Category Archives: Community

New Straddie coastal walk unlocks spectacular experiences for the whole community


December 2, 2021

Another ‘Straddie’ walk experience offering spectacular views in naturally wonderful surroundings is ready for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Stage 1 of the Minjerribah Panorama Coastal Walk project at Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) has been completed, providing a scenic and safe walkway between Snapper Street and Frenchmans Stairs.

Mayor Karen Williams said the project was a joint initiative of Redland City Council and the Queensland Government, which provided $1 million under the Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package.

“This fabulous coastal walk, with its viewing platforms and pathway between the trees and foreshore foliage, captures and celebrates the essence of what makes Minjerribah so special,” Cr Williams said.

Stage 1 of the Minjerribah Panorama Coastal Walk has been completed. Photo: Alder Constructions and Rezolution Photography

“The walkway project creates a remarkable coastline experience while providing protection for ecosystems, vegetation and cultural heritage, and helping ensure the safety of users.

“It also represents an investment that will bring benefits to the Minjerribah community for years to come.

“The pandemic has been tough on our island businesses and, with people now returning for day trips and longer holidays, investment in infrastructure projects like this is vital.

“I’m absolutely delighted with the result, and am looking forward to seeing residents and visitors enjoying the newest Straddie walk.”

Assistant Minister for Local Government Nikki Boyd said the Coastal Walk project supported 91 jobs.

“Minjerribah is one of the jewels in the crown of Queensland’s tourism industry and one of the most beautiful locations in the world,” Ms Boyd said.

“The Queensland Government is proud to have contributed $1 million to the Minjerribah Panorama Coastal Walk project, from our successful Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package.

“The coastal walkway will further enhance the experience for locals and visitors to the island.”

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said the Stage 1 works were a strong step towards addressing local concerns about the ‘missing link’ between Point Lookout Village and Cylinder Beach.

“Residents told us during community consultation that they wanted Council to connect these two popular spots, and the coastal walkway has provided a great starting point,” Cr Mitchell said.

“Accessible and safe, more people can now enjoy the glorious views available from this stretch of Redlands Coast.

“Built to an environmentally-sensitive design, the walkway has also provided additional protection for our local environment and cultural heritage.

“It is fauna friendly and follows a route that minimises impacts on vegetation and the surrounding bushland.

“The idea for this project came from the community, and it feels great seeing residents already using the walkway, while knowing the longer-term benefits it will bring for local business and tourism.

“The Minjerribah Panorama Coastal Walk is something we can all enjoy and feel pride in.”

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Redlands Coast holding steady on environmental health


November 25, 2021

The water quality in Moreton Bay is excellent and an expansion of seagrass meadows in the bay signifies a healthier ecosystem, according to the 2021 Healthy Land and Water Report Card.

The 2021 Healthy Land and Water Report Card found that water quality in Southern Moreton Bay remained excellent with a rating of B+.

The annual report into the environmental condition of South East Queensland waterways showed that the catchment waterways of Redlands Coast have remained in “fair condition”, consistent with findings in last year’s report.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the consistent Catchment Environmental Condition score of C+ and a Waterway Benefit Rating of 3 stars (out of 5) were positive signs that work being done in the city was continuing to be effective.

Cr Williams said the report, prepared by Healthy Land and Water, showed there had been a slight improvement in the environmental condition of Southern Moreton Bay with a score of B+; with Central Moreton Bay also improving, up to an A from last year’s A-; while Eastern Moreton Bay maintained its A rating and Western Moreton Bay stayed on an A-.

“The report found the water quality in all four sectors of Moreton Bay remained excellent, with an improvement in all indicators in several areas,” she said.

“One of the encouraging findings is the continuing spread of seagrass meadows in various areas of Moreton Bay.

“Expanding seagrass habitat signifies a healthier ecosystem. They are home to dugongs and provide protection for a rich biodiversity of marine life.”

Cr Williams said the report showed Redlands Coast residents highly valued their local waterways and were actively using them.

Kayaking in Tingalpa Creek near Birkdale Community Precinct.

“The report showed residents placed a high value on their local waterways for recreation, with more than half of those surveyed saying they used them for recreational activities at least monthly.”

Cr Williams said encouraging and maintaining the community’s connection with their local creeks and the Bay was important.

“To keep Redlands Coast naturally wonderful for generations to come we all need to continue working together to improve the health of our waterways,” she said.

 

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IndigiScapes Centre maintenance closure extended


November 25, 2021

Redlands IndigiScapes Centre is currently closed for scheduled maintenance. Due to rain, the planned closure has extended to Friday 26 November.

