Monthly Archives: August 2021

Planned burn in Mt Cotton – Wednesday 1 September 2021


August 31, 2021

Redland City Council’s Parks and Conservation crews will undertake a hazard reduction burn within Heinemann Road Conservation Area, Mt Cotton on Wednesday 1 September 2021, weather permitting.

The burn area is located in a section of bushland off 277-293 Heinemann Road (highlighted in yellow on the map below).

The burn is expected to occur between 8.30am and 6pm on Wednesday.

The purpose of the burn is to reduce the volume of forest litter fuel, which will assist with hazard reduction – reducing the fire danger and providing conditions essential for native regeneration.

There will be a half road closure to a small section of Balthazar Circuit, and a traffic control crew will be on site.

It is appreciated that the burn may cause some inconvenience, however all attempts will be made to limit any smoke hazards.

For more information about Council’s planned burn program, visit redland.qld.gov.au/PlannedBurns.

Oral history project to capture impact of COVID on Redlands Coast


August 31, 2021

Redland City Council Libraries’ Local History Team is spearheading a project to capture the experiences of residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor Karen Williams said the COVID Oral History Project would build on the groundswell of similar projects worldwide and throughout Queensland.

“This ongoing global pandemic has been a major part of all our lives for about 19 months,” she said.

“During this time we have been bombarded with harrowing stories and images of large case numbers and deaths in many countries.

“Although Australia has been lucky in many respects, it has not come through unscathed.

“Many of our Redlands Coast residents have struggled through the stresses and strains of self-isolation during lockdowns and restrictions.

“There are many parents and carers who have been challenged by supervising young people through home schooling, often while juggling working from home.

“Our businesses, community groups and sporting clubs have similarly all been impacted, prompting Council to provide grants and other assistance and support to help them through these testing times.

“The aim of the Oral History Project is to gather a snapshot of feelings and experiences throughout Redlands Coast and show how our families, communities and workplaces have been impacted by the pandemic.

“All interviews will be recorded and will become part of our local community story, to be preserved as an historical record of what it was like to live through this moment in time.”

The project is a partnership between the Council Libraries’ Local History Team, Redland Museum in Cleveland, North Stradbroke Island Museum on Minjerribah, Coochiemudlo Heritage Society and the Southern Moreton Bay Islands Museum on Russell Island.

Interviews will be conducted between October and December, and all participants will receive a copy of their recording.

For more information or to express an interest in participating in the Redlands Coast COVID Oral History Project, email localhistory@redland.qld.gov.au

Council invites expressions of interest in tourism opportunity for not-for-profit or community organisations


August 30, 2021

Redland City Council is proposing to establish a basic camping ground that will cater for the self-contained recreational vehicle (RV) and caravan tourism market.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council was inviting expressions of interest (EOI) from not-for-profit or community organisations with experience or capabilities in operating facilities such as these.

“The self-contained RV and caravan market is growing, and Redlands Coast has so much natural beauty to offer these tourists,” she said.

“COVID-19 has changed the way we travel, and people are now engaging in more local tourism.

“What better way to capture this market than to provide a basic camping ground for people who are seeking an affordable short stay close to shops, Moreton Bay and a range of tourism experiences?

“We are south-east Queensland’s gateway to a world of coastal and island discovery and this is a great opportunity for community or not-for-profit organisations to operate a basic camping ground and be ambassadors for our naturally wonderful Redlands Coast.”

Cr Williams said while basic camping grounds offered the few facilities needed by self-contained RVs and caravans, they also preserved the appeal and amenity of a location.

“Basic camping grounds are supported by minor infrastructure and are strictly limited to self-contained vehicles, which have their own water, power, toilets and showers,” she said.

“The EOI process is an important step towards establishing a camping ground for self-contained RVs and caravans, delivering benefits to local businesses, the tourism industry and the community.

“If Council shortlists a not-for-profit or community organisation through the EOI process, the community will be consulted on the preferred site and the proposal prior to commencement of any basic camping ground.”

Four sites have been identified by Council officers as potentially suitable for a basic camping ground, following a recent economic needs assessment.

