The treasures of Redlands Coast have been charted to provide adventure seekers, nature lovers and those who simply want to relax with a detailed map of one of Queensland’s most diverse and exciting regions.

Now known as Redlands Coast, the amazing contrast of the area from stunning North Stradbroke Island, across the southern archipelago and mainland villages to the wild bush of the hinterland, is being celebrated through two new websites launched by Redland City Council.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the new Redlands Coast tourism website at www.visitredlandscoast.com.au and an accompanying microsite told the story behind the Redlands Coast brand and provided brand information for locals, businesses and visitors.

“We have created what really is a treasure map marking the many ancient and contemporary troves that make Redlands Coast such a special place to explore, whether you are a local or visitor,’’ Cr Williams said.

“Working closely with the traditional owners of the area, we have also included on the websites Quandamooka names for many areas.

“We are right next door to a busy capital city and just up the road from the Gold Coast, yet here you can find an expanse of beach to have to yourself, walk in the steps of the Quandamooka peoples, get that adrenaline rush and then go browsing or uncover some real dining gems.

“On Redlands Coast, you can be as adventurous or as laid back as you like – it’s vibrant, inclusive, connected, full of natural beauty and attractions but still with enough space to really relax.”

The new websites coincide with a campaign to entice visitors from south-east Queensland to visit for day trips and short stays, as well as encourage locals to rediscover all that is naturally wonderful about their own backyard, which includes about 335km of beautiful coastline.

“Check out the sites and you will see what really has been quite a well-kept secret for far too long – even for some locals,” Cr Williams said.

“The time has come to proudly showcase the truly amazing hidden treasures and little adventures people can experience on Redlands Coast.

“We have world-class surf beaches, calm coastal waters, an award-winning winery and craft breweries, an emerging foodie culture and plenty of coastal adventure with boating, fishing, diving, surfing, along with a rich heritage and captivating Quandamooka culture which dates back tens of thousands of years.”

As part of the campaign, Redlands Coast residents are also being encouraged to send an e-postcard, which can be found on the microsite, to friends and family to entice them to “come see for yourselves”.

“The sites highlight Redlands Coast tourism businesses and operators, along with other naturally wonderful aspects of the region, including things to see and do, an events calendar and places to stay,” Cr Williams said.

You can find more at the new Redlands Coast tourism website www.visitredlandscoast.com.au or the microsite for locals and businesses www.redlandscoast.com.au.

A Redland City Council program, run in conjunction with a number of research institutions, including Griffith University and University of the Sunshine Coast, will see the establishment of koala safe neighbourhood precincts as part of a raft of programs being rolled out under Council’s Koala Conservation Action Plan.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said many of the major activities for 2018/19 under the five-year plan were grounded in science, with Council to partner with research agencies to deliver a multi-layered approach to koala conservation.

“I firmly believe the future of koalas in south-east Queensland needs a collaborative approach led by the science and this plan will help deliver that through collaboration with the likes of Griffith University, ensuring our actions are based on science and research,” Cr Williams said.

“Activities include habitat and conservation planning, koala threat mitigation initiatives, and a koala education campaign that will be rolled out next month.”

Deputy Mayor Cr Lance Hewlett said the plan included working on koala safe neighbourhood precincts, which would include a community koala monitoring program as well as a science-based road signage trial, conducted by Griffith University, that would study the most effective signage to increase driver vigilance and increase awareness of koalas.

“The longer term objective will be to use the results across the rest of the city to ensure that best practice is followed,” he said.

Preliminary research under the Koala Conservation Action Plan showed there was a sufficient level of gene flow between the discreet local koala populations in the Redlands Coast villages of Birkdale, Cleveland, Ormiston and Wellington Point.

There were also mainland areas where koalas had existed for at least three generations.

Assessment of North Stradbroke Island and the rest of the mainland was completed in July 2018, with the delivery of all final reports on the koala surveys due in October 2018.

Council has developed a number of education campaigns as part of the program to raise awareness in the community of the importance of restraining dogs at night, being aware of koalas roaming during their breeding season from July to November, and being vigilant when driving in these months in particular.

In addition to the new work being undertaken, Council will also continue to facilitate koala conservation programs such as koala habitat plantings, Redlands Wildlife Ambulance, One Million Native Plants and the annual North Stradbroke Island koala survey.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams today announced that stage one works for Council’s Weinam Creek redevelopment project, which will ultimately transform the waterfront of Redland Bay, will commence later this year.

Cr Williams said stage one would provide valuable infrastructure for the community, including ground-level car parks and a footbridge connecting the Moores Road site to the Redland Bay Marina.

“Residents have told us they want Weinam Creek upgraded and we are working to help meet the high demand for car parking,” Cr Williams said.

Cr Williams said a footbridge would provide more direct access to the marina, accommodating foot traffic and bicycles as well as mobility scooters.

Artists’ impression of the Weinam Creek footbridge

“Once the footbridge has been constructed, it will take, on average, five to ten minutes to walk from the ferry terminal to the car park.”

Lighting and other security measures will be incorporated as part of the design process.

Plans for future stages of the project include additional ground-level car parks, secure car parks and multi-deck car parks within the Redland Bay Marina precinct.

Stage one will also include site preparation for future residential dwellings, including nine house lots fronting Moores Road and a one-hectare lot with potential for medium-density development.

Council-owned subsidiary Redland Investment Corporation will work with Council to develop stage one of the PDA project.

Other features of the plan include improved drop off and storage facilities for Redlands Coast Southern Island residents, more than 21,000sq m of new open space, the rejuvenation of 46,920sq m of existing parkland, new pedestrian and cycle ways and construction of a new boat ramp.

