Monthly Archives: April 2018

Bayview Conservation Area opening boasts crowds


April 30, 2018

The official opening of a $1.3 million upgrade to Bayview Conservation Area at Redland Bay was marked on Saturday 28 April with crowds gathering to enjoy free activities, view displays and explore new trails.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said it was wonderful to see so many people out enjoying the world-class facility.

“Today’s opening had it all, with horse riders, walkers, mountain bike riders and families coming together to celebrate the transformation of a previously empty field into an outstanding regional recreational asset,” Cr Williams said.

“Ranger Stacie from Totally Wild joined the fun, and was a favourite with the kids – as was the opportunity to get up close to some of our native animals at a wildlife display.

“As our largest mainland conservation area in Redland City, Bayview already had a great reputation for its natural beauty and extensive trail network.

“These new facilities will cement its place as a tourism and event destination, bringing significant economic and social outcomes.

“We are also investing in environmental outcomes, enhancing Bayview’s wonderful biodiversity with 25,000 plants going into the reserve as part of Council’s One Million Native Plants Project.”

Division 6 Councillor, Julie Talty said the new day use area offered 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.

“Today’s opening is a great example of the type of community-friendly events Bayview can now cater for,” Cr Talty said.

“These upgrades give people easy access to the great outdoors, while ensuring facilities are available to support its varied usage and protect the area’s environmental values.”

“I urge people to come and enjoy all this area has to offer – with stunning native vegetation, a brand-new mountain-bike skills area and almost 60km of trails, including many multi-use trails for horse riders, walkers and bike riders– it is a wonderful community space.”

A simple test could save your life


April 23, 2018

The 2018 Rotary Bowelscan Queensland campaign is under way and Redland City Mayor Karen Williams is urging locals to participate and help save lives.

Coordinated by Rotarians from the local Rotary District 9630, the campaign launched at Princess Alexandra Hospital last week, with PAH Director of the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Professor Gerald Holtmann MD PhD MBA as guest speaker.

The annual drive aims to reduce the number of lives lost to bowel cancer.

The disease is the second biggest cancer killer in Australia, with about 80 Australians dying from the disease every week.

Bowel cancer can affect anyone and can develop without obvious symptoms for some time, increasing the importance of people of all ages being aware of good bowel health.

If detected early, however, bowel cancer is 90 per cent curable, and local Rotarians are encouraging early detection through testing.

Throughout May and June, Rotary’s Bowelscan campaign will offer subsidised test kits.

The test is completed in privacy and analysed for free by Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology.

The kits sell for $15 from participating pharmacies or $17.50 online, and analysis is free.

Cr Williams commended the local Rotarians for their dedicated efforts in helping to raise awareness of the disease and the importance of being tested.

“Rotary is renowned for helping communities across the world, and with that drive and experience focused on encouraging people to be tested for possible bowel cancer these Rotarians are certainly making a difference,” she said.

“Last year, Rotarians sold about 65,000 Bowelscan test kits across Australia, saving the lives of more than 4300 people – almost 850 of them from Queensland.

“I’m urging locals to take part in the campaign by buying, using and submitting a test for analysis, and encouraging others to do the same.

“This is a simple, cost-effective test available to everyone, and it may save your life or that of a loved one.”

Cr Williams also encouraged Redlanders to follow Bowelscan Queensland on social media and to like, share and retweet campaign posts to help spread the word.

Visit Rotary Bowelscan for more information about the campaign, including details of where kits can be purchased.

Koala Detection Dogs coming to a place near you


April 23, 2018

From 23 April, specially trained Koala detection dogs, Maya and Baxter, and their expert handlers will be coming to Cleveland, Ormiston, Thorneside and Wellington Point to start a city-wide Koala Population Assessment with a focus on finding Koala scats (aka poop).

Redland City Mayor, Karen Williams said Redlands is a recognised population stronghold for koalas in Queensland and houses one of Australia’s most significant coastal koala habitats.

“This unique tracking program is part of Council’s five-year Koala Conservation Strategy (KCS) which will focus on the five key threats to Koalas: habitat loss and fragmentation; road mortality; dog attacks; disease; and changes to climate.

“This project is a critical first step in understanding Koala density numbers, health, population size and survival rates, population genetics, and identifying important Koala habitat (both existing and potential).

“We’ll be targeting certain suburbs at certain times during upcoming weeks, but we are also happy to hear from Redlanders who see Koalas in their own backyard or have a Koala tree on their property,” Cr Williams said.

