Category Archives: Council

Council calls on residents to check land valuations


April 8, 2022

Redlands Coast property owners who do not agree with their latest State Government land valuations should lodge an objection with the State as soon as possible.

The advice follows significant land value increases by the Queensland Government Valuer-General for many properties across South East Queensland, which will have a significant impact on council rates.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the latest Queensland Government Department of Resources valuations for Redland City, issued on 31 March, saw an overall 25 per cent increase since the previous valuations in 2019, well above the 17.5 per cent for Brisbane.

“Councils are obliged by State Government legislation to use these valuations, which are due to take effect from 1 July, when setting rates for individual properties which means higher land values have the potential to impact residents financially,” Cr Williams said.

“While these valuations, which are made by the Valuer-General and are outside councils’ control, may make many feel good about just how much their properties have appreciated in value, they are also used by councils to determine general rates.

“A significant increase in value can lead to an above average increase in the general rate for some home owners.  So, if you believe your revaluation is excessive, I encourage you to put your case to the State Valuer-General.

“Redland City and other councils determine rates based on what they need to deliver for their communities. Here on Redlands Coast we have endeavoured to keep rates rises to an absolute minimum.”

According to the Valuer-General, these significant increases are due largely to strong demand for property, leading to soaring property prices and values.

Cr Williams said that while the movement of land values varied across Redlands Coast, the Southern Moreton Bay Islands had the most significant percentage-based increase in values due to the traditionally lower land values on the islands.

“If you believe your valuation is not justified or there are factors which haven’t been taken into account, please seek a review by the State Valuer-General. Details of how to lodge the appeal are included with your valuation,” she said.

“For your challenge to be considered, you must provide sufficient information to demonstrate that the valuation is incorrect and lodge your objection within 60 days … that’s by 30 May.

“Grounds for objection are quite specific and may include sales evidence, constraints on the use of your land and deductions for site improvements.

“Objections must be supported with proof of claims, so with the next Redland City rates notices not due until around mid-July, anyone who feels a review is justified should seek resolution from the State Valuer-General as soon as possible.”

For valuation information, contact 1300 664 217 or go to www.qld.gov.au/landvaluation.

What the state considers when valuing land?

When determining statutory land values, the Queensland Valuer-General:

  • researches the property market;
  • examines trends and sales information;
  • inspect vacant or lightly improved properties that have recently been sold; interview vendors and purchasers of property, where appropriate; consider the land’s present use and zoning under the relevant planning scheme; and take into account physical attributes and constraints on use of the land.

How land valuations are used

  • New valuations are used to inform calculation of local government rating and state land tax, where applicable, from 30 June 2022.
  • Land tax may be payable to the State if the total taxable value of land you own in Queensland on 30 June 2022 exceeds the threshold.
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Construction progresses on new change rooms for Pinklands


April 4, 2022

Construction is well underway for new change rooms and public amenities for the popular Pinklands Sporting Complex in Thornlands.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the modular facility was currently being constructed offsite and was expected to be transported to Pinklands in early May.

“These change rooms and accessible toilets are essential to support the growth of sporting participation on Redlands Coast,” Cr Williams said.

“Pinklands hosts many hundreds of local and visiting athletes each week so I am delighted that Council is able to deliver additional amenities to support them in playing their chosen sport.”

The new facility, expected to be ready for use by the end of June, will provide two sports compliant change rooms and additional public toilets, including an accessible cubicle for people with a disability.

Member for Redlands Kim Richards, Cr Paul Golle, Redlands Rugby League Club President Justin Alvisio, Redlands Netball Association President Brendon Smith, Mayor Karen Williams and Deputy Mayor Julie Talty look over plans for the new change room facilities at Pinklands Sporting Complex.

This more than $900,000 new facility has been part funded through Council’s COVID Infrastructure Recovery Program and $150,000 from the Queensland Government’s Department of Tourism, Innovation and Housing and Public Works (Sport and Recreation) as a 2020 Queensland Government election commitment.

“This facility is one of several sport and recreation projects that have been funded from Council’s million dollar COVID Infrastructure Recovery Program as part of our response to the disruptions and difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Cr Williams said.

“The program is about strengthening community resilience and well-being and supporting economic and jobs recovery.

“All sporting participation is to be celebrated and encouraged and facilities like these are essential to support that growth.”