IndigiScapes is now expected to reopen on Saturday 27 November. 

The following facilities are currently closed:

  • the Discovery Centre,
  • café,
  • native botanic garden,
  • playground and
  • walking tracks.

The native nursery will remain open.

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Redlands Coast businesses connect with New Zealand


November 24, 2021

Stronger trade connections and new opportunities between Redlands Coast businesses and the New Zealand market were explored at a recent Redland City Council-organised business event.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams addresses participants at the Business Breakfast: Redlands Coast & New Zealand event.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the Business Breakfast: Redlands Coast & New Zealand event held in partnership with Trade & Investment Queensland (TIQ) on 18 November, presented the opportunities available and the ways to leverage and connect NZ and Redlands Coast trade and investment.

“This event was about identifying these opportunities and discuss a way forward for the strengthening of these ties in the coming year,” Cr Williams said.

“Having a strong bilateral trade and investment connection is a great way to form strategic trans-Tasman ties.

“Immediate opportunities for enhanced ties between Redlands and New Zealand could be in health care, maritime industries, food, ag-tech and emerging technology industries.”

Cr Williams said the event was one of several ways that Council supported local businesses including the highly successful Redlands Coast Business and Jobs Expo earlier this month.

“Council is coordinating our approach across the levels of government to provide seamless support for business in making the most of NZ trade and investment,” she said.

“In this way businesses can get access to resources they need regardless of their initial point of contact.

“This event was the start of Council working collaboratively with industry and government to explore trade and investment opportunities with a range of global markets.

“Many businesses just aren’t aware of the fantastic resources available to them in these endeavours. They can reach out to Council for personalised consultations so they can get the support they need to expand and grow their business.”

Participants at the Business Breakfast: Redlands Coast & New Zealand event held in Alexandra Hills.

Cr Williams said the event attracted representatives from a broad range of industries including food production, renewable energy, ag-tech, retailers, manufacturers and creative industries, including local and Indigenous-owned businesses. Key organisations represented included Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce, Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ), Export and Council of Australia and Trade & Investment Queensland.

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Information sessions offer cyber security advice


November 22, 2021

Information sessions on how to protect yourself or your business from online security threats will be held in Redlands Coast this month(November).

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the cyber security information sessions at the Redland Performing Arts Centre on 29 November would be tailored to suit two areas of the community.

“The morning session will highlight the cyber threats facing individuals and older Redlands Coast residents, as well as offering tips on how to protect yourself online,” Cr Williams said.

“While the next session will be aimed at small and medium businesses and will explain how they can protect themselves from the most common cyber security threats.

“These events are part of the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) Small and Medium Enterprise Week and are run by the ACSC and proudly supported by Redland City Council.

“So much of what we do today is online. We rely on online systems to run our businesses and our lives.

“Criminals are always coming up with new ways to sneak into our systems and disrupt your business.

“The ACSC is the Australian Government’s lead operational agency for national cyber security. It provides free cyber security advice and support to Australian individuals, businesses, and organisations which can enhance your awareness and protect you online.”

For more information on the sessions, go to Council’s What’s On calendar.

CYBER THREATS – What you need to know right now

When: 10-11am, Monday 29 November

Where: Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland

Tickets: Available through Eventbrite

CYBER THREATS – Cyber Aware: It’s your business to care

When: noon-1pm, Monday 29 November,

Where: Redlands Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland

Tickets: Available through Eventbrite

 

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Redlands Coast celebrates 20,000 green waste bin milestone


November 17, 2021

A green milestone has been reached with 20,000 green waste bins now in use across Redlands Coast.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams presented local resident Michelle Sullivan with her new bin, the city’s 20,000th, and thanked her for joining the growing green bin brigade.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams presents Michelle Sullivan, left, with a thankyou hamper from IndigiScapes and her green waste bin, the 20,000th now in use in Redlands Coast.

“People like Michelle are really making a difference because the contents of green bins is turned into new enriching organic products, such as soils, soil enhancers and mulch,” Cr Williams said.

“It helps weed out unnecessary waste going into landfill.

“Currently, about a third of the material put into kerbside general waste bins could be diverted to household green waste bins. So every new green waste bin in service is a step in the right direction towards a zero waste future.”

Cr Williams said approximately 6,300 tonnes (or 6.3 million kgs) of green waste was collected from the kerbside collection service last financial year (2020/2021) from mainland houses across Redlands Coast.

