UPDATE: 26 March – 4.50pm
Redland City Council adopts $2 million plus COVID-19 economic response package
Redland City Council today announced a $2 million plus social and economic package to support Redlands Coast residents, businesses and community groups through the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
The comprehensive package, approved at a special Council General Meeting, is considered stage 1, and includes:
- Double the amount of time to pay next rates bill
- $288,000 in grants for business and community groups experiencing hardship due to COVID-19
- Working directly with businesses, social enterprises and community groups to help them access State and Federal economic stimulus packages
- Reduced red-tape for businesses and community groups
- Provide one-off contribution towards electricity costs for clubs and associations registered under Council’s community electricity scheme
- Strengthen Council’s local buy preference and fast-track payments
- Expand Council’s Wi-Fi to assist businesses
- Promote, review and update Council’s financial hardship policy to ensure eligible ratepayers can access hardship provisions in relation to their statutory rates and charges
- Seek to fast-track $60 million in Council infrastructure works within the community by taking advantage of potential State and Federal government grants announced.
Redlands Coast Local Disaster Management Group Chair, Mayor Karen Williams, said the COVID-19 outbreak was already having a profound impact on residents, businesses and community groups.
“I am acutely aware that many local businesses have had to reduce their service offering or temporarily close and this is also affecting the livelihoods of their employees,” Cr Williams said.
“Today we have adopted a range of financial and non-financial measures at an urgent Special Meeting.”
Redland City Council CEO Andrew Chesterman said that to provide immediate assistance, all Redland Coast ratepayers would automatically be granted double the usual time to pay their April rates, with the due date extended from 11 May until 11 June 2020.
“In addition, Council will compassionately review ratepayers’ situations on a case-by-case basis and be as flexible as possible in extending arrangements during the Coronavirus pandemic,” he said.
“Council’s Financial Hardship Policy, adopted last November, will also be promoted, reviewed and updated to ensure all eligible ratepayers affected by COVID-19 are aware of, and can access, hardship provisions in relation to their statutory rates and charges.
“The review of the hardship policy will be included in the new Council’s 2020-2021 budget development process after the local government election.”
Mr Chesterman said funds originally intended for the current round of the community grants and sponsorship programs would be diverted to those adversely impacted by the emerging pandemic emergency.
“This will allow us to repurpose $288,000 to a targeted grants program aimed at both relief and recovery efforts for small businesses and community organisations,” he said.
“Business Support Officers will be working closely with local businesses, social enterprises, community groups and sporting clubs to help them access the Federal and State Governments’ Economic Stimulus packages.
“Council has strengthened its local buy preference with existing contract arrangements being reviewed to expedite payments to improve supplier cash flows.
“Getting payments to our suppliers quickly is a practical way Council can help them with their cash flows.
“Council will also seek to bring forward up to $60 million worth of infrastructure projects that meet criteria for the Federal and State Government’s commitment to generate local economic activity during this time.
“These projects will of course depend on State and Federal government funding being made available.”
Cr Williams said these were among a raft of initiatives Councillors endorsed to ease the pain of Redlands Coast residents and businesses during these unprecedented times.
“We see this as stage one, our initial offering of support as we stand together with the Redlands Coast community,” she said.
Mr Chesterman said that after the election the new Council would continue to monitor and re-evaluate the rapidly evolving situation.
“It is vital our Council response is agile and flexible as well as empathetic and compassionate,” he said.
Access Council’s Financial Hardship Policy on Council’s website .
UPDATE: 26 March – 1.30pm
Under measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19 on Redlands Coast, Redland City Council has extended its closures of public facilities and services following further Federal Government restrictions on non-essential services.
Local Disaster Management Group Chair, Mayor Karen Williams, said the decision to close services or restrict access to Council facilities or meetings was never an easy one.
“In these uncertain times, however, and with lives at risk, it is vital that we encourage social distancing,” she said.
“These measures have been taken in the interests of public health and wellbeing, which is our priority.”
The current list of closures is as follows:
Council Customer Service Centres
Victoria Point Customer Service Centre is closed until further notice, as it is located inside the Victoria Point Library, which closed on Monday this week.
The Capalaba Customer Service Centre will close from 4.30pm on Friday 27 March until further notice.
