Monthly Archives: February 2020

Council to enter a temporary management agreement of Bay Islands Aquatic Centre


February 27, 2020

Redland City Council has resolved to enter an interim agreement with the State Government for a minimum of six months for the management of the Bay Islands Aquatic Centre.

This interim agreement will allow time to conduct further on the ground, face to face community consultation and ensure a range of appropriate long-term management models are explored.

Council recognises the important service the pool provides to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands community and is eager to find a practical and cost effective management arrangement that retains both community access and school-based usage.

Last year Council consulted with the users and broader community to gauge views on the current and future management of the facility.

Island communities were generally in favour of Council continuing to manage the popular facility.

Residents also expressed a desire for longer and more consistent opening hours, a longer season (facilitated by the installation of a heat pump), more seating on the grass area, availability of seasonal tickets and more flexible pricing options.

The existing agreement with the State of Queensland is due to expire on 19 April 2020.

Smart strategy identifies smart initiatives


February 26, 2020

Redland City Council today received a progress report on the development of the draft Redlands Coast Smart and Connected City Strategy.

The report reveals that the draft Redlands Coast Smart and Connected City Strategy focuses on four key areas: liveability, wellbeing and inclusion; productivity and innovation; sustainability; and governance and planning.

In developing the strategy, consultants Delos Delta identified three initiatives that demonstrate how Redlands Coast is already using data and technology to improve the city’s liveability and place it at the forefront of intelligence, productivity and sustainability.

The RACQ Smart Shuttle driverless bus trial, smart koala monitoring, and intelligent water monitoring programs have been recognised as examples of smart city operations.

Development of the draft strategy also reflects global learnings from cities across the world including Seoul, Barcelona, New York, London and Tokyo that have engaged in smart city projects over the past 10 years.

Learnings from these cities’ endeavours include the importance of emphasising a focus on initiatives that empower citizens, are collaborative, reinforce privacy and security, provide real benefits for the community and encourage innovation.

Consultants will consider these learnings to further develop the strategy, while also incorporating input received from a range of engagement activities during the recent community consultation period.

Engagement activities included workshops with business and industry, the community, Redland City Council staff, Councillors and the Redlands Economic Development Advisory Board, and an online survey and discussion forum which was open from 16 October 2019 to 22 November 2019.

The purpose of the engagement activities was to gather information from participants about smart city priorities and values in the context of Council’s strategic priorities.

Engagement identified that community priorities include the economy, the community, leadership, collaboration, the environment, transport and connectivity.

A draft strategy is expected to be presented to Council for consideration later in the year.

Rescheduled: Redlands Coast Sports Gala now this Saturday 29 February 2020


February 24, 2020

Redlands Coast Sports Gala is back on at Redland Showgrounds, Cleveland and Council is delighted to share the new date: Saturday 29 February.

Rescheduled due to wet weather, the event is still set to be a fantastic chance for primary-school-aged children to try new sports and talk to clubs and representatives to find the sport that’s right for them.

Activities will run from 9am – 11.55am with an athlete signing/photo session planned from 12pm – 12.30pm (To be confirmed).

We hope you can join us on the new date.

In case of further wet weather, please keep an eye on Council social media for updates.

Earlier – UPDATE AS AT 12 FEBRUARY 2020:

Due to the poor weather forecast for this weekend, including the unpredictability of the effects of Cyclone Uesi of the east coast of Australia, Council has made the decision to postpone the Redlands Coast Sport Gala scheduled for this Saturday 15 February at Redland Showgrounds, Cleveland.

Council will work with sporting clubs to look at options for rescheduling the event and share this information with the community as soon as possible.

Earlier -23 January 2020 – Council sports gala connects clubs with kids

Redland City Council and local sporting organisations will host a free ‘come and try’ gala day from 9am to 12pm on Saturday 15 February, promoting sports on Redlands Coast.