“Council has invested heavily in scientific programs to help protect our precious koala population, with this tracking program following other initiatives such as the ground breaking Chlamydia trial we partnered with the University of Sunshine Coast to deliver.

RCC Mayor Karen Williams with Maya and Baxter.

The Detection Dogs for Conservation Team is led by two senior ecologists and geneticists, Dr Romane Cristescu and Dr Celine Frere and multiple handlers and their dogs. With more than 25 years’ experience in Koala ecology having undertaken more than 1400 Koala scat surveys across South East Queensland, the team is expert in what they do. Maya and Baxter have, to date, conducted more than 995 and 450 Koala scat surveys respectively and are professionally trained and scientifically tested for the job.

“Koala poop can tell us lots of important things about our Koalas, and the DNA information we extract will help Redland City Council better manage and protect Redland’s Koalas into the future,” Dr Frere said.

To register for a visit by the Koala Detection Dogs contact the Koala Population Assessment Register at IndigiScapes on 3824-8611 or email indigiscapes@redland.qld.gov.au.

Once you’re registered we’ll confirm your details and arrange a time.

If you want to help in other ways – remember to look up whenever you’re walking anywhere in and around Redlands, and record your sightings on The Atlas of Living Australia. For more information on the KCS visit the Redland City Council website.

Councillors elect a new Deputy Mayor


April 20, 2018

Councillors elected Cr Lance Hewlett as Redland City’s new Deputy Mayor at the General Meeting this week.

Redland City Mayor, Karen Williams congratulated Cr Hewlett on his appointment.

“I look forward to building on and strengthening the leadership legacy delivered in partnership with Cr Boglary and I sincerely thank her for her strong commitment.

“I now look forward to continuing that journey with Cr Hewlett taking the reins as Deputy Mayor and working closely with him over the next twelve months,” Cr Williams said.

Division 4 Councillor, Lance Hewlett said

“I look forward to supporting the Mayor and Councillors, and I know the Mayor and I will work well together to deliver important outcomes for the City.

“We are afforded a special privilege by the people of the Redlands when we are elected and we have been collectively entrusted to lead this city,” he said.

“I’m truly humbled that my fellow Councillors have seen fit to entrust me with the position of Deputy Mayor, and I will work above and beyond to meet their expectations” he said.

Division 1 Councillor since 2008, Cr Boglary said it had been a huge honour and privilege to have held the Deputy Councillor for the past two years.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed being able serve the community and contribute on a higher level across the whole City as Deputy Mayor and want to thank my fellow Councillors for having given me the opportunity.

“I made a decision not to re-contest the position as I believe others should have the opportunity to learn and grow, something this position definitely provides.

“I have enjoyed meeting so many wonderful people in the community and I know Cr Hewlett will enjoy the broader engagement beyond his own division as well.

Today’s decision will see Cr Hewlett serve as Deputy Mayor for a one-year period, with Councillors to then vote on the person to serve as Deputy Mayor for the following 12 months.

New Redlands publication honours local Diggers


April 19, 2018

Redland City Council today celebrated the launch of a First World War commemorative book developed through Redland Libraries with Queensland Government support.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the book launch of Remembering them: Honouring the First World War servicemen and women of the Redlands was a culmination of years of work and research.

“The Centenary of Anzac is one of the most significant commemorations in our nation’s history, as we reflect on the service and sacrifice of thousands of Australians,” Cr Williams said.

“This book is a wonderful partnership project, made possible through Queensland Government funding and collaboration between Redland Libraries and many community members.

“This book documents the stories of our local community members and their experiences of the war and will ensure that the contributions of these brave Redland citizens are honoured, valued and remembered for generations to come.

“As we lead-up to Anzac Day, I hope many in our community will have the opportunity to read through the pages of this book, and hold these brave individuals close to their hearts across Redlands on 25 April.”

Deputy Mayor Cr Lance Hewlett, who officially launched the publication, said Remembering them brought local history to life and gave the opportunity to look into the faces of these servicemen and women, and remember they were real people with real hopes and dreams.

“Through photographs, letters, postcards and archival documents, it also allows us to reflect on the devastating impact of the war on the lives of the families at home,” Cr Hewlett said.

“It also tells some less well-known stories of the time, such as the sacrifices of our Aboriginal Redlanders, many of whom had to lie about their heritage in order to fight for this country.”

