Category Archives: Community

Environment and Community Fair is back, bigger and better than ever


May 24, 2022

The Redland City Council Environment and Community Fair at IndigiScapes is back bigger and better next month with an ‘all star cast’ of environmental champions set to entertain and educate the community on Saturday June 4.

Redland City Council Mayor Karen Williams said the Environment and Community Fair was one of the highlights on the Redlands Coast events calendar which offered an incredible array of events, activities, fresh food and produce as well as markets, cooking demonstrations, environmental speakers and inspiration for more sustainable living.

“Our Redlands IndigiScapes Centre is an eco-wonder, a unique environmental education centre and it’s the perfect place to host events like our Environment and Community Fair – and there’s no better day or way to celebrate World Environment Day this year than at our Fair,” said Cr Williams.

“Whether you live on the Redlands Coast or if you’re a visitor to the area, you know and appreciate that we are naturally blessed to enjoy such a breathtaking and diverse natural environment and the Fair allows us to celebrate all the natural wonders of the region – plus many that have been created by our talented community at the Food and Eco Markets.

“The range of environmental speakers is incredible from our much-loved Ambassador Ranger Stacey to leading bee expert, Dr Kit Prendergast, garden talks, food fermentation and you can even learn how to rewild native fish, build a backyard pond and make sourdough.

“And it’s also a wonderful opportunity for residents of Redlands Coast to learn more about the many programs that Council runs in the community and environmental space.”

Division 7 Cr Rowanne McKenzie said the Environment and Community Fair continued to grow in popularity, reputation and the quality of entertainment and attractions with each year.

“There’s so much for people to see and do in one day at the Fair and there is plenty on offer to keep the whole family entertained and excited and it’s an event that I know many people in our region look forward to every year,” said Cr McKenzie.

“Along with the eco markets, there will be environment and sustainability-themed speakers and information, free outdoor family activities, incredible live entertainment and delicious food available from the café and food vans.”

There will also be a guided fungi walk at 11.30am with IndigiScapes Environmental Partnerships Senior Officer Maree Manby.

EVENT DETAILS

Environment and Community Fair
When: Saturday 4 June 2022, 9am to 2pm
Where: Redlands IndigiScapes Centre, 17 Runnymede Rd, Capalaba
Free entry.
Additional parking accessible via the Nursery entry or Lyndon Road and Korawal Street.

  • Celebrate World Environment Day
    • Meet Ranger Stacey and local wildlife
    • Engage with environmental and community organisations and speakers including the Bee Babette Dr Kit Prendergast and bush food cooking demonstration with Christopher Jordan
    • Nursery open for native plant sales and advice
    • Learn about Council programs and services
    • Enjoy the Eco Markets, suitcase rummage and rack sale
    • Free outdoor family activities, nature craft, art and face painting
    • Enjoy entertainment and live music
    • IndigiCafe open plus food and coffee vans.

More information: indigiscapes.redland.qld.gov.au

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Birkdale Community Precinct Info Days cancelled due to wet weather


May 24, 2022

The Birkdale Community Precinct Info Days planned for this Friday and Saturday, 27 and 28 May, have been cancelled due to wet weather.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said while it was unfortunate the days could no longer go ahead, you could still have your say on the precinct’s Draft Master Plan via an online survey, as well as touring the precinct virtually.

“All the information about the recently adopted Draft Birkdale Community Precinct (BCP) Master Plan is available on the project’s website at yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au,” Cr Williams said.

“This Plan is a vision of what will become one of the largest community spaces in south-east Queensland and one which will unfold over the next two decades.

“The 62-hectare Birkdale Community Precinct will include Redlands Coast’s first public swimming lagoon as well as the Redlands Whitewater Centre, which will be a host venue during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“There will also be seven Hubs with the following themes: Cultural, Innovation, Willards Farm (Food), Communications, Entertainment, Recreation and Adventure Sports, and Conservation.

“It is the largest, most exciting and most diverse community precinct ever to be delivered by Council for Redlands Coast.

“On the project’s website you can watch a fly-through video of what it will become as well as go on a virtual tour of the site as it is now.

“You can also download the draft master plan and look at detailed maps of what the Hubs will include.”

