Monthly Archives: July 2018

Blood moon over Redlands Coast


July 27, 2018

Redlands Coast will offer some of the best vantage points to view early tomorrow morning’s predicted rare blood moon, which should be visible along the east coast of Australia from around 4am Saturday 28 July.

A ‘blood moon’ occurs during a lunar eclipse when the moon passes into the shadow of the earth and becomes darker, with the depth of colour depending on the orbit of the moon.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the natural backdrops of Redlands Coast would offer spectacular viewing.

“We are spoilt for choice for viewing points for tomorrow morning’s blood moon,” Cr Williams said.

“Our Cleveland Point and Wellington Point reserves provide unobstructed views of the night sky, with the waters of Moreton Bay adding to the visual spectacle of this natural event.

“Judy Holt Sportfields, one of the highest vantage points in the City, will also have its gates opened early at 3.30am (Saturday 28 July) especially for anyone wanting to catch a glimpse.

“Our bay islands, away from city lights, are always special places for star gazing and tomorrow morning will be no exception.

“From several vantage points on North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah, including its beaches such as Flinders, people will be able to get a naturally wonderful view.

“The headlands of Point Lookout will also be great places to gather the kids, lay down a picnic blanket and watch the lunar eclipse.

“So before you go to bed tonight – set your alarm clock, get your warm jumper out and be ready to witness a rare and wonderful start to a weekend at Redlands Coast.”

Weather permitting, the stages of the predicted blood moon eclipse should be visible from around 4am onwards.

O’Gorman Street Park has extreme makeover


July 27, 2018

O’Gorman Street Park at Alexandra Hills has undergone an extreme makeover in the past four months to the tune of $900,000 and local residents can witness the transformation from Monday 30th July onwards.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Redlands Coast is full of amazing open spaces and this particular park has got something for everyone. It’s amazing.

“Every now and then a community space demands a significant facelift and O’Gorman Street Park is one such space,” she said.

“Factors such as ageing equipment and structures reaching the end of their useful life, coupled with demographic changes in the area provided the basis for this significant makeover.

“Having said that, not all the equipment is new and some kids will recognise their old favourites like the seesaw that’s had a new lick of paint,” Cr Williams said.

The residential population of Alexandra Hills is expected to increase by 1,001 people to 18,307 residents by 2026.

Division 7 Councillor Murray Elliott said that put a lot of emphasis on community spaces and well-developed parklands to deliver leisure spaces and other benefits to the adjacent populations.

“Parks, of all shapes and sizes, are where people go to get away or to get together,” he said.

“Designs aim to meet the play needs of a diverse community including various ages, and different backgrounds and abilities.

“The multipurpose court, the five metre jelly fish slide and the multi-spinner carousel will all appeal to the older children who want something different to do while they hang out.

“Toddlers and younger kids on the other hand will get a kick out of the crocodile, embankment slide, forest house and the funky play xylophone (cavatina),” Cr Elliott said.

Alexandra Hills is also demographically younger with O’Gorman Street Park now catering for young children through to young adults with a range of new facilities and equipment upgrades.

Apart from the pathways and landscaping using plants, sandstone blocks and boulders, natural timber features, turf and soft-fall areas, there is new seating, shelter and a BBQ, making any outdoor party a breeze.

Posted in Parks and tagged .

Report illegal and costly dumping


July 27, 2018

Following recent and escalating spates of illegal dumping of tyres on road reserves and in adjacent bushland, Redland City Council is working with Queensland Department of Environment and Science and Police and appealing to the community to report any suspect activity so offenders can be called to account.

Tyres that have been illegally dumped in bushland.

Mayor Karen Williams said that when it came to random instances of dumping the best eyes on the ground were those of local residents.

“Quite aside from ruining the amenity and natural beauty of Redlands Coast, illegal dumping is costly to Council as well as the community.

“It’s not just a case of Council sending a truck to pick up the rubbish. Every time a new site is cleaned up we incur unnecessary costs associated with staff time, vehicle and plant use, disposal at a licensed waste management facility, investigation and follow-up by compliance staff and community education.

“Over the past three weeks we have seen multiple illegal dump spots of tyres crop up across the City – predominantly in southern areas – with the clean-up bill reaching $20,000.

“One site alone, on Rocky Passage Road, Redland Bay, cleaned up by Council just last week cost $2,370, and that’s not including investigation, compliance and education costs” Cr Williams said.

“Ultimately, these costs are borne by Redland ratepayers so I urge residents to report anything they see online to Queensland Department of Environment and Science, who investigate and prosecute such actions.”

