Author Archives: Kiah Hickson

Council poll on Redlands Coast Ekka Show day


May 22, 2020

Now is the time to vote on your next long weekend, with Redland City Council running an online poll to help decide what date Council should ask the State Government to gazette as the Redlands Coast 2020 Ekka public holiday.

The move follows State Government approval for Brisbane City Council to move their Wednesday People’s day holiday to Friday 14 August, and invite other south-east Queensland regions to examine their options.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council was asking residents and businesses if they would prefer to keep its holiday on Monday 10 August or move it to the same Friday as Brisbane.

“People can head to our Facebook page or website and vote for their preferred public holiday – do they want to stay with our traditional Monday off or move to join Brisbane residents in having Friday off for the first time,” Cr Williams said.

“We’re in the fortunate position that either way we have a long weekend, but the decision is one we need to consider carefully as there will be flow-on effects for tourism and local businesses, as well as families with members working in different Council areas.

“As with Brisbane, the change will be a one-off, but we want to give our residents a chance to voice a preference.”

Mayor Karen Williams said whatever the outcome, the change of the Brisbane City Public Holiday would provide an opportunity for local businesses to leverage the tourism opportunities.

“With the change to Brisbane’s public holiday we’ll be encouraging people from around south-east Queensland region to swap show bags for a long weekend enjoying the little adventures and hidden treasures of Redlands Coast.”

“While the economic possibilities are important, so too is the health and safety of residents and visitors so I’d also ask that anyone looking to visit Redlands Coast over the Ekka holiday remembers to practise social distancing and remember that COVID-19 remains a risk, particularly for our vulnerable communities.

To have your say, head to Redland City Council Facebook or yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au

🎪 #RedlandsCoast Ekka Public Holiday – Vote now! This year, the State Government has moved Brisbane’s Ekka public…

Posted by Redland City Council on Thursday, 21 May 2020

Post-COVID recovery discussion during economic round table


May 22, 2020

Laying the foundations for a local post-COVID economy was a key point of discussion during a meeting of the Redlands Coast Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) this week.

EDAB Chair Sam Kennedy said this week’s round table discussions showed a large amount of work had already been done to lay the foundations for how the Redlands economy could rebound from the current pandemic.

“The meeting was a real eye-opener and shows the importance of collaboration in responding to the current economic challenges being faced through the COVID pandemic,” Ms Kennedy said.

“It is clear Council has already done a great deal of work on the city’s social and economic response and on behalf of the Board I congratulate them for moving so rapidly to respond.

“We heard about a number of success stories that have come out of Council’s $2 million stimulus package, including businesses that have used Council’s repurposed grants program to pivot and access professional services so they can continue serving the community.

“The Board also built on that work with some exciting discussions including internet connectivity across the city and how we can use the current situation to keep Redlanders in the Redlands through better connectivity, delivering an economic boost to local businesses. 

“We also discussed some exciting projects that are taking shape and have the potential to be a real game changer for the city.”

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said having some of the nation’s leading economic minds focussed on the Redlands would ensure we were well placed to not only recover from COVID-19 but to grow the local economy beyond the current pandemic.

“We know recovering from the current situation will be a marathon not a sprint, so having the foundations and collaboration is going to be critical,” Cr Williams said.

“The Board this week was able to provide decades of economic experience and suggest a number of key partners who can support Council in helping our initiatives and projects become a reality, ultimately delivering benefits for the broader community.

“This week’s EDAB meeting follows a round table I hosted with local shopping centres recently and a second meeting I convened to discuss how to ensure any projects built in our city deliver jobs for locals.

“It is critical this work gets done now so the plans are in place and ready for when restrictions are lifted so our local economy can benefit.”

Details of Council’s COVID-19 Support for businesses and the community are available at redland.qld.gov.au/info/20166/support

 

Stay safe as COVID-19 restrictions ease


May 1, 2020

With some COVID-19 restrictions being relaxed by the State Government this weekend, Redland City Mayor Karen Williams has urged Redlands Coast residents to continue to keep their distance and adhere to the rules still in place.

“I sincerely thank Redlands Coast residents for really stepping up and following the restrictions we’ve all been living under,” Cr Williams said.

