Category Archives: Business

Council to move to tender for Macleay Island industrial land


November 23, 2020

Redland City Council is supporting the Southern Moreton Bay Island economy by inviting tenders for industrial use of Council-owned land at 20-24 Kate Street, Macleay Island.

The decision follows a widely promoted eighty-day Expression of Interest (EOI) process conducted between March and May this year.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the EOI showed Council’s commitment to growing the local economy.

“We know our Southern Moreton Bay Islands have an active local economy and this process will see Council work with potential partners to find ways to grow it,” Cr Williams said.

“Eleven inquiries were received in response to our expression of interest, with four parties submitting proposals to use the industrial land.

“We will now invite tenders from shortlisted EOI applicants to see what exciting outcomes can be delivered.”

Cr Williams said Council’s broad EOI approach deliberately avoided specifying a preferred ‘type’ of industrial development.

“The EOI was designed to allow the market to be as creative as possible and devise proposals that suited the industrial needs of Macleay Island.

“The response to the EOI shows the islands hold significant opportunity for industrial uses and cements Council’s commitment to supporting a vibrant local economy for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI).

“The process has been intentionally designed to identify opportunities to partner with the private sector to develop and commercialise this Council-owned site to accommodate local businesses.

“While details are presently commercial in confidence I am confident the next phase will deliver a positive solution that will help grow the local economy and offer opportunities for the local community.”

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Redland City Council supports major business and jobs expo


November 10, 2020

Redland City Council is throwing its support behind local businesses by sponsoring a major business and jobs expo to help get the sector back on its feet and to foster more employment opportunities.

Mayor Karen Williams said that in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Redlands Coast Business and Jobs Expo was the perfect opportunity to support local businesses doing it tough.

“This year has been incredibly challenging for so many of our local businesses due to COVID-19 and this expo is a great opportunity to help them connect and market their products and services to hundreds of other business owners,” she said.

“It is backed by a host of local business industry groups and sponsors and is set to be the biggest business-to-business marketplace to be held in the Redlands Coast and Logan regions.

“The expo ties in closely with Council’s economic strategy and our approach to helping businesses thrive through organising workshops, providing access to information on export opportunities and training, supporting research and development, and attracting investment.

“The expo also includes a mentor hub and panel sessions for women in business, and a jobs area with employment agencies, group training, resume writing, workshops and a jobs board.”

Cr Williams said the business expo was just one way Council was helping local businesses recover.

“We know our local businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and Council is pleased to be able to support our local business sector,” she said.

“As well as sponsoring local events such as the business and jobs expo, this year Council has also helped local businesses steer their way through the unfolding COVID crisis, with more than $250,000 in grants awarded to 81 businesses to help them restructure their operations or to access professional advice.”

The business and jobs expo will also include the launch of a 12-month regional trial of the ASPIRE digital trading platform, which has been in market in Victoria for five years.

Cr Williams said Redland City Council – along with Gold Coast and Logan councils – would participate in the CCIQ ecoBiz ASPIRE Pilot so local businesses could access the online marketplace to trade waste and defray waste disposal costs.

“The ASPIRE platform allows businesses to source and dispose of unwanted items that would normally go to landfill and has the potential to deliver environmental and economic benefits for the region,” Cr Williams said.

“Stop by the ASPIRE stand at the expo or visit aspiresme.com for more information.”

DETAILS

When: 10am to 4pm on Thursday 19 November 2020

Where: Alexandra Hills Hotel and Convention Centre, McDonald and Finucane Roads, Alexandra Hills

Cost: Entry by gold coin, and there is a cost to exhibit

Info: https://smallbusinessexpos.com.au/redlands/

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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.

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Help build our regional circular economy and reduced landfill with the ASPIRE digital trading platform


October 15, 2020

Redland City Council has joined with neighbouring Gold Coast and Logan councils and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) to trial an online platform local businesses can use to source and dispose of unwanted items that would normally go to landfill.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the 12 month ASPIRE digital platform trial had the potential to bolster local business and deliver environmental and economic benefits for the region.

“Under the CCIQ ecoBiz ASPIRE Pilot, Redlands Coast businesses with fewer than 100 employees will have free access to ASPIRE’s easy-to-use tool for trading items that may otherwise end up in landfill,” Cr Williams said.

“As a former small business owner myself, I know that what is no longer useful to one organisation can become a cost-effective manufacturing input – or salvaging opportunity – for another, so this is a great initiative.

“The ASPIRE platform has been instrumental is repurposing items such as old carpet underlay, used office chairs, flat car batteries, animal waste, and more.

“Redlands Coast has an innovative business sector and I have no doubt plenty of local business leaders will use this platform to continue serving the community.

“While the ASPIRE interface is user-friendly, its database uses complex algorithms to connect those who have waste products to dispose of with those who can reuse, repair, remake and recycle the products; which translates into revenue, cost savings, resource recovery and environmental benefits for all.

