Category Archives: Council

Act locally during National Reconciliation Week 2020


May 27, 2020

National Reconciliation Week – from 27 May to 3 June 2020 – is looking a bit different this year but there are still opportunities to connect digitally and immerse yourself in local cultural experiences as pandemic restrictions ease.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the 2020 National Reconciliation Week theme – In this together – was especially poignant during these unprecedented times of social isolation.

“We have seen some wonderful acts of altruism and kindness during the current COVID-19 pandemic right across the Redlands Coast community,” Cr Williams said.

“There has been a real sense of looking out for each other – that we truly are all in this together.

“I hope this realisation stays with us as the pandemic passes and we continue to acknowledge and celebrate our shared journeys.”

Cr Williams said the first day of National Reconciliation Week was the perfect time to acknowledge the Quandamooka People, the traditional custodians of the lands and seas of Redlands Coast.

“Wherever you are, choose your social media platform – or the privacy of your own space – to pay your respects,” she said.

“The Nughie, Noonuccal and Gorenpul peoples, collectively known as the Quandamooka People, have lived in careful balance with our region’s natural wonders for more than 21,000 years.

“If you know where to look, the evidence of this ageless connection surrounds you.”

Cr Williams said that in recent years Council had undertaken a number of joint projects with community organisations to promote reconciliation.

“Redland City Council’s first internal Reconciliation Action Plan, Kanara Malara – One People 2019 – 2021, was endorsed at a Council General Meeting on 31 July 2019,” she said.

“However, reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and a nation.

“We all have a role to play in healing the relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

Cr Williams urged Redlands Coast residents to connect with and enjoy local cultural opportunities during National Reconciliation Week.

“Redland Art Gallery (RAG) has created an online program of events for the week,” she said.
“Each day from Wednesday 27 May to Tuesday 2 June on Facebook and Instagram, you can enjoy a new offering, including featured artworks from the RAG collection, films Seeing Country and Gathering Strands, and artist interviews.

“Why not take a trip to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) to see two stunning examples for Quandamooka culture in the form of public art place markers at Cabarita Park, Amity Point (Pulan) and Point Lookout (Mulumba).

“The Amity (Pulan) sculpture, designed by Quandamooka artist Belinda Close, depicts the sea eagle Mirriginpah soaring high above the waters of Moreton Bay in search of food, alerting the Quandamooka People to the annual arrival of mullet – a story that is millennia-old.

“Delvene Cockatoo-Collins designed the Point Lookout (Mulumba) sculpture, which captured perfectly the timeless links of the eugarie shell to the Quandamooka people.”

Funded by the Queensland Government, the artwork projects were led by Council in collaboration with the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) and the artists.

Cr Williams said there was a range of Aboriginal cultural activities available on Redlands Coast including guided land-based whale and cultural walks, art galleries and food experiences.

“Camping on Main and Flinders beaches is expected to reopen in line with Stage 2 of the State Government’s easing of restrictions,” she said.

There are many national events offered across National Reconciliation Week, starting with a National Acknowledgement of Country from 12pm, Wednesday 27 May.

To join the National Acknowledgement of Country and get involved with other National Reconciliation Week events, visit nrw.reconciliation.org.au

For local cultural activities and experiences, contact Redlands Coast Visitor Information Centre on 1300 667 386 or visitredlandscoast.com.au

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Council poll on Redlands Coast Ekka Show day


May 22, 2020

Now is the time to vote on your next long weekend, with Redland City Council running an online poll to help decide what date Council should ask the State Government to gazette as the Redlands Coast 2020 Ekka public holiday.

The move follows State Government approval for Brisbane City Council to move their Wednesday People’s day holiday to Friday 14 August, and invite other south-east Queensland regions to examine their options.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council was asking residents and businesses if they would prefer to keep its holiday on Monday 10 August or move it to the same Friday as Brisbane.

“People can head to our Facebook page or website and vote for their preferred public holiday – do they want to stay with our traditional Monday off or move to join Brisbane residents in having Friday off for the first time,” Cr Williams said.

“We’re in the fortunate position that either way we have a long weekend, but the decision is one we need to consider carefully as there will be flow-on effects for tourism and local businesses, as well as families with members working in different Council areas.

“As with Brisbane, the change will be a one-off, but we want to give our residents a chance to voice a preference.”

Mayor Karen Williams said whatever the outcome, the change of the Brisbane City Public Holiday would provide an opportunity for local businesses to leverage the tourism opportunities.

“With the change to Brisbane’s public holiday we’ll be encouraging people from around south-east Queensland region to swap show bags for a long weekend enjoying the little adventures and hidden treasures of Redlands Coast.”