Member for Redlands Kim Richards said it was fantastic to see the new facilities take shape at the much-loved Pinklands sporting precinct.

“Sport really brings our community together across our Redlands Coast and these new facilities will provide much improved amenity for our young girls and women playing rugby league and netball at Pinklands,” Ms Richards said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is pleased to partner with Redland City Council to deliver better facilities for our rugby players, netball players and sports supporters.”

Division 3 Councillor Paul Golle said he was delighted with the progress of the new facilities, which would specifically support Pinklands as a key Redlands venue for women’s sports.

“Pinklands is fundamental to female sports on Redlands Coast and these additional facilities will help to support community wellbeing and further encourage female participation in sport,” Cr Golle said.

“Installed in a central location, they will provide for the large number of sport and recreation users visiting Pinklands every week.”

In preparation for the installation at Pinklands, work has begun on the construction of a new connecting pathway and installation of services such as electricity and water.

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Animal Shelter closed today, Sunday 3 April, due to illness


April 3, 2022

Council’s Redland Animal Shelter at South Street, Thornlands, will remain closed today, Sunday 3 April 2022, due to staff illness. Apologies for the inconvenience. It is usually open until midday today. For any urgent inquiries please contact Council’s after hours service on 3829 8999. The shelter will open tomorrow morning as usual.

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Potential waste recycling opportunity through SEQ City Deal


March 23, 2022

Three South East Queensland Councils have joined forces to deliver a regional recycling facility that could start construction next year and divert tonnes of waste from landfill.

The $1.8 billion SEQ City Deal announced on Monday will support a raft of waste reform and infrastructure, with the potential for projects to include an innovative plan from Logan, Ipswich and Redland City Councils (SEQ sub-regional waste alliance) to build a regional Material Recovery Facility (MRF).

The proposed facility, which is estimated at around $30 million, could handle up to 60,000 tonnes of recycling annually.

Alliance Steering Committee Chair and Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the signing of the SEQ City Deal showed support at all levels of government for a collaborative approach to waste reduction, providing the alliance added confidence in its recent decision to progress to a formal tender for the regional facility.

Waste Alliance partners, from left, Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding, Redland Mayor Karen Williams and Logan Mayor Darren Power.

“The ink may be barely dry on the SEQ City Deal, but there is no time to ‘waste’, so we are moving ahead with our plans for a regional recycling facility we know will deliver real benefits for our communities,” Cr Harding said.

“This is a positive initiative to give our Councils greater control in recycling. With new technology and improved processes, our communities can play a leading role in diverting more waste away from landfill.

“The community, and in particular our younger residents, will be able to see first-hand how the items in their yellow recycling bins are sorted and processed through the facility’s innovative education room and viewing platform.

“We have been working on this project since 2018 and knowing the City Deal has now been signed, we are keen to partner with the State and Federal governments in the hope of breaking ground on this exciting project next year.

“This regional MRF will support the broader South East Queensland Waste Management Plan, delivering potential benefits for the broader region.”

City of Logan Mayor Darren Power said the MRF facility will create local jobs and potentially save money for ratepayers.

“The project promises plenty of jobs during construction and ongoing once the facility is up and running, which is a great thing for the region, state and nation,” Cr Power said.

“Building our own MRF will mean recyclables can be processed and sorted in Logan. They will then be made available to local businesses in the region and will take us closer to the zero-waste future we all aspire to.

“Not only are there environmental benefits but there will be potential cost savings over the long term which will benefit ratepayers.”

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the finalisation of the City Deal provided the ideal foundation to move to the next phase of this regional collaboration.

“Waste is one of the largest challenges facing our communities, and by working together we know we can deliver for our residents now and in the future,” Cr Williams said.

“The SEQ City Deal includes $105 million for regional waste projects and initiatives, providing the perfect opportunity to deliver this innovative and modern facility.

“We know there is still plenty of work to do and we aim to work with the State and Federal governments to deliver this unique project.

“We would also like to congratulate the State and Federal governments, as well as our Council of Mayors colleagues, for committing to much needed waste reform in the SEQ City Deal, a commitment that will deliver a more sustainable future for our region along with exciting economic and environmental benefits for our communities.”