Potential sites are located at:

  • Island Street, Cleveland; adjoining Cleveland Bowls Club
  • Norm Price Park – Redland Showgrounds, 44 Smith Street, Cleveland
  • Raby Bay Boulevard Park; next to William Street boat ramp
  • 594-596 Main Road, Wellington Point

For more information, visit the project page on Council’s Your Say website.

Redlands Coast Eastern Escarpment upgrades create a regional recreational destination


August 28, 2021

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams and the Honourable Mick de Brenni MP, Member for Springwood, have met with excited users to take in and celebrate recent improvements through the Redlands Coast Eastern Escarpment Hinterland Experience project.

Councillor Williams said the upgraded Redlands Coast Eastern Escarpment Conservation Area was already being enjoyed by many avid cyclists, bushwalkers, horse riders and nature lovers.

“The major upgrade to this naturally wonderful area has long been on Council’s to-do list and we are delighted that Council’s works were able to be brought forward as a result of Queensland Government’s COVID Works for Queensland funding of $2,050,000 last year,” Cr Williams said.

“Today is a celebration of what can be achieved when different levels of government work collaboratively together to deliver for the community.

“Eastern Escarpment is part of a broader trail network across Redlands and through to Logan with this upgrade enhancing visitor access to recreation and natural areas while protecting biodiversity across this region.

“It was wonderful to meet rising mountain biking (MTB) star, 16-year-old Bailey Meares, and adaptive mountain biker (aMTB), Renee Junga today.

“Bailey – who last year was ranked seventh in the country for Gravity Events such as Downhill and Enduro Racing – tells me he loves the two new black diamond runs, which provide scope of his intense training schedule just five minutes from his school, Sheldon College.

“Renee – who had an accident when training for the Beijing Olympics as part of Australia’s first BXM squad – has more recently taken up adaptive mountain biking and provided accessibility advice so that trails suitable for aMBT could be included at Eastern Escarpment.”

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen, Minister for Public Works and Procurement and Member for Springwood Mick de Brenni said the Queensland Government had provided Council with $2.8m for works to the Eastern Escarpment and the Cleveland Aquatic Centre as part of its plan for Queensland’s economic recovery from Covid 19.

“Our government was keen to support more investment in high quality mountain bike trails to meet the growing demand for this incredibly popular sport,” Mr de Brenni said.

“As a mountain biker myself, I’d like to acknowledge the team who delivered the project which has been acclaimed as one of the best rides anywhere in southeast Queensland.

“This Queensland Government Covid-19 Works for Queensland project has created jobs in delivering the infrastructure itself and more broadly in local tourism, hospitality and the cycling economy.”

Redland City Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Division 6, Julie Talty said the popularity of the area had greatly increased since word got out about the new trails and facilities.

“In addition to upgrading 7 km of existing trails, more than 13km of new trails have been created with new wayfinding signage, along with new viewing opportunities out to our Moreton Bay Islands,” Cr Talty said.

“New trailhead facilities at Gate 2 (near Schoek Road) include a small sealed car park, amenities, potable water and shelter with signage incorporating a map.

“As well as providing an improved experience for recreational users, the upgraded trails will also provide better access for the effective management of weeds and fires in the reserve.”

Council bought the 186.68ha parcel of land in 2008, and in 2017 began formal planning for the reserve in consultation with trail runners, bush walkers, horse riders, mountain bike riders, environmental groups, neighbours and the community.

The Redlands Coast Eastern Hinterland Experience was fully funded by the State Government through its 2020-21 COVID Works for Queensland program.

Annual breakfast raises more than $27,500 for school chaplaincy programs


August 27, 2021

More than $27,500 was raised for state school chaplaincy programs across Redlands Coast at the 19th annual Redland City Mayoral Prayer Breakfast.

Mayor Karen Williams said today’s event at the Alexandra Hills Conference Centre brought the amount raised since 2015 to nearly $150,000.

“This year’s fundraising was an excellent result given the reduced numbers able to attend, for the second year in a row, due to COVID-safe requirements,” she said.

“All the money we raise through these breakfasts helps fund our wonderful chaplains, who now work in 83 per cent of state schools across Redlands Coast, so it is money very well spent.”

The event included the announcement of the recipient of the annual Pastor Glen Gray Award.

Pastor Glen Gray Award recipient Terry Keen (chaplain at Alexandra Hills State School) and Mayor Karen Williams.