Cr Williams said the Draft BCP Master Plan community consultation process started on April 30 and would continue until June 6.

“I encourage you to jump online and complete the survey,” she said.

 HAVE YOUR SAY:

For more information go to: yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au where you can complete the online survey and go into the draw to win one of five $100 gift cards. The website also will have updates as to how you can meet and talk to the Project Team behind this precinct.

 

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Redlands celebrates National Reconciliation Week


May 24, 2022

Redland City Council’s National Reconciliation Week, which starts tomorrow and runs until June 3, will have something for everyone covering culture, the arts and sport, including opportunities to learn about shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore ways the community can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Mayor Karen Williams said the week had great significance with a range of celebrations right across the Redlands Coast.

“Reconciliation Week is a special time for locals to recognise and celebrate the great social, cultural and spiritual importance of the Quandamooka People, who have lived in the area for at least 21,000 years,” said Cr Williams.

“In keeping with the theme of this year’s National Reconciliation Week, and the tag #BeBraveMakeChange we are asking everyone to make change as part of the journey of healing, compassion and understanding and to take brave actions to achieve that where they live, work, play and socialise.”

Cr Williams said Council was very proud of its first internal Reconciliation Action Plan, of which the vast majority of its 55 actions have been completed with support from employees and Council’s community partners.

“Council’s Indigenous education program ‘Look, Listen and Understand’, has also been acknowledged as one of the best in the country, winning the Best Diversity and Inclusion Program for 2021 by the Australian Institute of Training and Development Excellence Awards,” Cr Williams said.

A stand out feature of National Reconciliation Week activities will see first class rugby league return to North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah with an exciting Round 10 clash between the BMD Wynnum Manly Seagulls and the Central Queensland Capras in the Reconciliation Round of the Hostplus Cup, to be held at Ron Stark Oval on North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah.

The Indigenous recognition match, proudly supported by long-term partners Redland City Council and Deadly Choices, will be held on Sunday 5 June.

Seagulls staff and players will also visit the island in the days leading up to the game to hold rugby league clinics and engage in activities to help promote tourism on the Redlands Coast.

Cr Williams said Council was happy to support Wynnum Manly Seagulls Rugby League Club with $9000 sponsorship for the event, as it offered important social and health benefits for the Redlands Coast community.

“We know our community loves their sport, so we are proud to be bringing this match to Minjerribah,” Cr Williams said.

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said the match will also boost local tourism and business by showcasing the beautiful backdrop of the island.

“In partnership with Minjerribah’s Yulu-Burri-Ba health clinic and the Deadly Choices initiative, the match will also raise awareness of Quandamooka culture and promote health care access and initiatives for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Cr Mitchell said.

“Council is proud to support this match for the third year with $9000 through round one of the 2021-2022 sponsorship program, which includes $1500 towards Quandamooka Cultural Awareness.”

“Events such as the Hostplus Cup are an example of how community partnerships can make a positive impact on society,” Cr Mitchell said.

“Through health education programs, we can work together to achieve health equality across the community on Minjerribah.”

Other National Reconciliation Week events include Family Sundays at the Gallery,  featuring a workshop with Dylan Sarra where visitors have the opportunity to learn how First Nations people use ochre and cotton tree to tell stories through painting and weaving. The event will be held at Redland Art Gallery on Sunday May 29 and will cater for people of all ages. For more information, visit Council’s What’s On calendar.

Respected and renowned cultural leader and Quandamooka Traditional Owner Matt Burns will delight and educate the young children as he shares the Quandamooka experience through face painting, traditional dance and digeridoo performances. It will be held on May 26 and June 3 at Capalaba Library.

Bookings are essential and can be made here.

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Redland Whitewater Centre ideal for swift-water rescue training


May 13, 2022

Recent torrential rain and flooding across Queensland has shown the benefits of the proposed Redland Whitewater Centre being used for swift-water rescue training.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council was planning for the whitewater centre, which will be the venue for Canoe Slalom events during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, to also deliver important emergency services training.

“We have all seen vision of the recent flooding and swift-water rescues in the news and I take my hat off to the brave men and women from our emergency services agencies who are out there helping our community,” Cr Williams said.

“Currently there are limited training facilities in Queensland to hone these swift-water rescue skills, opening the door for the Redland Whitewater Centre to be home to an emergency services and swift-water rescue training program.

