Redland City Mayor Karen Williams has written to the Police Minister the Hon Mark Ryan MP requesting local police prioritise monitoring around the Weinam Creek area following a spate of recent vandalism.
Cr Williams said her plea to the Minister followed several cars being vandalised Saturday night with one car being overturned.
“As law enforcement to ensure safety in public carparks is a Police responsibility, I wrote to the Police Minister and local State Member yesterday seeking assistance for local resources to be prioritised to proactively monitor the Weinam Creek area and respond to these incidents,” Cr Williams said.
“My letter to the Minister also invited the Minister to meet with me and the local member at Weinam Creek to discuss this important matter with residents.
“Policing is a complex matter and I understand police can’t be everywhere and Council stands ready to work with the Queensland Police Service to support them in any way we can.
“I will also be writing to TransLink as operator of the terminal and requesting a meeting to discuss what assistance they can provide to monitor and improve safety in the area.”
In light of the recent vandalism Cr Williams has also called on residents and visitors to act as the eyes and ears of the community and report illegal or suspicious behaviour to Crime Stoppers or the Queensland Police Service.
“While the power and authority to deal with these crimes rests with the Queensland Police, Council strongly condemns any damage and theft caused by vandals and will do everything we can to help with the fight against vandalism,” Mayor Williams said.
“The recent vandalism to vehicles in the Weinam Creek Ferry terminal carpark on Sunday night is appalling – Queensland Police have commenced investigations and anyone with information that could lead to the prosecution of offenders should contact Crime Stoppers or the local police.”
Residents and visitors to the City can report illegal or suspicious behaviour to:
Redland City Councillor Julie Talty today raised the prospect of a Redland City Youth Council as a way to meaningfully engage on issues that matter to Redland’s youth.
Redland City Mayor, Karen Williams commended Councillor Talty on her efforts to engage Redlands youth and the future leaders of the City.
“Our world is changing and new generations bring new ideas and new ways of thinking about the challenges we face as a society and as a City,” Cr Williams said.
Council has had various mechanisms for engaging with young people in the past, including the YTALK Group, which operated from 2005 for approximately ten years, in a similar manner to a Youth Council. Council’s Strengthening Communities team currently maintains active links with local schools and youth service providers, and is looking at appropriate mechanisms for engaging and empowering young people to play a role in the City.
Division 6 Councillor Julie Talty said today’s Council resolution included asking officers to provide a brief on the history of similar programs, possible structure, benefits and predicted cost, so that Council could consider the viability of a Youth Council at a future meeting.
“I would like to see a sort of advisory panel on youth concerns and issues that would allow selected representative school students attend and consider relevant council matters.
“It would allow our young people to have more of a voice and give their thoughts on matters like youth facilities, graffiti and other antisocial behaviour, and youth events.
“Students could elect their youth representatives and this may be complemented by an outreach program component where support officers, and perhaps the local Councillor, could go into the schools to engage.
“They could potentially have a responsibility to go back and report on the issues through the student body at their school.
“It’s important to understand young people’s views on wider issues too, like public transport, technology and environment.
“While there have been various outreach and consultative programs over the years aimed at our local young people, in many cases these have been issue specific.
“This initiative is designed to be a little more high level, affording the students the opportunity to understand how Council operates and provide their views on matters that impact them,” Cr Talty said.
Redland City Council has adopted a public art framework following a review of its public art program by external industry professionals, with input from Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC).
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said that public art said a lot about a community and it was timely that Council enshrined a formal framework to ensure our distinctive Redlands character and identity was always apparent.
“With 90 public art projects commissioned since 1993 and a public art policy adopted in 2003, it is time for Council to refresh and formalise our approach.
“The new framework will help guide the acquisition of high-quality public artworks by ensuring due consideration of cultural themes, delivery platforms, art work types, commissioning and implementation actions,” Cr Williams said.
Deputy Mayor Cr Hewlett said that it couldn’t come at a better time, as we embrace our new Redlands Coast identity – the place brand recently adopted by Council to support local tourism and economic development.