“While the economic possibilities are important, so too is the health and safety of residents and visitors so I’d also ask that anyone looking to visit Redlands Coast over the Ekka holiday remembers to practise social distancing and remember that COVID-19 remains a risk, particularly for our vulnerable communities.

To have your say, head to Redland City Council Facebook or yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au

🎪 #RedlandsCoast Ekka Public Holiday – Vote now! This year, the State Government has moved Brisbane’s Ekka public…

Posted by Redland City Council on Thursday, 21 May 2020

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Post-COVID recovery discussion during economic round table


May 22, 2020

Laying the foundations for a local post-COVID economy was a key point of discussion during a meeting of the Redlands Coast Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) this week.

EDAB Chair Sam Kennedy said this week’s round table discussions showed a large amount of work had already been done to lay the foundations for how the Redlands economy could rebound from the current pandemic.

“The meeting was a real eye-opener and shows the importance of collaboration in responding to the current economic challenges being faced through the COVID pandemic,” Ms Kennedy said.

“It is clear Council has already done a great deal of work on the city’s social and economic response and on behalf of the Board I congratulate them for moving so rapidly to respond.

“We heard about a number of success stories that have come out of Council’s $2 million stimulus package, including businesses that have used Council’s repurposed grants program to pivot and access professional services so they can continue serving the community.

“The Board also built on that work with some exciting discussions including internet connectivity across the city and how we can use the current situation to keep Redlanders in the Redlands through better connectivity, delivering an economic boost to local businesses. 

“We also discussed some exciting projects that are taking shape and have the potential to be a real game changer for the city.”

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said having some of the nation’s leading economic minds focussed on the Redlands would ensure we were well placed to not only recover from COVID-19 but to grow the local economy beyond the current pandemic.

“We know recovering from the current situation will be a marathon not a sprint, so having the foundations and collaboration is going to be critical,” Cr Williams said.

“The Board this week was able to provide decades of economic experience and suggest a number of key partners who can support Council in helping our initiatives and projects become a reality, ultimately delivering benefits for the broader community.

“This week’s EDAB meeting follows a round table I hosted with local shopping centres recently and a second meeting I convened to discuss how to ensure any projects built in our city deliver jobs for locals.

“It is critical this work gets done now so the plans are in place and ready for when restrictions are lifted so our local economy can benefit.”

Details of Council’s COVID-19 Support for businesses and the community are available at redland.qld.gov.au/info/20166/support

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

EOI date extended for Macleay Island industrial land development opportunity


May 15, 2020

Redland City Council has extended the deadline for Expression of Interest (EOI) submissions regarding industrial development opportunities on Macleay Island.

Mayor Karen Williams said the extension was granted to compensate for the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Developers interested in the overall development (including purchase or lease) of the Council owned land at 20-24 Kate Street now have until Friday 29 May 2020 to make a submission,” she said.

“The Macleay Island land – of approximately 6500m2 – is zoned for low impact industrial use.

“Currently used by Council as a works stockpile site, the available land has been identified as surplus to operational needs and is considered the most suitable island location for low impact industry offering both good access and appropriate buffers from other island properties.”

The EOI followed a Notice of Motion from Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards in recognition of the need for more industrial land to support the island economy.

“Macleay Island has experienced strong population growth in recent years with some of Australia’s best value coastal land located within the major population centre of South East Queensland,” Cr Edwards said.

“The long-term calls for more opportunity to develop light industry options for the island’s economy has helped drive Council’s decision to offer the site for low impact industry use.”

Council has appointed Ray White Commercial Bayside to manage the Expression of Interest on behalf of Council.

EOI documentation is available by contacting the agency on 07 3245 7199 or email to baysidecommercial.qld@raywhite.com.

Project background information is also located on the Your Say Redlands Coast website yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/macleay-island-development-industrial-land

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Straddie reopening announcement leaves little notice for businesses to prepare


May 15, 2020

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams would have liked more notice to be given to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) businesses and residents to prepare for the reopening of the island from tomorrow (Saturday 16 May 2020).

The State Government announced today (Friday 15 May 2020) that the island would be open for business from midnight tonight after being locked down under a special restricted access directive since 26 March 2020.

Cr Williams, the Chair of the Redland Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG), said that a longer lead time to reopening the island to tourists would have been preferable to ensure business were ready for the expected increase of visitors.

“The LDMG requested a staged approach to reopening the island to tourists and for businesses to be given prior notice to prepare,” Cr Williams said.

“We asked for those with holiday homes allowed to access the island in the first stage, followed by tourists in the second stage, to help manage crowds and give businesses time to re-establish themselves.

“Ferry companies have reduced the number of vessels they are operating and their staff have taken leave – they need time to return their services to normal.

“Our other businesses also need to ensure they have enough staff – many of whom left the island when businesses closed.