Mayor Karen Williams said the Redlands Coast Sports Gala, targeted at primary school aged children (6 to 12 years), would give families the chance to meet with local clubs, ask questions and have a go at a range of sports on offer around the city.

“Redlands Coast has an abundance of fantastic sporting clubs and activities, and this is a chance for the local community to come along to Redland Showgrounds and connect with them,” Cr Williams said.

“With so many options, it can be daunting to find the right fit – particularly if your child is just starting to get into sports and you are looking for a team or a schedule that suits your family needs.

“This will be a ‘one stop shop’ for primary school children and their parents to come along, talk to club members and representatives, have fun and sign on if they wish to.”

With almost 30 stalls already confirmed, sports represented include AFL, basketball, cricket, soccer, gymnastics, hockey, netball, rugby league, rugby union, skipping, softball, tennis, tae kwon do, BMX and touch football.

The day will be fun and flexible, allowing the children to choose which sports they would like to try, with timed rotations so they have the chance to try multiple activities.

Redlands Coast Sports Gala

9am – 12pm Saturday 15 February 2020

Norm Price Park – Redland Showgrounds, Cleveland

Targeted to primary school ages (6 – 12 years)

People can register on the event listing on Council’s Facebook page (facebook.com/RedlandCouncil) to receive further information in the lead up to the gala, or can just turn up on the day.

The Redlands Coast Sports Gala is a Redland City Council event proudly held in partnership with local sporting organisations.

Redland City Council to sponsor major business expo


February 21, 2020

Redland City Council will sponsor a major business expo in April to provide free advice and opportunities to local enterprises.

The 2020 Redlands Coast Business Expo will be run by Small Business Expos at Sheldon College on Thursday 16 April.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams encouraged local businesses to get behind the free event.

“Small Business Expos has a proven track record of helping boost businesses through providing access to new skills and established know-how while opening the door to lucrative relationships,” Cr Williams said.

“This expo, which ties in closely with Council’s economic strategy, will be a great opportunity for local business operators to connect and market their products and services to hundreds of other business owners.

“It is being backed by a host of local business industry groups and sponsors and is set to be the biggest business-to-business marketplace ever held in our region.”

In a first, the expo will cover the Redlands Coast, Logan and northern Gold Coast regions.

“This expo has been held successfully in Logan for the last three years and to get it to Redlands Coast, where it will cover a greatly expanded region, is a golden opportunity for our local business community,” Cr Williams said.

“Council has been very active in helping local businesses to thrive through organising workshops, providing access to information on export opportunities and training, supporting research and development, attracting investment and this expo, but it is up to business owners to take advantage them.”

DETAILS
When: 10am-4pm Thursday 16 April 2020.
Where: Sheldon College Events Centre, Taylor Road, Sheldon.
Cost: Attendance is free but there is a cost to exhibit.
Register: redlandscoastbusinessexpo.eventbrite.com.au

Moreton Bay Cycleway extension continues


February 21, 2020

Work has commenced on stage two of the multi-million dollar Moreton Bay Cycleway extension  project, to link School Road to Point O’Halloran Road, Victoria Point.

Mayor Karen Williams said the new works, assisted by a State Government grant of $1 million with Council matching the funding on a dollar-for-dollar basis, followed the completion of stage one works in November 2019.

“Council wants to make it easier for people to walk and ride around our scenic coastline, and the cycleway is helping to achieve that,” she said.

“The first stage saw the construction of 850m of pathway added to the existing cycleway, linking Cameron Court Park and School Road, Victoria Point.

“Stage two will include a further 350m of boardwalk and a 360m footpath.

“Weather permitting, it should be ready by the end of May this year.”

Cr Williams said the final piece of the network would see an on-road link via Lakefield Drive.

“We hope to have the entire project completed and open for public use by mid-2020,” she said.

“When finished, the cycleway will provide stunning rides and walks along our foreshores and through natural bushland.”