“What’s particularly exciting is the regional scope of the CCIQ ecoBiz ASPIRE Pilot, with Gold Coast and Logan councils also coming on board.

“This will increase the available trading partners and goods on offer locally, making for a robust online marketplace to develop our regional circular economy.”

Fantastic benefits for businesses include:
• Waste disposal cost savings (including the State Government’s Waste Disposal Levy)
• Potential to trade waste and earn revenue
• Diversion of renewable resources from landfill
• Creation of new supply chains
• CO2 emission savings.

Cr Williams said the ASPIRE platform was already up and running, so interested business operators could jump online the ASPIRE website for a look around, and to view helpful online tutorials and register.

“Our official Redlands Coast launch will be during National Recycling Week at the 2020 Redlands Coast Business and Jobs Expo, where you can stop by the Redland City Council stand, talk to our officers and see a demonstration,” she said.

“This continues Council’s commitment to partnering with local businesses, including the recently launched Championing Redlands Coast initiative.“

Official ASPIRE trial Launch
When: Thursday 19 November 2020
Where: 2020 Redlands Coast Business and Jobs Expo, Alexandra Hills Hotel

For more information and assistance with tapping into this exciting business opportunity, contact Council’s Economic Development team on 3829 8999.

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Have your say on the future of Redlands Coast


September 30, 2020

Redland City Council is inviting feedback on its new draft corporate plan: Our Future Redlands – A Corporate Plan to 2026 and Beyond.  

Mayor Karen Williams said all local governments in Queensland were required to produce a new corporate plan every five years, with the strategic document providing councils with clear direction for decision-making on matters such as budget and resource prioritisation.

“Our draft corporate plan outlines Redland City Council’s priorities for the next five years,” Cr Williams said.

“Unlike previous corporate plans, the draft Our Future Redlands also sets a long-term vision and goals to 2041.

“The new draft plan has been informed by what our community has told us is important.”

Cr Williams said analysis of community feedback from strategic planning and policy programs from 2010 to 2019 identified community views and values, while consultation with divisional Councillors ensured community needs were addressed.

“This analysis and consultation highlighted that many of the community’s views have remained constant over recent years, and Council remains committed to delivering a corporate plan that provides clear direction for decisions about the natural environment, strong communities, a thriving economy, city leadership, and Council as an effective and efficient organisation,” she said.

“Liveable neighbourhoods is also included as a strategic goal as Councillors and the community all prioritised city and transport planning as key focus areas.”

Cr Williams said that in addition to goals and the 20-year vision for Redlands Coast, the draft corporate plan also outlined key initiatives and catalyst projects.

“We have a draft corporate plan and now we want to hear from the community on whether we have it right, with the final plan to include revisions based on what we hear back from the community,” she said.

“I urge everyone to read the information available and have their say on the future of Redlands Coast before consultation closes on 11 November 2020.

“The easiest way to do this is to visit Council’s Your Say site for a copy of the plan and other information, including an online survey that can be completed.

“Additionally, Council is encouraging individuals, families and community groups to hold a DIY Conversation using the step-by-step guide that can also be downloaded from the Your Say site or collected from one of our Customer Service Centres.”

The new corporate plan will supersede the 10-year-old Redlands 2030 Community Plan.

For more information and to provide your feedback on the draft Our Future Redlands – A Corporate Plan to 2026 and Beyond, visit Council’s yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au and be in the draw to win one of five $100 gift cards.

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Have a say on future Southern Thornlands Potential Future Growth Area land uses


September 29, 2020

Redland City Council is supporting the local jobs of tomorrow by prioritising economic development in the Southern Thornlands Potential Future Growth Area, with residents now invited to have their say.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council had focussed on jobs creation as part of a planning investigation for the area after Council had been directed by the State Government to consider the potential future growth area.

“This land has been the subject of almost 20 years of planning and community debate, disrupted by changing directions,” she said.

“The State Government previously included part of the area in the urban footprint, which would have seen the area used for residential development.

“But this decision was then reversed, with the State Government then nominating it as a Potential Future Growth Area and directing Council to undertake planning investigations to determine the preferred future use of the area.

“Council has been firm that this area should be used for jobs, not small lot housing and so we have developed a plan to reflect this commitment.

“The proposals include areas for mixed industry and business, intensive horticulture, education, training and recreation, a transport precinct, storage and larger home-based industry enterprise activities,” she said.

Cr Williams said Council had also drawn a line in the sand by clearly stating that land not used for economic uses should only be used for larger rural living blocks (i.e., with a minimum lot size of 1 hectare) and not small lot housing.

“Given this area has seen a number of uses suggested over the years, Council wanted to make it clear that we do not support small lot housing and will only support rural living, which fits with the character of the area while also addressing homebuyer demand for this sort of rural product.”

Cr Williams said Council had also resolved to consult the whole community on the proposed use of the area at the same time the proposed plan was sent to the Minister.

