Special Australia Day parking and management arrangements will operate at the popular Wellington Point Recreation Reserve again this year.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the Redland City Council measures, which are designed to ensure celebrations are enjoyed by all park users, include controlled entry to the reserve from 7am to 6pm on Friday 26 January.

“Council officers will also be on site to help local families and visitors enjoy one of the Redlands’ best-loved outdoor destinations.

“Wellington Point has long been a popular spot to spend Australia Day but that means it gets  very busy, so these special arrangements help ensure it’s a pleasant day for everyone.’’

Mayor Karen Williams urged visitors to the city’s parks on Australia Day to be respectful of others and to use the bins to dispose of rubbish.

“And please remember that facilities such as barbecues are there for everybody, so be considerate of others, patient and enjoy the Redlands’ great open spaces and hospitality,’’ Cr Williams said.

Deputy Mayor and Councillor for the area Wendy Boglary (Division 1) said Council and police officers will be on hand at Wellington Point Recreation Reserve to help and ensure public safety.

“There’s lots of fun activities planned at the Reserve too this year,” Cr Boglary said.

“There’ll be great Aussie music, Aussie-themed games like pin-the-face on the kangaroo joey, as well as a funky photo booth with koala and croc cut-outs for some fun photos on the day. Bay FM will also be there broadcasting live.”

“Once available parking at the reserve is full, you will be directed to the Wellington Point Community Hall car park on Birkdale Road, where you can catch a free shuttle bus,” she said.

The shuttle will run from 7am to 6pm along Main Road between the Reserve and Wellington Point Hall, on Birkdale Road. The shuttle bus drop-off area is to the east of the Point of View Café, where the existing bus stop is located and as per previous years our driver works in with the Translink bus schedule.

People are still allowed to walk their dogs on-leash at Wellington Point Reserve but only before 9am and after 4pm on the day.

The reserve’s popular boat launching ramp will continue to be available throughout the day but, once the boat trailer parking spaces are full, users will be directed to use legal parking spaces outside the reserve. Cars without trailers are not to park in boat trailer parking spaces.