Redlands Coast, with the tag line “Naturally Wonderful” was arrived at after extensive community consultation with about 5000 residents.
“With public art projects being subject to Council’s annual budgetary approvals, the new public art framework also provides opportunities to attract external funding to strengthen our emerging Redlands Coast identity,” Cr Hewlett said.
Mayor Karen Williams said that while Council supported the key principles of the new State Government strategy – underpinned by a waste disposal levy – the lack of detail in their paper meant that she could not be sure there would be no direct impacts on Redland households.
“I am very mindful of modern cost of living pressures and Council carefully considers each budget to achieve an efficient position without loss of service or community satisfaction,” Cr Williams said.
“It is hard to tell how the State Government can meet its commitment for no direct cost to households when they have only considered red-lidded household bins under their ill-defined definition of municipal solid waste (MSW).
“Under the paper, Councils would get 105 per cent advance payment to offset the additional levy costs on municipal solid waste (MSW). But red-lidded wheelie bins only account for 75 per cent of MSW. The other 25 per cent is made up of household waste that residents take to waste transfer stations (self-haul waste). Councils are also seeking clarity on public litter bins and bulk bins from domestic multiple dwellings.
“Ratepayers could end up footing the bill for any of these categories, and Council understands that the inclusion of self-haul waste is not certain.
“The paper also lacks assurance to local government that these advance payments will continue, with a lack of transparency in the State budgets papers beyond 2018/2019,” Cr Williams said.
Redland City Deputy Mayor Lance Hewlett said it was also concerning that the State Government’s proposed levy start date was the first quarter of 2019.
“We would like commencement delayed until 1 July 2019 to give Council time to plan for essential things like staffing, infrastructure, IT and finance systems, procedure reviews and communications.
“Aside for the logistical difficulties in meeting such a short lead time, Council has already set its budget parameters for consideration by Council on 25 June 2018 for the next financial year. It is currently not possible to reset the utility charges – for example for commercial kerbside collection – so Council expenses would increase without any opportunity for revenue adjustment.
“Council has an excellent record when it comes to waste minimisation, recovery and recycling and our community should be commended for embracing kerbside recycling. We have low recycling contamination rates compared with other local governments, thanks in large part to ongoing and sustained education campaigns.
“We welcome changes in the waste management section, but cannot give wholesale support for a paper which lacks the detail to assure us that our households will not be penalised,” Cr Hewlett said.
Redlanders are invited for morning tea and a floor talk on Sunday 17 June at Redland Art Gallery (RAG) to help celebrate its 15th Birthday with a new exhibition that highlights what people love about Redlands.
Redland City Mayor, Karen Williams said the #luvRedlands exhibition draws inspiration from more than 4,800 residents and visitors who shared what they feel is unique to the Redlands as part of a ten month City Brand project.
Showcasing artworks from the RAG Collection, #luvRedlands is a fun and playful way of engaging with visitors of all ages while telling some of the stories behind the new place brand.
“Redlands is set to emerge with an exciting new identity following consultation with almost 5,000 locals, business owners and visitors.
“The brand positioning statement, ‘Redlands Coast – Naturally Wonderful’ emerged from the research and was the clear choice among participants in the engagement.
“We are excited to be embarking on a new journey to deliver a Redlands story that will support business, attract trade and investment, open up tourism opportunities and build on our already strong community pride.” Cr Williams said.
Event details
Floor talk and morning tea with exhibition Curator, Emma Bain
When: 10am, Sunday 17 June
Where: Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland, Cnr Middle and Bloomfield Streets, Cleveland
The new name “Redlands Coast” is for marketing purposes. It does not change the official name of the city or replace the Redland City Council name or logo.
Redland City Council is trialing a new approach to curbing graffiti in our public areas while giving our local parks a facelift at the same time.
Redland City Mayor, Karen Williams said the Montgomery Park at Wellington Point is one of two selected in the region for a makeover.
“We chose two parks, the second being William Stewart Park at Thornlands, which are in constant need of cleaning of unsightly graffiti and tagging.
