Monthly Archives: June 2017

Redlands enriched by new citizens


June 30, 2017

Cultural diversity in the Redlands was celebrated last night with 169 residents becoming Australian citizens during a citizenship ceremony at the Redland Performing Arts Centre.

Redland City Deputy Mayor and last night’s presiding officer Cr Wendy Boglary said the city’s newest Australian citizens hailed from 25 countries, demonstrating the cultural diversity of the city.

“Council has been hosting citizenship ceremonies for the past 62 years and our cultural diversity makes us who we are today,” Cr Boglary said.

“Our citizenship ceremony is a celebration of our diversity, and the rich cultural depth that only grows as more international people choose to call Redlands home.

“Many people are attracted to the Redlands because of its breathtaking natural scenery and bayside location but these aspects are only a small part of what makes the Redlands an exceptional place to live. It is our people – our community – that really sets us apart.

“We have bountiful opportunities right here on our doorstep to raise our children in a safe environment, learn in exceptional educational facilities, work close to home and enjoy many social activities and friendships.

“Our idyllic location and strong sense of community continues to attract those seeking a new life, with the Redlands welcoming 743 new citizens from 54 countries over the past 12 months alone, enriching the multicultural character of our city.”

Cr Boglary said cultural diversity was one of our nation’s greatest strengths.

“Since 1945, seven million people have migrated to Australia and we identify with more than 270 ancestries across the nation,” she said.

“According to the 2016 census results, around half of Australians were born overseas or who have a parent who was born overseas.

“While English remains the main language for most Australians, there are 301 different languages spoken in homes across the country, including more than 60 Indigenous languages.”

Nations represented at last night’s ceremony included: Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, England, Fiji, France, India, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, South Africa, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.

Photos from the ceremony are available from the Redland City Council Flickr album.

Water repairs on Wynyard St and Shore St West, Cleveland


June 29, 2017

We would like to advise that we have an urgent need to undertake repair works on water infrastructure located at the intersection of Wynyard Street and Shore Street West, Cleveland.

The works involve the repair of a water main and the replacement of a section valve. The work will commence tonight from 9.00pm through to 6.00am tomorrow and will require a water shutdown and will generate construction noise. The after-hours timing was necessary as the water shutdown includes the adjacent shopping centre.

Water shutdown notices have been issued to affected properties and we have issued 100 noise notices as there are adjacent units and residences that may be impacted.

We acknowledge that this is an inconvenience to local residents however we have no alternative as the repairs are urgent.

More land for local sports fields


June 27, 2017

The future of sport, recreation and conservation in the Redlands has received a boost with 159 hectares of land acquired at Mt Cotton.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said 277-293 Heinemann Road had recently been purchased by Council, with about a third of the area to be used for sports and recreation in the future and the remainder to be preserved as a conservation area.

“Existing sports grounds and facilities are at capacity in the Redlands and this site will provide our residents with more sporting fields and community amenities to enjoy,” she said.

“With its recreational potential and environmental values, this is a unique parcel of land that will support future demand for sporting facilities in the Redlands while also protecting a significant area of natural habitat close to existing Council-owned conservation land.

“Much of this land is heavily vegetated and will be retained as an environmental reserve, while the section already cleared will be used for future sports fields and associated infrastructure, including carparking.”

Cr Williams said Council officers would undertake a detailed planning study over the next 12 months, in consultation with all stakeholders including local sporting groups, to determine the best use of the site and provide recommendations for a future program of works.

“Given the size of this site, a multipurpose approach is most likely, with any number of popular ball sports and specialised recreational activities set to benefit,” she said.

“This precinct will not only be valuable for sporting clubs, but also provide cultural and economic benefits as an event space, cementing our reputation as an events destination.

“We expect to be able to also use the site to host local festivals, national sports events and cultural showcases in the future, like those often held at venues like the Cleveland Showgrounds.”

Division 6 Councillor Julie Talty said the site and Mt Cotton locality was ideally suited as a sports and recreation precinct particularly for residents in the southern part of the city.

“There is scope to connect this area with existing multiuse tracks and trails in nearby conservation areas like the Bayview Conservation Park, which would be welcomed by horse riders, mountain bikers, trail runners and bushwalkers,” Cr Talty said.

“The site would also link surrounding residential communities and expand the list of family-friendly natural attractions at the southern end of our city.”

