Redland City Council’s broader-ranging Environment and Coastal Management Separate Charge will fund a $1.7 million investment in the city’s beaches, foreshores and waterways in 2021-2022 as part of a suite of major environmental and conservation programs and initiatives.
The new Environment and Coastal Management Separate Charge, adopted today as part of Redland City Council’s annual budget, recognises Council’s increasing responsibilities as a coastal city.
Mayor Karen Williams said the charge, which replaced the Environment Separate Charge, would significantly extend Council’s ability to care for the local environment.
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“The change reflects how much our community values our naturally wonderful areas and lifestyle, especially our beaches, foreshores and waterways,” Cr Williams said.
“For less than $3 a week, it will help support Redlands Coast’s stunning coastal assets, including initiatives such as shoreline erosion management and our Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy, as well as continuing our vital environmental programs. The key change is that it will now help cover the cost of caring for our 335 km of coastline and other waterways, which would otherwise have to be paid for through rates.
“This is projected to cost $1.7 million this year as part of an environmental and conservation effort to cost almost $11 million. It ensures we put away the funds needed to protect, manage and enhance our island and mainland coasts and waterways, including koala habitat, while we continue to support our broader conservation and environmental work.”
The charge will also fund operational and capital projects, including:
- Bushland and fire management
- Foreshore and catchment rehabilitation and maintenance
- Track and trail maintenance and repairs
- Environmental education
- Koala habitat restoration
- Managing impacts of climate change
- Delivering the Redlands Coast Biosecurity Plan and Redlands Coast Bay and Creeks Plan
- Prioritising works under the Coastal Hazard Adaption Strategy and Shoreline Erosion Management Plan
“This new approach helps us to do what the community wants us to do while getting the best value for money we can,” Cr Williams said.
Visit our website at redland.qld.gov.au/budget for more budget information.