BACKGROUND:

Currently all three Councils, which represent more than 700,000 residents, are transferring recyclables to a contractor based in Port of Brisbane for sorting.

The regional MRF, to be situated in the Browns Plains Waste and Recycling Facility in the City of Logan, will sort recycled material collected in yellow lid recycling bins.

The Browns Plains site offers environmental and economic benefits. It was chosen because of its size, central location to all Councils, proximity to existing infrastructure, and appropriately zoned land ready to accommodate this type of facility.

The Alliance was formed in 2018 to investigate joint procurement options in response to changes in waste policy, taking into consideration the move to a zero-waste future and reducing landfill, as well as increasing restrictions on exporting kerbside recyclables to overseas markets.

Building a sub-regional MRF would benefit the wider South East Queensland (SEQ) region and complements the Council of Mayors South East Queensland (COMSEQ) SEQ Waste Management Plan.

The tender process is expected to be finalised mid-year.

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Council prioritises potholes and mowing after heavy rain


March 22, 2022

Redland City Council crews have been out in force repairing potholes and mowing long grass following last month’s heavy rainfall.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council was prioritising its resources to ensure roads, parks and open spaces were safe for all users.

“Heavy rainfall, like that experienced across all of south east Queensland at the end of February, can cause damage to local roads,” Cr Williams said.

“On Redlands Coast this included not only a large number of potholes, but a high volume of debris, road shoulder damage, some damage from flooded roads around stormwater structures, and scouring and rutting to unsealed gravel roads on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.”

Cr Williams said Council received 114 reports of road damage following the heavy rain, and 90 of those were for potholes.

“Once it was safe to do so, Council roads crews prioritised the removal of debris and repairing potholes,” she said.

“The majority of the potholes were repaired between March 1 and 4 and, since then, about 140 work orders have been completed.

“Our crews will continue to monitor the condition of our roads and make repairs as needed.”

Cr Williams said long grass in parks and open spaces was another byproduct of heavy rainfall followed by days of sunshine.

“There was so much rainfall that the ground was too wet to mow until 10 March, 10 days after the rain had stopped, so we are a bit behind our normal mowing schedule,” she said.

“However Council staff and contractors are working longer hours and on Saturdays to cover as much ground as possible, and are prioritising high-use parks with playgrounds, as well as sports fields, ahead of open spaces.”

Cr Williams said residents may notice more grass left behind in parks after they are mowed.

“This is because the grass is so long but it will eventually be mulched with subsequent mowing as we get on top of the grass growth spurt following the rain,” she said.

“So although residents will be able to use our parks, they will notice grass on their shoes.

“Council is responsible for mowing 19,000 hectares of land – that’s an area larger than Moreton Island – so I encourage everyone to be patient as our mowing crews make their way around all our green spaces.”

To report a pothole, call Council on 3829 8999 or lodge an online request form.

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Redland City crews help neighbouring councils with flood clean-up


March 21, 2022

A large crew of Redland City Council officers and sub-contractors is helping neighbouring councils clean up after recent severe flooding.

Mayor Karen Williams said Redland City had deployed officers to a number of neighbouring councils that suffered significant damage from the recent floods, including Gympie and Brisbane.

“In the Redlands, when our neighbours need help we roll up our sleeves and lend a hand; and that goes for our Local Government neighbours as well,” Cr Williams said.

“We were fortunate not to experience the scale of flooding seen in Brisbane and some of our other neighbours, which means we are now in a position to help them get back on their feet.

“We are only too happy to do so, knowing they would do the same for us.”

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner chat with a Redland City Council crew member helping with the flood clean-up in Brisbane.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said support from Redland City Council after one of the city’s worst flooding events was helping residents and businesses get back on their feet faster.

“We are so grateful for this support and knowing our neighbours in Redlands have our back during our biggest ever clean-up is a huge boost for our community in their time of need,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Mayor Williams and the team at Redland City Council are known for their regional support and to have crews help fast-track Brisbane’s recovery is a great example of what can be achieved when Councils work together.”

Cr Williams said Council crews were on the ground in Brisbane helping with the clean-up after the flood.

“I know Lord Mayor Schrinner and the wider Brisbane City Council team are working around the clock to support their residents and Redland City Council is happy to support them in any way we can,” she said.