Quandamooka Country set to shine in 2017 festival


June 27, 2017

The 2017 Quandamooka Festival launches this weekend with a celebration of dance, song, storytelling and art at the stunning Goompi (Dunwich) foreshore on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) – the first taste of a world-class program to come.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the three-month calendar of events, supported by Redland City Council, was set to be a diverse representation of the culture and country of Traditional Owners, the Nuknukal, Nughi and Goenpul Peoples.

“It has been wonderful to see the Quandamooka Festival grow in popularity each year, drawing people from around the City, across the nation and even overseas,” Cr Williams said.

“It is becoming a major tourism draw card that stretches the boundaries of a community cultural festival, bursting not only with art and music but also countless sporting, food and environmental activities.

“A glance at the 2017 program and you will find everything from whale watching tours to historical displays and three-course Quandamooka tucker luncheon, with plenty of free or low-cost activities.

“I wish to congratulate organisers Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) and contributing community organisations for creating such an impressive, inclusive schedule of events.

“Council is again proudly supporting the festival and I encourage everyone to seek out the program – you won’t be disappointed.”

Quandamooka Festival Curator Avril Quaill said this year’s program would deliver more than 55 events across Redlands and parts of Brisbane.

“We invite people to come and join us over the next three months to experience Quandamooka Culture in all its forms – if you can’t make it to the islands we also have many mainland-based activities,” Ms Quaill said.

“The program has been designed to encapsulate our vision for a sustainable community that strikes the balance between economic opportunities and protecting our environment and cultural heritage.

“The Quandamooka Festival is chance to bring everyone together – to learn, to connect and to celebrate.

“It all begins this Sunday 2 July at our Yura official opening celebrations from 11am – 3pm on the waterfront at Goompi (Dunwich) in front of Ron Stark Oval.

“The foreshore is the perfect place to kick off festivities, with water – its power to connect people, nourish the environment and give life to all things – our central 2017 festival theme.”

Quandamooka Festival highlights:

  • Yura- Sunday 2 July, 11am – 3pm at the Goompi (Dunwich) waterfront: Traditional Smoking Ceremony, markets, workshops and performances by Troy Jungaji Brady, Emily Wurramara and First Nation’s artists from Melanesia.
  • Yura Yalingbila- Saturday 29 July, 11am- 3pm at Headland Park, Point Lookout: A celebration welcoming Yalingbila (humpback whales) with ceremony, dance, arts, food and music including performances by song man Neil Murray and Black Salt.
  • Kunjiel (Corroborree) Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 September at Goompi (Dunwich):  Two-day closing celebration with performances by Black Arm Band, Roger Knox & Band, Adam James and band, Joe Geia and more.
  • Buangan Biyigi, Saturday 30 September 11am – 4pm at Pulan Pulan (Amity Point) foreshore: Dolphin Festival Day – learn about the local buangan (dolphin) and doompidapee (koala) from a cultural and scientific perspective.

Seek, discover, listen and learn this NAIDOC Week


June 27, 2017

A showcase concert with Coloured Stone and family day out are just two of the ways Council is celebrating NAIDOC Week 2017.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council was committed to providing a free community program to ensure all of Redlands could be part of NAIDOC Week 2017 (2-9 July).

“We kick off our activities early with Seek, Unearth, Explore Quandamooka Country at IndigiScapes on Friday 30 June,” Cr Williams said.

“This is a school holiday activity running from 10am – 2pm and includes bush tucker and Indigenous workshops as well as Quandamooka storytelling and an artefact presentation.

“Opening on 2 July we have two exhibitions featuring Indigenous artists – Island Made and Ruby and Hunter by Claudia Moodoonuthi – at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland.

“Redland Libraries are also offering multicultural story times and Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) is hosting an amazing Our Languages Matter: A NAIDOC Showcase from 12pm on Sunday 9 July.

“This free event is suitable for all ages and brings together a traditional Smoking Ceremony, cultural and dance demonstrations, bush tucker tasting and weaving workshops.

“In a perfect way to finish the week, the Our Languages Matter showcase ends with a performance by nationally-renowned entertainers Bunna Lawrie and Coloured Stone in the RPAC Concert Hall.

“These events are open to all and a wonderful way to learn not only about NAIDOC Week, but also the rich Indigenous culture in our City.

“I also urge people to seek out other community-led activities happening during NAIDOC week such as the opening of the Quandamooka Festival, the Yulu-Burri-Ba Health and Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council NAIDOC celebrations and Goompi NAIDOC Day – the City is spoilt for choice in what is looking to be a very special time of celebration.”

