation.

With damaging winds are a possibility, mainly from isolated thunderstorms, residents are advised to ensure their homes are prepared. For advice, please check Council’s disaster plan website at www.redlanddisasterplan.com.au.

Severe thunderstorm warnings are likely to be issued during the weekend because of the expected short-duration nature of the heavy rainfall.

Public Notice: Adoption of administrative and minor amendments to the Redlands Planning Scheme (RPS)


June 17, 2016

Notice is given under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 that:

  • Council resolved to adopt Minor Amendment Package 01/2016 on 8 June 2016.
  • Under delegated authority, the Chief Executive Officer resolved to adopt Administrative Amendment Package 01/2016 on 31 May 2016.

Part 1

Minor Amendment Package 01/2016 will result in changes to the following sections of the RPS:

  • Heritage Places Register
  • RPS Zone mapping
  • Bushfire Hazard Overlay
  • Flood Prone, Storm Tide and Drainage Constrained Land Overlay
  • Habitat Protection Overlay
  • Heritage Place and Character Precinct Overlay
  • Waterways, Wetlands and Moreton Bay Overlay
  • Landslide Hazard Overlay

Part 2

Administrative Amendment Package 01/2016 includes changes to the RPS document and Planning Scheme Policy 5 – Environmental Emissions. These changes include:

  • Correct the numbering under section P3.1 of the Commercial Industry Zone Code
  • Update the Assessment Criteria for an Apartment Building in the Local Centre Zone Table of Assessment
  • Update the Flood Prone, Storm Tide and Drainage Constrained Land Overlay Code to:
    • replace out-dated references
    • clarify in the self-assessable development provisions that any building works proposed in the Storm Tide Area of the overlay map will trigger an application to Council for assessment against the overlay code
    • clarify the assessment criteria applicable to self-assessable development in the Tables of Assessment
  • In Habitat Protection Overlay Code, clarify:
    • the level of assessment for defined uses not listed in column 1
    • the terms ‘Enhancement Areas’, ‘Enhancement Corridors’ and ‘Enhancement Links’
  • Replace the redundant term ‘Private Waterfront Structures’ with ‘Canal and Lakeside Structures’ in the Canal and Lakeside Structures Overlay
  • Update references to current legislation in the Child Care Centre Use Code
  • Update inconsistent numbering in the Dwelling House Use Code
  • Update Planning Scheme Policy 5 – Environmental Emissions to reflect current legislation and standards and replace a redundant term
  • Update the Planning Scheme Notations

The amendment packages will take effect as part of Redlands Planning Scheme Version 7.1 on 17 June 2016.

The amendments can be viewed and purchased at Council’s Customer Service Centres and online at Council’s website.

For further information on the planning scheme amendments, please contact Redland City Council’s City Planning and Assessment Group on (07) 3829 8654.

Mayor to sleep out for homelessness


June 16, 2016

Did you know that every night in Australia more than 105,000 people brave cold park benches, shelter in damp underpasses or rest uncomfortably in their cars?

Support Redland City Mayor Karen Williams as she takes part in the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout on Thursday 23 June in support of ending homelessness in our country.

“The unfortunate truth is that Queensland still has the third-highest homeless population in Australia with more than 20,000 Queenslanders – including Redlanders – without a place to call home,” Cr Williams said.

“Next Thursday, I am opting for a piece of cardboard instead of a comfy bed to assist those experiencing homelessness, and those at risk of becoming homeless, by raising awareness and much-needed funds.

“This year will be my fourth sleepout and I am aiming to raise $5000 for this vital cause, which helps to restore hope and dignity to those in need.”

Australian cricket and rugby league legends Ian Healy and Chris Johns have hopped on board by donating 100 car washing vouchers from Hoppy’s Carwash, which are available for sale from Council’s Cleveland and Capalaba Customer Service Centres from 17 June for $20 each, with all proceeds going to the Mayor’s fundraising appeal.

Mayor Williams and Ian Healy

“Last year, 1300 CEOs supported this cause by sleeping out in the cold for Vinnies, experiencing one night of what so many Aussies suffer every night,” Ian Healy said.

