Author Archives: Amber Robertson

Mowing schedule ramps up


January 31, 2020

Long-awaited and much-needed rain has fallen across Redlands Coast recently, bringing with it a surge of green grass.

Redland City Council has increased its mowing schedule across the City, with staff and contractors working extended hours, including rostered days off and weekends, to mow the more than the 5.6 million square metres of public space that make up our schedule.

Other areas in south east Queensland are facing the same issues with mowing, with grass growing exceptionally fast due to the ideal weather conditions of recent rain and above-20-degree night temperatures.

Council is taking advantage of every fine day to reduce the grass in local parks and reserves, noting that to avoid damaging the grounds after rainfall, parks need to be dry before mowing.

Council appreciates residents’ patience as we work hard to keep up with the growth.

 

$8.1mill School of Arts Road, Redland Bay roadwork completed as more work planned


December 16, 2019

An $8.1 million section of roadwork on School of Arts Road and Collins Street Redland Bay has been completed ahead of schedule and under budget, paving the way for Council to start upgrading nearby water infrastructure in the New Year.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said it may be hard to appreciate the significance of the completed road work for those not familiar with how this section of road used to be.

“This new road section completed by Council crews has won compliments from locals for the way the work was undertaken and has fixed major floodway problems over Weinam creek.

“The finished roadwork has been lifted a metre above the old floodway that has been a source of regular flooding and traffic disruption during wet conditions.

“The design of the new work has also avoided impacts on a corner property and much loved fig tree that is a locally recognised landmark visible from the surrounding areas.

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the surface of the new two lane road section provides a smoother, quieter and longer lasting surface that will reduce ongoing maintenance costs and improve road access for an urban area of the city that has grown rapidly over recent years.

“The new road section includes cycle lanes, parking and safe pedestrian islands for crossings to popular nearby community facilities, while also ensuring that major utility service trenching upgrades were undertaken during construction,” Cr Edwards said.

Division 6 Councillor Julie Talty said improvements to local infrastructure would continue with Council beginning work on new sewer infrastructure along an adjoining section of School of Arts Road in January.

“The planned works from Denham Boulevard to approximately 60 meters past the Cypress and Bedarra Streets Roundabout will involve the supply and installation of a major new rising sewer main, a small section of gravity sewer main, manholes and other work.

“Traffic detours will be necessary during work hours from 7.00am and 6.00pm Monday to Friday for all west bound traffic travelling between Denham Boulevard and Cypress Street but detours will not apply outside of these work hours.

“Site works will begin on 6 January with the work planned for completion in April 2020, weather permitting.

“Council greatly appreciates the ongoing patience and co-operation of road users and the local community and for helping to ensure these important infrastructure project can be completed safely, on budget and on-time.”

Information on the new sewer project is available on the Yoursay Redlands Coast website or by contacting council on Tel 3829 8999.

Christmas by Starlight to shine a helping hand on Queensland farmers


December 6, 2019

Queensland farmers doing it tough as a result of the drought will benefit from donations collected at Redland City Council’s annual Christmas by Starlight event in Cleveland later this month.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council would partner with the Rotary Club of Cleveland to collect donations at the event for the Rotary Australia drought appeal.

“The national appeal is raising money to help farmers who are suffering from drought conditions and Redland City Council wants to help,” she said.

“The Redlands Coast community is a generous one, and I know residents attending Christmas by Starlight will dig deep and donate what they can to the appeal.

“Community clubs such as Rotary are the life blood of local communities, working to provide vouchers, food and animal fodder to those communities that are being heavily challenged by these harsh conditions.

“As well as assisting rural families, money spent in these communities has a flow-on effect to local businesses, which are also struggling.”

Cr Williams also advised that due to the recent fire disasters in neighbouring regions and current fire ban for Redlands Coast, Council had made the difficult decision to cancel the planned fireworks finale at Christmas by Starlight.

“Given current dry weather conditions and the plight of others around Australia, we have made the decision to not have a fireworks display this year and offer a new surprise finale.

“We are working with our fireworks provider, a local family-run business and loyal sponsor of Christmas by Starlight, to create an exciting and magical Christmas moment for families to enjoy.”

Cr Williams said Council employees and community volunteers would also collect eligible cans and plastic containers used by event goers to recycle through the Containers for Change scheme.

“These containers will be exchanged for cash, with the funds collected also going to the Rotary appeal,” she said.

Christmas by Starlight – Redlands Coast’s largest free community event – will be held at Norm Price Park – Redland Showgrounds from 4pm on Saturday, 14 December.