“Then we commissioned local graffiti artist Ben Stand to incorporate his designs as a cost effective solution,” Cr Williams said.
“There is a hierarchy within the graffiti sub-culture where respect is given to artwork created by other graffiti artists, and we are hoping that Ben’s artwork in these parks will deter tagging.
Artist Ben Stand with Cr Tracey Huges in design stage
“If successful, the plan will then be rolled out for similar projects in the greater Redlands area.”
Division 8 Councillor, Tracey Huges said she encouraged local residents to visit the newly upgraded Montgomery Park, borrow a book and replace it with another, and enjoy the beautiful surrounds.
“When local Alexandra Hills resident, Edna Searle contacted me with her vision for a community library, I jumped at the chance to get it happening.
“I shared Edna’s vision with the Alexandra Hills Men’s Shed who supported the project whole-heartedly.
“Through a Councillors’ Small Grant of $2,800 the Men’s Shed were able to purchase machinery and equipment needed to complete the fabrication.”
“I’d like to thank the many people involved in bringing the project to life, particularly Chris Mirow, one of the talented Men’s Shed members, who took charge of the manufacture of the metal library, donating his time and materials for the project.
“Ben and I then collaborated on the vision of a mystical fairy theme and an enchanted garden,” Cr Huges said.
“His masterpiece even included a beautiful fairy, at the request of a small girl watching Ben paint.
“I am overwhelmed with the encouraging feedback and engagement of our community, knowing that this fantastic collaboration will enhance enjoyment of the park by local residents, for many years to come.”
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams is appealing to all Redlanders to join her in helping the homeless as she again participates in the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout.
Cr Williams will swap her comfy bed for a piece of cardboard on the evening of 21 June and said that the colder weather served as a reminder that there are those among us who can’t get warm.
“Queensland still has the third-highest homeless population in Australia with more than 20,000 Queenslanders without a place to call home, and many more at risk of homelessness. This includes about 250 people in the Redlands.
“Sleeping rough for one night doesn’t compare to the challenges faced for those suffering homelessness in our community. I get to go home at the end of the night, while for some it’s a long-term challenge that needs the support of the entire community and the Vinnies CEO Sleepout is an opportunity to provide that support.
“I’m aiming to raise $5000 for this vital cause and ask those who are able to donate via my fundraising page.
“Your contribution can make a real difference. Just $55 will supply a week’s worth of food for a family, $105 will keep a family’s power on for the winter and $155 pays for emergency accommodation for a family in crisis,” Cr Williams said.
As well as raising money for crucial St Vincent de Paul Society services and programs that support people experiencing homelessness, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout is a chance for CEOs and leaders across all industries and government to gain a better understanding of this issue.
Cr Williams said that Cleveland traders were also jumping on board with a blanket drive, providing another alternative for locals wanting to contribute.
“Clean blankets that are in good condition can be dropped off to the area next to Colour My Pot and Bay Breeze Café on Middle Street, Cleveland on Friday 15 June.
“So check your linen cupboard for any spare blankets that you no longer use. Someone will really appreciate them as the winter chill sets in.”
Mayor Williams and Cleveland business operators snuggle under a blanket at the blanket drop off point next to Colour My Pot and Bay Breeze Café on Middle Street, Cleveland. From left to right: Jenna Watson (Clippy T’s Barber Shop), Fleur Colgan (Colour My Pot), Jenny Tan (Bay Breeze Café), Mayor Karen Williams, Alana Chataway (Bayside Foot Clinic), Ryan Connor (First National Real Estate Cleveland).
Council today agreed to note community consultation reports on the future management and funding of the revetment wall and maintenance activities at Raby Bay, Aquatic Paradise and Sovereign Waters estates.
The engagement included the establishment of a Citizens’ Advisory Panel, which was a first for Redland City.
The panel was run independent to Council by leading community engagement experts Articulous Communications and Max Hardy Consulting.
Citizens’ Advisory Panels are used throughout Australia for complex issues.
