Monthly Archives: May 2017

Exercise Exodus heads to Russell Island


May 31, 2017

Next Thursday 8 June, Redland City will be conducting its latest disaster management training event Exercise Exodus, on Russell Island.

Redland City Mayor and Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group Karen Williams said Exercise Exodus was part of Council’s regular commitment to in-the-field training of its disaster preparedness.

“On Thursday 8 May, people on Russell Island, the surrounding islands and mainland Redland City, will see emergency services in action in a mock scenario focused on evacuation procedures,” Cr Williams said.

“We want to reassure people that this is a schedule activity and they are likely to see emergency services personnel, not only on Russell Island itself, but also the surrounding islands, waters and air space.

“People may also see plain clothes Council officers acting in roles, some with mock injury make-up and we wish to stress that this is a controlled activity.

“While we envisage that there will be minimal disruption to residents, we ask that drivers on Russell Island be aware that there will be more pedestrians on the day, particularly around the jetty area.

“Exercise Exodus is a multi-agency disaster management exercise to test our systems, and follows similar activities in recent years on North Stradbroke Island and mainland Redlands.”

Divisional Councillor for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) Cr Mark Edwards said Exercise Exodus would also give the ‘SMBI Community Champions’ a chance to test their new skills.

“We have 29 bay island residents, ‘SMBI Community Champions’, undergoing training in early June to become an essential part of our City’s disaster management planning and response,” Cr Edwards said.

“These residents, nominated by others in their community, will be a first point of reliable information in times of emergencies, as well as using their contacts to assist emergency services and establish evacuation centres.

“With their first round of training completed only two days before Exercise Exodus it will be a perfect opportunity to put theory into practice.”

For more information on Disaster Management in the Redlands please visit the Redland Disaster Plan website.

Night works at Birkdale Waste Transfer Station


May 29, 2017

Minor site works are planned for Birkdale Waste Transfer Station over the next two weeks. These works include the installation of additional guide posts, signage, speed humps and line marking on the site’s new haul road.

Work is expected to commence on Monday 29 May and be completed by Friday 9 June, weather permitting. Work will be undertaken outside of the site’s operational hours for safety reasons. The contractor will make every effort to minimise disruption throughout the project. Council apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Redlands Cycling Festival and Criterium Race road closures


May 26, 2017

The Redlands Cycling Festival and Criterium Race are on in the Cleveland CBS on Saturday 27 May, with the Criterium running from 3:30PM – 9PM.

Please be aware of the following road closures during this time:

  • Bloomfield Street
  • Middle Street
  • Doig Street
  • Queen Street
  • Wynyard Street

NOTE: Racing is in an anti-clockwise direction.

The map below shows the Criterium course, road closures and detours during the race:

Cleveland Library’s A Month of Sundays event in June


May 26, 2017

Cleveland Library becomes your destination for a lazy Sunday morning

There will be no excuse for a boring Sunday at home during June thanks to Cleveland Library’s A Month of Sundays giving Redlanders an interesting place to hang out and relax between 10am and 1pm, from Sunday 4 June to Sunday 25 June.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Cleveland Library’s A Month of Sundays is yet another event to support the Cleveland CBD revitalisation journey.

“Since the start of the year Redland Libraries has brought our community many events, from Snakeboss to The Very Hungry Caterpillar as part of the recent Cleveland 7 Day Makeover, all of which aim to deliver an active civic heart,” Cr Williams said.

“These events are all part of turning Cleveland into a vibrant and social epicentre where people will want to linger longer when they come to visit.

“Cleveland Library is a perfect destination for visitors as it is a welcoming public space that feels like home, which supports the idea of place-making – a key strategy identified by the business community through the Cleveland: What’s Next? workshops,” she said.

Division 2 Councillor for Cleveland Peter Mitchell urged the community to visit the Cleveland Library to see the exciting additions to the space after the 7 Day Makeover.

“The makeover transformed some underused areas around the library and people can now enjoy a free Little Library book exchange, a giant checkers board and a street piano – fun new activities that will hopefully encourage people to linger longer and enjoy all that Cleveland has to offer.

“In addition to A Month of Sundays at the Library visitors can also enjoy the Sunday Cleveland Markets from 7am-1pm as well as the many cafes and shops the area has to offer,” he said.

Cleveland Library’s A Month of Sundays is on every Sunday 10am-1pm, from Sunday 4 June to Sunday 25 June. Cleveland Library is located on Middle Street at the corner of Bloomfield Street.

Posted in Events and tagged .

