Monthly Archives: July 2017

Bayview Conservation Area upgrade to begin


July 12, 2017

Work is set to begin next week on more than $1.3 million worth of upgrades to the day use area at Bayview Conservation Area, Redland Bay.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the current trailhead entry off German Church Road would be transformed from a vacant grassed area to a family-friendly outdoor recreational destination for residents and visitors.

“Bayview Conservation Area is a well-used and much-loved recreational spot in our city, and these works will provide facilities to support its growing popularity,” Cr Williams said.

“Works are due to start the week beginning 17 July and will include a large covered barbecue area, signage, picnic tables and seating, a bike wash-down area, horse and bike stations, toilets, and access to power and water.

“Access will also be improved with a sealed dual-lane entry and exit road, horse float parking area and sealed car parking.

“This is a major upgrade to one of our City’s most popular draw cards and, weather permitting, we hope the new area will be completed just in time to welcome visitors associated with the Commonwealth Games.”

Cr Williams said the works followed Council’s approval of the Bayview Conservation Area concept plan and the Enhancing the Visitor Experience plan, both of which aimed to deliver on the Bayview Conservation Area Trails Facility Concept and Development Plan, approved by Council in 2015.

“This project will provide improved facilities for all trail users including walkers, runners, mountain bike riders and horse riders,” she said.

“Council will also create a new mountain bike skills area, two new shared-use trails and a new all-abilities access walking trail, with the project to designed to deliver a world-class day use area that will attract trail users from elite sportspeople to families and event organisers.”

Divisional Councillor Julie Talty said all recreational trails would remain open during the seven-month construction period unless otherwise signed, though some access points would be affected.

“The current vehicle access trail off German Church Road will be closed but alternate entry points from this road will be available, with parking outside the reserve entry,” Cr Talty said.

“Entries to trails from Days Road, Kidd Street and Teviot Road will not be affected – however we do ask those accessing Bayview Conservation Area through these points be respectful of neighbouring properties when parking.”

Kidd Street and German Church Road parking points have space for trailers.

View the Bayview Conservation Area Trails Facility Concept and Development Plan [PDF 18MB].

Station Master’s Cottage to move to historic precinct


July 11, 2017

One of Cleveland’s landmark buildings – the 128-year-old Station Master’s cottage – will be moved to a new site this week on Thursday from 4am.

The historic cottage will be relocated from 204 Middle Street to Linear Park at 120 Shore Street North to sit beside the Redland City Lions Hall and Old Schoolhouse Gallery.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the cottage is a Cleveland icon, and an integral part of the history of Cleveland.

“The cottage was originally located on the Cleveland rail line, which boasted a busy goods yard where farm produce and goods were transported from the Redlands to the Brisbane markets at Woolloongabba,” she said.

“It was originally built in 1889 when the railway line to Cleveland was opened, and was within sight of the former Cleveland Central rail station,” she said.

Council voted in 2015 to relocate the building in recognition of the important place it played in Redlands’ history.

The relocation to its final resting place in the old Cleveland township precinct will be a coordinated effort between Council, Energex, Queensland Police, Department of Natural Resources and Mines and RSL Queensland.

The precinct extends from the Cleveland Lighthouse past the old Courthouse and Grandview Hotel to several remaining historical cottages in Shore St East and Passage Street.

“Residents may have noticed increased activity at the cottage in recent weeks as it’s been prepared for relocation to the new site in Linear Park,” Cr Williams said.

“There will be altered traffic conditions on Middle, Passage and North Streets from 4am on Thursday 13 July while the building is moved,” she said.

Local Councillor for Division 2 which includes Cleveland, Peter Mitchell, said the cottage would be available for use as a community facility after relocation, with an expression of interest to be publicly advertised.

“Once the cottage is in its new home, services will be reconnected and checks done to ensure it complies with the building code, including a new ramp to improve accessibility,” he said.

“The expression of interest is expected to be advertised in the first six months of next year (2018).

“Local community groups and organisations interested in using the premises for the benefit of the Redlands community are encouraged to apply,” he said.