To thank the community for an amazing effort, 50 Redlands Coast residents who had a green waste bin were randomly selected to win an IndigiScapes voucher worth $50 each. The winners were announced during National Recycling Week and have been contacted about their prize.

Green waste bins can be ordered online from Council’s website or by calling 3829 8999.

 What you can put in your green bin:

  • Garden prunings
  • Grass clippings (do not bag if using a green waste bin)
  • Shrubs
  • Weeds and flowers
  • Leaves and loose bark
  • Sawdust
  • Small branches or soft wood (no larger than 75cm in length or 10cm in diameter)

To find out what happens to your green waste, go to Council’s website.

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Council training program wins national excellence award


November 12, 2021

Redland City Council’s commitment to creating positive and lasting relationships with First Nations communities has been recognised through a prestigious national excellence award.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council’s Look, Listen, Understand education program had been awarded Best Diversity and Inclusion Program in the Australian Institute of Training and Development (AITD) Excellence Awards announced today.

“Redlands Coast is built on 40,000 years of Indigenous culture and this award is testament to our commitment to celebrating this history,” Cr Williams said.

“The Look, Listen, Understand program includes a two-hour Indigenous information session as well as a full day of immersive training on-country on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) at the invitation of the Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council (MMEIC).

“The MMEIC and Traditional Owner Matt Burns have been gracious and generous in helping Council deliver this program, which was developed by Redland City Council’s Learning and Development Adviser Merrin McCulloch and Indigenous Partnerships and Programs Coordinator Brett Nutley.”

Mr Burns said the program offered a personal insight into Quandamooka Culture on Minjerribah.

“It continues to be well-received by participants,” he said.

Traditional Owner and training program leader Matt Burns.

Cr Williams said Council was up against strong competition to take out the award.

“The other finalists included Origin Energy and Engineers Australia, so this award was a wonderful affirmation of Council’s commitment to being a culturally safe, inclusive and resilient workplace,” she said.

“The program aims at creating and strengthening positive and lasting relationships with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“So far more than 528 employees have participated in this award-winning program.

“It is just one of many initiatives in our internal Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), Kanara Malara – One People 2019-2021.

“The RAP is a formalised vision and set of principles to guide Council in our commitment to reconciliation efforts.

“Other initiatives include: the commissioning of Indigenous artwork which is displayed throughout all Council facilities; we put a Kanara Malara – One People artwork wrap on a library van and used more of this artwork on shirts made available to staff; and Council meeting rooms were dual-named to include the Jandai language.”

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Council acts to lighten its carbon footprint


November 10, 2021

Redland City Council is taking major steps to reduce its carbon footprint.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said a solar energy system installed at the Cleveland Aquatic Centre during its recent upgrade would soon be playing its part.

“The rooftop installation of 262 solar panels at the aquatic centre was part of approximately $1.3 million in upgrades which also included pool tile repairs and pool painting, switchboard and centre electrical upgrades, new non-slip concourse treatment, decking, shade sails, landscaping, fencing, signage, centre painting and new 50-metre pool heating,” Cr Williams said.

“The solar panels at the Cleveland facility are expected to generate 159,005 kWh per year which, to put it in perspective, is enough to power more than 25 average households per year.

“The power generated by the panels will be used to power the entire centre and are expected to deliver a $22,000 per year saving on electricity for this facility.”

Cr Williams said the solar energy would reduce Council’s Greenhouse emissions by 130,384 kg CO2 per year.

“This is equivalent to the emissions you would save by taking 45 small cars off Australian roads for the year,” she said.

“Redlands Coast is filled with natural beauty and initiatives such as this help our natural environment and play our part as the state and country work towards reducing carbon emissions overall.”

Cr Williams said Council was also working to reduce its carbon footprint on our city’s roads.

“We all know that cars and roads are some of our most visible carbon polluters and Council is tackling this on two fronts,” she said.

“As our fleet vehicles come up for replacement we are swapping them out with hybrid vehicles – we’ve already ordered 14.

“These vehicles are expected to save $5,600 in fuel costs and reduce Council’s greenhouse emissions by 8,400 kgCO2 per year which is the equivalent of 18 return flights from Brisbane to Sydney.

“Plans to trial fully electric Council vehicles are also now at an advanced stage.”

Cr Williams said Council also has an active road upgrade program where profiling material – the waste by-product collected when roads are resealed – was used in place of gravel in new or repaired roads.

“Not only is it a great form of recycling, it has cost savings and offers a high quality structural road surface with less dust,” she said.

