Monthly Archives: October 2020

Driverless bus trial to roll forward at Raby Bay


October 28, 2020

Following the success of the Redlands Coast Smart Mobility Trial on Karragarra Island, Redland City Council has again partnered with RACQ for a second phase of the trial, to be held at Raby Bay, Cleveland.

The trial’s first phase saw the RACQ Smart Shuttle in use on the island from November 2019 to May 2020 in Queensland’s first long-term, on-road trial of the autonomous vehicle technology.

The small, driverless bus has a maximum speed of 20km/h, sophisticated sensors for navigation, and detection lasers to identify obstacles within 40 metres before stopping safely or slowing as needed.

Mayor Karen Williams said Karragarra Island had been the perfect site for the Queensland-first test of how an autonomous vehicle would perform in a live traffic environment.

“As a city of islands with rural and urban communities, we know Redlands Coast faces a number of transport challenges; and by partnering with RACQ in these trials, Council has demonstrated its commitment to finding innovative ways to help our residents overcome these challenges,” she said.

“Over the course of the island trial, more than 850 passengers experienced the potential of autonomous vehicle technology, with the bus travelling more than 1400 kilometres.

“At all times, it was staffed by a human operator who could take control if necessary.

“Now the technology will soon be trialled in the Raby Bay area of Cleveland and we are delighted to again be partnering with RACQ for the trial’s second phase, with the commencement date to be advised but we anticipate it starting in late November.”

Cr Williams said the trial would connect Raby Bay Harbour with Raby Bay Foreshore Park – two popular destinations not currently serviced by public transport.

“The harbour is just a short walk from existing bus and train services, and this trial area will test the driverless technology in a more complex traffic environment while allowing us to see and assess how it works in an integrated transport network,” she said.

“These ground-breaking trials on Redlands Coast will also be used to investigate other applications for the autonomous vehicle and to lobby for greater adoption of innovative transport across the State.”

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said he was pleased to know the trial would be operating in Cleveland.

“This trial will add to the invaluable data Council has already collected from the trial on Karragarra Island,” he said.

“This is as much about research as it is about transport, with it to provide information on practical uses of the technology, not only on Redlands Coast but also across Queensland and even nationwide.”

RACQ Head of Public Policy Rebecca Michael said the shuttle was an opportunity for Raby Bay locals to test the future of public transport.

“Autonomous vehicles will change the way we move in the future and we’re very excited that the Redlands Coast community gets to be front and centre of this ground-breaking trial and gets to test out the innovative technology now,” Dr Michael said.

“Once the trial begins, members of the community will be able to ride the shuttle for free and we’ll gather feedback on their experience and thoughts on the technology, so we can ensure current and future trials positively impact Queenslander lives.”

More information about phase two of the Redlands Coast Smart Mobility Trial can be found on Council’s Your Say website.

Sandbagging stations available on Redlands Coast – Update as at 2.10pm, 28 October 2020


October 28, 2020

Redland City Council has established self-service sandbagging stations across the city as heavy rainfall continues to develop.

The sandbagging stations will be open at the following times and locations:

Cleveland

  • South Street Depot – from 7am – 6pm on Wednesday 28 October and Thursday 29 October. From 7am to 12pm on Friday 30 October. Closed on the weekend (weather permitting). Council staff will be onsite to assist. Sand, bags and shovels will be supplied.

North Stradbroke Island

  • Outside the Council Depot on Mitchell Crescent, Dunwich – open all hours. Sand and bags supplied; please take your own shovel.

Russell Island

  • Outside the Council Depot on Cambridge Road – open all hours. Sand and bags supplied; please take your own shovel.

Macleay Island

  • Outside the Council Depot on Scarborough Terrace – open all hours. Sand and bags supplied; please take your own shovel.

Residents are permitted a maximum of six sand bags per household.

Please note: enclosed shoes must be worn.

Council reminds residents to check gutters are clear and to secure loose items around the home.

