Monthly Archives: March 2017

Media Release: Redlands Severe weather update – ex-tropical Cyclone Debbie


March 30, 2017

Destructive winds and heavy rainfall is currently on a direct path to Redlands, with the heaviest rainfall expected between 6pm and 9pm this evening and winds expected to continue until early tomorrow morning.

Redland City Mayor and Chair of the Redland Local Disaster Management Group Karen Williams said there was an increased risk to North Stradbroke Island, the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and Coochiemudlo Island as the storm moved across the coastline this evening.

“These islands may become isolated and suffer power outages as the storm intensifies as it crosses the coast,” she said.

Centres for stranded island residents

Cr Williams said Southern Moreton Bay island and Coochiemudlo Island residents unable to return home from the mainland due to limited ferry services, should go to Redland Bay Community Hall, Weinam Street, Redland Bay.

“North Stradbroke residents should go to Redland Performing Arts Centre, 2-16 Middle Street, Cleveland,” she said.

“The Local Disaster Management Group has been stood up to manage emergency operations with police, SES and Energex staff on our islands in anticipation of the increasing storm intensity.

“The message for all residents is not to be complacent and be prepared by securing loose items, looking out for each other, avoiding driving, reducing speed and never going through flooded roads.”

Rainfall totals of 200mm remain likely over the next 24 hours, with the possibility of isolated falls exceeding 400mm and accompanying strong winds over 100km across the South East .

There is potential for flash flooding on Redlands roads so please drive carefully and heed all warnings. Remember … if it is flooded, forget it!

Avalon Road, Sheldon is currently closed as at 2pm.

The following roads are affected by water:

  • Moores Road, Redland Bay
  • Pitt Road, Birkdale
  • Rickertt Road, Thorneside

There is limited access on Korawal Street, Capalaba, due to a large tree down.

Don’t risk your life to cross flooded areas on foot or in a vehicle irrespective of its size and remind children to stay away from floodwaters.

Self-service sandbag stations

Self-service sandbagging stations are open until 6pm in the Redlands ahead of expected heavy rain and damaging winds today and tomorrow (Friday).

Self-service sandbag stations are located at:

Cleveland

  • Cleveland Showgrounds (Norm Price Park), Long Street, Cleveland. Council staff will be onsite to assist
  • North Stradbroke Island outside the depot compound on Mitchell Road, Dunwich
  • Macleay Island outside the depot compound on High Central Road
  • Russell Island Davidson Road Gravel Pit

Please note: enclosed shoes must be worn at all sandbag stations.

Transport update 

Free travel is now available on TransLink services for buses, trains and ferries.

Non-essential travel should be avoided.

Ferries

Vehicle ferry services to North Stradbroke Island are limited. The last vehicle ferry from Cleveland departed at midday. The last vehicle ferry from Straddie to the mainland departed at 1pm.

Passenger ferries to North Stradbroke Island are running on a limited service.

For the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, vehicle and passenger ferries are currently  running on a limited service.

The last vehicle service departing from Redland Bay to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands will be at 3.30pm. The last vehicle service departing from Russell Island will be 4.45pm. There are limited spaces available, so recommend changing travel plans if travel is not essential.

Ferries to Coochiemudlo Island are running on a limited service. Due to extreme weather conditions for this afternoon the passenger ferry service will cease operation from 5.45pm departing Coochie and 6.00pm departing Victoria Point today.

The vehicular barge is currently still operating and at this stage the last barge to Coochie remains at 2.20pm.

Power Update

Energex Crews on standby and based on previous storms power outages expected across SE Queensland, including the Bay islands

Stay away from fallen power lines and alert people to any danger

Report fallen power lines on 13 19 62

If you experience blackout

  • turn off and unplug electrical items
  • use a torch for light if you’ve lost power and avoid using
  • never use wet or damp electrical items.
  • listen to local ABC radio or Bay FM 3 for updates
  • Follow Energex on Facebook and Twitter or check the power outages page for the latest restoration

If you have a medical condition and are reliant on powered medical devices you should seek assistance from family or friends to get to a medical facility or contact emergency services. Please call 000 only for a life threatening emergency.

Council closures

Due to the seriousness of the forecast for this afternoon,

  • Council has closed for general services
  • Council Libraries are closed
  • Recycleworld at Redland Bay is closed.
  • Waste transfer stations are closed
  • Council’s Call Centre will continue to operate
  • All essential services, however, will continue to operate and some staff will remain to take residents calls.