Report any illegal dumping or littering you witness using the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection’s littering and illegal dumping reporting form.

Security camera policy uses the power of partnerships


July 26, 2018

Redland City Council will work with the Queensland Police and key State Government agencies to implement a new security camera policy adopted at Council’s General Meeting.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said a key part of the new policy was entering into Memorandums of Understanding with landowners and key stakeholders such as the QPS, to guide the installation and monitoring of security cameras in key areas.

“While community safety remains the responsibility of the Queensland Police Service, there is no doubt Council and state agencies play an important role as landowners of public areas such as car parks and transit areas,” Cr Williams said.

“For this reason, our adopted security camera policy focuses on the relationships between Council and other agencies and defines the role that will be played by each agency where security cameras are installed.

“I have already started this process by meeting with Translink and senior QPS representatives to see how we can work together to improve public safety at Weinam Creek.

“These discussions have been positive and I am confident this policy combined with the discussions I have already had will deliver real results for the community.

“Facebook banter does not resolve community issues, sitting down to get the facts and work through the issues in a collaborative and cooperative fashion delivers far better results for the community.

“These relationships are critical and it is important to sit down and discuss how we can work together to help our community.

“Council is not the expert on community safety and as such we will not be monitoring security cameras. Instead, where there is a need we will work with state agencies such as Translink to consider installing cameras in areas where the footage can be accessed by the QPS for evidence.

“The naturally wonderful Redlands Coast is home to a safe city with much lower crimes against property and person than other communities in the south-east.

“Through my conversations with local police it is clear that security cameras alone do not improve community safety, they are just one element in a larger community safety plan that must involve all levels of government and the broader community working together.”

Planned Burn Bayview Conservation Area Redland Bay 25 July


July 25, 2018

Redland City Council’s Parks and Conservation Crew’s are conducting back-to-back planned burns across the City to take advantage of current good weather conditions.

A hazard reduction burn in a section of bushland in Bayview Conservation Area is scheduled on Wednesday 25 July 2018, dependant on weather conditions.

The location of the burn area is 76-152 Kidd Street, Redland Bay – highlighted in yellow on the map. The purpose of the burn will be for hazard reduction as well as for ecological outcomes.

The burn in Kidd Street, Redland Bay follows a scheduled burn in another part of the Bayview Conservation area, Redland Bay on Tuesday 24 July. A burn was completed at Scribbly Gums Conservation Area in Alexandra Hills on Monday.

If suitable weather conditions continue, burns may continue for several weeks including planned burns on Russell Island.

Preparation of planned burn sites is undertaken in the days leading up to the date of the burn, consisting of clearing around significant logs and habitat trees. Some limited test burning may be conducted during this time.

It is appreciated that this burn may cause some inconvenience, however all attempts will be made to limit any smoke hazards from the work. Residents affected by smoke are advised to stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed.

Scribbly Gum planned Burn 23 July

The planned burn is necessary to reduce the volume of forest litter fuel, which will assist with hazard reduction.

Planned burns assist to reduce the fire danger and provide conditions essential for native regeneration.

If you require further details of the planned burn, visit ‘Works Update’ on Council’s website www.redland.qld.gov.au or phone Council on 3829 8999.

Breakfast fundraiser to benefit Redlands kids


July 23, 2018

Local businesses and organisations are asked to dig deep and purchase tickets for the 16th annual Redland City Mayoral Prayer Breakfast in August, to raise funds for much-needed chaplaincy programs in Redlands’ state schools.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said chaplaincy programs were vitally important for providing social, emotional and spiritual support for Redlands’ students, staff and families.

“They provide timely pastoral care, critical mentoring, and role modeling that enhance individual wellbeing, which of course enhances a child’s success in learning and life,” she said.

“It’s often at school where these challenges are first identified, and we expect that by increasing chaplaincy services more than 14,500 local children and young people will benefit.

“There are still state schools in Redlands which do not have access to crucial chaplaincy services and we hope that through events such as the Mayoral Prayer Breakfast that all state school students in the city will have equal access to these important programs.

“Last year’s breakfast sold out with more than 220 business leaders, government representatives, community members, local church and school leaders attending and giving generously and raised more than $15,000 to support school chaplaincy programs in Redlands.

“With tickets at $55 or $500 for a table of 10, it’s a small contribution in the scheme of things, and it brings the community together in a spirit of generosity and prayer,” Cr Williams said.

Since 2003 the event has raised more than $115,000 which has made a real difference for local children and youth, through the work of our school chaplaincy programs.

Local businesses are also invited to talk to Council about the business benefits of sponsoring the event, knowing their generosity also contributes to improving children’s lives and helping them reach their full potential.