Redlands RSL General Manager, Peter Harrison said that the cottage was gifted to Council last year by the RSL to make way for an extension to their facilities.

“We have been using the cottage as an admin building for the past ten years, but the time has come for it to go because of our future expansion plans – we would much prefer to give it to the community than see the historic building ripped down and thrown away,” he said.

Macleay Island foreshore redevelopment to commence


July 7, 2017

Work is set to begin this month on an $8.5 million upgrade of the Macleay Island foreshore precinct, providing substantial long term improvements to island parking issues, greater access for recreational boaties and sealing asbestos contamination on the foreshore.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said civil construction group Pensar Civil Pty Ltd had been awarded the contract to construct a new seawall and sealed car park, associated road works and marine infrastructure, a new two-lane recreational boat ramp, a third lane for a future floating walkway, and access stairs.

“This is the largest single infrastructure project in the 2017-2018 budget and the entire foreshore project has been designed to entomb any possible presence of asbestos at the site,” Cr Williams said.

“The redevelopment will provide an additional 147 car parks [please see correction regarding the number of parking spaces for this project], including an additional six disabled car parks, 26 car-trailer parks and eight motorcycle parks, as well as an improved drop-off zone and safer vehicle access.

“The new precinct has been designed to minimise interaction between vehicles and pedestrians by having designated walkways throughout the facility.

“Barge traffic and recreational boat ramp users will also be separated in the new design, with the new boat ramp being constructed to the west of the ferry terminal.

“The existing rock revetment wall will be extended and a formalised beach landing area designed to minimise the impacts of the expanded facility.

“Fully landscaped bio retention basins will also be built to ensure that stormwater discharged from the site will be of the highest quality possible.”

Divisional Councillor Mark Edwards said the Macleay Island foreshore upgrade reflects years of effort to gain works approval and will benefit all the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.

“The SMBI are a unique part of our city and the Macleay foreshore project is just part of Council’s ongoing commitment to investing in and improving infrastructure, parks and community facilities on the SMBI,” he said.

“In addition to Macleay island foreshore works, Council’s 2017-18 budget includes additional investment towards improved SMBI liveability and strengthening island economies with $3.4 million for more green road sealing and a further $1.15 million for boat ramps and marine infrastructure.”

Main Roads and Ports Minister Mark Bailey said the Queensland Government had contributed more than $1.9 million towards the construction of the new recreational boat ramp from the Marine Infrastructure Fund.

“I am pleased to see this project coming to fruition as the new boat ramp will be a vital piece of public marine infrastructure for the island community”.

“This is a great example of the state and local governments working together to deliver benefits for Queenslanders,” Mr Bailey said.

Tickets now on sale for this year’s Mayoral Prayer Breakfast


July 6, 2017

Local residents can help make a difference to the lives of Redland families with tickets on sale (from Monday 10 July) for this year’s Redland City Mayoral Prayer Breakfast to be held on Friday 18 August at the Redlands Sporting Club.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said she had seen first-hand how the annual event had made a positive difference to the lives of local youth and the broader community.

“School chaplaincy programs provide important guidance and enable our city’s students to fulfil their potential,” Cr Williams said.

“This year’s event will feature guest speaker Pastor Neale Collier, a school chaplain, youth leader and camp director, who will share his stories about his passion to see young people reach their full potential through Christ.

“Neale’s work through school mission trips not only uplifts the lives of children living in poverty but also sees his Australian students inspired and impassioned by making a real difference in the world.”

Cr Williams said tickets for the popular event were expected to sell fast with proceeds supporting local school chaplains.

“Since it began locally in 2003 this event has raised more than $115,000 for state school chaplaincy programs in the Redlands, which in turn support local families,” she said.

“Last year’s breakfast was so popular that it sold out with more than 200 business leaders, government representatives, community members, local church and school leaders attending and giving generously.

“I urge anyone wanting to attend to get in quick to secure a spot.”