Beach closures

All SE Queensland beaches are closed, including patrolled beaches Cylinder and Main beaches on  North Stradbroke Island. Do not enter hazardous surf.

Bin collections

JJ Richards are currently continuing as per normal with both their mainland and island bin collection services.

The Island services (Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra) are dependent on the barges and the decision to cancel a barge will be up to the skipper.

If any barges are cancelled collections will cease and an alternative collection day will be arranged for Friday or Monday next week.

Mainland services will continue as normal, however the drivers are running behind schedule.

If winds pick up to high speeds, it is suggested that residents move their bin is moved to a safe, secure area.

Assistance

In emergency situations always call 000.

*Use the  SES 132500 number for immediate response calls and the 000 for emergency situations.

Stay updated

Tune in to 612ABC and Bay FM for the latest advice and keep an eye on Council’s website for the latest updates or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Go to the Redland Disaster Management site and check critical information for your preparation and preparedness.

Media release: Severe weather update – ex-tropical Cyclone Debbie


March 30, 2017

Rainfall totals of 200mm remain likely over the next 24 hours, with the possibility of isolated falls exceeding 400mm.

The Local Disaster Management Group has been stood up to manage emergency operations

Be prepared

Go to the Redland Disaster Management site and check critical information for your preparation and preparedness.

There is potential for flash flooding on Redlands roads so please drive carefully and heed all warnings.

Remember … if it is flooded, forget it! Don’t risk your life to cross flooded areas on foot or in a vehicle irrespective of its size and remind children to stay away from floodwaters.

Be prepared for possible power outages.

Self-service sandbag stations

Self-service sandbagging stations will be open from 7am until 6pm in the Redlands ahead of expected heavy rain and damaging winds today and tomorrow (Friday).

Self-service sandbag stations are located at:

Cleveland

  • Cleveland Showgrounds (Norm Price Park), Long Street, Cleveland. Council staff will be onsite to assist
  • North Stradbroke Island outside the depot compound on Mitchell Road, Dunwich
  • Macleay Island outside the depot compound on High Central Road
  • Russell Island Davidson Road Gravel Pit

Please note: enclosed shoes must be worn at all sandbag stations.

School closures

All schools in the in South-East Queensland are officially closed today.

Council closures

Due to the seriousness of the forecast for this afternoon,

  • Council will close down for general services from noon.
  • Council Libraries will be closed
  • Recycleworld at Redland Bay will be closed today.
  • IndigiScapes centre, cafe and grounds are closed today.
  • Councils Call Centre will continue to operate: 3829 8999
  • All essential services, however, will continue to operate and some staff will remain to take residents calls.

Assistance

In emergency situations always call 000.

Use the  SES 132500 number for immediate response calls and the 000 for emergency situations.

Stay updated

Tune in to 612ABC and Bay FM for the latest advice and keep an eye on Council’s website for the latest updates or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Sandbags available ahead of ex-tropical cyclone Debbie


March 30, 2017

Update: sandbag stations will now be open all day today and as needed into the night.

Self service sandbagging stations will be re-established at the following locations on Thursday 29 March ahead of forecast heavy rainfall. Enclosed shoes must be worn.

  • Cleveland Showgrounds (Norm Price Park), Long Street Cleveland on Thursday 7am to 4pm. Council staff will be onsite to assist.
  • North Stradbroke Island – outside the depot compound Thursday 7am to 4pm.
  • Macleay Is – outside the depot compound Thursday 7am to 4pm.
  • Russell Island – Davidson Rd Gravel Pit Thursday 7am to 4pm.

The Redland SES Unit would like to remind residents to clean their gutters and secure loose items ahead of the forecast rainfall.

Read more about what to expect over the coming days here.

Updated 2:51pm Prepare now for severe weather conditions


March 29, 2017

Updated 2:51pm Heavy rain and damaging winds are expected across the Redlands on Thursday and Friday as ex-tropical cyclone Debbie makes its way south.

Self service sandbagging stations will be established at the following locations on Wednesday 29 March. Enclosed shoes must be worn.