Deputy Mayor and Division 4 Councillor Lance Hewlett said the cycleway ensured Redlands Coast remained accessible to pedestrians and cyclists.

“By creating boardwalks and cycle paths, we are improving the safety of pedestrians and cyclists as well as providing much needed amenities in this area,” he said.

“This is an exciting project for people of all ages and riding abilities.

“It enables residents and visitors to safely access some of our region’s most scenic areas.

“We hope this new network of cycle paths and boardwalks encourages more residents to enjoy the natural beauty of their neighbourhoods and for more people to visit and enjoy Redlands Coast.”

Redland City Council calls in the Toadinator


February 21, 2020

Redland City Council will trial two advanced cane-toad management systems as part of its integrated control program for the pests.

The trial, which supports work being done through Council’s Environmental Partnership Program, will involve using Toadinator traps to capture adult females before they breed, as well as funnel traps baited with a newly developed product irresistible to cane toad tadpoles.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the first step in managing cane toad numbers focussed on working with landowners through Council’s Environmental Partnership Program to thickly vegetate around water bodies as a barrier to potential breeding sites.

Senior Habitat Protection Officer Maree Manby shows Mayor Karen Williams a Toadinator cane toad trap.

Toadinator cane toad traps, which will be used in a Redland City Council trial, are designed to attract and catch adult female cane toads.

“While we are currently seeing a large number of cane toad toadlets due to recent rains, Council has for some years been working closely with landowners across the city through our Environmental Partnerships Program to manage cane toads on their properties,” Cr Williams said.

“We are also about to begin a trial of a small number of Toadinator cane toad traps, which are designed to attract and catch adult female cane toads which can then be removed and disposed of humanely.

“The traps, which allow cane toads to enter but not exit, have a solar-powered light to attract insects and a cane toad caller to call in the females. The caller and lights come on at night when toads are most active and then automatically turn off during the day.

“Research and tests by Australian Control Technologies (Australia) working with James Cook University show they can have a much bigger impact on cane toad numbers than catching cane toads and tadpoles individually.”

Toadinator cane toad traps are also commercially available to residents who want to buy their own.

Cr Williams said the third part to the control approach would be the use of funnel traps baited with tablets which attract cane toad tadpoles.

“Council has recently partnered with the University of Queensland’s Cane Toad Challenge project to obtain access to this new technological advancement in toad control,” she said.

“The university identified the cane toads’ own toxin could be used to attract cane toad tadpoles and then created a bait called Bufo Tabs, which draw them in large numbers.

“The traps are placed in shallow water where cane toad tadpoles congregate, with one tablet able to attract hundreds to thousands of tadpoles in just a few hours, should they be prevalent in those numbers.”

Cr Williams said it was hoped the trials would lead to the wider adoption of new systems to tackle the 0.5% of individual cane toads that survived to reproduce after hatching.

Cane toad and cane toad tadpole numbers caught will be recorded and they will then be disposed of humanely. Cooling in a fridge, followed by freezing and disposal on bin day is one method of humane disposal.

Residents choosing to remove cane toads and cane toad tadpoles from their own properties should remember that cane toads have poisonous glands, so appropriate personal protective equipment should be used. Also, please keep your pets safe and do not allow them to have access to cane toads.

Visit the state Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website for more information on cane toads.

For more information about Council’s Environmental Partnerships Programs, or the upcoming trial, contact the IndigiScapes Environmental Education Centre on 3824 8611.

Celebrate Redlands Coast’s new-look IndigiScapes centre


February 21, 2020

The reopening of Redland City Council’s popular IndigiScapes Environmental Education Centre will be celebrated on Friday 21 February at a special community event.

The event, which also marks the centre’s 20th anniversary, follows a $3 million transformation of the centre – including new theatrette, interpretation centre and café – funded by Council with the assistance of the State Government.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the project marked the evolution of IndigiScapes into one of Queensland’s premier eco-destinations built around an active community environmental centre.