Council’s Customer Service Centre in Cleveland currently remains open, with strict social distancing measures in place.
Residents are strongly encouraged to use Council’s online and telephone services as much as possible.
Council’s Customer Contact Centre remains open for all phone enquiries on (07) 3829 8999.
Opening hours for telephone enquiries are Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm, excluding public holidays.
IndigiScapes Environmental Centre
The IndigiScapes Environmental Education Centre, Capalaba, including café, native nursery, and theatrette has been closed until further notice.
Libraries, galleries and RPAC
All after-hours library return chutes have now been closed until further notice.
With the closure of Cleveland, Capalaba and Victoria Point libraries, all loans have been extended until the libraries reopen.
There will be no fees for people who cannot return their books.
The libraries’ extensive online services will continue, including e-books, e-audio books, e-magazines, music, movies and children’s stories.
Council’s art galleries and Redland Performing Arts Centre are closed.
Community halls
Indoor venues, including community halls, are closed and all current bookings registered in Council’s booking system will be cancelled until further notice.
Any payments relating to these bookings will be refunded accordingly.
Due to the Local Government election on Saturday, community halls at Victoria Point and Capalaba Place remain open for pre-polling, with social distancing measures in place.
On Saturday, community halls at Thorneside and Redland Bay, and North Stradbroke (Minjerribah), Russell (Canaipa), Lamb (Ngudooroo), Macleay (Jencoomercha) and Coochiemudlo (Goochie mudlo) islands, will be open for polling.
For social distancing reasons, residents have been encouraged to vote early in the lead-up to Saturday’s election.
You can vote early at Cleveland Baptist Church, Victoria Point Community Hall, Capalaba Place Hall or Brisbane City Hall.
The Electoral Commission of Queensland has established a telephone voting system for certain eligible voters.
This includes those people who have an impairment or disability, are self-quarantining or live more than 20km from a polling booth.
For more information and registration, contact 1300 912 782 or visit ecq.qld.gov.au
Visitor Information Centre
While the Visitor Information Centre is closed, information is still available by phone on 1300 667 386 or on the Redlands Coast website.
Public swimming pools
Cleveland Aquatic Centre and Bay Islands Aquatic Centre are closed until further notice.
More information
Watch Council’s website and social media for updates.
For the latest health advice, visit health.qld.gov.au
UPDATE: 25 March 2020 – 5.30pm
Non-essential travel to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) banned
Redland City Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) and Redland City Council advise that the State Government has placed a ban on non-essential and holiday travel to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerrbah) from midnight tonight to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Queensland Police will be enforcing the ban and requesting identification, such as a driver’s license, ensuring only permanent island residents and people engaging in essential travel are permitted onto the island.
Essential travel would include travelling for work, medical reasons, emergencies, education, compassionate reasons and to deliver essential services and supplies, such as groceries.
Non-essential travel includes recreation, tourism, camping, staying in a holiday home even if you own it, and socialising with friends and family.
In line with Australian and State government border closures, anyone travelling to North Stradbroke Island from interstate or overseas will need to self-isolate for 14 days.
Chair of the LDMG and Redland Mayor Karen Williams said the ban meant people who had planned to spend their Easter holidays on the island should contact their tourism or accommodation provider to discuss alternative arrangements.
“The LDMG wrote to the State Disaster Coordination Centre this week to urge a decision from them on restricting non-essential travel to our Redlands Coast islands,” she said.
“Our city’s islands have ageing populations and vulnerable communities, including First Nations People and an ageing community, as well as limited medical facilities.
“Now is not the time to holiday to our islands.
“While there is no official ban on travel to our other Redlands Coast islands, the LDMG and Council continue to encourage people to reconsider their need for non-essential travel to Coochiemudlo (Goochie mudlo), Russell (Canaipa), Lamb (Ngudooroo), Macleay (Jencoomercha) and Karragarra islands, all in Southern Moreton Bay.
“The island transport is often crowded, especially at peak times, including Easter, which makes social distancing difficult.”
For updated health information, visit the Queensland Health website.
UPDATE: 23 March 2020 – 5.30pm
Local Disaster Management Group moves to Stand Up status as non-essential travel to islands is discouraged
The Redland City Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) and Redland City Council are encouraging people to reconsider their need for non-essential travel to the Redlands Coast islands.