“Basing this sort of training at the Redlands Coast venue will not only deliver important emergency services capabilities, it will also provide ongoing economic benefits.”

Cr Williams said Council had already started discussing these possibilities with state emergency services agencies.

“Council is committed to the whitewater venue delivering a lasting legacy for our community, which is why we have been building strategic partnerships to ensure it can also be used for emergency services training,” she said.

“We will also be speaking with national and international emergency services agencies about potential training partnerships, offering economic and tourism opportunities.

“Last year I travelled to Canberra to brief federal departments on these opportunities and I will continue these conversations following the current Federal election.”

The Redland Whitewater Centre will be located on Birkdale Community Precinct at Birkdale.

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Council urges responsible pet ownership


May 13, 2022

Redland City Council is urging pet owners to take responsibility for their pets to ensure animals and people remain safe and live together harmoniously.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said while owning a pet could provide valuable companionship, there were responsibilities to your pet and the community that needed to be considered.

“Council thanks the Redlands Coast community and other users of dog off-leash areas, who, in most cases, do the right thing and manage their dogs responsibly,” Cr Williams said.

“While there was a 21 per cent decrease in dog attacks in 2021 compared to 2020, data shows that dog attacks tend to occur primarily through owners having their dogs off-leash in public places or who fail to contain their dog effectively to their property.

“Council acknowledges that pets play a vital role in the community for companionship, but residents and visitors need to take responsibility for their dogs.

“By ensuring your dog is kept within their fenced yard and on a lead at all times in public places, except when in a designated off-leash area, you can help keep your dog and the community safe.

“Being a responsible dog owner on Redlands Coast means registering and microchipping your dog, walking your dog on a lead, picking up your dog’s droppings when in a public place, and preventing your dog from attacking or frightening people or animals.

“Council also urges dog owners to be mindful of how often their dogs might bark.”

Cr Williams said while all dogs barked, in some cases, excessive barking could become a neighbourhood nuisance.

“As some dog owners may not be aware of the barking issue, Council encourages concerned neighbours to speak with the dog owner in the first instance,” she said.

“Council also has some handy tips on its website to help dog owners manage the issue.

“Responsible pet ownership also extends to keeping other furry family members, like cats, safe.

“Straying cats can get injured or impact native wildlife, so for their safety and your peace of mind, cats must be contained to their property either indoors or within an enclosure, and always remember to register and microchip your cat.”

To learn more about responsible pet ownership on Redlands Coast, visit Council’s website.

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Birkdale stories brought to life with a brush of creativity


May 12, 2022

Wellington Point State High School students have developed a creative way to present the stories of Birkdale Community Precinct as part of Redland City Council’s pilot partnerships program for the site.

Mayor Karen Williams, who dropped in on one of the school’s Encore Art Program workshops this week, said the students were painting timber discs with images to reflect elements of the precinct’s history.

Wellington Point State High art teacher Tamara Beale, far left back, and Redland City Mayor Karen Williams, far right, with students at the Encore Art Program workshop.

“Birkdale Community Precinct is all about celebrating our past while providing for our future Redlanders, so to see our students involved in the project is very exciting,” Cr Williams said.

“They are using a diverse collection of timber that originated from across Birkdale, such as trees felled by storms and the like.

“The students took their artistic inspiration from a visit to the Willards Farm site last month, so there is a real connection with the site and the messages being shared.

“This artwork will eventually take pride of place on the precinct for the community to enjoy.”

Wellington Point State High’s Encore Art Program, under the direction of art teacher Tamara Beale, is one of nine groups developing projects for the Birkdale Community Partnerships Program who will present and test their ideas at the precinct Info Days on 27 and 28 May.

Of the groups, four are schools or youth groups.

“These young people have been taken through a visioning workshop to understand the opportunities at Birkdale Community Precinct and to develop their ideas for the site,” Cr Williams said. “What these groups have come up with is sensational.”