“By roughing it with a piece of cardboard and a cup of soup for a night, I congratulate Cr Williams for again rising to the challenge in 2016 and helping Vinnies help those suffering hardship.

“We simply have too much hardship in Australia. Hoppy’s Carwash is proud to support this worthy cause and I encourage everyone to do the same and donate. C’mon Redlands!”

Staff at Redland City Council will also support the cause with a soup day, with Healy on hand to serve a range of delicious soups generously provided by One Stop Café Cleveland for a gold coin donation.

Help Cr Williams help the homeless by making a donation at her fundraising page via the Vinnies CEO Sleepout website.

Redland City Council looks to traffic congestion-busting alternatives


June 16, 2016

The absence of funding in the State Budget for Redlands roads highlights the need for alternative and innovative options to be considered to clear traffic congestion hotspots, says Mayor Karen Williams.

Cr Williams said a market-led proposal (MLP) remained the best option to fast-track much-needed roadworks to address worsening traffic congestion in a number of areas of the Redlands.

“Residents made it very clear to us before and during the election campaign that congestion was a major issue, and we know the worst choke point is Cleveland-Redland Bay Road,” she said.

“While this is a State-controlled road, we do not expect it to be on the State Government’s roads agenda any time soon so need to find other ways to upgrade the road, which is one of the major links within our city.

“If we are to get this work started and finished, the best option looks to be a partnership between Council, the Government and the private sector.

“Council is in a strong financial position and we are well placed to be able to contribute funds which could bring forward by several years a project that is urgently needed in the Redlands. Any contribution from us would be an investment in our future and be repayable by the State.

“The reality is we just cannot afford to do nothing. As this road does not seem to be a priority for the State, we have to convince them that it is for us and we are ready to work with them and the private sector to complete the work.”

Division 3 Councillor Paul Golle supported taking action to reduce congestion.

“As the councillor for Division 3, I understand more than most the traffic congestion issues growing out of the push from State Government to continue the forecasted growth in the Redlands,” he said.

“Any opportunity we have to decrease traffic congestion in the area will greatly benefit the residents I stood to represent and look forward to considering ideas to create better community outcomes for the city.”

Cr Williams said a report commissioned by Council as part of work by the Cross Boundary Working Group showed the worst traffic congestion within the Redlands was mainly on State-controlled roads. It identified Cleveland-Redland Bay Road as a priority for consideration as a MLP.

“The one exception was Rickertt Road in the city’s north, which has been a worsening choke point for many months,” she said.

“Redland City Council upgraded the road within Redland City and the main choke points now are within the Brisbane City Council area.

“I am pleased that the Cross Boundary Transport Working Group – consisting of local government, state and federal politicians and council and State Government technical officers – has delivered results, with BCC committing $15 million to the upgrade of Greencamp Road and the Federal Government committing another $5 million for work on Rickertt Road to clear congestion.”

Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop said: “I would hope that any proposed allocations of funding would be integrated into a holistic solution that is designed and managed by traffic engineer experts across all departments and levels of government.

“This will ensure long term improvements are made in the most appropriate areas to increase traffic safety and flow, benefiting motorists and cyclists for years to come. While I welcome pledges to assist the issue, I do not support political promises that are not integrated or strategised by expert road network planners.”

Two more heritage sites protected


June 8, 2016

Local heritage in the Redlands has been expanded today with Councillors unanimously voting to add two sites of local historical significance to the city’s Heritage Places Register.

Redland Mayor Karen Williams said Willard’s Farm at Birkdale and an ancient Tallowwood tree at Redlands IndigiScapes Centre would now be protected.

“Local cultural heritage gives our city much of its unique character and the historical significance of these two sites is irreplaceable,” she said.

“We now have a total of 70 properties of state and local heritage significance in the Redlands that have been identified on the Heritage Places Register, which are integral to the cultural heritage of our city.

“Council is committed to ensuring the historical significance of these sites is protected and our local history retained for future generations.”

Division 7 Councillor Murray Elliott, whose division includes the Tallowwood tree, said it was a great result for the preservation of our past and for the future of our city.

“As one of the natural attractions of IndigiScapes, which is a popular attraction for both locals and visitors, the Tallowwood tree is an historically significant feature of our city and is estimated to be more than 400 years old,” he said.