For the latest advice and emergency warnings:

  • Tune in to 612ABC
  • Bay FM 100.3
  • Monitor Council’s Disaster Dashboard
  • Follow Redland City Council on Facebookand Twitter

Report fallen trees, branches and storm debris to council


October 26, 2020

In the wake of the weekend’s wild weather, Redland City Council is encouraging residents to report fallen trees, branches and debris.

When reporting an incident, it is important to include the location, size of object and any additional hazards to roads and paths.

Phone Council at any time on 3829 8999.

If you need to report a fallen powerline stay well clear, warn others and call Triple Zero (000) or Energex on 13 19 62 immediately.

Redland SES honoured with regional and state awards


October 23, 2020

The Redland State Emergency Service has picked up 10 regional and two state awards at ceremonies held during Queensland SES Week.

Mayor Karen Williams said the results reflected the outstanding efforts of all 150 volunteers in keeping residents safe during times of disaster.

“We are very lucky to have one of the hardest working, community minded SES teams in Queensland here on the Redlands,” she said.

“The Redland SES Unit responded to more than 270 jobs during the past 12 months.

“This included helping with land searches for missing people, agency assistance with fires including public safety management, and police support with COVID-19 border security.

“I am sure the community will join with me in congratulating the Redland SES Unit for their training, dedication and willingness to help, all of which has led to these exceptional results.”

Deputy Mayor Julie Talty said to take home 10 regional awards from a record 16 nominations was an extraordinary result and included Unit or Group of the Year, Operational Response of the Year, Trainer of the Year and seven individual awards.

The state awards were for Trainer of the Year and a highly commended for Operational Response of the Year.

“Many of us don’t think about how much hard work goes into training for the SES, until we need them,” Cr Talty said.

“Our SES is about people helping people and I also pay tribute to the families they leave behind to rush out and respond to a community in distress.”

Regional Awards collected by Redland SES Unit are:

  • Regional Unit/Group of the Year Redland Bay SES Group for exceptional engagement, operational readiness and innovation, leading to outstanding operational results within the Brisbane region.
  • Operational Response of the Year jointly shared by Redland City, Brisbane City and Moreton Bay SES Units for extraordinary diligence and professional service during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Trainer of the Year Ian Bacon, Cleveland SES Group for distinguished service to the SES through outstanding professional leadership, commitment and dedication to planning, training delivery, and members’ skills development.

Assistant Commissioner John Cawcutt, Trainer of the Year Ian Bacon, and Acting Assistant Commissioner Brian Cox.

Individual Awards were won by the following Redland SES team members for special contribution to the service:

  • Alex Johnson, Redland Bay SES Group:  For distinguished service through leadership, dedicated service to the community, and continually developing the knowledge and skill level of fellow members.
  • Alexandra Baines, Cleveland SES Group: For distinguished service through exceptional leadership and commitment to the Redland City SES Unit through training, administration and skills development of members.
  • Noel ‘Geoffrey’ Le Noel, Cleveland SES Group: For distinguished service through his outstanding dedication, compassion, and his commitment to educating members within the Cleveland SES Group and Redland City SES Unit.
  • Mitch Brushe, Cleveland SES Group: For distinguished service through outstanding professional leadership within the Cleveland SES Group, and continued dedication to the Redland City SES Unit and its community.
  • Blake Tomlinson, Cleveland SES Group: For distinguished service through outstanding professionalism, dedication and generosity to Cleveland SES Group and the Redland Community, and deploying to assist communities recover after devastating events.
  • Joel Muraca, Redland Bay SES Group: For distinguished service by maintaining operational readiness and providing support to other members of the Redland City SES Unit.
  • Kiara Muraca, Redland Bay SES Group: For distinguished service through continued growth as a leader supporting members and operations.