“The Minister wrote to Council asking us to engage with landowners in the plan area, but Council believes this land is strategically important for the entire city and given we are focussing on job creation in the area we felt everyone should have the opportunity to have a say,” Cr Williams said.

“As such we have today opened engagement and are inviting the community to provide feedback. The views of the community will be used to inform a potential future amendment to City Plan.

“There has been a lot of debate and history to these land use recommendations, and Council wants to hear the community’s feedback on the proposed balance of future economic and residential use of the land.”

For more information about the Southern Thornlands Potential Future Growth Area, and to have your say on the draft proposals for preferred future land uses, visit the project’s page on Council’s Your Say site.

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Council fibre network set to improve internet connectivity on Redlands Coast


August 21, 2020

A Redland City Council plan to install a fast internet fibre network is set to unlock connectivity for businesses across Redlands Coast.

Mayor Karen Williams said the new Council-owned fibre network would provide significant savings for Council’s own existing operating costs, while also offering capacity to improve services for local businesses.

“The decision to install a fibre network follows several years of Council investigations, engaging with NBN Co and a number of industry telecommunications providers to investigate the best way to deliver high-speed broadband services to Redlands Coast businesses,” Cr Williams said.

“NBN Co has rolled out on Redlands Coast for residences, but it has limited business-grade services available.

“Council’s plan is focused on providing better connectivity across Council buildings, with spare fibre able to then be accessed to nearby businesses, delivering significant economic opportunity.”

Cr Williams said that as part of the investigations, Council had also reviewed the connectivity of its own offices and installations.

“Currently Council spends more than $200,000 on a complex network of fibre, microwave, wireless, 4G broadband, point-to-point Wi-Fi, radio (VHF/UHF) and fixed-line DSL services,” Cr Williams said.

“In addition to being costly, this technology also provides varying degrees of service, prompting Council to look for ways to improve our connectivity as well as supporting our businesses.”

Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the project had been made possible through the Palaszczuk Government’s Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package, which provided $50 million to 12 south-east Queensland Councils, in addition to $50 million from the 2020-21 COVID Works for Queensland program.

“The pandemic has delivered a severe blow to economies around the world, including right here in Queensland,” he said.

“However, Queensland’s plan for economic recovery is being rolled out right now and that includes this package, which delivered $2 million to this Council, tipped to support or create more than 40 jobs.

“The Council also received more than $2.8 million through the COVID Works for Queensland program, which is supporting or creating almost 35 jobs.

“This is an economic injection into the region of almost $5 million, which will make a big difference to financial security for families and workforces.”

Cr Williams said stage 1 of Council’s plan would connect Council’s administration building in Cleveland to its South Street Depot, before continuing on to the IndigiScapes centre in Alexandra Hills via Council’s animal shelter, providing opportunities to nearby businesses.

“Work on this first stage is expected to begin early in the new year, with Council also planning future routes to connect to Capalaba and Victoria Point,” Cr Williams said.

“In addition to saving Council $900,000 over the 20-year life of the infrastructure, this fibre could also deliver an economic return to Council with the spare fibre to be available to businesses through telecommunications carriers.

“A fibre network offers a number of key economic and community benefits to our city, including enhanced connectivity for our schools, hospital and other vital community infrastructure.

“The new fibre network will provide high bandwidth and additional connectivity capacity for Redlands Coast and create a higher likelihood of an accelerated 5G rollout.”

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Council supports Covid-19 urban planning flexibility – not unintended legacies.


August 5, 2020

Redland City Council will not opt into state government Covid-19 planning regulation changes, for now, saying the Redland City Plan already aligns well with the majority of proposed changes.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council fully supports the need to facilitate flexible support for businesses, jobs and economic growth in response to impacts of Covid-19.

“Responses to Covid-19 need to help support business innovation, improved processes and help them to adapt and invest for long term futures.

“Good planning will facilitate this, and the Redland City Plan already aligns well the majority of changes proposed by the State.

“Where it doesn’t, it has been a deliberate decision to encourage appropriate planning uses and outcomes.

“Some of the Covid-19 planning concessions proposed by the State may well result in permanent unintended planning outcomes for the city,” Cr Karen Williams said.

“Examples include allowing specific non-industrial uses to establish in existing tenancies in industrial zones without the need for planning approval or expanding gross floor area of specific existing uses by up to 10 per cent or 100m2.

“Expanding floor areas without assessing the impacts may end up permanently reducing the number of parking spaces provided, thus affecting adjoining businesses, or impact site landscaping. 

“Proposed changes in uses allowed in an industrial zone that do not need to locate in these areas, will reduce suitable land set aside for future industry.

“Councils submission to the State will acknowledge minor and helpful changes while calling for more detail on some parts of the proposed changes.

“Council has received positive responses to date to its COVID-19 Business Support Grant and Innovation grants for Redlands Coast businesses. 

 “We will continue to work closely with business and new investors to the Redlands Coast to make sure there are no unnecessary impediments, including through city planning.

 

 

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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

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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

 

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