“There’s no doubt that our collective efforts have helped to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

“While it will be wonderful to be able to get out a bit more, the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over and we cannot risk undoing all our good work and putting our families, our colleagues, our community and ourselves at risk.

Under the new State Government directive, from tomorrow Saturday 2 May, in addition to your outdoor exercise, you’ll be able to:

  •  Travel within 50 kilometres of your home
  • Have a picnic in a park
  • Sit on a park bench and enjoy your lunch or a coffee
  • Have a driving lesson with a member of your household
  • Go on a motorbike ride or boat trip
  • Go shopping for non-essential items.

Despite the new State Government directions, Cr Williams asked residents to remember that the current gathering and social distancing rules still apply.

“In Redlands Coast, our barbecues, exercise equipment, playground equipment, table and chair sets and fully fenced dog off leash areas continue to be closed for the safety of the community.

Our unfenced or partially fenced dog offleash areas remain open.

“So if you are planning a picnic, bring a picnic rug or chairs or sit on one of our park bench seats.”

“Our Council-owned tennis courts will be re-open to the public this Saturday, with the gates “locked open” so people don’t have to touch them.”

Cr Williams said North Stradbroke Island was still a no-go for visitors.

“The Queensland Government’s travel ban specific to North Stradbroke Island remains in place, meaning travel, including by private boats, continues to be strictly prohibited except for permanent Straddie residents and those undertaking essential travel to and from the island,” She said.

“Non-essential travel includes holidays (even if you own a holiday home), recreation, tourism and general socialising with friends and family.

“Anyone travelling to Straddie still needs to show their ID.

“The 100 metre marine exclusion zone for the waters around North Stradbroke Island is still in place and recreational boats will be moved on by authorities.

“While there is no travel ban for our other islands I urge everyone to use common sense; it would be disappointing to see large crowds heading to our islands and potentially dangerous.

“Now is not the time for island hopping, please be respectful of those vulnerable residents on these islands.”

Further information: Council’s website redland.qld.gov.au/COVID19

Redlands Coast business response ‘exceptional’


April 30, 2020

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams has applauded local businesses that have quickly adapted to meet demand for medical-grade equipment and sanitiser during the COVID-19 response.

Cr Williams said a group of Redlands Coast businesses including Cleveland manufacturers Shine Precision Industries, Asterisco Group, Alchemy Cordials and Dye-Pac and Capalaba’s Freelance Robotics had been exceptional in the way they had rapidly evolved.

“They and others like them are great examples of how Redlands Coast businesses have been creative, innovative and flexible in the face of the coronavirus pandemic,” Cr Williams said.

“They identified what was needed and what they needed to do to ensure the health of their businesses and the community and that is commendable.”

Cr Williams, who visited the Enterprise Street businesses Shine Precision and Asterisco Group on Thursday to say thank you on behalf of Redlands Coast, said Council had developed a suite of measures to help local businesses get through the pandemic.

“These range from advice and assistance in accessing federal and state financial support to targeted grants and financial hardship assistance,” Cr Williams said.

“Council is also boosting its ‘buy local’ preference, which is already having results with a four per cent increase in local spend in the last three months.

“We are also seeking to bring forward more than $60 million in infrastructure spending to recharge the local economy.

“We need our local businesses and employers to succeed for everyone’s sake, which makes it so pleasing to see businesses like Shine Industries, Asterisco, Alchemy Cordials, Dye-Pac and Freelance Robotics respond so brilliantly.”

Shine Precision Industries’ Ian Boileau said his company, which is heavily involved in the aerospace and defence sectors, identified Australia’s vulnerability to extreme shortages of medical supplies and immediately geared up to produce about 2000 medical-grade face shields and masks a week on a “not for profit basis”.

“We also see a huge opportunity and need for medical equipment supplies, now and post-Covid-19,” Mr Boileau said.

“We have established ourselves on Redlands Coast as a company that has a huge apprenticeship program, and plans for extensive growth, which in turn means hiring of more staff. Training and growth of our staff is our highest priority.”