The other groups in the program are:

  • Bayside District Amateur Radio Society (interactive radio communications)
  • Redland Bayside Child & Family Support Hub / Playgroup Qld (ecology-based activities)
  • EcoUnity (observation tower proposal)
  • Redland Museum (theatrical presentation)
  • Rotary Club of Cleveland (recycling and sustainability)
  • TRACTION (bicycle recycling and youth empowerment)
  • Australian Industry Trade College (virtual reality in trade sector)
  • Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club (fitness, recreation and celebrating Tingalpa Creek)

Their ideas will be on display at two public Info Days later on 27 and 28 May as part of the community consultation period for the Draft Birkdale Community Precinct Master Plan which runs until 6 June, 2022. To have your say go to: yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au

DIARY NOTE:

Birkdale Community Precinct Info Days, 302 Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale, Friday, 27 May & Saturday, 28 May, 10am to 4pm both days. Entry via Jones Road. More details: yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au

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Redland City Council looking for passionate people to ensure Olympics legacy


May 4, 2022

Community members are being offered a once-in-a-generation opportunity to ensure the Redlands Coast maximises the local, regional and international opportunities from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams announced the Redlands Coast 2032 Legacy Working Group at a breakfast this morning attended by more than 100 people, which included Olympic Champion Canoeist Jess Fox OAM, long-term tourism advocate Daniel Gschwind, and actor and former local Redlands Coast resident Lincoln Lewis.

Cr Williams said the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognised ‘legacy’ as a vital component of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics to deliver lasting benefits for people and communities across South-East Queensland.

“Redland City Council has been a proud partner on the Olympic and Paralympic journey since the Council of Mayors (SEQ) began exploring the opportunity to bring the Games to Queensland in 2015,” Cr Williams said.

“I am proud to have been at the table when this journey began and am committed to ensuring the Brisbane 2032 Games deliver for generations of Redlanders.

“The Redlands Coast 2032 Legacy Working Group will leverage the enthusiasm and passion of our community to identify and deliver the exciting legacy opportunities set to flow from the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics.

“Council agreed to be part of the Brisbane 2032 journey because of the positive legacy it could deliver for our community, so it is vital the community has a seat at the table to help develop a Redlands Coast 2032 Legacy Plan.

Actor Lincoln Lewis, champion slalom canoeist Jess Fox, Mayor Karen Williams and Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Daniel Gschwind.

Cr Williams said it was also important for the Redlands Coast to provide a powerful advocacy voice on the broader Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games legacy issues and other related regional opportunities.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to ensure your friends, family and community benefit from the legacies of the world’s largest sporting event,” Cr Williams said.

“We want people who are passionate about the Olympics and Paralympics and the potential benefits they bring, but we also want people who are passionate about our city and ensuring our entire community can be part of this exciting opportunity.”

Champion Slalom Canoeist Jess Fox said creating a legacy in the lead up to and after an Olympics was a vital component of keeping the Games spirit as well as building and harnessing community spirit.

“I consider myself a product of the legacy of the Sydney 2000 Olympics – I was fortunate to grow up with the Penrith Whitewater Stadium at my fingertips, which has provided a world-class venue to train at on my journey to three Olympic Games,” Jess said.

“For me, it’s been a case of ‘you can be what you can see’ and I have enjoyed living close to a high performance facility over the past 20-plus years that has helped generate Olympic dreams for aspiring athletes from around the world.

“I’m excited about the future for our sport and the next generation. The ‘legacy first’ approach for the new world-class Redland Whitewater Centre, being included as part of a versatile and integrated Birkdale Community Precinct, will offer so much opportunity to not only elite athletes like me but for children, emergency services organisations for swift water rescue training and the community.”

The Redlands Coast 2032 Legacy Working Group will include members representing a diverse range of interests, skills and experience, including:

  • Quandamooka Traditional Custodian representatives
  • Olympians/ Paralympians/ High performance sport
  • Sustainability expert
  • Business, industry and trade
  • Tourism and events
  • Disability sector – accessibility and inclusion
  • Arts and culture
  • Community sport and active recreation
  • A local school student
  • Transport
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Innovation and research
  • Education and training.

Expressions of interest are open until Wednesday 18 May 2022. To lodge an online Expression of Interest for the Redlands Coast 2032 Legacy Working Group, visit the Redland City Council website at www.redland.qld.gov.au/legacy.