For more information on Council’s NAIDOC events, visit the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Events Calendar.

National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) week is held the first full week of July and celebrates the achievements, contributions and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

The 2017 theme is ‘Our Languages Matter’, highlighting the connections between language and cultural identity and that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages are now extinct or endangered.

Bay islands’ budget boost


June 26, 2017

Redland City Council‘s 2017-18 budget includes substantial allocations for the bay islands, with nearly $4 million earmarked for road sealing alone.

Mayor Karen Williams said the Budget underscored the City’s commitment to island communities.

“From improving roads and marine transport infrastructure to upgrading community facilities such as ramps, carparks and sportsgrounds, this budget addresses island residents’ priorities,’’ Cr Williams said.

“It builds on our response to residents’ wishes for island roads to be sealed faster and for better community infrastructure, while also addressing issues of particular concern to island communities such as seawall maintenance.’’

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said $3.4 million had been allocated to continue the Southern Moreton Bay Islands’ green seal road program.

“Another $3.26 million is set aside for work on the Macleay Island ramp carpark, with $1.27 million for the Russell Terrace sea wall and asbestos capping,” Cr Edwards said.

“The Karragarra Island Esplanade boat ramp renewal will account for $654,000, with a further $500,000 to be spent on the Russell Island pontoon upgrade.”

Cr Edwards said funds had also been allocated for the islands’ waiting shed and bus shelter upgrades program and disability access for Macleay Island’s Pats Park.

“With the islands boasting such vibrant and active arts communities, it is fitting that almost $30,000 has been included for art platforms on Russell, Macleay, Karragarra and Lamb islands,’’ he said.

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said the budget would provide a boost for North Stradbroke Island’s tourism credentials, with $672,000 allocated for the Gorge Walk Trailhead project and $300,000 set aside for the renewal of Point Lookout’s Wail Rock Stairs, among a host of other projects.

“This budget includes funding for much-needed facilities such as showers and taps at Deadmans Beach, Cylinder Headland and South Gorge, as well as upgrades at Cylinder Beach and Adder Rock,” Cr Mitchell said.

“Importantly it also addresses the needs of the local community by including $268,600 for work at Dunwich’s Ron Stark Oval, as well as funding for seawall projects at Amity Point and Dunwich.

“Funds have also been secured to seal gravel roads on the island, along with $2.7 million for sewer and wastewater treatment projects at Point Lookout.”

Division 4 Councillor Lance Hewlett said upgrades to marine transport infrastructure had been a priority for Coochiemudlo Island.

“The funds are there to renew the public amenities at the Foreshore East jetty, along with other work in the area,” Cr Hewlett said.

“All up, more than $1 million has been assigned to upgrading work on the island’s barge ramp and berthing piles, with another $70k put aside for the Shoreline Erosion Management Plan which will be undertaken on Coochie.

“Provision also has been made for work at Laurie Burns Recreational Reserve and for dinghy racks for Coochie residents.’’

Redland budget invests in infrastructure


June 26, 2017

Redland City’s 2017-18 budget invests heavily in community infrastructure, from new roads to better parks and sportsfields.

Mayor Karen Williams said the budget went well beyond the “three Rs” of roads, rates and rubbish investing $82 million to cater for key City priorities identified by residents and the business community.

“The foundations of this year’s budget are built around the six strategic priorities agreed to by all Councillors after last year’s election and these priorities flow through to the capital plan,” she said.

“A focus, both for our residents and this year’s budget, is transport infrastructure with $40 million committed to improving the road network, renewing marine transport infrastructure and upgrading footpaths, bikeways, carparks and bus shelters.

“More than $23.6 million has been earmarked for road projects alone, including our successful Green Seal Program, which is delivering sealed roads quicker to residents who have had to cope with dirt roads.

“Transport infrastructure such as footpaths, bikeways and bus shelters will account for another $6.5 million. This money will lead to real improvements for residents.”

Cr Williams said the City’s marine infrastructure and foreshores would benefit from a $14.5 million allocation.

“As a city of islands our marine infrastructure is critical, helping our 10,000 island based residents get around safely and quickly,” she said.

“More than $3.26 million earmarked for the Macleay Island ramp carpark and money put aside for the Coochiemudlo Island berthing piles and barge ramp upgrades and the Russell Island pontoon upgrade.”