This includes North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), Coochiemudlo Island (Goochie mudlo), and the four Southern Moreton Bay islands of Russell (Canaipa), Lamb (Ngudooroo), Macleay (Jencoomercha) and Karragarra.
The request comes as Chair of the Redland City Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG), Mayor Karen Williams, today moved the group to Stand Up status.
Cr Williams said the city’s islands had ageing populations and vulnerable communities, putting residents at risk of complications from the virus that is causing COVID-19.
“In line with Federal and State government messaging, we are strongly urging everyone to avoid non-essential travel of any kind, especially to our islands,” she said.
“This will help slow the spread of the virus and protect our island communities.
“The LDMG has written to the State Disaster Coordination Centre to urge a decision from them on restricting non-essential travel to our city’s islands.
“In the meantime, essential travel would include travelling for work, medical reasons, education, compassionate reasons and to deliver essential services and supplies such as groceries.
“Non-essential travel includes recreation, tourism, including camping, and general socialising with friends and family.
“We are asking everyone to help us slow the spread of this virus by staying away from our islands unless they live there or have a need for essential travel.
“This way, we help slow the spread of the virus and save lives.”
Cr Williams said the island transport was often crowded, particularly as thousands of visitors arrived on the islands at peak times, including Easter.
“This makes social distancing difficult,” she said.
“The islands also have limited medical facilities, so protecting these communities is vitally important.
“I strongly encourage people to rethink their Easter holiday plans if they include the islands, and to contact their tourism or accommodation provider to discuss alternative arrangements.”
Update Monday 23 March – 10.30am
Redlands Coast galleries, libraries, IndigiScapes and Visitor Information Centre to close until further notice
Redland City Council’s libraries, art galleries, Visitor Information Centre and the IndigiScapes Environmental Education Centre and café will close from midday today, Monday 23 March 2020.
Local Disaster Management Group Chair, Mayor Karen Williams, said public access to all these venues would be closed until further notice under Council measures to limit the transmission of the COVID-19 virus in the community.
“This is to encourage social distancing,” Cr Williams said.
“To assist our residents, the libraries’ extensive online services will continue, including e-books, e-audio books, e-magazines, music, movies and children’s stories.
“All loans have currently been extended until 11 May 2020 but book return chutes will be open until further notice so you do not need to enter the library to return items.
“Library Wi-Fi facilities will remain free and accessible around library buildings.
“There will be no fees for people who cannot return their books.
“The IndigiScapes centre and café will close but the nursery will remain open for the time being.
“While the Visitor Information Centre will be closed, information will still be available by phone on 1300 667 386 or on the Redlands Coast website.
“We thank residents for their understanding and for working with us as we do all we can to limit the spread of the virus in our community.”
Council CEO Andrew Chesterman said the closures followed the earlier closure of the Redland Performing Arts Centre currently until 30 April 2020.
“Council has also implemented social distancing measures in our Customer Service Centres and encourages residents to use Council’s online and telephone services as much as possible to help slow the spread of the virus on Redlands Coast,” he said.
“Council will continue with its critical services and will keep the community updated on the availability of programs and services as the situation develops.”
Watch Council’s social media for updates.
For the latest health advice, visit Queensland Health
UPDATE: 23 March 2020 – 10.30am
New food business requirements
As a result of the Prime Minister’s announcement on 22 March 2020, there are new restrictions on social gatherings. Council is contacting Redlands Coast’s licenced food businesses to advise that as of midday local time 23 March 2020 until further notice:
- All pubs, registered and licenced clubs and hotels will be restricted from opening (excluding accommodation and bottle shops);
- Gyms and indoor sporting venues, cinemas, entertainment venues, casinos, and night clubs will also be restricted from opening; and
- Restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery.
For health information on COVID-19, please visit the Queensland Health
Redland City Council is continuing to assist food business to ensure everyone is aware of the new requirements, as we all adapt to the progressive nature of the COVID-19 outbreak.
UPDATE: 20 March 2020 – 11.30am
New requirements for indoor gatherings
Council is committed to working with businesses, community groups and individuals to ensure adherence to new social distancing and hygiene requirements for indoor gatherings to help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
As of today there is a requirement of 4 square metres of floor space for every person at an indoor gathering and a requirement for hand sanitiser, bins, and waste disposal taking place.
