Monthly Archives: May 2018

New draft Waste Management Local Law open for consultation – repealed State legislation


May 9, 2018

Redland City Council will commence community consultation on the new draft Local Law No. 8 (Waste Management) 2018 after the State Government’s decision to pass responsibility back to Councils from 1 July 2018.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said that there would be no surprises in the draft Local Law No 8 (Waste Management) 2018.

“This local law is a necessary instrument for Council to continue to provide waste management services within the Redlands given the changes at State level.

“Council will now be the head of power for provisions which until now have been regulated by State legislation –   specifically Chapter 5A of the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 and Section 7 in Part 2A of the Waste Reduction & Recycling Regulation 2011.

Proposed Local Law No.8 (Waste Management) 2018 will protect the City’s public health, safety and amenity by:

  • regulating the storage, servicing and removal of general waste and green waste;
  • regulating the disposal of waste at Council’s waste management facilities;
  • ensuring that an act or emission does not result in human injury, property damage or environmental harm; and
  • designating general waste and green waste collection areas in the City.

“The local law would also replace provisions relating to matters at Council’s waste management facilities, including unlawful disposal and burning of waste,” Cr Williams said.

How to have your say

From 23 May, you will be able to view and have your say on this draft local law online on the Your Say Redland City website.

Alternatively, you can visit a Council Customer Service Centre (in Cleveland, Capalaba and Victoria Point) or an island library to view printed copies of the amendments and pick up a printed submission form.

Completed submission forms, or your own properly made submission, can be:

  • emailed to rcc@redland.qld.gov.au writing Waste Management Local Law in the subject field;
  • posted to PO Box 21, Cleveland, QLD, 4163; or
  • dropped into a Council Customer Service Centre.

Your submission must be received by close of business 29 June 2018.

All formally made submissions received during the 37 day consultation period – 23 May to 29 June – will be considered for inclusion before a report and revised draft local law is returned to Council for further consideration, and should it be endorsed, review by the State Government.

Mystery banquet to raise funds during Domestic Violence Month


May 4, 2018

The location for Redlands’ most prestigious fundraiser, Dîner en Rouge, remains a mystery, not just for the fun of it, but to symbolise the secrecy that has enshrouded the serious issue of domestic and family violence for so long.

Redland City Mayor, Karen Williams said the annual formal event on Saturday 12 May 2018 is at the heart of a growing movement of support in the Redlands for those affected by domestic and family violence.

“Funds raised from previous gala banquets now total more than $225,000, boosted by substantial donations from local community organisations and benefactors,’’ Cr Williams said.

With only seven crisis accommodation units across the bayside catering for a population of more than 150,000, they are in high demand and Council is looking at ways to build another four.

Proceeds from Dîner en Rouge this year would be added to these funds already held by the Redland Foundation, and bring Redlands closer to providing the extra crisis accommodation so desperately needed in the region.

“Hopefully the success of our fundraising efforts will entice the State Government to join with us and local advocates to make that happen.”

Dîner en Rouge not only provides a sumptuous banquet and entertainment, but also emphasises the need for a community effort to tackle the insidious nature of domestic and family violence. Those who are unable to attend the banquet could still contribute to raising funds through the Dîner en Rouge Raffle.

Raffle tickets are available at Redland Performing Arts Centre Box Office, Redland City Council Customer Service Centres at Cleveland, Capalaba and Victoria Point or purchased over the phone with the Redland Performing Arts Centre on 3829 8131.

Dîner en Rouge event details:

When: Saturday 12 May 2018

Location: Revealed on the night. Meet at 4.30pm at Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC), Middle Street, Cleveland.

Tickets: $175 each or $1700 for a table of 10 (including GST).

Book online from the RPAC website, by phoning 3829 8131 during business hours, or in person at the RPAC Box Office, 2-16 Middle Street, Cleveland.

Redlands looks to cultural experiences


May 2, 2018

The Redlands will learn from New Zealand’s successful tourism model to develop its own world-class cultural tourism identity, Redland City Mayor Karen Williams says.

Cr Williams, who recently attended the World Indigenous Tourism Summit and visited New Zealand cultural tourism enterprises with representatives of the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) and the tourism industry, said there was no doubt the Redlands’ rich Quandamooka heritage would contribute significantly to the city’s economic future.

“There was a clear message in what we saw in New Zealand, which is a leading example of how to embed tourism into culture, rather than culture simply being a commercial opportunity,’’ Cr Williams said.

“The traditional stories and traditions of the Maoris thrive through tourism … and people want to experience them. We visited great examples of how this is done well, such as an arts and cultural facility born out of a small group of traditional weavers and carvers that has grown into a centre that supports a school for these ancient skills and generates income through commissioned pieces sold world-wide.