Remembering them: Honouring the First World War servicemen and women of the Redlands is a limited-edition book, with copies to be available for borrowing through Redlands Libraries. An e-book copy of the book will also be available via the Redland Libraries website redland.qld.gov.au/library and through the State Library of Queensland.

 Remembering them: Honouring the First World War servicemen and women of the Redlands was produced by Redland City Council with contributions from several community members and organisations.

The project was made possible by $26,889.82 of funding provided by the Queensland Anzac Centenary grants program which supported the research, editing, design, advertising and printing of the book.

The Queensland Government is proud to support this Anzac Centenary project which commemorates the role played by Queenslanders in Australia’s military history.

There are hundreds of projects across Queensland keen to share their work and would welcome your support.

To stay informed of upcoming Anzac Centenary projects and special Remembrance Day events near you go to www.qld.gov.au/anzac100 or like the facebook.com.au/AnzacCentenaryQld page.

Brown and Williams join forces to call for Eastern Busway business case


April 19, 2018

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams and Member for Capalaba Don Brown have joined forces to call on the State Government to undertake a business case into the delivery of the long awaited Eastern Busway to Capalaba in 2019.

Mayor Karen Williams said she had asked Mr Brown to sponsor her petition to the State Parliament calling for them to prepare a full strategic business case for delivering the Eastern Busway to Capalaba through Building Queensland with capacity to extend and connect to Victoria Point.

“This petition will provide residents with the chance to tell the government how important the Eastern Busway is for their daily commute and I thank Mr Brown for standing up for the city by supporting the petition,” Cr Williams said.

“Extending the Eastern Busway to Capalaba has been spoken about for a number of years and is an important project to help with traffic congestion in and out of the Redlands.

“While an Eastern Busway is not currently included in his government’s SEQ regional plan, it is comforting that Mr Brown is willing to put his name to this petition to call for a business case to be completed by Building Queensland to investigate the long awaited project for the Capalaba community.

Cr Williams said delivering the Eastern Busway to Capalaba had the potential to bring the Brisbane Metro to the Redlands.

“Once we have the business case, we will be able to see the full cost and benefits of the project and apply for Infrastructure Australia funding.”

Member for Capalaba Don Brown said, “It’s great to be working alongside Mayor Williams to advocate for our city.

“An Eastern Busway would build upon the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to public transport. We are committed to delivering the $25 million Eastern Transitway which will improve travel times for Redlands bus commuters to Brisbane City and help pave the way for an Eastern Busway.

“This is in addition to the $5.4b Cross River Rail project which will deliver trains every 6 minutes in peak hour and save commuters 14 minutes into Brisbane City, as well as, our Fairer Fares reform, which saves workers travelling from Redlands to Brisbane city $800 per year,” Don Brown said.

We encourage all residents to get online to sign and share the petition.

Business as usual for kerbside recycling collection in the Redlands


April 19, 2018

It is business as usual for Redland City Council’s kerbside recycling collection service with yellow-topped recycling bins continuing to be collected fortnightly from every Redland residence.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council has just renegotiated a two-year extension (until June 2020) with Visy, the supplier that sorts, processes or recycles the city’s recyclable materials.

“It is important that Redland Residents continue their efforts to sort their household recyclables so their yellow-topped bin is as free from contaminants as possible. Recycling correctly ensures the city has a premium product that can be properly recycled into new products,” Cr Williams said.

“I urge everyone to be part of the solution – continue to recycle and recycle well. In the Redlands, the average contamination rate for yellow-topped recycling bins remains steady at around 7 per cent, due in part to Council’s sustained and ongoing education campaigns about recycling behaviour, waste minimisation and sustainable living.

“Councils with unacceptably high recycling contamination levels are now facing prohibitive processing costs, following market impacts caused by China’s National Sword Policy.

“Redlands is not in that position, nor do we want to be. Our best course of action is to band together as a community to recycle right, keeping our product clean and saleable,” Cr Williams said.

The only materials your recycling bin loves are firm plastics, steel and aluminum cans, glass, paper and cardboard. The most common contaminants we find are plastic bags, clothing, nappies, styrofoam, food waste and garden waste.

Please do your part by keeping these, along with excess general waste, out of your recycling bin. Excess general waste can be either held over for the next weekly kerbside general waste collection or taken to a waste transfer station free of charge. Council also provides an optional kerbside green waste bin for garden organics.