Division 9 Councillor Paul Gleeson, whose division includes Willard’s Farm, said he was pleased with today’s decision.

“Willard’s Farm and the Tallowwood tree will now receive the same heritage protection as other historical sites in the area, including the School of Arts Hall at Birkdale and the remnants of the cobblestone roadway and bridge foundations at the Rocks Crossing, Tingalpa Creek,” he said.

Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop, who was instrumental in Council’s decision to purchase Willard’s Farm and in having it added to the Heritage Register, said the community had made it clear that the farm was an important heritage site and today’s decision showed that Council had listened.

“I’m delighted that Willard’s Farm and its 153-year-old homestead, has been included on the register, along with its dairy, laundry, front fence and gates, and established trees,” he said.

“Heritage protection is for more than just buildings, as we have shown by including the Tallowwood tree on the register. Heritage cannot be replaced and today’s decision by Council has ensured the unique values of the ancient tree and the historic farmhouse will not be lost.”

Redlanders to pledge citizenship


June 7, 2016

Redlanders from 25 countries around the globe will become the city’s newest Australian citizens tomorrow night in a ceremony at the Redland Performing Arts Centre.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said 124 people would participate in the city’s citizenship ceremony, further enriching the cultural diversity of the Redlands.

“With much of the Redlands pioneered by migrant families a century ago, whose names are now entrenched in the fabric of the city, citizenship ceremonies celebrate our cultural diversity,” she said.

“Our idyllic location and strong sense of community continues to attract people seeking a new life, with the Redlands welcoming 769 new citizens from 57 countries in 2015 alone, enriching the multicultural character of our city.”

Cr Williams said the citizenship ceremony was a significant milestone for those who have committed to becoming Australians.

“Citizenship is an important common bond for all Australians and lies at the heart of a unified, cohesive and inclusive community – this event is a great day in people’s lives,” she said.

“The Redlands welcomes new citizens five times a year at citizenship ceremonies conducted by Council, which formally welcome new citizens as full members of the Australian and Redlands community.”

Nations represented at this week’s ceremony include: China, Colombia, Denmark, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Lebanon, Malta, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Poland, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom and the United States.

Guest speaker at this month’s ceremony will be the founder and director of Redland City Choir Anita Taylor, who received the 2016 Redland City Australia Day Cultural Award in January in recognition of her significant achievements producing and promoting outstanding creative work in the Redlands.

Redland City Council Citizenship Ceremony event

Wednesday 8 June 2016
Doors open at 5.30pm for a 6pm start
Concert Hall, Redland Performing Arts Centre, Middle Street, Cleveland

If media would like to attend, please contact Redland City Council’s Communication, Engagement and Tourism Group on 3829 8288.

Natural fibre arts on show in the Redlands


June 7, 2016

The works of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander weavers and visual artists from South East Queensland will feature in a new exhibition to open next week at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland.

Curated by Indigenous arts curator Freja Carmichael and on show from Sunday 12 June to Sunday 24 July 2016, Gathering Strands will showcase the work of more than 18 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the exhibition was the culmination of a two-year journey for Freja that had begun in 2014 with the support of an emerging curatorial fellowship from the Australia Council for the Arts.

“Fibre art has a history as long and enduring as Indigenous culture and this exhibition celebrates the vitality of Indigenous fibre-based traditions,” she said.

“Featuring a broad range of mediums and themes that highlight cultural links to fibre-based practices, this exhibition presents oven and sculptural forms, prints, paintings, installations, collaborations and digital works.

“With a particular focus by the curator on strengthening weaving practices locally, the exhibition includes the work of a collective of Quandamooka weavers”.

Cr Williams said the exhibition included historical fibre works associated with contemporary interpretations, commissioned pieces and Redland Art Gallery collection works, connecting culture, identity and place.

“Gathering Strands also explores the cultural links through generations as threads from the past are interwoven with the present, with stories and histories shared, traditional techniques reclaimed and new approaches to fibre art embraced,” she said.