The two state awards were for:

  • Joyce Scorey Shield-Trainer of the Year: Ian Bacon, Cleveland SES Group
  • Assistant Commissioner’s Shield-Highly Commended for Operational Response of the Year jointly shared by Redland City, Brisbane City and Moreton Bay SES.

The awards provide an opportunity to thank all SES volunteers and honour length of service and exceptional performance throughout the year.

QFES Assistant Commissioner John Cawcutt, local SES controller Clare Barker, Redland Bay Group leader Daniel Tuckwood and Deputy group leader Alex Johnson and QFES Acting Assistant Commissioner Brian Cox.

Recycling trial targets organic waste on Karragarra Island


October 23, 2020

A community-based food organics recycling scheme will be trialled on Karragarra Island.

The research project is a collaboration between Redland City Council, The University of Queensland’s Centre for Recycling of Organic Waste and Nutrients (CROWN) and three island-based community groups.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council and the island communities were interested in developing practical and economical ways to manage and use organic garden and food residues.

“Garden and food organics account for about half of domestic waste collected from kerbside waste bins by Council each year,” she said.

“In a move to divert some of this waste from landfill, Council currently offers island residents and businesses the option of taking garden organics and vegetation residues to the recycling and waste centres.

“Last year about 7321 tonnes of organic material was collected from Redlands Coast islands, including about 235 tonnes from Karragarra, and was shipped to the mainland for composting and other uses, at considerable cost to Council.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said Council was aiming for the islands to become circular economies, with more waste retained for beneficial use on the islands, and the organics trial was a good example of what was achievable.

“Participating residents will take their garden waste to Karragarra Community Garden, where it will be composted and used to grow fruit and vegetables,” he said.

“Running Wild Youth Conservation Culture and Southern Moreton Bay Islands Permaculture are also involved in the research project.

“We hope to deliver a model for a successful community-based recycling scheme for garden and food waste which can be transferred and adapted for other Moreton Bay islands and community groups further afield.”

CROWN Director Johannes Biala said the trial was a fantastic opportunity to assess the extent to which a community-based organics recycling scheme could reduce landfilling of organic waste, and instead compost and use it on the island.

“There is often some apprehension about composting food waste, but we will develop and test a small-scale, solar-powered, forced aeration composting system that is adequate and inexpensive for processing food residues in community-based organics recycling schemes,” Mr Biala said.

“What makes this project very different from many others is the incredible enthusiasm and support from council and the community groups for what we have set out to do.

“This gives great hopes that the Karragarra Island community organics recycling scheme will continue to thrive and be a model for other communities long after the project has been completed.”

Residents are being surveyed about what they currently do with their garden and food waste, and their preferences regarding the operation of a future community food waste capture and composting scheme.

The composting system is expected to be built and operational by March 2021 and the project will end in July 2021.

The project is funded through a Goodman Foundation Moreton Bay (Quandamooka) Research Grant.

Council funds six local art projects with RADF grants


October 21, 2020

Redland City Council has awarded grants for six local art projects through round one of the 2020-2021 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).

Mayor Karen Williams said the successful grant recipients would undertake projects which creatively explored stories of people and place in Redlands Coast.

“Our stories have the power to teach, entertain and inspire and the successful projects will be expressed through a range of media including painting, performance, digital media, photography and videography,” she said.

The RADF provides grants of up to $10,000 for professional and emerging artists based in Redland City.

Recipients of 2020-2021 RADF grants:

  • Adam Robinson – $10,000 for IndigiLedger Artist Workshops: Indigenous artists, enterprises and traditional owners will be consulted to ensure their cultural and commercial concerns are addressed when protecting Indigenous art from piracy.
  • Jo Ariel – $9840 for SMBI’s Creative Magic: This project will examine how and why artists’ island homes enhance artistic motivations and passions.
  • Elisabeth Gondwe – $9000 for “Getting Equal” exhibition: A digital media artist will provide graphic design and digital production of the Getting Equal exhibition which tells the story of Quandamooka workers in the Dunwich Benevolent Asylum getting equal pay in 1944.
  • Mercedes Sepulveda – $3100 for Finishing Touches (aka My Artistic Brooch): A group of elders at Prins Willem Alexander Lodge will engage in a therapeutic art experience which will result in an exhibition of paintings.
  • Goompi Give and Grow Ltd – $9966 for Connection to Quandamooka Country Across Generations: This photography and videography project will share the stories of connection to country of Quandamooka people through the eyes of the young and old.
  • Julie Larson – $9953 for Running Wild Performing Arts Showcase: This project will facilitate the delivery of a youth performing arts program on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.