“IndigiScapes is one of Redlands Coast’s true treasures. It was the first of its type in Australia when it opened 20 years ago and, thanks to the latest upgrades and the very busy environmental program they support, it remains a leader in its field,” Cr Williams said.

“At the same time, it has become a popular spot with more than 40,000 people visiting each year, and that popularity will only increase thanks to the upgrades.

“It really is a wonderful example of a sustainable eco-tourism attraction which has a strong emphasis on community working with Council to manage and improve our naturally wonderful environment.”

Division 7 Councillor Murray Elliott thanked the State Government and Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe for helping to fund the new facilities, which include the Discovery Centre, IndigiCafe, gift shop, theatrette and conference facilities, grandstand seating and garden improvements.

“This investment, which follows the state’s support for the new nursery which opened last year to supply local native plants for gardeners and Council projects, allowed us to make improvements which might otherwise have been out of reach,” Cr Elliott said.

“It is much appreciated. So, too, the patience of residents while this popular spot has been a construction site over recent months but we think you will find the result has been well worth the wait.”

Council delivers a cool change for Donald Simpson Community Centre


February 21, 2020

Redland City Council has once again invested in our ageing community, delivering $150,000 project to replace air conditioning at the Donald Simpson Community Centre.

Mayor Karen Williams said the project reinforced Council’s commitment to supporting this vital community facility.

“The Donald Simpson Community Centre has thousands of members and is one of the largest social hubs on Redlands Coast,” she said.

“This project will ensure local and visiting seniors can socialise and enjoy the activities on offer in the comfort of a newly air conditioned centre.

“This project is on top of the maintenance of approximately $49,000 and other support provided annually to the Donald Simpson Community Centre.

“Council is committed to supporting the great work they do in our community and this project is creating a comfortable environment during both hot and cold weather and goes a long way to ensuring members continue to engage in the centre’s vast range of programs.”

Donald Simpson Centre Chief Executuve Officer, Mr Thomas Jithin, said the replacement of the air conditioning is great news for the Donald Simpsons the Centre.

“The Centre is in use six days a week, from 8 am to 5 pm, and a couple of nights till 9 pm and also hosts some great shows like annual Orchid and Bonsai shows, and other expos.

“The Donald Simpson Centre appreciates Council replacing the previous older unit which was underperforming for the room size,” Mr Jithin said.

Cr Williams said the Donald Simpson Community Centre opened in 1987 and was named after former Redland Shire Clerk Donald Simpson, who served the city from 1963–1978.

“Mr Simpson was well known for his commitment to the community, holding membership with many community organisations, including Meals on Wheels, Scouts and Probus and Rotary clubs.”

Bayview Conservation Area and Redland Track Park re-opens


February 21, 2020

Bayview Conservation Area and Redland Track Park has re-opened today.

Some trails may have damp spots, please be gentle or avoid these areas if possible to give them time to harden up.

Trail users should also exercise caution and expect to find fallen trees, exposed roots, ruts or other hazards in both single trail and fire trails.

If you happen to come across small debris it would be helpful if trail users could move it off to the side. Larger debris such as trees (that would require a saw) should be reported to Council using the Report a Problem form or by calling customer service on (07) 3829 8999.

Officers are continuing to assess damage and are taking the appropriate steps to carry out repairs in due course.

Redlands Coast recreational waterways safe for swimming and recreational water sports


February 20, 2020

Following the recent wet weather that resulted in Council’s routine recreational water monitoring program identifying elevated levels of bacteria at a number of recreational water sites across Redlands Coast, all sites have now reduced to within the acceptable levels for recreational water activities.

In accordance with Healthy Land and Water’s Healthy Waterplay Guidelines, these recreational waterways are again suitable for swimming and recreation.

Low levels of enterococci bacteria and other hazards are often found in waterways, with risks and elevated bacterial levels often higher during and after heavy rainfall.

Council will continue to routinely monitor these recreational water sites to ensure they are safe for residents and visitors.