Join the official opening of Gathering Strands with QAGOMA Indigenous fibre art curator Diane Moon on Friday 10 June at 6pm. To RSVP, please call 3030 4163 or
email by Wednesday 8 June.

A free morning tea and floor talk with curator Freja Carmichael and exhibiting artists will be held on Sunday 12 June from 11.30am at the Redland Art Gallery in Cleveland.

This project has received financial assistance from the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland’s Backing Indigenous Arts program and the Gordon Darling Foundation, and is supported by QYAC.

Evelyn Parkin, Honouring 'Aunty Margaret, Mum ad Grannies' (detail) 2016. Yunggaire (swamp reed). Photography by David Williams, Gilimbaa. Courtesy of the artist.

Evelyn Parkin, Honouring ‘Aunty Margaret, Mum ad Grannies’ (detail) 2016. Yunggaire (swamp reed). Photography by David Williams, Gilimbaa. Courtesy of the artist.

Redlands backs State koala protection initiative


June 7, 2016

Mayor Karen Williams has pledged Redland City Council’s support to work with the State Government to identify areas within the Redlands that can become safer koala habitats.

Councillor Williams welcomed today’s pre-Budget announcement by the State Government of $12 million in new funding to help protect koalas.

Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles today announced funding for a panel of experts headed by Associate Professor Jonathan Rhodes to identify and implement new initiatives aimed at arresting the sharp decline in koala numbers.

“I fully support Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles’ call for a new approach to koala protection,” Cr Williams said.

“Minister Miles is being realistic when he says what we have been doing in the past is not working and we need a new approach.

“The data provided by the recent government-commissioned report clearly showed that urban development and koalas don’t mix and Minister Miles and I agree that we need to look at other options.

“I support the Minister’s statement that we need to find and protect new reserves for koalas outside urban areas, and Redland City is ready to work with the Government to identify such areas within the Redlands.”

Cr Williams said North Stradbroke Island, which boasts a healthy koala population, was a logical option.

“The koalas on Straddie are healthy, and their numbers are also healthy. The island provides an ideal environment for koalas and we can work together to enhance it even more,” she said.

“There are other areas within the city boundaries – both State and Council-owned land – that may also provide a safer and less stressful environment for koalas outside urban areas.

“I commit Council to work with the Government and Dr Miles’ expert panel who have been tasked with making further recommendations to arrest the alarming decline in koala numbers.

“I have been saying for quite some time that we need an approach based on science rather than emotion if we are to make a difference, and this is exactly what the experts are now saying.

“There is no simple solution to this major issue. Saving the koala is a shared responsibility of all levels of government and all communities. Together we can make a difference.”

Cr Williams said Council has already adopted a new approach, with funding for a trial of a vaccine for the deadly chlamydia virus, heat mapping of wildlife corridors, enhancing nature corridors, considering expanding koala management areas, plans to plant one million native plants over the next four years and embarking on a major education program for residents.

Grant supports stars to end violence


June 7, 2016

Thousands of woven stars will sparkle in the Redlands thanks to a $12,000 grant from the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) towards a series of community weaving workshops by Birkdale weaver and artist Maryann Talia Pau.

Redland Mayor Karen Williams said the woven stars were symbols of solidarity, light and courage to end all forms of violence and were part of a project called 1 Million Stars to End Violence, with the goal of one million stars to feature in an installation at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

“Residents are encouraged to join the workshops and learn to weave cross-fold stars from ribbon, with their handiwork to form part of installations at the Redland Art Gallery this year, the Redlands Performing Arts Centre next year and the major installation on the Gold Coast in 2018,” she said.

“The weaving workshops are one of nine projects in the Redlands to share in almost $80,000 of RADF grants, with a sound sculpture at Redlands Museum, a debut demo CD by teen soprano Leah Lever and training in digital storytelling techniques to capture oral history also supported.”

Premier and Arts Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Queensland Government is providing $2.08 million in 2015-16 for the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), a state and local government partnership with 59 local councils across Queensland.

“The $2.08 million will leverage approximately $1.8 million from local councils, and means an anticipated total of $3.9 million will be available for arts projects across the state,” the Premier said.

“Each year around 500,000 people are involved in RADF projects as practitioners, participants or audience members, helping to ensure that Queenslanders can engage with arts in their local community.