There will also be mixed use and medium density residential development and retail and commercial amenities, including cafés and restaurants as well the potential for a health precinct for mainland and island residents.

Cr Williams said the project provides a valuable opportunity to showcase Weinam Creek as a community focal point and a regional gateway to the islands as well as creating jobs and supporting economic development within the region.

The total area of the Weinam Creek PDA is approximately 42 hectares, including 36 hectares over land and nearly six hectares over water.

Redlands Coast’s Inspiring Seniors have been unveiled for 2018 at part of this year’s Seniors Week celebrations.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said she was proud to be able to recognise the inspirational locals as part of the annual Blue Care community initiative, now in its tenth year.

“The Inspiring Seniors initiative shines a light on some exceptional residents whose contributions enrich the Redlands Coast community immeasurably,” Cr Williams said.

“It is indeed a difficult task to select a worthy individual to nominate each year – with such a talent pool from which to choose!

“Many of our seniors contribute significantly to the Redlands community on a regular basis – compassionately giving their time, skills and ideas for the benefit of others.

“With a higher than average population of retirees, the Redlands Coast is blessed with many dedicated volunteers, community champions and philanthropists.  Redland City Council is a proud supporter of this Blue Care initiative, which recognises these generous seniors.”

The 2018 Redlands Inspiring Seniors Honour Roll is:

Blue Care – Mavis Rainey

Mayor- Jan Kempers

Division 1- Doug Reynolds

Division 2- Kobus Kruger

Division 3- Albert Lindsay Boyd

Division 4- Denise Foley

Division 5- Vonnie Vayanos

Division 6- Robert Uhr

Division 7- Shirley Edwards

Division 8- Pamela Boyle

Division 9- Elsie Coulam

Division 10- Carmen Jackson

Awarded recipients were acknowledged by the Redland City Mayor and Councillors and Blue Care representatives at special morning tea at Nandeebee Aged Care and Retirement Village in Alexandra Hills.

You can close the book on any notions of Redland Libraries being stuffy, dark, book depositories, thanks to their increasing range of engaging programs and events that provide a variety of learning opportunities for people of all ages.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said on 3 September, Redland Libraries would launch its new and exciting Adult Literacy Program, to provide free mentoring for adults needing help with reading, writing and basic number skills.

“The program is based on a learner-driven model used successfully in libraries and community organisations across the world,” Cr Williams said.

“The Redland Libraries Adult Literacy Program is an excellent community service that will support lifelong learning and see Redlanders better communicate and participate in society.

“Volunteers received specialist training by Redland Libraries and accredited trainers so they could best help learners achieve their unique literacy goals.

“Education enables people to better participate in life and improve their school and work opportunities, and Redland Libraries strive to run a range of programs to facilitate continued learning.

“Literacy is a fundamental life skill but nearly half the Australian adult population struggles with everyday reading and writing – from reading a newspaper to reading to their children or even following medication instructions.”

Redland Libraries Manager Jo Jones said the libraries received a wonderful response from people in the community eager to volunteer their time to be mentors in the program.

She said the Adult Literacy Program complemented other library initiatives such as the First5Forever (0-5 years) program and author events.

“Author events and the libraries’ First5Forever Program are all about developing literacy in multiple ways – through listening, viewing and reading so children can learn to use language effectively and confidently,” Ms Jones said.

“On 6 September, Redland Libraries and Redlands Performing Arts Centre will be hosting An evening with Morris Gleitzman, in which the Australian Children’s Laureate and award-winning author will share his insights into the importance of stories for both young and old.

“Studies have shown that children who are read to more frequently from an early age enter school with larger vocabularies and more advanced comprehension skills.

“Redland Libraries not only want to provide the books and resources to help children and families but also provide innovative channels to stimulate learning for both the child and parent.”

Key event dates:

Adult Literacy Program Launch (with Mayor Karen Williams and guest speakers)

Monday 3 September, 10am – 11am

Cleveland Library, corner Bloomfield and Middle streets

Book online on the Redland City Council website.

An evening with Morris Gleitzman

Thursday 6 September, 6.30pm

Redlands Performing Arts Centre

Tickets $10 – $20

Book online on the RPAC website.

Redlands Coast is one step closer to having an Age-Friendly City Strategy following the completion of a survey of seniors that sought to understand their experience of ageing in the Redlands.

Long-term Redlands resident Karen Griffith hands her completed survey to RDCOTA’s Fay Dougall.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said it was timely that the survey – executed by Redland District Committee on the Ageing (RDCOTA) on behalf of Council – was wrapped up just before Seniors Week celebrations in the Redlands.

“Along with the rest of south-east Queensland, Redlands Coast has an ageing population and the area continues to attract an increasing number of seniors looking towards a more relaxed lifestyle in their retirement years,” Cr Williams said.

“It is important that people of all ages are valued, respected and can actively participate in the community – and our seniors are no exception.

“Long acknowledged for their enormous contribution as volunteers, seniors are also great economic and social assets to our community and we are keen to harness their experiences, skills, needs and wisdom.

“I thank RDCOTA for administering our survey of 100 seniors as well as the groups and networks they worked with to identify suitable participants.

“It has been a true partnership.”

Long term Victoria Point resident Karen Griffith said she was happy to complete the survey.

“As a resident of 35 years, I think it’s important to find out people’s feelings and concerns and see us move forward together as a community,” Ms Griffith said.

“As we get older, we need to consider infrastructure and how we get around.”

Cr Williams said the surveys would help shape Council’s Age-Friendly City Strategy, which was expected to be completed in 2019, and based on principles from the global age-friendly cities program developed by the World Health Organisation.