Helpful information of Council’s waste services and how to manage and dispose of waste and recycling can be found at:

https://www.redland.qld.gov.au/info/20190/guidance_on_different_types_of_waste/327/a-z_of_waste_and_recycling

https://www.redland.qld.gov.au/info/20154/bins_waste_and_recycling/338/councils_waste_strategy

Redlands embraces the Games and the benefits flow


April 16, 2018

Redland City Council’s early and strong advocacy for opportunities with the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games has paid off, with a swathe of short and long term benefits already flowing for our region.

Redland City Mayor, Karen Williams said, the Games was much more than just a sporting event, it brought the potential for benefits that span tourism and economic growth, trade and business, arts and culture, and sports and healthy lifestyle.

“Being part of the 2018 Commonwealth Games is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and Council has been working with the community and local businesses in the years leading up to the event, to ensure long-lasting cultural and eco-tourism tourism benefits.

“Our athletes shone with three bringing home Gold: Shayna Jack of Alexandra Hills won gold in the Women’s 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay; Melissa Wu from Thornlands won gold for the Women’s 10 m Platform (Diving) and Zac Alexander landed gold in Men’s Doubles Gold Medal Match in Squash.

“Paige Leonhardt from Mt Cotton brought home silver in the Women’s SB9 100m Breaststroke while Daniel Fox from Cleveland won bronze in the Men’s S14 200m Freestyle.

“Matthew Barnard from Ormiston also showed true sportsmanship in diving events, while ex-Ormiston College student and diver, James Connor won bronze in the Men’s 3m Springboard.

Redlands also hosted over 60 of Team England’s Commonwealth Games cycling and shooting teams during Games competition at the Anna Meares Velodrome, Chandler and Belmont Shooting Range. Team Scotland also came to town running a swimming session with Sheldon College and swimmers

Division 8 Councillor Tracey Huges said hosting Team England at the Alexandra Hills Hotel was a privilege for the city and the competitors’ with the ‘Redlands experience’ made possible through Council, community and business partnerships and advocating for teams to stay locally.

“Their presence hasn’t gone unnoticed and we hope they have enjoyed their stay and will share fond memories of their warm welcome when they return home.”

Mayor Williams said the city enjoyed national and international media exposure from the two Queen’s Baton Relays events we negotiated.

“They enabled us to profile our mainland and North Stradbroke Island communities, highlighting the regions spectacular tourism assets and showcasing our Quandamooka heritage.

“Those memories will live on as we commemorate those magical moments with plaques at both Raby Bay and Point Lookout to serve as a permanent reminder of Redlands’ role in the Games.

Culturally, Redlands stood out with the Art Exhibition of Quandamooka woman and Commonwealth Games medal designer Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, whose fantastic artwork Migalu Yalingbilla – White Humpback stole the show at the opening ceremony.

“For community the Games celebrations have brought our City together, not just through the Queen’s Baton Relay events but through the many other vibrant activities that have flowed from the Games presence in our region.

“Maryann Talia Pau of the One Million Stars to End Violence Program made Redland Art Gallery the 100th Star Weave Community, pledging to weave and collect 10,000 stars for a major installation for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, Cr Williams said.

Redlands IndigiScapes Centre also got involved using the special edition Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games themed Nature Play Passports to encourage children and families to get outside, and increase participation in outdoor, unstructured, active play, laying the foundation for lifelong stewardship of our natural environment.

Redlands Healthy & Active Program, backed by generous grants from the Australian and Queensland Governments, through the Embracing 2018 Legacy Program for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, brought a community based physical activity program to Redlands throughout Term 1, contributing to building healthier, happier and more vibrant communities.

“As part of the same funding package Redlands was able to deliver the Redlands Games Carnivale event which brought the twelve days of the Games to Raby Bay Harbour Park, where locals could enjoy the outdoors and good food while watching the Games on the big screen,” she said.

For trade, the Games brought opportunities for local and international engagement for participants in the Redlands’ Trade 2018 Program.

“Council and business decision-makers were able to build ties through forums such as Canada Connect, the Queensland and Commonwealth Collaboration and Showcase, and an International Education and Training Agent Engagement Reception.

“Further opportunity was offered at the Queensland Opportunities in E-Health and Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct Showcase, attended by Birmingham Lord Mayor, Anne Underwood, host of the next Games.