“We can learn so much from how they ‘culturalise’ an experience rather than commercialising culture, with our Quandamooka traditional heritage and natural environment really quite breathtaking. There, as we are doing in the Redlands, local government has helped by creating a climate for such enterprises to succeed and investing in destination marketing and tourism development. And, like the Redlands, there are strong relationships and a desire to make it happen on all sides, with the Quandamooka Festival a wonderful example.”

QYAC CEO Cameron Costello said the Quandamooka Coast was ideally placed to become the region’s leading international-standard indigenous tourism destination, particularly with new glamping accommodation, a cultural centre, whale interpretive facility and new recreational trail projects in the pipeline.

“Our Quandamooka heritage is increasingly being embraced and celebrated in the city through events such as the annual Quandamooka Festival,’’ Mr Costello said.

“Indigenous tourism, done sensitively and authentically, can be the unique tourism driver that the Redlands needs. The trip gained valuable insights into global best practice and strategies for world class tourism experiences.

“We are well placed to be the first in South East Queensland to really nail our cultural tourism opportunities and capitalise on state and council infrastructure investment, including the billions being poured in to Brisbane’s airport, Queen’s Wharf, cruise terminal and Howard Smith Wharf and Cleveland’s Toondah Harbour.

“All connect with the bay and can benefit from access to authentic traditional cultural experiences. Along with Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), our Quandamooka culture can provide it, helping to make the region an internationally desired destination.”

The delegation, organised by Brisbane Marketing, included Member for Redlands Kim Richards and Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell, as well as Queensland tourism industry representatives.

“We greatly appreciate the support and commitment from Council, the State Government, Brisbane Marketing, Flight Centre and Air New Zealand to take positive steps to realise our vision for the Quandamooka Coast to become a global eco cultural tourism destination,” Mr Costello said.

Brisbane Marketing CEO Brett Fraser said the further development of traditional cultural experiences would enhance the Greater Brisbane region’s appeal as a tourism destination, particularly from international markets.

“By identifying world’s best practice in New Zealand, the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation is well-placed to share its culture to visitors in a unique way that will resonate and create long-lasting memories,” he said.

“We know that authentic traditional cultural experiences and story-telling are highly sought-after by visitors and these offerings will help grow tourism numbers, contribute to the local economy and aid the region in standing out as a world-class destination.”

Flight Centre marketing manager Tara Young, who was part of the delegation, said the trip gave the company confidence that Quandamooka Country had a lot to offer the world tourism stage.

“Flight Centre is excited to be on this journey with the Quandamooka People and looks forward to helping the people celebrating and showcasing their culture and country, to Australian and international markets,’’ she said.

No Council plans to change domestic animal laws – Straddie


May 1, 2018

Redland City Council is keen to debunk the myth that it plans to ban domestic dogs and cats on North Stradbroke Island (Straddie).

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said rumours that Council plans to change the local laws to ban dogs on the island were false.

“Council has no current plans to ban dogs on North Stradbroke Island (Straddie),” Cr Williams said.

“The recent discussions about banning dogs on Straddie were not initiated by Council and Council has not commenced any work to enact such a ban.

“Redland City Council has been actively working with key agencies on a coordinated response to domestic dog attacks on North Stradbroke Island (Straddie) wildlife.

“As part of that response, Council officers were invited to a meeting at which they were asked to hypothetically outline the process that would need to be undertaken to ban dogs on North Stradbroke Island.

“There are no Council plans to ban dogs on Straddie and any move to do so would require community support and a local law amendment following robust community engagement.

“Judging by recent feedback I doubt the broader community would support banning dogs on Straddie, but if other community groups believe there is community support for banning domestic pets on the island they are encouraged to engage the community and then present their findings.”

Division 2 Councillor for North Stradbroke Island Cr Peter Mitchell said while the misinformation around the proposed dog ban was unfortunate, it had created an opportunity to discuss an important topic.

“Council is participating in a cross-agency solution to protect the natural and cultural values of the island, with our priority being community education and awareness to encourage and promote responsible pet ownership,” Cr Mitchell said.

“Changes to local laws are only one option within a bigger strategy in helping protect people and wildlife on both the island and the mainland, and Council is focused on other actions to deal with the issue.

“Redland City Council regularly carries out patrols and responds to domestic dog-related reports on the mainland and areas of North Stradbroke and other islands in the City that are under Council jurisdiction.

“We also have a feral animal eradication program which protects the local environment by managing the population of feral animals across the island.

“Despite Council being a minority landowner on Straddie, our officers have been actively working with key agencies on a coordinated response to domestic dog attacks on wildlife on the island, and have ‘upped the ante’ recently in response to heightening community concerns.

“Our priority is to focus on the people who own the domestic animals and educate and build awareness of their obligations and responsibilities in keeping both people and wildlife safe.

“Council plans include developing and distributing educational material directly to households on North Stradbroke Island which sets out their obligations and responsibilities, as well as the impacts that straying dogs to have on human safety and wildlife.

Council is committed to working with all agencies to address this issue, and acknowledges the importance of our natural and cultural values of North Stradbroke Island and other areas in the City.