Council is calling for applications for RADF Professional Development (or Quick Response) funding of up to $2000 for individuals and up to $4000 for groups.

Applications open on 6 November 2020 and close at midnight 22 November 2020.

The RADF is a partnership between Arts Queensland and Redland City Council.

For more information, including how to apply for grants, visit redland.qld.gov.au/RADF

Spooky Halloween fun on Redlands Coast


October 20, 2020

UPDATE 23 November: Movie in the Park event cancelled due to wet weather forecast

There’s always plenty to do on naturally wonderful Redlands Coast and Halloween is no exception.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said kids – big and small – were already starting to plan their costumes and activities for some wonderfully spooky fun on and around Saturday 31 October.

“Redlands Coast has a range of community events and activities from which to choose, whatever your interest,” she said.

“Our wonderful local shopping centres and traders have increasingly got into the spirit of Halloween over the years, handing out goodies to little ones whose parents prefer not to door knock.

“This year Victoria Point Shopping Centre has gone a step further, bringing to life augmented reality characters through the Redlands Coast Deals and Rewards App, a free mobile phone app aimed at promoting local businesses and rewarding their customers.

“This will be a fun new use for the Redlands Coast App, which was developed by Redland City Council and has already been download 1574 times for shopping in the city.

“If you are heading to Victoria Point Shopping Centre for Halloween, download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play in order to spot the friendly monsters and participate in the virtual trick or treating with real treats up for grabs.”

Councillor Williams said there would also be activities around Redlands Coast for nature lovers and movie and history buffs.

“Nature lovers will be able to head to IndigiScapes – Council’s environmental education centre – to learn about our fascinating flying foxes and meet an adorable flying-fox pup from 10am-2pm, 31 October,” she said.

“The team from Bat Conservation and Rescue Queensland will talk about the ways of these crucial pollinators and kids can make a batty badge to take home.

“Redlands Museum and Theatre Redlands are hosting a spine-tingling Halloween Night Walk from 6pm, Friday 30 October.

“This event is not for the faint hearted, with a minimum age of 13 and prior bookings essential.

“Movie buffs can get their fix at Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) on Saturday 31 October, where there’ll be an 11am and 2pm screening of Australian thriller Dead Calm. Prior bookings at www.rpac.com.au are essential.

“And in the lead up to Halloween, a free movies in the park event featuring Hotel Transylvania is planned for Saturday 24 October at William Stewart Park, Thornlands.

“There’s no excuse to stay home this Halloween so head out for some socially-distanced fun.”

Visit the What’s On community calendar on Council’s website for more information on what’s happening on Redlands Coast.

Explore Redlands Coast by bike on National Ride2Work Day


October 16, 2020

Redlands Coast residents are encouraged to use National Ride2Work Day on Wednesday 21 October as an opportunity to explore the region’s naturally wonderful attractions.

Mayor Karen Williams said Redlands Coast was a safe place for active travel, with many dedicated cycling paths and bike lanes.

“Cycling is a great way to stay active and to explore our beautiful region,” she said.

“Redlands Coast has an extensive network of bike trails, many of which take in scenic views of our coastline and meander through bushland and parks.

“We also have bike paths and tracks which connect to bus, train, ferry and barge terminals so, even if you have a long commute, there are safe options to travel part of the way by bicycle.”