“A crew of 25 officers from Redlands construction crews and 31 sub-contractors with tippers, bobcats and excavators have been picking up flood-damaged household items from kerbs across south Brisbane and from the industrial area of Rocklea.

“The Redlands crew picked up about 1200 cubic metres, or about 150 truckloads, of rubbish every day last week, which is a phenomenal effort.

“I know the Redlands crew members have been working long 12-hour days and I thank them for helping to make a real difference during this clean-up in Brisbane.”

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Redlands gets tourism and liveability boost in SEQ City Deal


March 21, 2022

Tourism and liveability in Redland City will be boosted through project funding of more than $53 million in the South East Queensland City Deal, announced today.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said more than $53.68 million of funding will kick start liveability and tourism projects across Redland Coast, plus the region will have access to more than $400 million in funding pools through the SEQ City Deal announced on Monday 21 March 2022.

“The SEQ City Deal initial investment includes $41 million towards a new ferry terminal upgrade at Dunwich, which will create a first class arrival point at one of Australia’s most beautiful natural assets – Minjerribah – boosting tourism and supporting our local businesses,” Cr Williams said.

“Enhancing our region’s liveability is also a Deal priority with a $12.68 million investment for community infrastructure that could include recreation projects for local families and sporting facilities that will help provide our region’s youngest residents a running start to 2032.”

Mayor Williams said the region would also benefit from more than $400 million in funding aimed at creating new jobs, supporting emerging industries, enhancing local environment and boosting innovation and connectivity across the South East.

“We know growth is a huge issue and the Deal will invest $5 million to jointly identify the infrastructure needed for our residents to travel around the city faster and safer,” Cr Williams said.

“This regional infrastructure planning will allow us to prioritise important transport projects like the Eastern Busway and Cleveland rail duplication, which are critical to the future of our city.

“While I would have liked to see these projects included in this foundation deal, I believe they must be included in future iterations of the deal and will be working to ensure they are.

“The City Deal also includes more than $105 million to improve the region’s waste infrastructure, building on the Council of Mayors (SEQ) Waste Management Plan and furthering the south-east’s transformation towards a cleaner, more sustainable region.

“Our local rivers, waterways and bay will also receive a needed boost with an additional $40 million over the next 5 years towards delivering priority, on-ground works to improve their overall health and resilience through the Council of Mayors (SEQ) Resilient Rivers Initiative.”

Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Lord Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner said the deal is a critical step towards ensuring the south-east corner can cater for a booming population and is ready when the world’s biggest sporting event arrives in just over a decades’ time.

“This deal demonstrates what great things can be achieved when all levels of government work together,” Cr Schrinner said.

“There might not have been a time in our region’s history when such co-operation has been so critically important.

“SEQ is experiencing significant population growth as more and more Australians discover our unmatched lifestyle and want to call our region home.

“We’re also a decade away from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games which presents a unique chance to showcase our region to the world while establishing a legacy that can continue to deliver for the generations to come.

“This City Deal puts us on a path to manage population growth, deliver the best-ever Games and, importantly, improve the lives of all of our residents through ongoing co-operation.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with industry and the other levels of government to empower the SEQ City Deal to deliver the needs of our rapidly growing region.”

City Deals are an approach to bring together the three levels of government, the community and the private sector.

This partnership focuses on aligning planning, investment and governance to accelerate growth and job creation, stimulate urban renewal and drive economic reforms to secure the future prosperity and liveability of our region.

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Invasive weeds removed from Birkdale Community Precinct


March 21, 2022

  • Work will start this week to remove invasive weeds and minor regrowth from parts of the 62-hectare Birkdale Community Precinct that are outside the approximately 40-hectare conservation area.
  • This is part of Redland City Council’s stewardship commitment to undertake environmental and land management to best practice within the precinct at 390 Old Cleveland Road East at Birkdale, informed by expert advice.
  • A recent ecological study by consultancy group Cardno identified weed species that needed to be removed including self-sown slash pines which were spreading on the precinct to the detriment of its natural habitat.
  • Some two-thirds of Birkdale Community Precinct is designated as Conservation and Council is committed to maintaining and enhancing the site’s unique flora and fauna habitats for generations to come.
  • Vegetation maintenance work on the precinct, such as the weed removal, is guided by an independently commissioned site-specific Ecological Assessment Report and supporting land management plan.
  • Slash pine trees, which are native to south-eastern USA, are regarded as environmental weeds in Queensland.
  • Work is expected to be ongoing into April.