  • Cleveland Showgrounds (Norm Price Park), Long Street Cleveland on Wednesday 3:30pm until 6pm and Thursday 7am to 10am. Council staff will be onsite to assist.
  • North Stradbroke Island – outside the depot compound from 3pm Wednesday 29 March
  • Macleay Is – outside the depot compound from 3pm Wednesday 29 March
  • Russell Island –  Davidson Rd Gravel Pit from 3pm Wednesday 29 March

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams urged residents to prepare for wet and windy conditions over the next 48 hours, especially those in coastal areas and on the islands.

“With up to 200mm of rain forecast from late Thursday morning until Friday evening, Council’s Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC) and SES volunteers are preparing for the possibility of overland flows and localised flooding,” she said.

“Preparation is key in these situations so take time today to ensure your homes are ready for whatever comes our way. Clean up your yard, check gutters are unblocked and secure outside furniture, especially if you live in a unit.

“Island residents are particularly vulnerable to the elements so please revisit your personal emergency plan and be prepared for the possibility of wild weather and power outages.”

Cr Williams said the LDCC were on alert and would provide further information as it became available.

“We know from the aftermath of ex-tropical cyclones Oswald and Marcia there is potential for flash flooding on Redlands roads so please drive carefully and heed all warnings,” she said.

“Remember … “if it is flooded, forget it!” Don’t risk your life to cross flooded areas on foot or in a vehicle irrespective of its size and remind children to stay away from floodwaters.

Tune in to 612ABC and Bay FM for the latest advice and keep an eye on Council’s website for the latest updates or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Seqwater advise Lesley Harrison Dam is currently sitting at 68 per cent but will fill rapidly during heavy rain. Visit seqwater.com.au to subscribe to their dam release notifications.

Easter holiday makers to enjoy extra parking at Toondah Harbour


March 29, 2017

Visiting Straddie over the Easter break is about to get easier, with Council providing additional parking areas to accommodate the busy holiday period.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council would open up the temporary parking area behind the old CSIRO building at Toondah Harbour from 12-17 April, with access available through the Wharf Street carpark and via the ferry carpark.

“We know parking is tight at the Toondah Harbour ferry terminal at the best of times but over Easter space is really at a premium, so the additional parking areas will help ease some of the pressure,” Cr Williams said.

“It won’t only help tourists heading to Straddie but also our island residents who are planning to travel to the mainland over the Easter break.”

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell (North Stradbroke Island, Cleveland) said the temporary parking arrangement was well received during a trial over the Australia Day long weekend.

“We are always looking for ways to make it easier for residents to get around the city and, although this is only a temporary solution, the trial over the Australia Day long-weekend showed it is very popular with commuters,” he said.

“Straddie is naturally very popular with holiday makers over Easter, so I am confident these extra parking areas will again be well received and help to reduce stress for those looking for a car park.’’

The move follows the free inner-city bus trialled by Council over Christmas, organised to ease parking pressure from busy areas such as Toondah Harbour and Redland Bay’s Weinam Creek.

Cr Williams said the need for more parking at Toondah Harbour showed the importance of the Walker Group’s $1.3 billion upgrade of the popular ferry terminal.

“The Toondah Harbour Priority Development Area project will boost parking significantly at no cost to ratepayers.  These extra car parks will drive tourism to the island and, with it, economic activity across the city,” she said.

“While we wait for the Federal Government to approve the Toondah Harbour upgrade, we will continue to look for other solutions to the area’s parking constraints such as this temporary parking.”

School Road Safety Guide Launch


March 28, 2017

Local school children are set to be safer in school zones following Redland City Mayor Karen Williams’s launch of the No Excuses School Road Safety Guide at Redland Bay State School today.

Left to right Year 1: Eva Warrender, Scarlett Jones, Liam Coenen, Harley Burridge, Liliana Fish, Sophie Winter, Jayce Caruana, Lexie Desmarais, Kai Rudken; Year 6: Regan George, Riley Atkinson, Harry Hammond, Emily Reisenweber

Cr Williams said the No Excuses Guide, produced by Redland City Council with a Community Road Safety Grant for the Queensland Government, highlighted the most common road safety issues experienced around schools.

“Nothing is more important than the safety of our children, wherever they are. And this event, led by Redland Bay State School captains and with participation and performances by many children, put our precious kids in firm focus,” Cr Williams said.

“We all live in a world where the pace of life seems to be constantly increasing. There is so much to fit into each day that it’s easy to miss that ‘40’ sign when approaching a school zone and tempting to stay that little bit longer in a two-minute zone waiting for our children to arrive.