Parks and conservation are major beneficiaries, with $14.39 million for open space and conservation projects, including South East Thornlands Park, William Ross Park, O’Gorman Street Park and Henry Ziegenfusz Sportsfield improvements among a range of park, playground and sportsground projects.

“Big-ticket projects include $1.176 million for Capalaba’s Indigiscapes Visitor Centre expansion, $990,000 for the Cleveland Aquatic Precinct redevelopment and $1.37 million for Redland Bay’s Bayview Conservation Area,’’ Cr Williams said.

“Council also has allocated $1.88 million to our libraries, Redland Performing Arts Centre and Redland Art Gallery public art and acquisitions – assets which do so much to foster the Redlands’ strong sense of community.

“For a city of our size, these are significant allocations and go to the heart of what residents tell us are their priorities.”

Redland City budget targets key priorities


June 26, 2017

Redland City Council has unanimously adopted a budget for 2017-18 which keeps residential rate increases to a minimum while investing heavily in the City.

Mayor Karen Williams said the budget was the first framed around the six strategic priorities agreed to by all Councillors after last year’s election.

“Under this $300 million Budget, a typical Redland household – that’s a category 1a property with a property value of about $305,257 – will see a modest increase of just 2.73 per cent for their rates and utilities,’’ Cr Williams said.

“This budget reflects what the community told us they wanted at the last election, especially investment to stimulate local business and job creation, as well as doing what’s needed to make this a better connected community.

“Last year when this Council was elected, we made a promise to govern the city with a unified approach, with the community as our guide.

“In response Councillors united to adopt six strategic priorities to deliver on the community’s wishes and, in adopting this budget, we have balanced these priorities with the need to keep costs down for our community.

“The result is a responsible plan which invests heavily in our City and builds on our strong foundations while minimising the cost impact on our residents.’’

Cr Williams said the increase to residential rates in the budget matched Council’s blended CPI index calculated as at the December 2016 quarter.

“This essentially is the increased cost to Council of running the city,’’ Cr Williams said.

Cr Williams said a major impact on Council’s costs were State Government bulk water prices, which had increased by almost a third over the last three years, including a 8.47 per cent increase this year.

“We continue to see massive bulk water price hikes, adding to the nine per cent increase last year and the 10 per cent increase the year before,” she said.

“State Government charges add 91 cents a week to our residents, taking the total increase to $2.34 for the average resident. The state’s water rise alone accounts for 77 cents of the increase at based on average 200kL consumption.

“Continuing substantial increases in the State’s bulk water charges are having a significant impact. We cannot absorb it all but we have again minimised this impost on residents and businesses by freezing Council’s water distribution and retail charges.

“We also have continued to offset cost increases by pursuing efficiencies within the organisation and ensuring we get best value for the rates dollar.”

Cr Williams said existing ratepayers would fund only a portion of Council’s total revenue increase – or headline rate – of 5.68 per cent over last year.

“Overall, 1.72 per cent of that is attributable to the city’s growth,’’ Cr Williams said.

Cr Williams said increases in commercial rates would help drive much-needed investment and growth in the local business community.

“The Redlands has had some of the lowest commercial rates in South East Queensland however we know the business community wants us to do more to stimulate the local economy,’’ Cr Williams said.

“The rise in the commercial rates will support measures to boost our economic development and help local businesses and enterprises to grow through making our City more attractive to trade and investment.

“We have taken the first big steps and have an economic development framework in place. Now we need to ensure we have the resources to fully develop and implement the action plans required for our key industry and business sectors.”

Cr Williams said this year’s Budget would also strengthen the Redlands environmental character through the launch of the One Million Native Plants initiative.

“Partly funded through a flat $20 increase in the environment levy, the planting of one million native plants across the city will provide a greener city for future generations and continue to build on Council’s commitment to the local environment,” she said.

Cr Williams said Council had allowed for a projected deficit of about $11 million for 2017-18 to ensure the rates impact on residents could be contained while still providing the services demanded.

“Much of this is because of higher depreciation as a result of asset creation and asset revaluation, along with impacts of cost,” Cr Williams said.

“Thankfully years of keeping our books balanced have ensured this Council in very good financial shape.

“Our final budgeted position including capital revenue and expenses is a positive position in the order of $24 million.

“Increasingly we are finding better and smarter ways of doing business that reduce our operating costs during the year and again this year we will look for efficiencies with the aim of reducing costs for our residents.”

Cr Williams said the budget allowed for a healthy $82 million capital expenditure program, while maintaining Council’s low debt levels.