Cr Williams said that Regional Development Australia, Logan and Redlands networking had also ensured Council is now directly in contact with a delegation from the City of Birmingham, who are the next host City for the Commonwealth Games.

Join the thousands of Redlanders who are getting up and active


April 16, 2018

During Term One of the Redlands Healthy and Active Program, more than 300 people per week enjoyed the free weekly physical activities offered by Redland City Council.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said a second term of Healthy and Active would run from 16 April to 30 June and was set to be even bigger – with more activities, more variety, and something for everyone, from young kids to retirees.

“I am delighted so many Redlands residents have already taken up the challenge to get up and get active, with over 400 registering for last term’s activities using the flexible Team App,” Cr Williams said.

“But it’s not too late to get involved! Term two is kicking off with many favourites continuing on, in addition to new offerings such as pilates, yoga dance, women’s mountain bike and metafit.

“Once again they’ll be run in Redlands parks, open spaces and outdoor venues, making the most of the beautiful Redlands environment.”

Free soccer Active Pop Ups will be offered for mixed groups, girls and parents with younger kids.

New for kids this term is the Active Pop Ups Program, delivered under the Queensland Government’s Embracing 2018 Legacy Program for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and funded by the Australian Government.

Mayor Williams said qualified coaches from Redlands’ local sport and recreation clubs would run the Active Pop Ups.

“Children from five to 17 years-of-age will be able to choose from 15 different activities – from parkour and soccer through to kayaking yoga – with some being offered as single sessions and other as short courses of up to 4 weeks.

“It’s a great chance for youngsters to try their hands at new activities free of charge. No experience is necessary, but parents should check they’re able to attend all the required dates before booking.”

Check out this term’s full schedule and information on the range of free weekly activities – all out in our beautiful open spaces.

The Australian and Queensland Governments, through the Embracing 2018 Legacy Program for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, provided $38 800 to Redland City Council to deliver the Redlands Healthy & Active Program.

The Queensland Government provided $30 284 to Redland City Council to deliver the Redlands Healthy & Active Program to get women and girls active for life.

Mayor calls for early decision as QCA final report elevates water woes


April 13, 2018

Redland City Mayor, Karen Williams has called on the State Government to make their bulk water price decision by mid-May after the release of the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) Final Report which imposes even higher water costs on Councils and their ratepayers.

“We’re in budget mode now and need to understand the financial impact of the State’s decision on local budgets for the next financial year commencing in July.

“Redland City Council has done its best to minimise the overall increase in these water prices on our customers by keeping its retail charges constant since 2015-2016, but it’s just not sustainable,” Cr Williams said.

“Bulk water cost is a significant portion of the total operating expenditure of Council, and it has increased from 7% in 2012-13 to a projected 12% by the end of the 2017-18 financial year.

“Our Redlands residents have already endured annual price increases of 16.61%, 14.27%, 10.19%, 9.20% and 8.47% respectively since the 2013/14 financial year.”

“Now we find this QCA Final Report pitches future charges even higher than what was included in their draft report.

“In addition, the QCA dollar increases included in the final report are somewhat confusing as they are based on 160kl consumption when Redland consumers have average consumption of 192kl.

“Based on the higher average water usage in the Redlands, the estimated increase to consumers from the final report will be in the order of $35.90 per annum as opposed to $29.92 from the draft report, which was based on an average usage of 160kl.”

“While the cost per kilolitre has increased from the draft QCA report, Council’s preference continues to be Price Path 2 as outlined in our submission to the QCA.This option smooths the impact of the total price increase for Redlands households over the next 3 years, minimising year-on-year increases to 7.30% or lower.

“Council also understands this option pushes back the year of the common price from 19-20 to 20-21, which would also help reduce the financial burden.

“Under the QCA’s Price Path 2 our customers will need to find a further 7.30%, 6.80% and 6.37% respectively over the next three years, amounting to a total increase over three years of $107.70 based on average consumption of 192KL per year.

“So far the added total burden to Redland City budgets and ratepayers has been in the vicinity of $131M between 1 July 2012 until 30 June 2017 as a result of State Government bulk water price increases, and a further $35M has been budgeted in this financial year.

“If there’s any good news here, it is that QCA have indicated that bulk water price increases after 2020-21 will match inflation, but by that stage our residents will be feeling the pain at the tap.

Cr Williams said she would write to the State Government to express her concern at the continued bulk water price hikes.