“That’s why the No Excuses guide has been developed as a resource for schools, to help empower them to undertake tangible and practical actions to address their individual circumstances.”

Left to Right Constable Ben Clinch, Qld Police; Sophie Winter, Redland Bay State School; Kai Rudken Redland Bay State School; Karen Williams Mayor of Redland City.

Mayor Williams said the No Excuses guide would be distributed to all Redland schools follow the launch event, also attended by Mr Don Brown, Member for Capalaba, representing Main Roads and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey and a number of Redland school principals.

“I understand the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads is keen to use this guide as a model to be rolled out throughout Queensland schools following the Redlands introduction,” Cr Williams said.

“From a Redland City perspective, the project reflects Council’s broader commitment to transport. Work has also begun on a transport strategy, to identify and move towards addressing the issues that our residents and commuters face in getting from A to B in a timely and safe manner.”

Memorial garden soon a reality


March 27, 2017

Work will start soon on the new Bay Island Memorial Garden on Russell Island.

An artist’s impression

Local Councillor Mark Edwards (Division 5) said the memorial garden would allow Southern Moreton Bay Island residents to pay their respects to lost family and friends without having to travel to the mainland.

“Island residents have long wanted a place of their own where they can keep the ashes of their loved ones and pay their respects,’’ Cr Edwards said.

“I am now pleased to say it will soon become reality. Work will start in the next few weeks, weather willing, with the memorial garden expected to be finished sometime in June.

“In the meantime, residents who want a memorial can now register their interest with Council’s Cemetery and Interment Services Team on 3829 8999 or rcc@redland.qld.gov.au.’’

Cr Edwards said the four hectare garden within the High Street Nature Belt Park did not include a cemetery or crematorium.

“This is a memorial garden only. There will be no funerals, burials or cremations,’’ Cr Edwards said.

“Rather it will be a quiet place of contemplation in keeping with the natural environment where islanders can visit when they need to, allowing families and friends to preserve connections with the islands.

“There will be benches and tables so people can sit and reflect surrounded by nature, along with provisions for the internment of ashes.

“In the past there has been only limited provisions for permanent memorialisation on the Bay islands and I thank those residents who have helped make this happen.’’

Cleveland Aquatic Centre upgrade: call for ideas


March 24, 2017

Redland City Council is calling for community ideas on a possible major upgrade to the much-loved Cleveland Aquatic Centre.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the original facility was built almost 40 years ago, and the time had come for the area to be renewed and improved.

“We want to hear from the community about the possibility of creating an integrated aquatic and emergency precinct, including the option of a public/private partnership to redevelop the site, to help build world class community facilities while mitigating ongoing cost to ratepayers,” she said.

“There is enormous potential to create a state-of-the-art facility that incorporates recreational use, wellbeing and warm water therapy areas; as well as event and training areas for swimmers and emergency services personnel.

“As part of the proposal we are looking to have the state-owned Cleveland Aquatic Centre and adjoining State Emergency Services land transferred to Council so the aquatic centre can be developed into a new community facility.

Cr Williams said the land will remain as community purpose, with public access to the facility to be guaranteed.

“At the moment it is only a proposal and subject to community feedback, necessary approvals and funding opportunities and partnerships – but it is important that people take the opportunity to be involved in this early-stage planning,” she said.

“Pending future approvals, Council has committed $21 million based on the current project scope, with our proposed timeline seeing new facilities open in 2020.”

Divisional Councillor for Cleveland Peter Mitchell said the proposal took into account the various user groups for aquatic facilities in Redlands.

“We want to ensure this space remains a multi-functional recreational precinct, catering for all users from young families and the elderly to elite sporting events.

“Our current proposal includes facilities such new pools, a new grandstand, café and kitchen, gym and amenities, as well as improved parking and site access.

“We’ve put some possibilities on paper, and we’d love to hear residents’ thoughts on them and any other ideas they may have as well.”

Community feedback on the proposal is invited until 19 April 2017, with further round of consultation to be undertaken when development plans are drawn up.

To see the details on the project and have your say on the project visit Council’s Your Say Redland City website.

Ten year Infrastructure Plan agreed for State review


March 24, 2017

Redland City Council has agreed to the Draft Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP) outlining the type, timing and location of planned infrastructure for the city over the next decade to 2027.