“This award recognises an outstanding school chaplain who has demonstrated significant social, emotional and spiritual support to students, parents and school employees,” Cr Williams said.

“It was established last year in honour of the late Pastor Gray, who was the driving force behind the inception of the Mayoral Prayer Breakfast and who did so much great work in our community.

“This year’s worthy recipient is Terry Keen, who is the chaplain at Alexandra Hills State School.”

Among the 175 breakfast attendees were sponsors, school principals, students and chaplains, church leaders, state and local government representatives, business people and community members.

Guest speaker was Ruth Limkin, founding CEO of the Banyans Healthcare Group, a Non-Executive Director of Bible Society Australia and a former board member of Scripture Union Queensland.

Cr Williams thanked all those who supported the event, including members of the organising committee: Ken Mihill, Pastor Neale Collier, Alan Lucas and Alison Kingdom.

Event sponsors and supporters included:

Diamond sponsor

  • Lee’s Environmental

Platinum sponsor

  • Renaissance Retirement Living

Silver sponsor

  • Bentham Foundation

Bronze sponsors

  • Alex Gow Funerals
  • Bank of Queensland Cleveland
  • Cole + Yarrow
  • RE/MAX Bayside Properties
  • Villawood Properties

Event supporters

  • McGuires’ Hotels Group
  • CPC Production Services
Posted in Events and tagged .

Help shape prized Redlands Coast park


August 27, 2021

Redlands Coast residents can help shape the future of Thorneside’s William Taylor Memorial Sports Field, with those who complete a two-minute survey by 10 September 2021 able to go into the draw to win one of three $100 gift cards.

Mayor Karen Williams said the survey, which opens on Friday 27 August, would help Council better understand what locals, tenant sporting clubs and other park users would like to see at the popular park.

“We know that Redlands Coast residents value their open spaces and will be enjoying the new tennis and cricket facilities which opened at William Taylor in June and are looking forward to the upgraded public toilets, picnic facilities and a bike skills zone, as well as the renewed play space, skate park, BMX/cycling, petanque court and carpark,” Cr Williams said.

“This survey now gives Thorneside locals and other park users, including sporting clubs, the opportunity to influence a sports, natural environment or discovery theme for the new toddler-primary play space, as well as the option to suggest other ideas.

“Similarly, by letting us know what they like about the existing skate park, our growing skating community will help design a facility with features they would like to use.

“Detailed design of the recreation area will start later this year and will consider the survey results together with the site plan already developed in collaboration with the sporting clubs that call William Taylor home.

“The detailed design will be finalised by June 2022, ready for construction when funding becomes available.”

Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop said Council was eager to hear from Thorneside locals and other park users, after having recent formal discussion with committee members of the tenant sporting clubs about the proposed improvements.

“The renewed tennis courts and public cricket nets have already brought a new lease of life to this local sport and recreation hub at William Taylor Sports Reserve,” he said.

“Over the years, I have heard requests for upgrades and changes to reflect diverse needs within our local area. Now, council has committed to provide a play space the neighbourhood will enjoy using as well as a revamped skate, scooter, BMX facility that might encourage even more young people to get outdoors and get active within a safe and family friendly environment.

“We will be letterbox-dropping paper copies of the survey to residents around William Taylor as an additional way for those who live nearby to let us know their views. However, the easiest way to complete the survey is online at yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au

“As local councillor, I really urge locals to share your views. After the survey closes on 10 September, it would be great to have received a high number of participants in this consultation activity, as this is what will help ensure an open space that the entire community can enjoy for years to come.”

To complete the two minute survey and enter the draw to win one of three $100 gift cards, and to find out more about the William Taylor Memorial Sports Field Upgrade, visit yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au. Gift card winners will be selected via random draw.

Redland City Council proposes to strengthen protection of urban habitats and wildlife corridors


August 26, 2021

Council is proposing to amend Redland City Plan to strengthen protection of the most important urban habitats and wildlife corridors on Redlands Coast.

Mayor Karen Williams said the proposed stronger protections under the major amendment to Redland City Plan would be submitted to Planning Minister Steven Miles for State Interest Review before being released for public consultation.

“This is the first step in changing the City Plan to bring in stronger protections and will be followed by public consultation in which the community can have their say on this proposal,” she said.

“We expect that public consultation will commence early in 2022.”