Visit the Redland City Council website for more information.

Beloved Ormiston veteran under specialist care


July 23, 2018

Redland City Council is working to save a 150 year old iconic fig tree in Ormiston which is declining in health.

Redland City Mayor, Karen Williams said a team of arborists would undertake canopy reduction to help save the bulk of the tree at 143 Wellington Street, and prevent potential risk of dead limbs falling onto the public areas adjacent.

“Redlands Coast is known for being naturally wonderful and our trees are part of that attraction as well as providing us with shade and other benefits,” she said

“Redlands Coast already boasts a number of veteran trees for example, one in Redland Bay over 250 years old and another on Coochiemudlo Island over 600 years old, for which heritage listing is being sought,” Cr Williams said.

Division 1 Councillor, Wendy Boglary said that Redlands heritage trees not only provide ecosystems for a variety of creatures but also give our City character and a link to our past.

“Trees are a beautiful and vital part of the Redlands Coast landscape and their usefulness doesn’t diminish as they age,” she said.

“Tree hollows formed over years and years are invaluable for wildlife providing refuge from the weather and predators, and safe sites for roosting and breeding.

“This beautiful Ormiston fig tree is one of the original trees in the area dating back to the 1850s and it’s sad to see it struggling.

“Council has been, and will do, all that is possible to save this treasured Ormiston specimen, while also maintaining public safety.

“It will receive a much needed trim in the coming weeks using a Council contractor under the supervision of a consulting arborist,” Cr Boglary said.

While there is no expected disruption to traffic, traffic control will be in place and we ask residents and visitors to be patient while this critical operation is performed.

Redlands Coast food trails set to tantalise the taste buds


July 20, 2018

The naturally wonderful Redlands Coast – a foodie paradise filled with spectacular views to dine for – now has four new food trails as part of the south-east Queensland Food Trails website launched today.

The trails take locals and visitors on a culinary journey across the beautiful Redlands Coast, which boasts outstanding fine dining restaurants; a five-star winery with international accolades; a relaxed café culture; micro-breweries; harbourside and lakeside dining hubs; fabulous gluten free offerings, and so much more.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams launched the food trails at the Regional Flavours Festival at South Bank today on behalf of the Council of Mayors (SEQ).

Cr Williams said the free, online food trails platform would allow users to create and share their own foodie trails from hundreds of experiences across the region.

“Redlands Coast is perfectly placed to provide memorable foodie experiences, including locally grown and produced offerings, as food trail followers take their taste buds travelling through our picturesque coastal, hinterland and island areas,” Cr Williams said.

“Redlands Coast is on Brisbane’s doorstep but the natural beauty here instantly transports people far from the everyday hustle and bustle; and our locals are friendly and welcoming.

“That’s just the way we like it – all the convenience and service of a contemporary city but with a relaxed atmosphere perfect for unwinding over a meal with family and friends.

“Wherever people dine on Redlands Coast, they can be accompanied by award-winning local wines, coastal breezes and stunning panoramas.

“We’ve come up with four Redlands Coast food trails to cater for all tastes and lifestyles, and feel confident they will inspire locals to try something new as well as attract visitors to our naturally wonderful Coast.”

Redlands Coast’s new food trails are:

  • Redlands Coast Hidden Bars and Micro-Breweries
  • Redlands Coast Ultimate Gluten Free
  • Redlands Coast Breakfast Hot Spots
  • Redlands Coast Dining Hot Spots

The food trails can be found online at seqfoodtrails.com.au/Redlands

New Redland City Plan adopted


July 6, 2018

Council today adopted a new Redland City Plan and agreed to expedite a potential amendment to further strengthen minimum lots sizes of 400m2 in established residential neighbourhoods.

The new plan will come into effect on 8 October 2018.

Mayor Karen Williams said now that the new Redland City Plan was adopted, Council would commence further work with the State Government on a potential future amendment to strengthen the 400m2 minimum lot size in low-density residential zones across the city.

“While the new Redland City Plan will already make it very unlikely that new residential low-density blocks of less than 400m2 could be created in established neighbourhoods, Council will request changes to further ensure that minimum lot size in those areas,” Cr Williams said.

Cr Williams said the Minister had already agreed to a minimum residential lot size of 400m2, but with a small amount of flexibility if there was existing “density and character” that reflected predominantly smaller lot sizes.

“During public consultation the community told us they don’t want small lots in our older developed areas of the city and we believe that the Minister’s existing conditions already serve to protect the established character of our neighbourhoods,” Cr Williams said.

“However, we would still like to submit a proposed amendment to guarantee the minimum lot sizes.