2017 Mayoral Prayer Breakfast event details:

When: Friday 18 August 2017, 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 10 July until sold out for $55 each or $500 for a table of 10.

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

New outdoor gym at Wellington Point park


July 6, 2017

New outdoor exercise stations have been officially unveiled today in Three Paddocks Park, Wellington Point, thanks to a partnership between Council and health initiative realSpaces.

Locals including Councillor Paul Bishop and Redland Deputy Mayor Wendy Boglary try out the new exercise stations.

Redland Deputy Mayor Wendy Boglary said the new exercise equipment provided residents an option for a free workout while enjoy the benefits of the great outdoors.

“Seventeen individual exercise stations have been installed in Three Paddocks Park creating a state-of-the-art, outdoor gym covering everything from strength to cardio and core,” said Cr Boglary.

“With a cross trainer, recumbent bike, spinning bike, hand bike, chest press and seated row, lat pull down and shoulder press, pull and assisted pull up, dips and leg raise, leg press and bench stations, and plyometric boxes, which allow users to perform up to 25 different exercises.

“There are instructions on how to use each piece of equipment, training tips for different levels of fitness, strength and ability, and even instructional videos accessible through QR codes and your smartphone.”

Birkdale North and Thorneside divisional councillor Paul Bishop said Three Paddocks Park was a local social hub and the new outdoor gym a valuable community asset for the city.

“Outdoor recreational facilities that encourage exercise make for happy and healthier communities and this equipment is a great addition to our community which will no doubt prove popular with residents of all ages and abilities,” he said.

“Regular exercise improves health and wellbeing and this new outdoor gym will provide a dynamic workout for users – without the need for a gym membership – while also providing the benefits of exercising outside.

“Ours is the fourth realSpaces outdoor gym to be installed in south-east Queensland, with similar equipment already in use at Bray Park, Logan and Lowood.”

The outdoor community gym is an initiative of Real Insurance in conjunction with Redland City Council, with more than $38,000 contributed by Cr Boglary and Cr Bishop from their community infrastructure programs. Visit realSpaces.org to learn more about the initiative.

MMEIC honoured at National NAIDOC Awards


July 4, 2017

Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council Aboriginal Corporation (MMEIC) has been honoured at the 2017 NAIDOC Awards in Cairns over the weekend, winning the prestigious Caring for Country award.

Acting Redland City Mayor Wendy Boglary said the awards recognised the exceptional commitment the elders from North Stradbroke, Moreton and Moreton Bay islands show their traditional lands and culture.

“Congratulations to MMEIC, who were among five Queensland recipients of the ten national awards for excellence announced over the weekend,” said Cr Boglary.

“This award, which was accepted in Cairns on Saturday night by Aunty Merle Dipple and Aunty Lynette Shipway on behalf of MMEIC, is national recognition of the exceptional talent, commitment and achievements of our local traditional owners.

“As well as their breath-taking beauty, the islands of Moreton Bay have a rich cultural heritage dating back tens of thousands of years, and this national award celebrates the efforts of the Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders in preserving culture and country for future generations.

“Since it commenced in 1993, MMEIC has worked hard to preserve and pass on knowledge of their heritage to ensure the stories and culture of their people continue for years to come.

“The award comes in the same week as today’s sixth anniversary of the historic Native Title Determination for North Stradbroke Island when the Federal Court recognised the continuous connection between the island’s indigenous community and the land and waters of Minjerribah.”

Cr Boglary said Council was providing a free community program of events to encourage all Redland residents to participate in this year’s NAIDOC Week.

“NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to learn more about the first people of this nation, acknowledge the important role they continue to play in forging our nation’s history and to celebrate their rich culture,” she said.

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

“There are also two new exhibitions featuring Indigenous artists at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland, including Ruby and Hunter by Claudia Moodoonuthi and Island Made, which features handmade functional objects by local artists and makers.

“NAIDOC Week also marks the beginning of the Quandamooka Festival, a three-month program of events and activities to celebrate local Aboriginal culture, country and people.”

Visit our What’s On Calendar for Council and community events scheduled for the week.