Monthly Archives: July 2016

100 communities working together to weave powerful message across the Commonwealth

July 29, 2016

Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland has sent the official number of star weave communities participating in the One Million Stars to End Violence project to 100, representing a major milestone for the project which started in 2012 in response to the escalating occurrence of racial, domestic and family violence in Australia.

Brisbane artist Maryann Talia Pau’s said the response to the request for help in achieving her goal of weaving one million stars by July 2017 for an installation at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) had been outstanding.

“Each of the 100 star weave communities who have signed on to help me achieve one million stars has a goal of weaving 10,000 stars each – an incredible collective statement against ending all forms of violence and a commitment to show how much can be achieved when we work together as a community,” said Maryann.

Artist Maryann Talia Pau amongst the stars

Speaking from the CATCHING light installation at the Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland, Maryann said her goal to weave one million stars by July 2017 was fast becoming a reality.

“I’m so excited to be here at Redlands to not only launch this beautiful installation of 5000 stars, but to celebrate Redlands Art Gallery being the 100th star weave community to weave 10,000 stars by July 2017,” said Maryann.

“It’s been incredible to meet the passionate people here tonight, from all over Australia and across the world who are so supportive of this project and what we are trying to achieve.

“Whether it’s the inspiring women star weaving at Punanga Tauturu Inc. Cook Islands Women’s Counselling Centre in Rarotonga, or the lovely people who took part in the Star Weave Jam at the Centre of Contemporary Art I attended in Cairns last week; One Million Stars to End Violence has a message that speaks to everyone.”

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said as a City we have pledged our commitment to stamp out violence in our community and becoming the one hundredth star weaving community was the perfect way to reinforce that commitment.

“We are eager to support One Million Stars and our local resident Maryann to raise important awareness of issues in our society about domestic violence, racism, bullying and all forms of violence,” Cr Williams said.

Cr Williams said Redland City was honoured to be the one hundredth star weave community and she encourage all residents to become a ‘superstar’ by weaving as many stars as possible to help the Redlands become one of the largest Star Weave communities.

“Let’s make it our aim to weave 100,000 stars by December 2016 for a display at Redland Performing Arts Centre in February 2017 to show our commitment as a community to end violence”, Cr Williams said.

Redlanders can get involved in the project by visiting the Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland during 31 July to 4 September 2016 to view the CATCHING Light installation, learn how to weave a star or drop off your stars for counting.

Individuals, groups and communities are needed to weave and contribute stars by July 2017, to be used in a one million star installation at GC2018.

There are three ways to get involved in the One Million Stars to End Violence project:

Star Weave Solo – weave stars yourself in the comfort of your own home.
Star Weave Jam – host a Star Weave Jam workshop by gathering friends, family, neighbours and colleagues in your home, studio or workplace.
Star Weave Community – start a Star Weave Community and coordinate your local community to weave 10,000 stars by July 2017.

For more information visit One Million Stars.

Temporary closure of IndigiScapes Centre

July 29, 2016

Due to planned works by Energex, the IndigiScapes Centre will be closed on Wednesday 3^rd August. The gardens, walkways and visitor information centre will be open and toilets and a coffee van will be on site. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Council website planned outage

July 28, 2016

Some Redland City Council websites will experience a planned temporary outage on Thursday 28 July between 5:30pm and midnight due to scheduled maintenance.

Our main Redland City Council website (including online services such as myServices rate payments) as well as the Redland Performing Arts Centre website will be unavailable during this time.

Redland City Council News, Redland Art Gallery and Disaster Management sites will not be affected.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Swap weeds for free trees

July 28, 2016

Swap your garden weeds for free native plants on Saturday 6 August at Redlands IndigiScapes Centre during Trees for Weeds Day.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council was offering up to five local native plants per person in an effort to rid the Redlands of unruly, invasive weeds that threaten native wildlife and habitats.

“Weeding at this time of year is a great opportunity to prepare your garden before the warmer months and Council are offering local native plants in exchange for bags of weeds,” Cr Williams said.

“Some of the most common garden plants of our region are actually invasive and prolific weeds when they escape into surrounding bushland, where they cause damage by outcompeting native habitat.

“By removing weeds and replacing them with easy-to-keep native plants, you’re doing our natural environment a favour – and Council will give residents a free native plant in exchange for a plastic shopping bag of weeds during Trees for Weeds.

“All weeds are welcome however this year’s main focus will be on Blue Billy Goat, Singapore Daisy Fishbone Fern and Cocos Palm.

“Council’s Bushcare officers will be available on the day to provide advice on how to identify and remove weeds and suggest suitable natives to replace them.”