Mayor Karen Williams said the establishment of the Citizens’ Advisory Panel meant an opportunity for a group of Redlanders to gain an in-depth understanding of the complex issue of canal and lake funding in the city.
“The appropriate level of funding contributed by the city and those who live on the canals and lake has been an ongoing issue for Council and canal and lakefront property owners for many years,” Cr Williams said.
The Citizens’ Advisory Panel comprised up to 40 Redland ratepayers, including residents from our islands, inland areas, coastal areas and canal and lakefront property owners.
Cr Williams thanked members of the Citizens’ Advisory Panel, who met three times between December 2017 and February 2018 for full day sessions in which they received presentations from experts, canal and lake representatives and Council officers, visited the canals and lake and were able to ask questions and gain access to detailed information to assist them in their deliberations.
Council resolved at its Special Meeting on 26 June 2017 to consult with the wider Redlands community during the 2017/18 financial year about the best way to manage and fund canal and lake revetment wall and maintenance activities.
Cr Williams said the wider community was engaged as all ratepayers currently contribute through their general rates to the maintenance activities at these estates.
Those who own canal and lakefront property also pay a special charge.
At these estates, Council dredges the waterways so they remain navigable and repairs revetment walls that protect both public and private land from erosion.
In addition to the Citizens’ Advisory Panel, the citywide community consultation included:
A series of meetings with representatives of canal and lake ratepayer associations and other ratepayer representatives, conducted by independent community engagement experts,
Market research conducted by an independent company,
Online and face-to-face surveys conducted by Council.
Cr Williams said Council was considering the reports noted today ahead of further deliberations on the matter.
The Redlands is set to emerge with an exciting new identity after Council today agreed to endorse a place brand for the city, following consultation with almost 5,000 locals, business owners and visitors.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the place brand and positioning statement, ‘Redlands Coast – Naturally Wonderful’ was the clear choice among participants in the research and engagement.
“While Redlands rivals any South East Queensland city for natural beauty and tourism attractions, Council, tourism operators and the Redlands Economic Development Advisory Board have all recognised that as a city we need a clear and recognisable identity,” she said.
“We are excited to be embarking on a new journey to deliver a Redlands story that will support business, attract trade and investment, open up tourism opportunities and build on our already strong community pride.
“Establishing a place brand for the Redlands is an investment in the city’s future prosperity and growth.
“This step in fostering economic development and tourism as Redlands Coast is especially important given our close proximity to the Brisbane and Gold Coast airports and Port of Brisbane and the opportunities that come with that, as well as with North Stradbroke Island transitioning from sand mining to tourism by 2019.
“Our reputation as a place is closely aligned with our ability to attract visitors, new business, investment and skilled people.
“We’ve carried out robust qualitative and quantitative research and stakeholder consultation, specifically to test the appetite and attitudes to a place brand among a range of stakeholders, both in and outside Redlands.”
Cr Williams said the name ‘Redlands Coast’ reflected Redlands approximately 335km of coastline and was built from the community up.
“We have more coastline than other places, including the Sunshine Coast. While it might not be all white beaches, our rich and diverse coastline is its own kind of ‘naturally wonderful’ along every twist and turn from Thorneside to Redland Bay and fringing our seven magnificent islands,” Cr Williams said.
“Our water lifestyle is what residents told us was the best part of our city, what differentiated us from other places, what attracted them to the area and what grounded them. They said that no matter how long they have lived here, there was always something new to discover.”
The term ‘Redlands Coast’ was coined by community focus group participant Lucas Bolton, of Birkdale, and subsequently garnered significant approval from community and visitors.
Cr Williams said positioning the city geographically was important because a lot of people just didn’t know where Redlands was.
“It’s time we were out loud and proud as a vibrant coastal region of mainland coastline and island communities, and put Redlands on the map properly,” she said.
“‘Redlands Coast’ is a name that defines us, and ‘Naturally Wonderful’ is a tagline that not only defines our landscape but also our ‘naturally wonderful’ people.