The Draft LGIP will now go to the Department of Infrastructure Local Government and Planning for agreement from the Minister to publicly consult on the proposed plan for 30 business days.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the LGIP follows a series of State Government planning policy and legislative amendments, replacing the previous Priority Infrastructure Plan (PIP) and placing the LGIP into local planning schemes.

“This new infrastructure plan is fundamental to the way we propose to manage future urban growth in the city and predicts spending of $378.6mill on trunk infrastructure over the coming decade.

“Aligning predicted trunk infrastructure network requirements and funding with the City Plan is vitally important for future social and economic outcomes,” Karen Williams said.

“Informed by a range of planning studies, including the work behind the new City Plan, the LGIP also provides the basis for identifying developer contributions and the conditioning the cost of development outside service areas.

“The new LGIP Plan demonstrates the capacity to service future growth in the City through upgraded trunk water, sewerage, transport, and stormwater infrastructure networks, and parks and community facilities, with the largest future expenditure going to local roads.

“While the plan achieves the objective of efficiency and orderly coordination of infrastructure, it also demonstrates the ongoing squeeze on local government infrastructure funding.”

Cr Williams said Council would continue to strongly advocate for the State Government to substantially increase its investment in infrastructure in the Redlands.

“Local government collectively is calling for improvements to the infrastructure funding capacity of local governments that has been impacted by past State government decisions,” Cr Williams said.

“We want a firm commitment from the Government to fund vital infrastructure, such as the Eastern Busway to Capalaba, duplication of the rail line to Cleveland and links to the Port of Brisbane,” she said.

“We also want the State to accept its responsibility and fund upgrades to State-controlled roads and to improve public transport within Redland City and to properly fund infrastructure programs planned as part of the North Stradbroke island Economic Transition Strategy.

“These projects are vital for the continued growth of Redland City and successive governments have fallen well short in infrastructure investment here in the past.”

Parts of the City prioritised for the provision of trunk infrastructure up to 2027 include existing urban areas serviced by trunk infrastructure and those growth areas intended to be serviced up to 2027 and supported by the City Plan development controls.

A large portion of the growth is expected within the major statistical areas of Thornlands, Capalaba and Victoria Point with Thornlands is expected to experience strong growth.

Specific sites excluded from the PIA include the Toondah Harbour and Weinam Creek Priority Development Areas (PDAs), the Double Jump Road Emerging Community zone and Southern Redland Bay.

Redland City youth invited to innovation forum


March 21, 2017

Great achievements and big ideas will be the order of the day at Redland City Council’s RedGen <30 Youth Innovation Forum on Friday 7 April, when an exceptional line-up of successful young innovators will inspire participants by sharing their personal journey of how they turned their dream into reality.

The first in a series of Council forums to explore how innovative businesses can grow the local economy, RedGen will bring together current and aspiring young entrepreneurs whose vision will help shape the Redlands of the future.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the forum would discuss the rate of young people leaving the Redlands in search for opportunities elsewhere, an issue that had been identified as a significant challenge to the City’s economic growth.

“It is no secret that one of our city’s biggest exports is our youth, and as our graduates, students and young workers leave our city they take with them the knowledge, skills and experience needed to build the Redlands of tomorrow,” she said.

“We want to find ways to arrest this exodus of youth and talent and the best place to start is by asking local youth what they think would make the Redlands a great place to live, work and play.

“While for many young Aussies travelling is a rite of passage, we want to make sure that when the wanderlust wears off for our young Redlanders, we can harness their spirit and that the Redlands is still the place they want to call home.”

Cr Williams said RedGen was part of a series of innovation forums being held in the Redlands to help generate innovative solutions to the city’s economic future.

“These forums were a suggestion from the Redland City Economic Development Advisory Board and are part of Council’s commitment to supporting a vibrant and innovative local economy,” she said.

Applications to attend RedGen are now open. Applicants must be 18 to 30 years old, and live – or have lived – in the Redlands. The entrants with the best big ideas to make Redlands a better place to pursue their professional or entrepreneurial goals will secure their seat at this prestigious event.

Cr Williams said that while places to attend RedGen were limited, Council was keen to make sure that no one missed out on a chance to have their say and so was inviting young Redlanders to complete an online survey.

“Within 24 hours of the survey going live, we received over 100 responses. This is a clear indication that our young people really do want to have a voice, and we’re hearing some great ideas on what they would like to see in the Redlands,” Cr Williams said.

Eighteen- to 30-year-old Redlanders can complete the survey and go into the draw to win an iPhone 7.