The weeds Council is urging residents to target this year are:

Blue Billy Goat: herbaceous groundcover with distinct clusters of small blue-purple flowers most of the year. It has serrated leaves that are covered in short hairs.

Blue Billy Goat

Singapore Daisy: glossy leaves and bright yellow flowers that forms dense mats of ground runners that smother native plants.

Singapore Daisy

Fishbone Fern: Wiry, scaly stems that branch and spread over the ground. Can grow densely and expand rapidly to dominate ground surface. Fronds erect or arching to 75cm long. NOTE: where fishbone fern appears to be growing naturally in undisturbed bushland and is not apparently a garden escapee it should not be removed.

Fishbone Fern

Cocos Palm: Fast-growing tree to 21m with a sturdy, ridged trunk and green leaves that grow to 4.5m in length with long, strappy leaflets radiating from the central leaf stem. Flowers are small and inconspicuous and the fruit are a fleshy orange berry up to 2.5cm long.

Cocos Palm

Trees for Weeds Day will take place at the IndigiScapes Nursery on Runnymede Road, Capalaba, from 9am-2pm on Saturday 6 August.

Events on Straddie and Bay Islands will take place on Saturday 20 August in six island locations: North Stradbroke, Karragarra, Coochiemudlo, Macleay, Russell and Lamb islands. Council is urging island residents to target Fishbone Fern and Mother of Millions this year.

For more information, contact 3824 8611 or visit IndigiScapes.

Internet connectivity in Redland City to be reviewed

July 27, 2016

A review of internet infrastructure in the Redlands will be conducted after an independent survey tabled in today’s Council meeting showed internet access continued to be a major barrier for local business.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the University of Queensland survey was part of an update on the Redland City Economic Development Advisory Board which identified internet connectivity continued to be an economic impediment across the city.

“Connectivity is critical to business success and anyone who has tried to do business in the Redlands knows that access to fast and reliable internet continues to be an issue,” she said.

“As such Council will commission, as a matter of priority, a review of the existing and proposed high speed broadband infrastructure in the Redlands, including the Commonwealth Government’s proposed National Broadband Network.”

Cr Williams said the objective of the review was to identify gaps where additional internet infrastructure was needed.

“This review in itself won’t improve internet connectivity in the short term, but what it will do is show where extra internet infrastructure is needed to ensure as a community we are connected from an economic and social perspective.”

Cr Williams said the suggestion had come from Redlands Economic Development Advisory Board, which included considerable expertise in internet connectivity.

“The members of the economic advisory board were selected because they have the experience needed to provide strategic advice to local business and deliver on our economic development framework,” she said.

“This includes Chair Samantha Kennedy who has extensive experience in internet connectivity.”

Cr Williams said the economic advisory board would also undertake development of industry sector action plans, prioritising the health care and social assistance and education and training sectors.

“The board identified these sectors as potential economic and employment generators, so Council has agreed to develop action plans to help the city take advantage of the opportunities they present,” she said.

Help plant 1000 trees on National Tree Day

July 26, 2016

Enjoy a morning in the great outdoors and help plant 1000 native plants along Tarradarrapin Creek at Birkdale on Sunday 31 July for National Tree Day.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the iconic environmental initiative was committed to providing a green community for future generations across Australia, with the local planting a great opportunity for residents to support Council’s objective of helping green the Redlands.

“Since it launched in 1996, Planet Ark’s National Tree Day has become our country’s largest community tree planting event, with more than 3.8 million participants helping to plant in excess of 22 million native trees, shrubs and grasses across our nation,” she said.

“This event is the perfect opportunity for residents to get out and enjoy the great outdoors while at the same time providing future habitat for local wildlife and contributing to Council’s goal of planting 60,000 trees this financial year.

“Not only is this event good for the environment, it’s also good for your personal wellbeing, with research from Planet Ark showing that spending time in nature is key to becoming happier, healthier, calmer and smarter.”

Division 8 Councillor for Alexandra Hills North and Birkdale South, Tracey Huges, said National Tree Day was one of the regular community planting events run by Council’s Bushcare program, which is celebrating 16 years of hosting National Tree Day events in the Redlands.

“This free, family-oriented community event will help to protect and expand important habitat along Tarradarrapin Creek, improving water quality of the local waterway and providing homes and food for local wildlife,” she said.

“National Tree Day not only helps green the Redlands, it also generates a great sense of community pride and environmental awareness, especially for kids who enjoy planting some of the 1.2 million native plants that will be planted nationwide this year.