Cr Williams said Council’s commitment to reducing its carbon emissions was formalised in the 2021-2026 Key Initiatives of its corporate plan, which was adopted in December last year.

“To explore and implement opportunities to proactively reduce Council’s carbon footprint is a key natural environment initiative that we are committed to under the Our Future Redlands – A Corporate Plan to 2026 and Beyond,” Cr Williams said.

“It is an ongoing commitment that not only has immediate benefits within our city, but it is one of the important ways we are helping to repair and improve our world for generations to come.”

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Council training program in national excellence awards final


November 8, 2021

An Indigenous cultural awareness training program for Redland City Council employees is a finalist in a prestigious national award for excellence in corporate learning and development.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council’s Look, Listen, Understand education program for its employees was a finalist in the Australian Institute of Training and Development (AITD) Excellence Awards with the winners being announced on 12 November.

Redland City Council is up against Origin Energy, Engineers Australia and Anneli Blundell (Women@Work) in the Best Diversity and Inclusion Program awards category, Cr Williams said.

“The AITD awards recognise outstanding achievement in learning and development and the competition is fierce with a record number of entries this year, so it is exciting to be a finalist,” she said.

“It also is an affirmation of Council’s commitment to being a culturally safe, inclusive and resilient workplace, which in turn creates and strengthens positive and lasting relationships with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“The Look, Listen, Understand program includes a two-hour Indigenous information session as well as a full day of immersive training on-country on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) at the invitation of the Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council (MMEIC).

“The MMEIC and Traditional Owner Matt Burns have been gracious and generous in helping Council deliver this program which was developed by Redland City Council’s Learning and Development Adviser Merrin McCulloch and Indigenous Partnerships and Programs Coordinator Brett Nutley.”

Cr Williams said that to date more than 528 employees had participated in the program.

“It is designed to further develop the participant’s knowledge around the traditional way of Indigenous life and how to respect social, cultural and professional values and beliefs,” she said.

“The course design deliberately focuses on moving participants from a classroom-based environment to where they can taste the culture (bush tucker and medicines), see and touch the flora and fauna and experience the language that has been part of the Quandamooka history for thousands of years.”

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Mayor urges transport and liveability action in time for 2032


November 5, 2021

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams has today thrown her support behind a region-wide effort to force urgent action on key transport and liveability projects in time for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympics Games.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams at the launch of the Let’s Get Moving! campaign today.

South East Queensland’s Mayors launched the Let’s Get Moving! campaign in Brisbane today, to draw attention to the fact that there was only a small window of time to begin major projects and have them completed in time for the Games.

Cr Williams said the Let’s Get Moving! campaign would highlight the pressing need to get started on many of the projects needed to host a world-class sporting event.

“The Council of Mayors started the bidding process for the 2032 Games to put a clear deadline on building the roads, bridges and rail our region will need for the next 20 years and beyond,” Cr Williams said.

“We need to invest in projects that protect and improve our way of life – not because of the Games but in time for the Games.

“But we don’t have a lot of time.  Major road and transport projects can take a decade or more to plan and build, so we need to get moving to ensure we put our best face forward to the world in 2032.”

Cr Williams said delivering the elements needed for a good Games experience would require all levels of government, with the SEQ City Deal offering the opportunity for that collaboration.

“The Foundation City Deal currently on the table is a good starting point for us to begin work on those regionally important projects.  There are certainly more projects that we would like included, but the SEQ

City Deal is a starting point for all three levels of government to work together,” Cr Williams said.

“Along with all my COMSEQ colleagues, I urge all levels of Government to sign up to the deal; we are out of time for talking.  It’s time to start the hard work.  Let’s Get Moving!”

COMSEQ Chair, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, said the Let’s Get Moving! campaign would highlight the pressing need to get started on planning the world’s greatest sporting event.

Mayor Karen Williams (third from right) with the other CoMSEQ mayors at the launch of the Let’s Get Moving!

“The mayors of South East Queensland put our state on this journey to hosting 2032 Games because they recognised it was a unique opportunity to get all levels of government working together to deliver for our region,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Now the Games are locked in, we need to start developing a detailed plan on what investment and infrastructure we will need to ensure the Games deliver an economic and social dividend for all residents.

“That’s what our Let’s Get Moving campaign is all about, starting the conversation about what’s required to not only deliver the best ever Games but what’s needed to ensure we protect our region’s incredible lifestyle.

“Things like cleaning up our river and waterways, creating new greenspace and delivering better transport connections between venues can be achieved so they deliver benefits before, during and after the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympics Games.”

 

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