“RADF supports arts, cultural and heritage projects throughout Queensland, ranging from local festivals and celebrations, to training, education and employment outcomes for Queensland artists.

“The revamped RADF program developed in consultation with local councils has opened the way for an expansion of the arts at a local level with public art commissions, access to touring productions and more training opportunities on offer.”

Cr Williams said in addition to funding from RADF, Council provided more than $750,000 in grants and sponsorship every year to help local organisations, community groups and individuals make a difference in the Redlands through events, projects and initiatives that strengthened the community.

“With the Redlands fast becoming an events hotspot, we have an exciting array of festivals and events on the horizon, including sports, arts, music and cultural events that will enrich our city and attract visitors from far and wide,” she said.

“This year, Council will sponsor the 25th anniversary of the Moreton Bay and Offshore Family Fishing Challenge, custom culture events like Retro Eat Boutique Market and GreazeFest, the Stradbroke Chamber Music Festival and the Raby Bay Triathlon, to name a few.

“Along with multicultural fairs, boutique markets and iconic sporting events, we are sponsoring a two-day men’s bowls tournament on North Stradbroke Island, the Bayside Blues Festival and Relish Redlands, a fine food and wine festival to be held at Raby Bay Marina.

She said the latest round of grants included funding for conservation projects in Moreton Bay to engage local volunteers to map coral and reef habitat, and research into dolphin populations.

“Council has also supported an outreach program on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, emergency service training camps for young people, and first aid training for members of the Redlands Aero Model Soarers, Cleveland-Thornlands Cricket Club and the Redlands Hockey Association.

“There was also funding for Salt Water Murris, the Old School House Gallery, and Multicap Limited as well as Calisto Park Equestrian Centre, who provide animal therapy and horse riding for those with a disability.”

See the full list of recipients here. Applications for the next round of community grants will open on 18 July and 15 August for sponsorship. The Councillors’ Small Grants program will also reopen next month.

Redland severe weather update – power outages, beach closed, tree down, Leslie Harrison Dam not expected to flood


June 4, 2016

Power outages

Energex has advised a total of 608 properties on Russell Island are without power.

The power outages are affecting the southern and mid regions of the island, located in southern Moreton Bay.

Energex is investigating. Go to www.energex.com.au for further information on outages.
Beach closed

Surf Lifesaving Queensland has advised it has closed Main Beach on North Stradbroke Island and will be assessing Cylinder Beach conditions with possibility of closing it also.

Leslie Harrison Dam

SEQ Water advises that based on current rainfall, the Leslie Harrison Dam is not expected to spill. SEQ Water will continue to monitor the dam.

Sandbag stations

Community sandbag stations continue to operate in four locations in the Redlands.

They are:

Cleveland Showgrounds
Redland City Council depot, Mitchell Crescent, Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island
Russell Island refuse station , Centre Road, Russell Island
Redland City Council depot, Macleay Island, High Central Road

Residents are reminded to be mindful of conditions when in sandbagging areas.

Tree down

There is currently a tree down across the road at Wellington Road, Ormiston, and likelihood of more trees coming down as the wind is set to intensify.

Residents should take care on roads and beware of falling branches.

If it’s flooded, forget it

Prepare a Plan B rather than crossing flooded areas.

Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater. Any amount of swift flowing water can sweep a car away.

A 4WD vehicle will not protect you from floodwaters – all vehicle types are vulnerable.

Never assume a flooded road is safe to cross, even if you have driven the road a ‘thousand times’.

Forget what kind of car you drive, no one can predict what is in the water, how it will behave or what’s happened to the road surface underneath.

Forget the queue of cars behind you, or those that have proceeded before you.

Remember – if it’s flooded, forget it.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:

Move your car under cover or away from trees.
Secure loose outdoor items.
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
Never drive, walk or ride through flood waters. If it’s flooded, forget it.
Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
Surf Life Saving Australia recommends that you stay out of the water and stay well away from surf-exposed areas.
Check your property regularly for erosion or inundation by sea water, and if necessary raise goods and electrical items.
For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.
Listen to 612ABC Brisbane or Bay FM 100.3 for updates.