“Our community plantings are popular events, often attracting more than 200 volunteers who are eager to do their part for our natural environment, as well as enjoy a free sausage sizzle after the planting, participation certificates for kids and lucky door prizes.”

Residents are encouraged to wear enclosed shoes, sun-smart clothing and bring their own drinking water. Plants and all other equipment including gloves, sunscreen, gardening tools and insect repellent will be provided by Council.

Event details:

Date: Sunday 31 July 2016, 9 – 11am
Location: Judy Holt Reserve, Birkdale. Just past the Birkdale Waste Transfer Station off Old Cleveland Road. Off-street parking available (UBD Ref Map 184 N9).
Bring: Enclosed shoes, sun protection and drinking water
We supply: Plants, tools, sunscreen, insect repellent and gardening gloves

For more information, contact Indigiscapes on 3824 8611 or visit the website.

Welcome the whales to Moreton Bay

July 21, 2016

The Redlands’ reputation as a whale watching hotspot will be on show this Saturday during a traditional ceremony to welcome the whales at Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Yura Yalingbila (Welcome of the Whales) was an annual tradition of the Quandamooka People and one of the highlights of this year’s Quandamooka Festival.

“Every year, thousands of humpback whales pass North Stradbroke Island between May and October, migrating north to breed in the warmer waters of the Great Barrier Reef before returning south with their calves,” she said.

“This event is an opportunity to be part of a traditional welcoming ceremony for the humpback whales and wish them well on their journey from the best land-based whale-watching location in Australia.

“Featuring the Yulu Burri Ba traditional dancers and live music from singer-songwriter Andrea Kirwin, BlackSalt featuring Georgia Corowa and Waveny Yasso, and talented local choralists from the Stradbroke Island Singers, it’s set to be a great day out for the whole family.

The Yulu Burri Ba traditional dancers

“There’s also arts and craft, weaving, workshops, kids’ activities, good food, a sand art competition and opportunities to learn more about these majestic sea creatures during whale-watching cultural tours with Matthew Burns, and of course the chance to sit back and watch the whales.”

Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) CEO Cameron Costello said the traditional ceremony was a feature of the 2016 Quandamooka Festival.

“Yura Yalingbilla is a key event of the festival. We come together with the broader community to share culture and celebrate the majestic creatures that inhabit Quandamooka waters,” he said.

Division 2 Councillor for North Stradbroke Island and Cleveland Peter Mitchell said humpback whales were just one example of the plentiful marine life in the waters surrounding Straddie.

“From the headlands at Point Lookout at this time of year, you can often see humpback whales breaching, dolphins riding the waves, and turtles and manta rays cruising through the waters,” Cr Mitchell said.

“Point Lookout is an internationally recognised site for watching the migration of humpback whales, with scientists from the University of Queensland regularly undertaking a land-based survey of their migration as part of a long-running research project.

“With whales passing within metres of the island, Point Lookout is the perfect place for land-based whale watching and this weekend’s traditional welcoming ceremony is the perfect way to experience their annual migration.”

Event details:

Date: Saturday 23 July, 11am – 3pm
Location: Headland Park, Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island

Visit Quandamooka Festival for more information or Facebook for the latest details.

Council community grants available

July 18, 2016

Turn your great ideas into reality with a community grant from Redland City Council, with applications for the next round open from today.

Redland Mayor Karen Williams said the latest round of community grants would support a wide variety of community-led projects and initiatives, with assistance available for Organisation Support, Project Support, Conservation and Capital Infrastructure.

“Every year, Council provides more than $750,000 in grants and sponsorship to help local organisations, community groups and individuals make a difference in the Redlands through events, projects and initiatives that strengthen the community,” she said.

“More than 40 initiatives supporting the arts, cultural heritage, the environment, community development, sport and recreation and economic development received community grants and sponsorship last financial year.

“In 2015-16, Council’s capital infrastructure grants funded a new fire station and emergency services club on Lamb Island, a new men’s shed at Redland Bay and further renovations to the Volunteer Marine Rescue base on North Stradbroke Island.

“Our conservation grants are supporting a survey of coastal dolphins and further mapping of coral reef in Moreton Bay, as well as planting more than 2000 bird habitat trees at the Straddie Golf Club.”

Cr Williams said the diversity of successful applicants across the community illustrated the range of initiatives supported that benefitted the broader community.

“A netball development day for players and volunteer coaches, an art therapy pilot program and a business boost for emerging and mid-level artists were among six initiatives to receive project support grants recently,” she said.