Cr Williams said the amendment reflected the findings and recommendations of a review requested by Council in November 2020 of options to improve statutory land use planning protections to environmental corridors within the urban footprint, as identified in the Wildlife Connections Plan 2018-2028.

“The proposed changes will only affect parts of properties that are currently mapped as having local or state environmental values and are located in the urban footprint of ShapingSEQ,” she said.

“These amendments ensure that native vegetation clearing in the city’s most important urban habitat and corridors that connect them are mapped in City Plan through a new category of Matters of Local Environmental Significance (MLES) called wildlife core and habitat and are subject to a higher level of regulation in City Plan.

“In effect, this will remove existing native vegetation clearing exemptions in these important mapped urban habitats and corridors, making all such clearing assessable against the environmental significance overlay of City Plan.

“To support stronger protections in these important urban habitats, the amendment proposes new assessment criteria to clearly require that any proposed clearing firstly avoids clearing native vegetation within a mapped MLES wildlife core and corridor habitat.

“Where this is not reasonably possible, the clearing will need to be minimised and mitigated, and an offset provided for any unavoidable loss of native vegetation.

“The amendment is proposed to apply to just over 1000 privately owned properties, with another 1080 publicly-owned properties.”

Cr Williams said Council has provided in-principle support for assisting private landowners affected by the proposed amendment should it be introduced following public consultation.

“To recognise the contribution that affected private landowners make to the protection of the city’s environmental values, an environmental rate concession, tied to the environmental levy, for all private properties that pay a general rate included in the amendment is considered most appropriate,” she said.

“Council will also write to each private landowner to highlight the environmental management support and assistance currently provided under Council’s Environmental Partnership Program.

“The amendment also updates mapped Matters of State Environmental Significance (MSES) in City Plan to reflect changes made to this state mapping since the City Plan commenced in 2018.

“It also proposes some minor changes to mapped MLES to update this mapping, particularly in areas of Mount Cotton that no longer contain these values.”

Cr Williams said Council would provide updates and background information on the amendment to the community via a project page on its Your Say website.

“This will outline the proposed changes as well as highlight the future opportunities for the community to provide comments as part of the statutory public consultation process in 2022, following completion of the State interest review,” she said.

New group meets to discuss active travel across Redlands Coast


August 25, 2021

The Redlands Coast Active Travel Reference Group has held its first meeting, bringing together representatives from Council, relevant organisations and the community.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said group members would work with Council officers and contribute their expertise and local knowledge about all modes of active travel across Redlands Coast.

“This new reference group will help Council engage with local stakeholders and community groups to identify and address initiatives that promote and improve active travel options and participation,” she said.

“Council is serious about active travel. It is one of the top priorities of the Redlands Coast Transport Strategy and is a catalyst project in the Our Future Redlands – A Corporate Plan to 2026 and Beyond.

“Active travel can help to improve community connectivity, health and wellbeing, and can also help to reduce the burden of parking and transport infrastructure dominated by cars.

“We are looking to the new group members’ advocacy and passion to help drive and support active travel and transport infrastructure and innovation.

“This group was formed following an open expression of interest process for community members, and I am very pleased it will include genuine input from those most directly affected – our community.”

The first meeting was attended by representatives from Council’s Transport Planning Unit, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Walks, Bicycle Queensland, Minjerribah and Tattersalls Cycling Clubs, RACQ, Sharks Triathlon Club and five community members.

It included a briefing on upcoming active transport projects for Redlands Coast, a background on end-of-trip facilities at transport nodes and schools, and a presentation on e-scooters. The latter two items will be discussed further at the next meeting.

Group chairperson and Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said he was very happy with the cross section of membership, with representatives from many active transport backgrounds and expertise.

“This group of highly skilled and motivated individuals has been formed from the community itself, and out of a strong community demand for safer and more connected active travel options,” Cr Mitchell said.

“It builds upon the past good work done by bicycle advocacy groups but broadens the input to include that from walkers, and people with disability and personal mobility devices.

“There is a shared vision that everyone has the right to travel how they choose and to do it safely, legally and respectfully of other road and path users.

“The naturally wonderful Redlands Coast has some strong active travel bones, but it is both timely and necessary to double down on infrastructure and education to realise the vision of a pedestrian-friendly city and lifestyle that is the envy of Australia.