Queensland’s first chaplaincy workshop


May 19, 2017

Chaplains and church leaders from across the Redlands will learn more about caring for people during a disaster at a special Council-organised workshop on 24-25 May.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the workshop would be the first of its kind in Queensland and followed recognition by Council that chaplains played an important role in helping communities cope with, and recover from, emergencies.

“The workshop has been organised by Council’s disaster management team to train chaplains and religious leaders to provide spiritual and emotional care to victims and rescuers in disasters and high-risk emergency environments,” Cr Williams said.

“Chaplains take their care and comfort to where it is needed, often without a thought for themselves and that can be high risk, both physically and emotionally. It was something which Redland City Council recognised late last year when chaplains from more than 15 groups attended a two-day workshop at Cleveland to examine their role during disaster events.”

“It was decided that it was critical to ensure that our chaplains had an insight into disaster management and how best to work with those who had suffered from the trauma of disaster. “Redland City Council wants to ensure our chaplains are as prepared as they can be for any eventuality.”

Cr Williams, who will open the two-day workshop, said it would be led by National Disaster Recovery Officer Rev. Dr. Stephen Robinson of the Uniting Church, who will help establish a Local Disaster Management Group multi-denominational chaplaincy team.

“Dr Robinson has vast experience working with communities before and after emergency situations,” Cr Williams said.”

“Over the two days, our chaplains will learn much about the nationally recognised chaplaincy program which has been specifically tailored for Queensland and, importantly, Redland City.”

Redlands to celebrate a historic National Reconciliation Week


May 19, 2017

Redland City Council is calling on all residents to get involved with this year’s National Reconciliation Week (NRW) celebrations held from 27 May – 3 June 2017.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said NRW 2017 held particular significance and would provide community groups and Council the opportunity to embrace the 2017 theme ‘Let’s take the next steps’.

“This year marks 50 years since the referendum on 27 May 1967 which saw the vast majority of Australians vote for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to be counted on the census and give the Commonwealth the power to make laws for them,” Cr Williams said.

“This was a major point in our nation’s reconciliation journey and one that it is important to acknowledge and remember.

“This year also marks 25 years since the Mabo decision on 3 June 1992, which is also a significant moment in our shared history.

“Council is proud to promote events and activities that acknowledge, highlight and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and cultures.

“This May, we are inviting everyone in our wonderfully diverse community to join in the NRW activities, including stunning art exhibitions and a display in the Cleveland Library.

“The IndigiScapes Centre’s largest event of the year – Indigi Day Out – will also include a Welcome to Country and elements to celebrate reconciliation in our community.

“Our own staff will also be given the opportunity to learn more about the history of National Reconciliation Week and the Traditional Owners of our area, the Quandamooka People.”

Council events in the lead-up to, and during, NRW include:

Redland Art Gallery exhibitions and events

Library

  • 26 May to 3 June Celebrating milestones: Taking the next steps poster display, on display in the Elders Room, Cleveland Library. To book the space please contact: 3829 8576
  • 27 May, 1 – 2pm, Keep Calm and Origami for One Million Stars: Help create ribbon stars in the colours of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal flags.

IndigiScapes

  • 3 June, 10am to 4pm Indigi Day Out, Redlands IndigiScapes Centre, Runnymede Road, Capalaba. See a Welcome to Country, taste and purchase bush tucker and enjoy the music of headliner and renowned Indigenous artist Troy Brady.

For details on these and other events happening in Redland City, visit the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander events calendar on our website.

Wet weekend weather postpones Wellington Pt Streetscape Day to 3 June


May 19, 2017

Divisional Councillor Wendy Boglary has asked Wellington Point residents and businesses to keep 10am – 2pm Saturday 3 June free after very wet weather predictions caused postponement of the planned Wellington Point Streetscapes Revitalisation Project activities this Saturday.

“This exciting project is well worth waiting a bit longer for and this is a chance to ensure even more people have it booked in their diary and come to the 3 June Community Day to meander among the displays.

“The day promises to be an energising and engaging opportunity for all the community.

“Importantly it will provide opportunity to have a say on how we can continue to capture and enhance what is the unique and vital character of Wellington Point village.

“There will be a ‘pop up’ park under a marquee outside Foodworks, with face painting for the kids, a free sausage sizzle and a busker to liven up the fun atmosphere.

“An historical timeline of the area will be on display, recognising the importance of retaining Wellington Point’s heritage appeal.

“You will be invited to have your say on whether we need more gardens, seating, shade or art as part of what is the one of the most popular and unique places in the rich tapestry of Redland City.