“The new Redland City Plan is already tougher on small lot sizes, providing much less scope than the existing planning scheme for lot sizes less than 400m2 to be approved across the city.”

The amendment decision comes after Division 7 Councillor Murray Elliott moved to adjourn a 25 June 2018 Council meeting to provide time to request State Member for Capalaba Don Brown seek a guarantee of the 400m2 minimum lot sizes from State Planning Minister Cameron Dick.

Cr Williams said development of the new Redland City Plan included significant community consultation.

“This plan represents a major investment in our city’s future,” Cr Williams said.

The new Redland City Plan delivers:

  • an easier document to understand
  • substantial simplification of zones and overlays
  • more refined and accurate mapping to identify hazards and environmental values
  • requirements for better design outcomes
  • provision for minimum lot sizes
  • providing for housing diversity and choice in urban centres
  • strengthening environmental and waterway corridor protection
  • easier planning for investment and establishing business
  • zoning on SMBIs to allow small crops
  • more flexibility for CBD development
  • clearer regulations that protects the integrity of revetment walls in canal estates.

Cr Williams said the new Redland City Plan would ensure consideration for well-designed and acceptable urban development within the urban footprint, while providing for a diversity of living options and housing choices in and around our key city centres.

“It sets a new template for protecting and enhancing the values the community identified as important, while providing simpler and clearer direction for economic, social and environmental outcomes for the city,” Cr Williams said.

“It sends a clear and consistent signal for economic investment opportunities in the city.

“The new Redland City Plan provides flexibility for CBD development and investment. It makes it easier to establish rural enterprise and encourages economic activity on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.

“The document itself is a major simplification of the planning scheme document. It is easier to understand and use, removing duplicated content and adopting language and terminology consistent with other planning schemes across the State.

“At the same time, the new plan is backed by rigorous science and detailed mapping to support accurate and sensible zoning and overlays.

“The enhanced mapping provides a stronger basis for the identification of hazards areas and for accurate identification and protection of the city’s environmental values including waterways and wildlife corridors.”

The Redland City Plan is a living document and strong baseline for future land use planning and decision making in the city.

It is meant to be reflective of and adaptable to changing community and legislative expectations.

Cr Williams said that in the period since it was submitted for state approval there had been a range of proposed amendments to the City Plan that Councillors wanted to bring back to the community for comment and approval.

“Councillors have asked for the first package of major amendments to be put forward for Council consideration on 10 October 2018, two days after commencement of the new Redland City Plan,” Cr Williams said.

“Subject to agreement to go forward, the package of amendments will be submitted for community consultation and if agreed, will be submitted to the Minister for approval to adopt as amendments to Redland City Plan.”

Full details of the Redland City Plan history, background and status can be found on the Your Say Redland City website, including a suite of explanatory fact sheets and FAQs.

Mayor Williams rolls up her sleeve to give blood


July 5, 2018

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams will be one of over 50 Council staff and elected representatives rolling up their sleeves this month to give blood. And you can do the same!

Councillor Williams said it would be her first time giving blood after being approached by two very passionate Council officers, Dean Butcher and Kelly Ede, who are encouraging their colleagues to participate in the Australian Red Cross Blood Service’s Red25 2018 Councils Blood Challenge.

“The challenge runs from 1 July to 30 September and to get the ball rolling, Dean and Kelly have organised for the Australian Red Cross Blood Service to bring a mobile blood donor centre specifically for Council officers to donate”.

“But the hope is that staff will continue to donate blood through regular channels – with every donation counting towards Redland City Council’s total. We’ll be competing with our neighbouring Councils and aim to top the donation leaderboard,” Cr Williams said.

“It’s just the push I needed to take the plunge and give blood and I hope it will encourage others in the community to do the same.

“After all, you never know when you, a loved one or friend may need blood products, which only keep for a limited period.”

Although Mayor Williams is giving through the Council blood drive, the Australian Red Cross Blood Service will be back in town the following week for members of the public, who can book their donation time directly.

Where: Cleveland Woolworths (Wynyard Street)
When: Monday 23 until Saturday 28 July (Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am – 4pm; Tuesday 11am – 6pm; Thursday 12pm – 7pm and Saturday 8am – 3pm)

To make an appointment, call 13 14 95 or visit the Australian Red Cross Blood Service website.

Mayor Williams said that donors could join the Redland City Council Red25 group either when calling to book, when booking online, or by asking the nursing team on donation day.

“Doing so will mean that all donations given go towards the Redland City Council’s tally.

“Rise to the challenge. Join in to save lives in our community,” Cr Williams said.