The 2017-18 Budget provides:

  • $23.64 million for roads projects, including the Green Seal Program, Regional Road Alliance Program and resurfacing and rehabilitation programs.
  • $10.77 million for infrastructure, including the Indigiscapes Visitor Centre expansion, Cleveland Aquatic Precinct redevelopment, the Bayview Conservation Area at Redland Bay and bus shelter and seat renewals.
  • $14.39 million for open space and conservation projects, including South East Thornlands Park, the Public Amenities Expansion Program, William Ross Park and Henry Ziegenfusz Sportsfield improvement
  • $14.47 million for marine and foreshore projects, including Macleay Island ramp carpark, seawall and asbestos capping, canal revetment wall upgrades and the Raby Bay Esplanade canoe launching pontoon.
  • $1.88 million for community and cultural development, including libraries, Redland Performing Arts Centre and Redland Art Gallery public art and acquisitions.
  • $1.04 million for new water services, including meter replacement and new water services.
  • $7.39 million for waste and wastewater projects.
  • $8.47 million for land actions and asset replacement programs.

The Budget at a glance:

  • A typical Redland household (category 1a with a property value of about $305,257) will see a modest increase of 2.73 per cent, excluding the State Government bulk water and emergency management charges.
  • The increased state bulk water charge equates to about 77 cents a week.
  • The state’s emergency management charge equates to about 14 cents a week.
  • The general rate for commercial and shopping centre rating categories increases to support business development.
  • Capital expenditure totalling $82 million.
  • A headline rate (Council total revenue) increase of 5.68 per cent, of which 1.72 per cent is attributable to the City’s growth.
  • New borrowings less than 1 per cent of revenue.
  • No increase in Council’s retail water costs to help offset the State Government bulk water cost increase of 8.47 per cent.
  • A predicted operating deficit of $11.1 million.
  • Pensioner rebate maintained at $335 per year for a full pensioner or $167.50 for a part-pensioner.
  • Environment levy increases $20 to $109.08 to help fund Council’s “One million native plants’’ project.

The six strategic priorities around which the budget was framed:

  • Transport and connectivity
  • Sport, education and the arts
  • Economic development
  • Planning
  • Branding identity
  • Smart cities and digital connectivity

Migration inspires new art exhibition


June 23, 2017

A new exhibition exploring contemporary issues of displacement and forced migration will open next week at Redland Art Gallery, Capalaba.

Created by Iran-born, Brisbane artist and 2013 Doctor of Visual Art Candidate at Griffith University, Hesam Fetrati, 1001 Nightmares will showcase more than 12 large drawings from Saturday 24 June to Tuesday 8 August 2017.

1001 Nightmares is Hesam Fetrati’s interpretation of the distress caused through the common, often harmful and global activity of displacement. Works in Fetrati’s exhibition address contemporary issues of diaspora, hope, despair and the hopelessness associated with the act of displacement.

Fetrati uses satire in this collection of drawings to comment on issues of forced migration. The works start with a narrative form in which Fetrati weaves his understanding of the mental states of mind and physical hardships endured on the journey from one state of mind/place to another.

The exhibition coincides with two coastal Queensland inspired exhibitions at the gallery’s Cleveland location, with Island Made and Ruby and Hunter: Claudia Moodoonuthi on show until Sunday 13 August 2017.

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Island Made exhibition: Exceptional things for ordinary use


June 21, 2017

Island Made visits Redland Art Gallery from June to August, displaying exceptional objects for ordinary use, handmade on Southern Moreton Bay, Coochiemudlo and North Stradbroke Islands.

Items for the exhibition were selected by co-curators Tricia Dobson and Maria Cleary through public calls for expressions of interest as well as direct approaches to specific makers.

As the richness, diversity and volume of material that might be included in the exhibition became evident, Tricia and Maria gave preference to items that:

  • exemplified quality craftsmanship and integrity
  • made use of ordinary (or extraordinary!) materials to create an object for ordinary use
  • generated or embodied local stories
  • reflected and celebrated the ingenuity often inspired by island living, and
  • used natural resources or locally available materials and embraced reuse and recycle practices.

Island Made also captures stories of the makers and their motivations which form a significant part of the exhibition.

RSVP to the Island Made exhibition opening at 6.30pm Friday 30 June at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland. There’s also an exhibition floor talk and morning tea at 10.30am Sunday 2 July. Exhibition continues until Sunday 13 August 2017.

 

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