“Organisations seeking to improve their services are also eligible for funding, with the Old Schoolhouse Gallery, Russell Island Culture Centre and Redlands Touch Association among seven organisations who shared more than $18,000 in funding last round.”

Applications for this round of community grants will be accepted from 18 July until 26 August 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.

Capital Infrastructure Grants which help build, renovate or refurbish community facilities will close on 2 September (these are offered once a year only).

The next round of Sponsorship will open 15 August and close 16 September 2016, with new application forms and program guidelines available when the round opens.

For eligibility criteria and to learn more about how to apply for grants or sponsorship, visit the website or call 3829 8912.

Get in early for this year’s Mayoral Prayer Breakfast

July 15, 2016

Redlanders are being encouraged to help make a difference to the lives of local families by attending this year’s Redland City Mayoral Prayer Breakfast on Friday 26 August at the Redlands Sporting Club.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said tickets for the popular event would go on sale Monday (18 July) with proceeds supporting local school chaplains.

“Since it began locally in 2003 this event has raised more than $100,000 for state school chaplaincy programs in the Redlands, which in turn support local families,” Cr Williams said.

“This year’s event will feature guest speaker Dr Ron Neller, an academic, scientist, researcher, writer, speaker and Christian who will speak about how both science and religion can co-exist in a person’s life.

“Born into a dysfunctional family, Dr Neller sought education as a means of escape, leading to him studying how catastrophic floods can change the landscape and how human processes interact with natural processes.

“Finding religion later in life, Dr Neller says his religious beliefs gave his scientific research greater clarity, enabling him to speak at local churches about the Bible’s history regarding origins and the Flood of Noah, and his faith in Christ.

“A much sought after speaker, Dr Neller’s experience will offer attendees plenty of food for thought so I encourage local business and community leaders to come along.”

Cr Williams said she had seen first-hand how the annual Redland City Mayoral Prayer Breakfast had changed the lives of local youth.

“School chaplaincy programs have the potential to change lives, providing guidance and helping local students fulfill their potential,” she said.

“This event is a great opportunity for us to make a positive difference in the lives of students, schools and our community.

“In past years tickets have sold out so anyone wanting to attend should get in quick to secure a spot.”

2016 Mayoral Prayer Breakfast event details:

When: Friday 26 August 2016 6:45am arrival for a 7am start until 8:45am

Where: Upstairs at the Redlands Sporting Club

Anson Road, Wellington Point

Tickets are on sale from Monday 18 July until sold out for $55 each or $500 for a table of 10.

They are available online here, by calling 3829 8131 or you can pick them up in person from the RPAC box office, 2-16 Middle Street, Cleveland.

Public comment now open on Macleay Island foreshore development

July 15, 2016

Extensive plans for the development of the Macleay Island foreshore went on public notification today with the public comment period for the long awaited development open from 14 July to 4 August 2016.

Details of the full Macleay Island foreshore application can be viewed online using Council’s website with reference number MCU013484.

Divisional Councillor Mark Edwards expressed absolute delight that after seven years of intensive effort, designs, planning and strenuous representations, the Macleay island foreshore project had at last received approval to proceed to assessment.

“SARA’s approval last month with 25 conditions now allows Council to proceed to application assessment of the integrated plans for the area, rather than deal piecemeal with site issues.

“The plans provide for extended vehicle parking, a new public boat ramp and prescribed tidal works, including entombment of an asbestos site.

“There is no doubt that this project will be a major contribution to SMBI infrastructure,” Cr Edwards said.

“Even more importantly, it will provide urgent relief to what is a totally inadequate and compromised public parking area on one of our City’s most populated islands while at the same time, addressing the long standing issue of how to deal with foreshore contamination.

“The new space will provide better public safety and accessibility, with an improved drop off area, ferry access and parking separation along with substantially increased parking space available for cars, bikes and for recreational boating users of the new public boat ramp.

“After public notification is complete, Council will begin the decision making period and assess the application. The statutory timeframes allows 20 business days with an additional 20 business days if required.

“I hope that Council will act quickly to enable work to begin as soon as possible once the assessment approval has been provided.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said that Councillor Edwards had been a tireless champion for these critical improvements for Macleay Island foreshore

“These developments will also hopefully tie in well with future improvements to SMBI pontoon and jetty infrastructure in partnership with the State Government.

“We also recognise the major priority of transport and parking issues across the whole city and Council will be working over the coming year to try to identify opportunities for significant improvements through innovative funding, partnerships and infrastructure solutions.”

Fact sheet guidance on making a submission on planning and development can be found under ‘About Council’ on Council’s website.