“Businesses also need time to restock basic items – much of which comes from the mainland, and requires transporting to the island.”

Cr Williams said while the island needed an economic boost, she asked people to remain patient and use common sense.

“We want people to love visiting the island, but with less than 24 hours’ notice not all businesses will be open so people need to take that into account and call ahead before making the journey to the island,” she said.

“People also need to continue practicing social distancing and good hygiene because there are vulnerable residents on the island who need to be respected and protected.”

Redlands Coast islands have topped the list in Queensland for employment vulnerability resulting from COVID-19, according to research from the Centre of Full Employment and Equity (CofFEE) at the University of Newcastle.

“This data reinforces the need for Redlands Coast islands to be recognised as regional communities in order to be able to access regional support funding from other levels of government and help with their recovery post COVID-19,” Cr Williams said.

“With sand mining ceasing on North Stradbroke Island last year it was always going to be difficult but now there will be an even greater need to rebuild the tourism economy the State Government predicted would fill the mining void.

“Some businesses that have closed on the island will really struggle to reopen soon, if at all.”

Redland City Councillor Peter Mitchell (Division 2, which includes North Stradbroke Island) said North Stradbroke Island businesses had said they needed assistance to market the island once reopened.

“Straddie needs to be ready to market itself competitively as a holiday destination domestically when it is up and running,” he said.

“COVID-19 and the cessation of mining last year through a State Government decision have been a double whammy – decimating jobs, businesses and livelihoods.”

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Park facilities, libraries and other Council services to reopen under eased restrictions


May 13, 2020

As COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease across Queensland, Redland City Council is preparing to reopen its libraries, park facilities, animal shelter and community halls from this weekend.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council appreciated the restrictions have been challenging and thanked community members for their work in helping to slow the spread of COVID-19.

“These are difficult times that none of us have lived through before, yet the Redlands Coast community’s positive response to this rapidly changing situation has helped keep the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 low,” she said.

“As restrictions are steadily lifted, it is important we all continue with physical distancing, regular handwashing, and cough and sneeze hygiene; and to stay at home if we are unwell.

“I’m pleased that we can all soon enjoy being out and about more, but keeping up the practices we’ve learned over recent months is vital to also keeping the spread of this virus slow and continue saving lives.”

Reopening from this weekend is the following, with physical distancing (1.5m), gathering rules, and hygiene measures continuing to apply:

Park facilities

Parks, playground equipment, skate parks, outdoor exercise equipment, basketball hoops and picnic settings will be open from Saturday 16 May 2020.

Under the State Government’s guidelines for easing Queensland restrictions, gatherings of up to 10 people will be permitted in outdoor, non-contact activity.

With almost 120 public barbecues across Redlands Coast, these will be turned on progressively over coming weeks as electrical safety testing is completed.

This is expected to take at least two weeks, which means that not all public barbecues will be available for immediate use.

Mainland Libraries

Council’s mainland libraries, at Cleveland, Capalaba and Victoria Point, will reopen from Saturday 16 May 2020, with physical distancing, gathering rules and hygiene measures applying.

Library hours are Saturdays 9am to 4pm; Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

A maximum of 10 people will be permitted in each library at any one time.

Due to the State Government’s guidelines on the number of people allowed onsite, the libraries will be open for borrowing purposes only, not for computer use, meetings, or reading books or newspapers.

The libraries will not be open during the evenings at this time.

Council’s home library service has also restarted for people who are unable to leave their homes due to illness or disability, and for full time carers.

Online library services are continuing and you can plan your visit to the library by checking the online catalogue and placing a hold on a book to collect at a branch.

The mobile library will also recommence its usual service on Monday 18 May 2020.

Island Libraries

Russell Island library will reopen on Saturday 16 May 2020 during its usual hours, with physical distancing, gathering rules and hygiene measures applying.

Dunwich Library will reopen on Saturday 16 May 2020, with physical distancing, gathering rules and hygiene measures applying. It will be open during its normal hours on Saturdays and Thursdays, but will temporarily remain closed during its normal Tuesday hours.

Point Lookout will reopen on Tuesday 19 May 2020, and Amity Point Library will reopen at a later date, to be advised.

The number of people permitted in these libraries at one time will be based on library size.

Animal Shelter

Council’s Animal Shelter at 265 South Street, Cleveland will reopen from Saturday 16 May 2020, with physical distancing, gathering rules and hygiene measures also applying.

The shelter’s opening hours are 9am to noon Saturday and Sunday; 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

Community halls

Council’s mainland and island community halls are open for bookings from Saturday 16 May 2020, with physical distancing, gathering rules and hygiene measures applying.