For more information about vegetation work on the precinct see this video or go to the Birkdale Community Precinct Your Say site

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Council will advocate for more support from Federal Government


March 16, 2022

Redland City Council will advocate for greater Commonwealth support on behalf of the community during a national congress of Councils being held in Canberra later this year.

At today’s General Meeting, Councillors endorsed a series of motions to be tabled at the Australian Local Government Association’s National General Assembly in June.

“These motions shine a light on a range of local matters we need Federal Government support for and, on behalf of our community, we will take up the case in Canberra to ensure the Federal Government understands these needs,” Cr Williams said.

“Our motions include more support to combat the current housing pressures being experienced across the country, including social housing assistance and homelessness support.

“We know Redlands Coast has areas of socio economic disadvantage and we have seen anecdotal evidence of increased homelessness and people sleeping rough, which we need Federal Government support to combat.

“We will also table a motion calling for direct funding to assist Councils in supporting their local koala populations, including our own bluetooth-based Koala Watch and supporting efforts to combat disease in the local koala population.

“With the Federal Government listing koalas as endangered earlier this year we believe there is an opportunity for them to partner with Council to support our on the ground initiatives that have already proven to deliver positive outcomes. “

Cr Williams said Council would also table two motions seeking increased Federal Government support for Council, local businesses, community and sporting groups.

“We know local business has done it tough in recent years with the COVID pandemic, and we also know that a series of natural disasters has taken a toll, not only on businesses but also sporting and community groups,” she said.

“For some this has had a financial impact, while others have felt the social and mental health effects and in response we will seek increased support to ensure our local businesses, sporting and community groups can continue to support our residents.

“We will again also ask other Councils from across the country to join us in advocating for the Federal Government to return Federal Assistance Grants to one per cent of national taxation, as was the case previously.

“Currently local government only receives three per cent of national taxation.

“We want to see more financial support flow from Canberra to our local community, and returning Federal Assistance Grants to one per cent of national taxation would provide about $4 million more for local parks, footpaths and roads.”

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Council extends support to help community recover from flooding


March 16, 2022

Redland City Councillors today supported a request by Mayor Karen Williams to extend support for those impacted by the recent flooding experienced across South East Queensland.

Cr Williams said her Mayoral Minute tabled at today’s Council meeting would use Council’s existing COVID-19 support package as the basis to help those experiencing hardship following the recent rainfall.

“Over the 10 days between 23 February and 7 March, the Redlands received a record rainfall, with almost 850 mm received at the Redlands weather station,” Cr Williams said.

“While we didn’t experience the widespread flooding seen by some of our neighbours, a small number of residents, sporting clubs and community groups were significantly impacted, including three families who had to be temporarily relocated from their homes.

“Today’s decision means Council officers can now apply our existing COVID-19 support mechanisms to help those significantly impacted by the floods so they can get back on their feet sooner.

“When we adopted this $2 million support package two years ago it was focussed on supporting our community through a global pandemic and, while the challenge has changed, the intent is still the same, we want to ensure our city bounces back from the recent flooding as quickly as possible.

“Council has been working with State Government officers to support those impacted and, following today’s decision, our officers will continue to work with their State counterparts to identify those that need extra help.”

Cr Williams said today’s Mayoral Minute also outlined the support already provided throughout the flooding.

“We know our SES crews are some of the best in the State and the recent weather events again showed why they are so highly regarded,” Cr Williams said.

“Additionally Council supported the community through more than 18,500 sandbags.

“Following the event our officers have been out on the ground supporting local community groups and sports clubs and we have waived waste disposal fees for these groups, as well as for commercial providers that are assisting residents and clubs with the clean-up.”

Cr Williams said Council’s support for the flood recovery extended beyond the city.

“We know some of our neighbours have experienced devastating impacts that will take months to recover from and as always the Redlands Coast community is here to help,’ Cr Williams said.

“We have had officers deployed to Gympie and other cities to assist, including a full crew of 25 Council officers and 31 contractors who are assisting with the Brisbane recovery efforts.

“I have also spoken with local businesses with trucks and machinery about how they can help and in response they have rallied by supporting Councils across the region.”

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