‘Active Travel’ and ‘Behaviour Change’ are Council priorities, as identified in the Redlands Coast Transport Strategy.

“To this end we are focussed on delivering high quality infrastructure that protects cyclists and offers a direct route to key activity centres and services,” Cr Williams said.

“Many people already walk or cycle on a daily basis and Ride2Work Day is all about encouraging more people to swap the car for a bike, whether it’s for work, to visit a friend or for a trip to the shops or the library.

“Cycling is not only a pollution-free mode of transport, it also has great health and fitness benefits.”

Cr Williams said there were plenty of options for longer or more advanced cycling which residents could enjoy at weekends.

“The Moreton Bay Cycleway offers some stunning rides along our foreshore and through natural bushland.

“There are also cycleways linking Cleveland and Capalaba, at Ross Creek and Weinam Creek and along the Point Halloran foreshore.

“For the more adventurous there are mountain bike trails in a number of local conservation areas, and there are also cycling tracks on our islands, with opportunities to explore diverse landscapes and take in panoramic views across Moreton Bay.”

 Local cycling paths:

  • Moreton Bay Cycleway – with 20 parks along the way with side trips to Cleveland Point and Wellington Point.
  • Cleveland-Capalaba Cycleway – follow the footpath markings from the Cleveland railway station to Sam Sciacca Park at Capalaba.
  • Ross Creek Pathway from Beach Street Thornlands to Shore Street Cleveland and onto Cleveland Point.
  • Weinam Creek path system.
  • Point Halloran foreshore and Point Halloran Conservation area.
  • Capalaba Regional Park – Killarney Crescent to Brewer Street with loops within Capalaba Regional Park.
  • Coochiemudlo Island, Emerald Fringe Loop – use existing paths, tracks and local roads to circumnavigate the island and finish with a cuppa at the foreshore café.
  • Raby Bay – Raby Bay to foreshore via Masthead Drive.

 Longer and more adventurous rides:

  • Bayview Conservation Area – around 60km of mountain bike and bushwalking trails.
  • Don and Christine Burnett Conservation Area – mountain bike trails and bushwalking trails. Part of a large trail system which also includes Neville Lawrie Reserve and Daisy Hill Conservation Park.
  • Redland Track Park (Scribbly Gums Conservation Area) – mountain bike trails and bushwalking trails.
  • Ford Road Conservation Area – mountain bike trails and bushwalking trails.
  • Sandy Creek Conservation Area – mountain bike, bushwalking, horse riding on fire trail system trails
  • Greater Glider Conservation Area – mountain bike, bushwalking, horse riding on fire trail system trails.
  • Emu Street Conservation Area – mountain bike, bushwalking, horse riding on fire trail system trails.
  • There are also cycling tracks on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah.

For more information contact the Redlands Coast Visitor Information Centre on 1300 667 386 or visit the Sport and Recreation page on Council’s website.

 

Council to advocate strongly at LGAQ Conference


October 16, 2020

Redland City Council will fly the Redlands Coast flag at next week’s Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) conference to advocate for a number of key projects and initiatives on behalf of the community.

Mayor Karen Williams said in addition to a number of resolutions Council was putting to the conference she would also be speaking with fellow Queensland Mayors about key projects included in Council’s 2020 State Election Advocacy Plan.

“Key amongst our state election advocacy priorities are better transport infrastructure and clearer planning laws and I will be looking to discuss these opportunities at next week’s conference with my fellow Mayors and State MPs in attendance,” she said.

“We have also asked candidates in the seats of Capalaba, Redlands, Oodgeroo and Springwood to provide comment on their level of support for each project and initiative included in our advocacy plan so we can let the community know where they stand.

“So far the responses have been slow coming back so Council has again reminded candidates that we will be making their responses public so the community is across their priorities ahead of the election.”

Cr Williams said among the items to be raised by Council at the annual conference was the need for clearer planning framework.

“We will again be advocating for a State Government planning system that is easier for the community to understand and meets their expectations,” she said.