Dog off leash areas

Redlands Coast’s fenced and gated dog off leash areas reopened on Friday 8 May 2020.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Changed parking conditions at marina and ferry car parks


May 1, 2020

To assist Redlands Coast island residents who are self-isolating due to COVID-19, Redland City Council has suspended parking infringement notices for some timed parking areas within the Redland Bay Marina car park and all timed parking areas at Toondah Harbour and the Victoria Point ferry terminal car park.

The suspension does not apply to non-timed parking including disabled parking spaces, loading zones, boat trailer parking, parking other than in a marked bay, or the parking spaces at Weinam Creek highlighted on the attached map.

Mayor Karen Williams said the changes would help support Redlands Coast’s island communities.

“Council is aware of the challenges faced by our island communities due to their geographic isolation,” she said.

“Worrying about potential parking fines while they are isolating to help slow the spread of COVID-19 is a worry these residents don’t need.

The suspension of timed parking infringements at ferry terminal car parks will continue until further notice and Council will advise the community publicly in advance before recommencing them.”

The area highlighted on the Weinam Creek map will be changed from three-day parking to 18-hour regulated parking to assist regular commuters.

Mayor Williams said: “We ask that residents who have cars parked long-term in the highlighted area at Weinam Creek move their vehicles as soon as possible to accommodate the needs of regular commuters.

“Council will soon be in contact with people who have cars parked in that area who have not had the opportunity to move their vehicles.”

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Stay safe as COVID-19 restrictions ease


May 1, 2020

With some COVID-19 restrictions being relaxed by the State Government this weekend, Redland City Mayor Karen Williams has urged Redlands Coast residents to continue to keep their distance and adhere to the rules still in place.

“I sincerely thank Redlands Coast residents for really stepping up and following the restrictions we’ve all been living under,” Cr Williams said.

“There’s no doubt that our collective efforts have helped to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

“While it will be wonderful to be able to get out a bit more, the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over and we cannot risk undoing all our good work and putting our families, our colleagues, our community and ourselves at risk.

Under the new State Government directive, from tomorrow Saturday 2 May, in addition to your outdoor exercise, you’ll be able to:

  •  Travel within 50 kilometres of your home
  • Have a picnic in a park
  • Sit on a park bench and enjoy your lunch or a coffee
  • Have a driving lesson with a member of your household
  • Go on a motorbike ride or boat trip
  • Go shopping for non-essential items.

Despite the new State Government directions, Cr Williams asked residents to remember that the current gathering and social distancing rules still apply.

“In Redlands Coast, our barbecues, exercise equipment, playground equipment, table and chair sets and fully fenced dog off leash areas continue to be closed for the safety of the community.

Our unfenced or partially fenced dog offleash areas remain open.

“So if you are planning a picnic, bring a picnic rug or chairs or sit on one of our park bench seats.”

“Our Council-owned tennis courts will be re-open to the public this Saturday, with the gates “locked open” so people don’t have to touch them.”

Cr Williams said North Stradbroke Island was still a no-go for visitors.

“The Queensland Government’s travel ban specific to North Stradbroke Island remains in place, meaning travel, including by private boats, continues to be strictly prohibited except for permanent Straddie residents and those undertaking essential travel to and from the island,” She said.

“Non-essential travel includes holidays (even if you own a holiday home), recreation, tourism and general socialising with friends and family.

“Anyone travelling to Straddie still needs to show their ID.

“The 100 metre marine exclusion zone for the waters around North Stradbroke Island is still in place and recreational boats will be moved on by authorities.

“While there is no travel ban for our other islands I urge everyone to use common sense; it would be disappointing to see large crowds heading to our islands and potentially dangerous.

“Now is not the time for island hopping, please be respectful of those vulnerable residents on these islands.”

Further information: Council’s website redland.qld.gov.au/COVID19

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Use of fire pits on Redlands Coast


April 30, 2020

On Redlands Coast fire pits are allowed as long precautions are taken to prevent the spread of fire. This means the fire pit:

  • Cannot exceed 2m in width or length
  • Must be enclosed to prevent the escape of fire or any burning material
  • Must not cause a smoke nuisance, and
  • Is lit outdoors for the purpose of cooking or warmth

For more information: Council’s Smoke Nuisance Factsheet for Open Air Fires http://www.redland.qld.gov.au/download/downloads/id/2026/smoke_nuisance_%E2%80%93_open_air_fires.pdf

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Public attendance at General Council Meetings suspended due to COVID-19


April 27, 2020

Redland City Council’s General Meetings are closed to the public until further notice.

As a result, no Public Participation sessions will be possible at this time.

This decision  has been made due to the social distancing measures required to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Members of the media reporting on Council’s General Meetings are permitted to attend the meetings, as in such cases the venue is considered to be their workplace.

General Meetings will continue to be recorded.

Every attempt will be made to make this video available on Council’s website by close of business on the day the meeting took place.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email