“I am looking forward to collaborating with the team to help Council get our active travel projects and resourcing just right.”

The group will initially meet every two months and then on an ‘as needs’ basis.

For more information on the Redlands Coast Active Travel Reference Group, visit Redland City Council’s Transport planning webpage.

Bio-retention basin improves stormwater quality from recycling and waste centre


August 25, 2021

A new bio-retention basin has been constructed alongside Birkdale Recycling and Waste Centre to improve the quality of stormwater discharged into nearby waterways.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said as well as the environmental benefits, the basin would also reduce maintenance and operational costs associated with managing stormwater and stormwater infrastructure.

“The construction of the bio-retention basin is part of a wider scope of works at the site following the remediation of the landfill in 2017, and construction of the asphalt hardstand for stockpiled materials in 2020.

“Stormwater runoff from the Recycling and Waste Centre has the potential to cause water contamination or environmental harm in the areas where it is discharged, namely Tarradarrapin Creek which in turn flows into Waterloo Bay.

“However, the water treated through the bio-retention basin will be of a higher quality than previously managed through the stormwater pond it is replacing.”

Playing a pivotal role in that improved water quality are almost 3000 native grasses and plants which cover about 425 sq m of the basin.

Native grasses and plants will play an integral role in the new bio-retention basin alongside Birkdale Recycling and Waste Centre.

“The stormwater quality onsite improved significantly following the completion of the asphalt hardstand,” Cr Williams said.

“Now the bio-retention basin is complete, the stormwater will meet quality standards without the requirement for treatment before being discharged, as any sediment or nutrients in the stormwater will be filtered by the plant and filtration media (a combination of soil, sand and gravel).”

Cr Williams said Council saved time and a lot of money on the basin’s construction by using a new product to transform a large amount of silt and contaminated sludge at the bottom of the previous stormwater pond.

“This innovative mud stabilisation product transformed the sludge into a usable material which was then incorporated with other materials to construct the bio-retention basin,” she said.

“The use of this product saved more than $275,000 and reduced construction time by three weeks, achieving a great environmental and financial outcome for the city.”

Division 8 Councillor Tracey Huges said the bio-retention basin met the expectations and compliance standards set by the Department of Environment and Science and modern environmental standards required for an operating waste facility.

“Last year Council resurfaced the gravel area on top of the hill with an innovative bitumen seal that used recycled tyres,” Cr Huges said.

“Earlier this year Council repaired a stormwater drain which had been damaged following heavy rain.

“Now, with the completion of the bio-retention basin on the western perimeter of the Birkdale Recycling and Waste Centre, Council has ensured there is modern and best practice stormwater management infrastructure in place to capture any fine particles or sediment generated through operations onsite.”

Mayor urges voucher holders to spend Brisbane Holiday Dollars on Redlands Coast


August 23, 2021

Lucky recipients of the Brisbane Holiday Dollars vouchers are being encouraged to use them to explore the naturally wonderful Redlands Coast during the September school holidays or long weekend in October.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the vouchers, which offered 50 per cent off tours, attractions or accommodation up to the value of $100, provided the perfect incentive for visitors and locals to holiday close to home.

“The vouchers are valid at participating local tourism operators throughout the greater Brisbane area, which includes Redlands Coast,” Cr Williams said.

“There is a great range of local operators to choose from, including fishing and yacht cruises, boutique island and hinterland accommodation, island tours, surfing lessons, a winery, day spa and Quandamooka cultural experiences.

“Brisbane Holiday Dollars can make these experiences even more appealing.

“COVID-19 has had a major impact on our local tourism operators and businesses during the past 18 months and these vouchers, provided in partnership with the State Government, Brisbane Economic Development Agency, Tourism and Events Queensland and Redland City Council, provide a welcome boost.

“Recent COVID restrictions have meant the voucher booking and travel periods have been extended, but bookings must be made by next Tuesday 31 August, for travel or use by 4 October.

“This means they can be used during the school holidays, which start on 18 September, or on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend from 2-4 October.

“I encourage voucher holders to take advantage of this great opportunity to explore more of our unique backyard and support our fabulous local tourism operators.”

More information, including a list of participating Redlands Coast tourism operators, is available at visitredlandscoast.com.au.