Asterisco Group’s Brendan Armstrong, whose company manufactures leading international hygiene, sanitation and coatings brands, said the group was able to team with Enterprise Street neighbours Alchemy Cordials to produce a 65 percent alcohol gel-based hand sanitiser.

“Production of this under the Asterisk Hygiene banner is planned to be ongoing and a long lasting partnership is expected with Alchemy Cordials,” he said.

“We also have further products to announce in coming weeks to support the narrative of ‘The Power is in Your Hands’.”

Freelance Robotics, which specialises in the development of automation and mechatronics products, has been assisting with the provision of personal protective equipment and pandemic management technology.

Dye-Pac, which manufactures printing dyes and inks, has repurposed some capabilities to produce clinical-grade hand sanitiser spray.

To stay connected with what’s happening locally during the current situation, go to redland.qld.gov.au/COVID19 or, for health issues, visit www.health.qld.gov.au

Free school holiday fun goes online this Easter break


April 9, 2020

Redlands Coast may be social distancing to help slow the spread of COVID-19, but Redland City Council still has plenty of online activities to engage, educate and entertain our city’s younger residents these school holidays.

Through Council’s website, parents and children can select from a range of online activities hosted by IndigiScapes Environmental Education Centre, Redland Libraries, Redland Art Gallery and Redland Performing Arts Centre.

IndigiScapes is taking children back to nature with virtual tours of the centre’s native botanical gardens and trails.

Participants will learn which plants are perfect for attracting butterflies, how scribbly gums get their scribbles, and they will go on a wildlife hunt.

Children will also be encouraged to share photos of what they find in their own backyard on the IndigiScapes Facebook page.

Throughout the two week holiday period, Redland Libraries is providing regular online story times, a Lego challenge, Easter basket making and Where the Wild Things Are craft.

Redland Performing Arts Centre has teamed with the libraries to host virtual story times, including The Owl & the Pussy Cat, The Gruffalo’s Child and Edward the Emu.

Together with local artists Chez Beauvardia, Redland Art Gallery is offering free and fun online art activities suitable for all ages.

Children will be able to share their creations by using the hashtag #RAGartpacks and tagging @redlandartgallery on Instagram.

In addition to scheduled activities, there are downloadable resources available to help keep children busy.

To find the online events, activities and resources, visit redland.qld.gov.au/SchoolHolidayActivities

Stay safe on Redlands Coast this Easter


April 9, 2020

Redland City Council has urged residents to stay safe this Easter by only leaving home if absolutely necessary and observing social distancing if they do need to make an essential trip.

Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group Karen Williams said the local response to measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus in the community had been good but it was vital the protections now in place were fully observed throughout the long weekend.

“I know Redlanders love the great outdoors, but this Easter we need everyone to love their families more by heeding the advice of health officials and staying home as much possible,” she said.

“While under State Government directives you can still travel to work or head out for essentials such as food and medicines, now is not the time to be heading to the beach or hosting a large barbecue.

“Redlanders are resilient and we have a sense of community that is unsurpassed, and while Easter will be different it does not have to be any less special.

“So please stay safe in your own homes and catch up with family and friends via phone or social media.

“While you are home, why not share your ‘staycation’ and Easter experiences with others at #RCKindness and spread some cheer?”

Cr Williams said playgrounds, skate parks, outside gyms and the like remained closed and police would monitor popular Redlands Coast holiday spots to ensure the confinement rules were observed in the interests of health and safety.

“Police officers will have a presence in public areas across Redlands Coast to ensure people act responsibly and will also be at Cleveland’s Toondah Harbour to check that travel to North Stradbroke Island is within the rules,” she said.

Redland City Council CEO Andrew Chesterman said crews would be on standby throughout Easter to deal with urgent Council matters.

“Our Customer Service Centre phones will be closed for general business and inquiries from 5pm on Thursday to 8am on Tuesday 14 April but, for emergencies, you can still call 3829 8999 and our after-hours team will assist,” he said.

“Meanwhile, your kerbside bin collections will continue as usual over the Easter break, with all waste transfer stations closed on Good Friday.

“Remember, trips to waste transfer stations must be essential, in line with the State Government’s directive to only leave home if absolutely necessary, so fully utilise your bin service first and avoid generating any unnecessary waste.