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Draft Birkdale Community Precinct Master Plan released this month


April 14, 2022

The next milestone in the creation of Birkdale Community Precinct will be reached later this month with the presentation of the site’s draft master plan for Redland City Council consideration.

The Draft Birkdale Community Precinct (BCP) Master Plan outlines suggested concepts for the 62-hectare site over the next two decades.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said a five-week community consultation campaign would begin on 30 April, should the draft master plan be approved by councillors for release.

“This next phase would allow for further input into the numerous concept plans that have been created with supporting strategies based on the phenomenal response from the community who told us what they wanted to see on the site, which formed the framework for the community-led BCP Vision document,” Cr Williams said.

“When we opened the site to the public for two days last year during the initial consultation period, the response was overwhelming, both in the number of visitors and in the positivity we received for the diverse opportunities for the precinct.

“I’m excited that two more public information days are scheduled on site during this next round of consultation – scheduled for Friday 27 May and Saturday 28 May.

“This will offer the chance for our community to see for themselves the exciting details that are in the Draft BCP Master Plan as they walk the site and talk with Council officers about the Plan.

“We have a once-in-a generation opportunity to transform this land at Birkdale into a world-class precinct of local, regional and national significance. Council worked long and hard over many years to prevent the land from being subdivided for residential development and to secure the site for community use.

“BCP is the largest and most diverse project of its kind ever delivered in the city. We are confident that, thanks largely to the invaluable input from residents, it will be a truly superb showcase of all that’s great about Redlands Coast.”

Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop said the information days were another chance for community members and those from further afield to experience this much-loved property for themselves.

“Going forward this precinct will remain  open to everyone in the community, but for now this is a great opportunity for those interested to learn about its rich history, environmental significance and to imagine what it could become and, importantly, have your say on the master planning stage,” Cr Bishop said.

“The precinct includes two heritage listed sites – Willard’s Farm and the fascinating US Army-built World War II Radio Receiving Station, as well as a large parcel of land that remains significant for many wildlife species and local residents. Your voice and engagement is essential at this time as we plan for the future of the site.”

For the latest updates about BCP go to the Your Say website.

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Redlands Coast conservation areas re-open


April 14, 2022

Redlands Coast’s Eastern Escarpment and Don and Christine Burnett reserves have re-opened in time for the Easter break.

Mayor Karen Williams said work to repair tracks significantly eroded by the recent intense rainfall in both of the high-use areas was completed yesterday.

“Our crews have done a remarkable job getting these two popular areas open again in time for the extra-long weekend, as they were heavily waterlogged and took quite some time to dry out,” Cr Williams said.

“Work is continuing within the Bayview Conservation Park and the Scribbly Gums Conservation Area, where water was still flowing down tracks a week after the deluge, and these will be opened once erosion control and track construction works are completed.”

For more information about Redlands Coast’s naturally wonderful tracks and trails, go to www.redland.qld.gov.au.

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Community help urged to catch Redland Showground thieves


April 13, 2022

Redlands Coast residents have been urged to be vigilant following an incident in which thieves targeted copper wiring at Redland Showgrounds (Norm Price Park) late Tuesday or early Wednesday.

Mayor Karen Williams said the incident was a crime against every resident of Redlands Coast and had left ratepayers with a massive bill for repairs at the much-used community and sports precinct.

“The thieves caused major damage to the copper cabling servicing the sport field lighting, impacting all touch football fields at the showgrounds,” Cr Williams said.

“We are unsure at this stage just how much needs to be done and what this will cost but it would appear to be substantial as underground cables have been severed and possibly removed.

“It has meant Redland Touch Football activities have had to be cancelled but this goes beyond the impact on local sports people, who will be very disappointed. This affects every resident of the city, as it will no doubt leave Council with a significant cost to get the showgrounds fully operational again.

“If anyone saw something or has information which may be useful, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at Policelink online or 131 444.”

Cr Williams said Council understood forensic teams would begin investigating once the site had been cleared by Energex.

“There have been similar incidents in the Brisbane, Logan and Ipswich areas and we also had a similar incident at Charlie Buckler Memorial Sportsfield back in December which needed significant repairs,” Cr Williams said.

“Security arrangements at the showgrounds are being assessed for both the short and long-term and, in the meantime, we urge the community to keep an eye out and report suspicious activity at our sportfields.”

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