It means that if we had a 100 square metre space only 25 people could occupy it at any one time, keeping a distance of 1.5m away from each other.
This includes venues such as community halls, libraries, galleries, restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs.
The 4 square metre and hygiene measures were announced by the Australian Government for outdoor events last week by the Australian Government.
UPDATE: 17 March 2020 – 5pm
Redland gallery and library cancellations
A range of public programs at Redlands Coast art galleries and libraries have been cancelled or postponed under Redland City Council measures to limit the transmission of the COVID19 virus in the community.
Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group Mayor Karen Williams said the programs had been suspended until further notice as a precaution.
“Based on the social distancing and hygiene requirements for COVID 19, the difficult decision was made to suspend public programs at the Cleveland and Capalaba galleries and the Cleveland, Capalaba and Victioria Point libraries in the interest of public health and safety,” Cr Williams said.
“The galleries and libraries will remain open, however activities where social distancing would be difficult to maintain, including a range of school holiday activities, have been suspended.
“You will still be able to go to your local gallery, while the public computers, printing, wifi and borrowing will still be available at your local libraries.
“The libraries’ online services include e-books, e-audio books, e-magazines, music, movies and children’s stories for people who don’t want to visit a branch.”
The cancellations follows the suspension of performances at the Redland Performing Art Centre announced by Council yesterday.
Redland City Council CEO Andrew Chesterman said: “Council thanks residents for their understanding during this difficult time as we prioritise the wellbeing of our customers, employees, volunteers and visitors and act to limit the spread of the virus in our community.
“Council will continue to keep residents updated on the availability of programs and services as the situation develops.”
Cancelled gallery programs include:
- Floor talks and morning teas;
- Family Sundays at the Gallery;
- Parents and Prams;
- Adult workshops;
- School holiday kids’ and teens’ workshops;
Cancelled library programs include:
- Children’s programs;
- Technology programs;
- Adult literacy;
- Pop-up libraries;
- Author talks; and
- School holiday activities.
Watch Council’s website and social media for updates. For the latest health advice, visit www.health.qld.gov.au.
Update 17 March – 11.30am
COVID-19 information resources
Redland City Council is continuing to closely monitor the evolving COVID-19 outbreak and is following all advisories from the Australian Government and Queensland Health – the lead health agency in the state.
Council’s priority is the health of our customers, employees and the Redlands Coast community.
For a comprehensive range of reliable information resources for the home or workplace, visit the Australian Government Department of Health website.
This extensive collection of resources includes fact sheets and posters with information for the general public and industry.
Topics include:
- Find the facts (multiple resources)
- Home isolation and care (multiple resources)
- For parents of school aged children
- For aged care residents and families
- For employers
- and more
The material can be downloaded and printed for display.
Visit the Redland City Council website for information from Council about COVID-19, including further links to reliable information, a list of cancelled local events and more.
Visit the page often, as the site is updated when new information comes to hand.
UPDATE: 16 March 2020 – 11am
Council activates plans for COVID-19, closes Redland Performing Arts Centre
Redland City Council has activated plans to mitigate adverse impacts of the emerging COVID-19 outbreak, ensuring continuation of critical business and the health and safety of its customers, employees and the Redlands Coast community. Read more …
Advisory on mass gatherings over 500 people
Prime Minister Scott Morrison advised on Friday 13 March 2020 that all non-essential mass gathering of more than 500 people should not be held after Monday 16 March 2020.
This move has been taken to reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), with the Federal Government to provide further information around the details of the change on Monday 16 March 2020.
Council is committed to working with event organisers who are affected by this decision.
If you have an enquiries please contact Council’s Communication, Engagement and Tourism Group on events@redland.qld.gov.a
EARLIER: 11 March 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Information sources for health, travel and economic assistance
Council advises that Queensland Health is the leading agency in Queensland for reliable information about novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in our state.
For the latest health advice, visit the Queensland Health website.
For the latest travel and border advice, visit the Australian Government’s Smart Traveller website.
For the latest advice on economic assistance for affected industries and small business, visit the Queensland Government website.