“Having talked with many members of the community already, I  am very excited about this project and the good and sensible ideas that I am sure will come from planned activities and discussions” Cr Boglary said.

“The recent amazing seven day makeover results in the Cleveland CBD showed how much can be achieved through collaboration, and simple creative and colourful ideas that can transform public space.

“Wellington Point already has many streetscape advantages, but among its most exceptional advantages is its amazing sense of community.

“I have no doubt this will contribute to exciting outcomes from the rescheduled activities on Saturday 3 June.”

Posted in Events and tagged .

Cleveland 7 Day Makeover transforms CBD space


May 19, 2017

Cleveland 7 Day Makeover transforms CBD space

Over 60 volunteers channelled their inner artist, rolled up their sleeves and worked wonder during the Cleveland 7 Day Makeover last week transforming underused areas of the CBD with colourful creative, curious and quirky street furniture, sculpture and play spaces.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said improved place making was a key strategy identified by the business community through the Cleveland What’s Next workshops,

“The 7 Day Makeover clearly shows how not just local businesses, but the community at large, are behind this concept of creating public spaces that promote people’s health, happiness and wellbeing,”

“To make it easier for businesses to benefit from active use of the footpath, Redland City Council established a ‘YES! Zone’ in the Cleveland CBD, trialling a more flexible approach to the use of space beyond shopfronts.”

Mayor Karen Williams said that she was extremely impressed with the outcomes of the week and pleased that the YES! Zone had led to such amazing results.

“It was a great eye-opener for us in terms of seeing what could happen when we took a step back and relaxed some of our rules and regulations. This was a key enabler in allowing some of these great projects to occur.”

Division 2 Councillor for Cleveland Peter Mitchell said that the 7 Day Makeover had been a great initiative with which to kick-start Council’s Cleveland What’s Next program.

“It is quite incredible to see how much effort the volunteers have put into making the CBD a more enjoyable place for people to spend time. They have done an excellent job and can be justifiably proud of what they have achieved.

“The challenge now will be to focus our efforts on capturing their enthusiasm and maintaining the momentum to ensure that this is just the first step in what could be a much longer-term, community-building process,” he said.

Anyone interested in participating in future makeover events should contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 3829 8999.

Little Free Library part of much bigger story


May 18, 2017

A bright blue beach hut mounted prominently near its front door proudly proclaims Cleveland Library’s arrival in the Little Free Library movement.

Beckoning to passers-by, it has a very clear call to action – put away your smart phones and tablets, and get stuck into a good old-fashioned book!

The brainchild of international not-for-profit organisation Little Free Library, these 24/7 ‘take a book, leave a book’ free book exchanges are all about inspiring a love of reading and building community spirit.

Since the first Little Free Library seven years ago, more than 50,000 have sprung up in over 70 countries around the world, with millions of books exchanged every year.

Redland City resident Bonnie Williams takes a book from the Little Library in Cleveland.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Cleveland’s Little Free Library is just one small ingredient in the progressive reinvention of Redlands’ Libraries from information resource centres to community hubs.

“Gone are the days of a stern librarian peering over the top of her glasses, shushing anyone who dares to raise their voice above a whisper. We now actively encourage community interaction in our libraries,” Cr Williams said.

“Whether people come simply to read and relax, use our computers, bring their children to story time, attend our interactive talks, or now use our free book exchange, we want them to feel comfortable, uninhibited and at home.

“And we’re also increasingly taking the action outside our library doors.

“Last Saturday 300 people came to our The Very Hungry Caterpillar family fun day in the library square outside Cleveland Library, and we’re hopeful of a very similar turnout at our We’re Going on a Bear Hunt fun day at Capalaba Library on 5 August.”

The Little Free Library is part of the 7 Day Makeover, which is all about celebrating and encouraging better use of our wonderful outdoor spaces here in the Redlands.

Cr Williams said the successful makeover initiative saw dozens of volunteers transform the streetscape of Cleveland with creative, curious and quirky street furniture, sculpture and play spaces.

Water outage – North Stradbroke Island: updated 11.20am 17 May


May 15, 2017

Council advises that due to a broken water main up to approximately 50 properties at Point Lookout may be without water for up to what is expected at this stage to be lunch-time tomorrow (Tuesday 16 May). Council crews are working on isolating the pipe now and will continue to work overnight. Council apologises for the inconvenience and will keep you informed.

UPDATE at 11.20am on Tuesday 17 May

We advise that the broken water main at Point Lookout has been repaired, and water services restored.

There may be some  discoloured water for a short period and we ask that customers run a tap for a minute or two until the water appears normal.