For more information, visit Council’s Christmas by Starlight web page.

Mayor Karen Williams with Rotary Club of Cleveland’s Luis Filardi and Jon Womersley

 

 

 

 

Bring out your stories about Birkdale land


December 6, 2019

Redland City Council has put out the call for residents to share any historic or cultural information they may have about land at Birkdale which has now been purchased by Council from the Commonwealth Government.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council was inviting personal stories about the 61 hectares of land at 362-388 Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale while a suite of additional heritage, environment and land studies were carried out.

“To support the work of the experts who will be completing gap analysis and further information gathering, Council is inviting the community to also share their knowledge of the land, its history and values.

“This is the first stage of speaking with the community about this property, with formal public consultation to occur next year after all heritage and environmental studies have been completed.

“The Redlands Coast community has had a long and strong relationship and interest in the Birkdale site over many decades, including its Quandamooka cultural significance and historic role in World War II.

“While much is already known about the land, a great deal of its history is locked in the memories and experiences of residents, with many having childhood stories of the land and the creek.

Cr Williams said that securing the property had been a long journey across a number of years and many Federal Government Ministers.

“We have been trying to secure this land for years and for it to now be owned by the community is exciting news,” she said.

“We want to thank the Federal Government for agreeing to sell the land to the Redlands Coast community so its significance will be protected and the land can be retained for community benefit.

Federal Member for Bowman, Mr Andrew Laming MP said the transfer of ownership was a project he initiated with then Mayor Don Seccombe shortly after being elected in 2005.

“It took 5270 days and navigating dozens of Ministers and advisors but we got there. The greatest victory being a sale to Redland City Council rather than into private hands which the law would usually require. There isn’t a deal like this anywhere nationwide.

“Council has been a model purchaser and tolerated plenty of ups and downs from Canberra, including last year’s federal Budget which incorrectly listed the purpose of sale for development.”

Cr Williams said over seventy two percent of the 61.78 hectare site is already principally zoned conservation within the City Plan, with the remaining 17 hectares of the site zoned for community purpose.

“This land purchase is a major and strategic opportunity to secure a lasting legacy for future Redlands Coast generations.

“This includes the opportunity for community recreation, sport and tourism uses on the small portion of the site that is zoned for community purposes.

“Council’s commitment today is to ensure that the future for the land is part of well-informed conversation with the Redlands Coast community.”

Visit the Your Say Redlands Coast Birkdale Land page on to tell your story.
 

 

 

Redlands Coast set to again shine on screen


December 3, 2019

Redlands Coast is once again set to star on screen, with filming of Australian production Great White, wrapping up its local location shoots last week.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said that the cast and crew of Great White, produced by Thrills & Spills along with Silver Wings Films and Piccadilly Pictures, filmed on location at Raby Bay, Redland Bay and Peel Island (Teerk Roo Ra National Park).

“Redlands Coast is fast gaining a reputation as a location of choice for films and I am proud we have again been for Australian movie Great White,” Cr Williams said.

“More than 85 cast and crew including lead actors Katrina Bowden and Aaron Jakubenko filmed on location at Redlands Coast from October through to November 2019, providing an economic boost for the local community.”

Great White Producer Pam Collis said the production was drawn to Redlands Coast for filming because of its pristine natural attractions that are accessible and support a film crew.

“The producers’ impressions of Redlands Coast are that it has such a scenic vista on the doorstep of Brisbane and opens up ‘a whole new’ film scape yet to be fully realised.

“Redland City Council has proven to be extremely film-friendly and have made it a smooth working relationship in explaining the submission process for permits.

“The film crew have found the locals interested but not intrusive and enjoyed their experience of being able to work close to their home base without being away from home, which is often the case.

“The experience filming here has been so good that the producers are happy to not only film in the area again but are more than happy to recommend the area to their counterparts,” Ms Collis said.

The film, slated for release in 2021, follows the story of seaplane operators and lovers, Kaz Fellows (Katrina Bowden) and Charlie Brody (Aaron Jakubenko), along with their passengers, Joji Minase (Tim Kano), his wife Michelle (Kimie Tsukakoshi) and cook Benny (Te Kohe Tuhaka), who take a flight to the picturesque Hell’s Reef.

It isn’t long though before their idyllic trip turns into a living hell when they become abandoned miles from shore and in grave danger from what lurks just below the surface.

Great White is the latest in a line of productions that have chosen to do business on Redlands Coast, with the region’s film-friendly reputation continuing to grow.

Other noteworthy productions to have filmed on Redlands Coast include Reef Break, Aquaman, Tidelands, Harrow (Seasons 1 & 2), Safe Harbour, Hoges, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Unbroken and The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

This week Safe Harbour won an International Emmy for Best TV Movie/Miniseries.

Great White film’s Michael Robertson (Producer), Martin Wilston (Director), Pam Collis (Producer) and Neal Kingston (Producer) on location at Peel Island.

Great White lead actors Aaron Jakubenko and Katrina Bowden experience Redlands Coast.

 

 

 

Update – Water restored to Benfer Road, Victoria Point


November 28, 2019

Update: 12pm Thursday 28 November 2019

Water has been restored to the Benfer Road area, Victoria Point following emergency repairs to a burst water main this morning.

Council crews are flushing the repaired main. You may see open hydrants with flowing water – this is necessary to flush pipelines. Please do not approach the hydrants or attempt to turn them off.

As water supply returns, there may be some air in residential pipes or some discoloured water when residents first turn on their tap. Residents are advised to let the water run for 2-3 minutes to clear.

Earlier: 9am Thursday 28 November 2019 – Unplanned disruption to water supply – Benfer Road, Victoria Point

Residents around Benfer Road, Victoria Point, are experiencing a water shut down as a result of a burst water main outside St Rita’s Catholic Primary School.

Council crews are on site excavating to locate the break. Reconnection of water supply is expected to be around lunchtime. Council apologises for this inconvenience.

 

 

Lyngbya at Wellington Point Reserve


November 28, 2019

Redland City Council has installed signs at  Wellington Point Reserve to advise residents and visitors of the presence of Lyngbya (Lyngbya majuscule), a naturally occurring, blue-green algae that can cause skin, eye and respiratory irritations if people come into contact with it.

The presence of Lyngbya is not uncommon for waters around Redlands Coast and Moreton Bay and all beaches and waterways remain open for recreational use.

The signs are precautionary only to inform people of the presence of the material, which often presents as mats floating on the surface of the water or as washed-up clumps on the beach.
Swimming and wading is not recommended where algae is present.

Council has also reinstalled signs advising of Lyngbya at Church Street, Victoria Point and Thompsons Beach, Victoria Point, after the signs there were vandalised and removed.

Council will continue to monitor Wellington Point Reserve and other Redlands Coast beaches, and will erect signs if Lyngbya is found elsewhere.

More information is available from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection

 

Trail creates new southern Russell Island evacuation route


November 25, 2019

 Works have begun this week on hardening a trail along Lagoon Road, Russell Island to create an alternate evacuation route on the southern end of the island.

Redland City Mayor and Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group Karen Williams said the works to the existing fire trail would ensure it could be used as an evacuation route if needed.

“The works to the 300m trail, along Lagoon Road, will involve adding rocks and gravel to harden and widen it to 2.5m to improve accessibility,” Cr William said.

“It is not designed to be a new road, but once upgraded the trail can be opened to access by emergency agencies and resident evacuation should the need arise.

“The trail work, expected to be complete by early December, is the latest in our emergency planning on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and will provide an added evacuation option, linking Rocky Point to Centre Road.

“This adds to our other 2019 fire preparedness efforts across the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, including clearing reduction zones, slashing blocks, controlled burns, community education campaigns and new signage.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the works, were a timely reminder for people to also take their own precautions.

“Council continues significant disaster preparation works, and to collaborate with other levels of government, to ensure we are ready of the storm and bushfire season ahead of us,” Cr Edwards said.

“As residents we all need to be part of that collaboration, and take household measures to ensure the safety of our loved ones and assets.

“It is important that all residents, but particularly islanders who have the added complexity of geographic isolation, take the time now to prepare their homes and set up an emergency kit and plan.

“Knowing evacuation routes in advance, such as the additional one we are creating now along Lagoon Rd, could make all the difference in an emergency situation.

“I encourage everyone to jump on to Council’s dedicated Disaster Dashboard disaster.redland.qld.gov.au for details on how to be prepared for what could be testing season ahead.”

Tips for helping to fireproof your property include:

  • keeping grass and undergrowth trimmed
  • raking up and reduce leaf litter and overgrown shrubs
  • removing branches overhanging buildings and leaf litter from roofs and gutters
  • storing fuels and chemicals away from dwellings
  • moving woodpiles away from buildings
  • preventing embers from entering a building by sealing gaps, vents and roof spaces
  • displaying house numbers clearly and provide access for fire trucks.

Recent fire mitigation work across the SMBI’s includes:

  • six prescribed burns completed on Russell Island 2019
  • six prescribed burns completed on Macleay Island in 2019
  • 300  (212313 m2) blocks slashed
  • 544  (122,794 m2) fuel reduction areas slashed
  • 23 (8km) new fire trails constructed on Russell Island
  • Design work underway to consider forming Glendale Rd from Rocky Point to Sandy Beach
  • Consideration of a secondary evacuation route north of Sandy Beach Rd
  • Fire Danger Rating signs across each island
  • Emergency signage placed on SBMI and Coochiemudlo Islands
  • Fire preparedness information distributed at mainland ferry terminals
  • Posters and information flyers available at ferry terminals
  • Community Champions have been readied to provide fire preparedness information to the community at SMBI ferry terminals or operate Evacuation Centres if needed.

Moreton Bay Cycleway extension opens


November 15, 2019

This week marked a high point for Redlands Coast cyclists and recreational trail users, with the completion of Stage 1 of a multi-million dollar extension to Moreton Bay Cycleway.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Stage 1 was part of a multi-stage cycleway extension jointly funded by Council and the Queensland Government, due for completion by mid-2020.

“Today’s opening of Stage 1 of the Moreton Bay Cycleway Extension Project sees an additional 850m of pathways and boardwalk added to this much-loved community asset,” Cr Williams said.

“A 3m wide cycleway now links to existing networks at Cameron Court Park and School Road, Victoria Point.

“Section 2 works, providing a link from School Road through Orana Street Park to Lakefield Drive, will start soon and include a further 350m of boardwalk and 360m concrete footpath, or a total extension of 710m.

“Section 3 is the final link of the network and will see an on-road link via Lakefield Drive and we hope to have the entire project completed and open for public use by mid-2020.

“This newly-opened section, and the stages to follow soon, will provide important linkages between existing bike paths and will greatly improve usability, accessibility and overall visitor experience.”

The $1.83 million Moreton Bay Cycleway Section 1 project is funded equally by Council and State through their 2018-19 Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program.

Deputy Mayor and Division 4 Councillor Lance Hewlett said a trip along the newly-completed section of the cycleway offered a great recreational experience.

“We now have a new way for people to enjoy natural assets and connect across our City, with residents and visitors soon being able to pedal from Cleveland to Victoria Point along the Moreton Bay Cycleway,” Cr Hewlett said.

“There are some beautiful vantage points along the way, with the Stage 1 winding through Point Halloran Conservation Area.”

State Member for Redlands Kim Richards said Queensland State Government was delighted to partner with Council on this exciting project.

“We want to see people heading outdoors and enjoying recreational and health benefits, and State Government has been proud to support Council in delivering this cycleway,” Ms Richards said.

“Moreton Bay Cycleway provides high quality and safe cycling infrastructure and this project is an example of what can be achieved through collaboration.”

Mayor Karen Williams, Deputy Mayor and Division 4 Councillor Lance Hewlett and Member for Redlands Kim Richards join community members at stage 1 of the Moreton Bay Cycleway extension

Redland City Council Annual Report tells of positive performance


November 6, 2019

Redland City Council today endorsed its Annual Report 2018 – 2019, highlighting positive financial and operational results and Council’s significant activities for the year.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the report showed Council’s continued financial sustainability and also outlined where the money goes, with a 100 per cent delivery of its Operational Plan 2018 – 2019.

“Each year, our Operational Plan sets significant activities to help us achieve our community commitments outlined in the Corporate Plan 2018 – 2023,” Cr Williams said.

“Today Council proudly presented an Annual Report that showed delivery of all 70 significant activities across our eight Vision Outcomes.

““Our Community Financial Report and externally-audited Consolidated Financial Statements present good news, with our current position providing stability for long-term financial strategies and meeting our future obligations.

Mayor Williams said the report also shared some business innovations that had resulted in significant operational cost savings in the 2018 – 2019 financial year.

“It is important that the Redlands Coast community has confidence in our performance in managing an asset portfolio with a replacement value of $3.7 billion on their behalf.

“Continuous improvement can be seen in action through Business Transformation Program case studies, with an additional $2 million of infrastructure delivered on top of our budgeted commitments.

“The annual report also includes some of the challenges faced in 2018 – 2019, to give our stakeholders and customers an understanding of current regional and local issues that impact Redlands Coast.

“There are also detailed sections providing transparency in reporting of our governance mechanisms and statutory disclosures.”

View the Redland City Council Annual Report 2018 – 2019