Cr Williams said ‘Naturally Wonderful’ was a tagline that several focus groups came up with themselves, independent of each other.
Redlands Economic Development Advisory Board Chair Sam Kennedy said that with the prediction of one in four jobs being created worldwide related to tourism, destination marketing was critical to helping us capture a larger share of visitors to Queensland each year.
“There is huge potential for the new and authentic place brand – ‘Redlands Coast’ – to support both continued growth in tourism and business investment and development in other sectors such as education and healthcare,” Ms Kennedy said.
Redlands Tourism Subcommittee member and Straddie Chamber of Commerce President Col Battersby said it was an amazing time and opportunity for the city.
“The opportunities are endless and I look forward to the new brand and to the future of tourism as a key driver of growth for our city,” Mr Battersby said.
Redlands Tourism Subcommittee member and Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation CEO Cameron Costello said he was excited about the launch of the new Redlands Coast brand, which was developed in consultation with Quandamooka Elders and artists.
“It provides a platform to promote all the city has to offer, including Quandamooka culture, which has the potential to become an international tourism drawcard,” Mr Costello said.
“Quandamooka people walk softly on the Redlands Coast and recognise the ‘rc’ shape of the mainland and islands logo as footprints walking softly.”
Renowned artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, whose family belongs to Quandamooka Country and who designed the 2018 Commonwealth Games medals, contributed to the Redlands Coast logo design.
“The symbols in the middle of both the ‘r’ and the ‘c’ of the logo subtly represent the physical elements of the land and sea, including the shells on the coastline and the landscape within the Redlands,” Ms Cockatoo-Collins said.
“The essence of the beaches and coastline, the patterns of the shells, the rhythm of the waves and their impact on the soft sand lines which shift with every tide, and are forever marked within the shells that are brought with the tideline, inspire a lot of what I produce.”
Place branding has long been an accepted and critical component for destination marketing used by many regions and Councils globally. It delivers on a Council priority project, is an action of the Redland City Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2015-2020 and a recommendation to Council by the Redlands Economic Development Advisory Board.
The new place brand does not replace the Redland City Council logo and does not change the official name of the city. It is a promotional brand for the city.
Cr Williams said formal promotion of Redlands Coast would start soon.
Redland City Council today revealed a new master plan is under consideration for the Weinam Creek Priority Development Area (PDA), following a decision not to proceed with Walker Group’s proposal.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council has listened to the community and is stepping in to develop the precinct to ensure it includes significant public infrastructure.
“The master plan, being developed by Council for delivery in stages, will transform the waterfront of Redland Bay, enhance the amenity and functionality of the busy local community hub,” Cr Williams said.
“Council has based its planning for the redevelopment on community feedback provided during the initial public consultation period for the PDA project.
The final master plan will provide for additional car parks, including ground level car parking, increased secure parking, and multi-deck car parks over the life of the project.
Other features of the plan include improved drop off and storage facilities for Southern Moreton Bay Island residents, more than 21,000sqm of new open space, the rejuvenation of 46,920sqm of existing parkland, new pedestrian and cycle ways and construction of a new boat ramp.
There will also be mixed use and medium density residential development and retail and commercial amenities including cafes and restaurants as well the potential for a health precinct for mainland and island residents.
The State MP for Redlands, Kim Richards said “I congratulate Council for their commitment to the Weinam Creek precinct”.
“I am committed to working with Council to ensure this important project delivers the infrastructure the community has been calling for, and delivers on economic development and jobs growth for our region.
“The Southern Moreton Bay Islands are a beautiful part of the Redlands and South East Queensland.
“This project will deliver the infrastructure the community needs to access and ensure the precinct’s success into the future.”
Cr Williams said the new Council-planned development of the PDA provided a valuable opportunity to showcase Weinam Creek as a community focal point and a regional gateway to the islands.
“It will also create jobs and support economic development for the region,” Cr Williams said.
The total area of the Weinam Creek PDA is approximately 42 hectares, including 36 hectares over land and nearly six hectares over water.