“When open, social distancing and safety requirements apply at waste transfer stations, which may mean considerable delays, so allow time and be patient.”

Council’s libraries, galleries and IndigiScapes will  have a host of fun and engaging activities available online throughout Easter.

The library has a great selection of audio books and e-books available, as well as Kanopy for movies and Freegal for music; and please be reassured that, as the library return chutes are closed, any books you may have in possession don’t need to be returned for the time being and there will be no fees for overdue items.

The Customer Service Counter in Cleveland will be closed from 4.30pm on Thursday, re-opening at 8.30am on Tuesday 14 April.

For more information about COVID-19 and the response, visit health.qld.gov.au or redland.qld.gov.au/covid19.

Call for patience at waste transfer stations


April 6, 2020

Redlands Coast residents have been urged to be patient when using local waste transfer stations and reconsider whether they need to make the trip following the introduction of measures to help slow the spread of coronavirus.

Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group Karen Williams said the temporary rules had been implemented to help keep everyone who used the waste transfer stations safe by ensuring social distancing requirements.

“First and foremost, residents should observe the Federal Government’s advice and avoid non-essential travel,” Cr Williams said.  

“We have kept our waste transfer stations open to residents on a restricted basis as we understand there will still be a need at this time but, please, do not go unless it is absolutely necessary – and, if you do need to make a trip, allow plenty of time and respect other users and staff.

“Our safety measures mean the average tip run will take longer than usual, so please be patient as these restrictions are there to protect you and your families. We are all in this together and need to show kindness to each other.”

Redland City Council CEO Andrew Chesterman said Council’s bin collections were unaffected.

“So before considering a trip to a waste transfer station, make full use of your home bins, sign up for Council’s green bin and consider composting,” Mr Chesterman said.

“Consider whether to delay waste-generating projects, set-up a separate recycling station in your home to keep the right things inside the yellow-lid bin – only paper, cardboard, aluminium, hard plastic and metal.

“The kids can also get creative and turn some waste items into fun home projects or get them involved in composting to make room in your red-lid waste bin. The bonus is free compost for your garden.

“If you are able, consider finding a place to store excess waste until later.”

You will find plenty of information about composting on Council website at redland.qld.gov.au/composting. There are also FAQs about waste management and information about local impacts of the coronavirus at redland.qld.gov.au.

Temporary measures in place at Council’s waste transfer stations include:

  • Vehicle restrictions on entry  to maintain social distancing.
  • Visitors and staff must keep a distance of 1.5 metres from all other people.
  • No more than two people are permitted per unloading area at any one time.
  • Payment via EFT or account only – no cash payments accepted.

Household kerbside collections of general waste, green waste and recycling will continue unaffected.

Tips for using waste transfer stations

  • Avoid the weekend – visit Monday to Friday or if you have to visit on the weekend, go early.
  • Full loads only.
  • Consider what is avoidable waste.

All waste transfer stations will be closed on Good Friday.

100 metre boating boundary applied to waters off North Stradbroke Island


April 3, 2020

Redland City Council advises the mainland and island recreational boating community that a 100 metre exclusion zone has been applied to all waters surrounding North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) to help stop the spread of COVID-19 to the island’s vulnerable communities.

Department of Transport and Main Roads – Maritime Safety Queensland
NOTICE TO MARINERS 117 (T) of 2020

The exclusion boundary is measured from the lowest tide mark.

The restriction follows the Queensland Government’s recent decision to ban non-essential travel to the island, and will be in place until 29 May 2020.

It applies to recreational craft only, not to commercial or emergency services, marine rescue or essential services for the island.

Recreational vessels that are transiting for essential reasons through a waterway within the 100 metre exclusion zone can do so, but only permanent North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) residents and people undertaking essential travel are permitted onto the island.

However, during bad weather or emergencies, recreational vessels are permitted to seek safe anchorage in areas within the 100 metre exclusion zone if necessary.

Social distancing and all other State health directives, including those relating to travel for essential reasons only, apply.

For the latest health information, visit the Queensland Health website

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.”

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.