“Council has long argued that the State’s current, performance-based planning system allows too much flexibility in how the overall outcomes of relevant codes are achieved, creating uncertainty within the community.

“To provide the certainty the community seeks, and in response to concerns about small lot sizes, Council previously tried to cap minimum lot sizes through the 2018 city plan, but were advised by the State Government that we couldn’t under the current planning regime.

“Residents need some surety of what may be built in their neighbourhoods and we are calling on the State Government to provide clearer planning framework.”

Cr Williams said Council would also present a case to the LGAQ Conference for better recognition of, and financial support for, regional challenges.

“We are a city of islands and have one of the largest, un-bridged island populations in the country,” she said.

“In recognition of our island communities’ unique social, economic and isolation issues compared with the rest of the city, we have long advocated for our islands to be considered regional under State Government funding allocations.

“Despite the rates of unemployment and disability being higher than on the mainland, along with transport challenges similar to those of other regional areas, our islands are excluded from the State Government’s regional funding programs designed to support regional Local Government Areas.”

Other items to be tabled at the LGAQ’s 124th annual conference on the Gold Coast from October 19-21, 2020 are:
• Local Governments’ Powers to Conduct Elections
• Regulated Dog Management Review
• More Respectful Debate in Parliament
• Asset Sustainability Ratio

Cr Williams and Division 7 Councillor Rowanne McKenzie will be Council’s official delegates at the LGAQ Conference, which will bring together delegates from all tiers of government, external stakeholders and the media to consider the challenges facing local governments and their communities.

Other Councillors will be able to attend as observers.

To read Council’s 2020 State Election Advocacy Plan, visit Council’s website.

TV series drives opportunities for Redlands Coast businesses


October 16, 2020

Filming of the hit reality TV series Holey Moley involved thousands of Redlands Coast residents and created about 100 local jobs.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the show, which was filmed at Thornlands earlier this month, would be a massive promotion for Redlands Coast when it aired early next year.

“Eureka Productions’ first Australian version of the series provided opportunities for the construction and tourism industry sectors, including accommodation providers and local suppliers in areas such as landscaping, construction, security, waste management, and food and beverage,” she said.

“Alexandra Hills Hotel was booked out, while two other local accommodation providers benefited from cast and crew staying with them.

“Other local businesses which provided their services during filming included Kennards Hire at Cleveland and MSE Security Services at Ormiston.”

Alexandra Hills Hotel owner Damian McGuire said having the Holey Moley contestants, cast and crew book out the hotel was a welcome economic boost as well as a lot of fun for the team.

“The audience bus left from the hotel every day, also bringing a lot of locals to our establishment,” Mr McGuire said.

“Besides selling out our 4.5 star hotel rooms, our restaurant and bar saw an uplift.

“It was a really positive experience on many levels and we look forward to seeing our guests on-screen.”

MSE Security Services Director Shane Logan said Holey Moley allowed him to employ an extra six local security officers.

“MSE Security provided an onsite security presence and also security patrol services over a 24/7 period since late August 2020,” Mr Logan said.

“We also provided COVID-19 screening control measures and were involved in the safe transportation of audience members to and from site.

“I would like to thank Eureka Productions for the opportunity to work on this project, and we would definitely be interested in providing our services for any other filming to take place on site.

“Holey Moley is definitely an exciting and fresh take on mini golf. I think everyone enjoyed themselves and we look forward to the screening of the show.”

Cr Williams said the filming was an exciting opportunity for residents, with more than 2500 locals and visitors taking up the offer to be audience members.

“No doubt they will be on the lookout for themselves when the show goes to air on Channel 7,” she said.

Holey Moley features 96 contestants competing for a $100,000 prize on a supersized miniature golf course, with obstacles and twists along the way.

The obstacle course site, at the end of the street near the Redland Animal Shelter, is now available for other countries to use to film their versions of the show.

This production received support from the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland.