Category Archives: Grants and sponsorship

Funding support for Redlands Coast sporting and community clubs

May 27, 2020

Local sporting and community clubs will get access to operational funding to help them continue supporting the local community.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams today received support from Councillors to amend the guidelines for Council’s Mayor and Councillors’ Community Benefit Fund so it could support clubs with operational funding.

“We know local community and sporting clubs are doing it tough and Council is committed to doing everything we can to support them,” she said.

“Historically the Mayor and Councillors’ Community Benefit Fund has been restricted to supporting events and one-off projects, which are not occurring given the COVID-19 situation.

“Today’s decision will allows Council to pivot and make the $50,000 remaining in this fund for this financial year available for operational funding, so local clubs are ready to welcome back members when restrictions are lifted.

“With the end of the financial year approaching fast, it is critical interested clubs get their applications in by 11.59pm on 14 June 2020 so they can take advantage of this operational funding, which at this stage only applies to the current financial year.”

Cr Williams said today’s decision followed Council’s $2 million COVID-19 stimulus package adopted in March, which included a one-off contribution towards electricity costs for clubs and associations registered under Council’s community electricity scheme.

“Local clubs are the backbone of our community and now more than ever they need our support,” Cr Williams said.

“Council is also continuing to work with any clubs suffering financial hardship to ensure they are supported through the COVID-19 pandemic.”

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

Council’s COVID-19 assistance package progressing and new measures to be investigated

May 13, 2020

Redland City Council has noted the progress of its Stage1 COVID-19 Social and Economic Assistance Package and endorsed investigation of new, Stage 2 initiatives.

Mayor Karen Williams said that of the 11 items endorsed on 26 March 2020 as part of a more than $2 million assistance package, five were already complete and the other six were in progress.

“I’m pleased that Council has moved swiftly to play its part to relieve some of the pressure the COVID-19 pandemic has caused for Redland Coast residents and businesses,” Cr Williams said.

“This early progress paves the way for Council to now look at new options to provide further stimulus and support.

“Council has doubled the time for current rates payments and continues to work compassionately with those requesting financial relief,” she said.

“Community groups have been advised of available grants up to $10,000 to provide hardship relief to residents and one-off Council contributions made to waive electricity network charges for clubs and associations adversely impacted by COVID-19.

“Business owners may apply for grants up to $1000 to access professional business advice and up to $5000 to re-engineer their business operations to remain viable.

“Already we’ve received 26 applications for these grants, across all categories. Application information is available on Council’s website.”

Cr Williams said Council was also giving preference to local suppliers, with a 10 per cent advantage to be applied, while Council’s own local spend increased by approximately four per cent in the past quarter and 97 per cent of invoices paid within 14 days.

“In addition to providing increased flexibility in many of Council regulatory requirements, a substantial area of support has been delivered through advice to community and businesses,” she said.

“Council’s support officers have helped local businesses, social enterprises, community groups and sporting clubs access Federal and State government economic stimulus packages.

“Council support services have effectively triaged business and organisation information needs by helping point to relevant support with forty percent of business inquiries seeking information on government stimulus support.

Twenty one percent of business inquiries to date have been accommodation and food services businesses and eighteen percent from manufacturing.

“This support information is also being offered through regular e-newsletters to more than 1400 business recipients and updates on Council’s COVID-19 Business and Community page.

“Approximately 400 tourism and event businesses have also received six industry specific e-newsletter updates while our officers have individually contacted more than 80 event organisers.

“Council is committed to working closely with industry representatives and government agencies to ensure tourism and events operators receive the help they need.”

Cr Williams said opportunities to bring forward State Government investment in major infrastructure projects was also being identified, including through programs administered by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

“While it is impossible to completely remove the burden this pandemic is having on Redlands Coast, Council remains committed to doing what it can to continue supporting our local people, community organisations and businesses.”

Council’s grants program to address COVID-19 crisis

April 28, 2020

Redland City Council has released a $370,000 grants package to support local community organisations and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Mayor Karen Williams said the COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Grants Program followed a Council decision to repurpose existing grants within this year’s remaining budget to help meet some of the financial challenges arising for community groups and businesses from COVID-19.

“This grants program is all about getting our local businesses and community groups the help they need to continue serving the community,” Cr Williams said.

“The first stream is aimed at providing support to community organisations that are assisting people directly impacted by the crisis.

“These organisations are eligible for grants of up to $10,000 to support their efforts.

“We are aware that many community members are doing it tough at the moment, whether it be through job loss, isolation, homelessness or other COVID-19 impacts, and we are pleased to be able to back community organisations that are supporting these people.”

Cr Williams said the second stream would support local businesses in critical need of support due to the impact of COVID-19 with grants of up to $1000 per business for professional advice.

“There are a number of stimulus measures available for businesses, but we know the information can be confusing and when you are financially and emotionally stressed it can be even more difficult to know what you are and aren’t eligible for,” she said.

“This funding will help businesses get the professional advice they need to access the right funding and support for their individual business.”

Cr Williams said Council would also provide $80,000 to help businesses innovate during the COVID-19 crisis.

“Businesses will be able to apply for funding to the value of $5000 to help them find new ways to deliver their business to the community,” she said.

“This may include the use of technology, research and design or innovative products, services, projects or collaborations.”

Cr Williams said Council was fielding many calls from business owners seeking advice on how to deal with the varied impacts of the unprecedented business environment.

“These business grants will support impacted local businesses to get the targeted professional advice they need,” she said.

“They will also support businesses employing innovative ways to pivot their products and services to capture new opportunities.”

For more information, visit Council’s website or contact Council on 3829 8999.

Apply for a Council Community Grant – 2019/2020 Round 2 now open

February 12, 2020

Do you have a Redlands Coast community-based program, project or event that needs an injection of funding to support the efforts of you or your organisation?

Round 2 of Redland City Council’s Community Grants and Sponsorship program (for 2019/20) is now open for Community grants, with sponsorship applications being accepted from 17 February.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council provided financial assistance to individuals and organisations, helping them run projects that benefitted the local community.

“Since 2009 we have awarded more than 1,000 grants and sponsorship totalling more than $6 million,” Cr Williams said.

“Our aim is to maximise benefits for the community and ensure the fair distribution of resources.

“All applications go through a competitive assessment process that ensures equity, openness and transparency.”

Cr Williams said it was through community grants that Council helped fund initiatives across a range of areas, including economic development, community development, sport and recreation, cultural heritage, the arts, and the environment.

“When applying, there are four community grant categories to choose from: organisational support, project support, conservation and capital infrastructure,” she said.

“The Grants and Sponsorship Team is also offering a free Strategic Planning Workshop in early-March which has been so popular that it has already booked out.

“But Council is keeping a waiting list for another workshop if there is a need.

“Phone the Grants and Sponsorship Team on 3829 8999 to express your interest.”

Key dates – 2019/2020 Grants and Sponsorship Program

• Strategic Planning Workshop – 6–9pm, Tuesday 3 March 2020 (waiting list applies)
• Grants – Round 2 now open. Applications accepted until 2 March 2020
• Sponsorship – Round 2 opens soon. Applications will be accepted from 17 February 2020.

To book a meeting with the Grants and Sponsorship Team and for a fact sheet with all the details, visit Council’s website.

Council community grants now available

July 3, 2019

Applications for the first round of the 2019-20 Community Grants program open this month so now is the time to make your great community-focused idea happen.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the latest round of community grants would support a wide variety of projects and initiatives aimed at strengthening the Redlands Coast community.

“Every year, Council provides more than $300,000 in grants and sponsorship in the categories of Organisation Support, Project Support, Conservation and Capital Infrastructure,” Cr Williams said.

“Last year, Council grants contributed to a variety of projects, from supporting the Minjerribah Respite Community Garden on North Stradbroke Island to Conservation Volunteers Australia with weed control across the Coochiemudlo Island and to providing vital equipment for wildlife carers on Redlands Coast.

“Council also supported first aid training, coach accreditation and strategic planning for a number of sport and recreation clubs as well as for Victoria Point’s Meals on Wheels.

“Council’s Sponsorship Program helped to bring a range of fantastic community events to Redlands Coast last year, including the Cleveland, Camping and Boating Expo and the Quandamooka Festival.

Council is also sponsoring two community days for NAIDOC week, one on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and one in Capalaba.

“The diversity of previous successful applicants illustrates the range of initiatives supported by our grants and sponsorship program.

“I urge anyone with a project or initiative that can deliver clear benefits to the broader community to apply,” Cr Williams said.

Applications for this round of community grants will be accepted from Monday 15 July until Monday 12 August 2019 in the following categories:
• Organisation Support Grant – for projects associated with becoming more sustainable and improving capacity to deliver services.
• Project Support Grant – for projects that deliver short-to-medium term positive outcomes for the community.
• Conservation Grants – for conservation projects that benefit the environment and wildlife.
• Capital Infrastructure Grants – to assist eligible organisations to build, renovate or refurbish facilities. This category aims to improve community facilities in the Redlands.

For eligibility criteria and to learn more about how to apply for grants or sponsorship, visit redland.qld.gov.au/Grants email grants@redland.qld.gov.au or call 3829 8999.

Turn your idea into reality with a Council community grant

February 7, 2019

Apply now for a community grant from Redland City Council and let 2019 be the year your great idea for a community focused project comes to life.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the latest round of community grants is now open and for people who are interested to apply before the round closes Monday 4 March.

“Thanks to Council’s Community Grants and Sponsorship Program more than $785,400 of funding supported a diverse range of community projects and events,” said Mayor Williams.

“Last year’s projects brought great benefits to our city last year and include a Sensory garden at My Horizon as well as projects celebrating Quandamooka art and culture.

“Other great community initiatives supported by Council included the mentoring and upskilling of local Redland Bay Coast Guard volunteers and a program called Ruby (Rise up be yourself), delivered by the Queensland Police Citizens Youth Welfare Association – Redlands Branch, which supports women who are, have been or likely to be experiencing domestic and family violence.

“Council’s Sponsorship Program supported the 2018 Island Vibe Festival, which saw over 2700 people flock to North Stradbroke Island, and the successful Redlands Coast Fun Run, which attracted 824 registered participants.

“Various categories of funding are available, which means a range of projects are eligible to receive support.

“If anyone working in Redlands Coast has an idea for a project that will deliver clear benefits to the community I urge them to visit Council’s website while submissions are open to see if our Community Grants team can help them,” Cr Williams said.

Applications for this round of community grants opened Monday 4 February and will be accepted until Monday 4 March 2019 in the following categories:

Organisation Support Grant – for projects associated with becoming more sustainable and improving capacity to deliver services.
Project Support Grant – for projects that deliver short-to-medium term positive outcomes for the community.
Conservation Grants – for conservation projects that benefit the environment and wildlife.

Applications for the next round of Sponsorship will be accepted from Monday 18 February until Monday 18 March 2019 and will support community-based activities and events that provide measurable benefits to Council.

For eligibility criteria and to learn more about how to apply for grants or sponsorship, visit Council’s website or email grants@redland.qld.gov.au or call 3829 8999.

Council to advocate for greater share of Commonwealth tax revenue

January 24, 2019

Redland City Councillors this week supported a call from Mayor Karen Williams to advocate to the Federal Government to restore Financial Assistance Grants to at least one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue.

These grants to Local Government have been provided by the Federal Government for a number of years, helping local governments across Australia fund services and infrastructure within their communities.

Cr Williams said while the provision of the grants had been consistent, the proportion of the grant allocation relative to Commonwealth taxation revenue had reduced over the years.

“In 1996, the Commonwealth provided about one per cent of taxation revenue but over the past 20 years that has declined by about 43 per cent in relative terms, meaning councils now only receive about 0.55 per cent of Commonwealth tax revenue.

“This reduction is despite an average 3.47 per cent annual growth rate in Australia’s Gross Domestic Product between 1960 and 2017.

“In other words, Local Government is effectively receiving less of the nation’s taxation to deliver the services and infrastructure required in their communities.”

Cr Williams said Local Government, as the level of government closest to the community, was responsible for delivering much of the infrastructure and services needed by residents.

“Local Government manages 33 per cent of public assets but collects only 3 per cent of total government taxes to manage these assets,” she said.

“In contrast, the Federal Government collects 80 per cent of taxes and manages 11 per cent of public assets.

“That just isn’t equitable and this week’s decision is designed to restore the balance.

“If the current allocation remains the same, this would equate to an amount in the order of approximately $4 million for Redland City Council to help fund services and infrastructure across Redlands Coast.”

Cr Williams said she would write to the relevant Minister and that the request would be included in Council’s 2019 Federal Election Advocacy document.

“In doing so, Council will be supporting the Local Government Association of Queensland and the Australian Local Government Association advocacy plans for this year’s Federal election,” she said.

Get filming ‘Get Ready’ for great prizes

September 6, 2018

An Apple iPad Pro or a GoPro HERO6 are up for grabs as part of Redland City Council’s new ‘Get Ready’ youth video competition.

Redland City Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group chair Karen Williams said the competition aimed to involve young people of Redlands Coast with community messaging around storm and bushfire season preparedness.

“Each year, we run an extensive campaign to remind residents about the need to be prepared for natural emergencies, which, as recent years have shown, present real risks to our community,” Cr Williams said.

“This year for the first time, we are getting our young people involved and running a competition calling for 90-second videos promoting key disaster preparedness messages.

“Our hope is that we will be able to work with winning entries to create a final video for release in ‘Get Ready’ week in October.

“While it is a youth-focused competition, we encourage team efforts and the help of parents, teachers and other budding filmmakers in creating entries.

“We’d love to see some family and school entries, again giving the wider community an opportunity to devise new and engaging ways to share the ‘Get Ready’ message.

“There are great prizes on offer for the winning entries, so I encourage people to head to Council’s Your Say Redlands website to find out how to get involved.”

Videos must include four key disaster management messages: preparing your home, the need for a household emergency plan and emergency kit, getting to know your neighbours and how to be informed.

Entry is open to Redlands Coast residents of all ages, but at least one person under 18 years and a local landmark or icon should feature in the video.

The winning video may be used to promote ‘Get Ready’ community messages through a range of channels during storm and bushfire season.

Entries close 30 September 2018. For details, including full terms and conditions, visit www.redland.qld.gov.au/getreadycompetition

Council sets out on Redlands Coast transport journey

September 5, 2018

How residents travel around the Redlands Coast was at the centre of two decisions made by Redland City Council in today’s General Meeting.

The first decision saw Councillors endorse the Draft Redlands Coast Transport strategy for community engagement, while councillors also unanimously supported a Mayoral Minute for Council to make a submission to a State Government inquiry into the future of transport technology.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the endorsement of the Draft Redlands Coast Transport Strategy would give residents the opportunity to have their say on the future direction of transport planning on Redlands Coast.

“Transport, both road and public transport infrastructure, is undoubtedly one of the most consistent topics of conversation in our community, which is why Council identified an updated transport strategy as one of our key priorities,” she said.

“In 2015 we held a series of transport forums across the city and this draft strategy is informed by those forums, as well as engagement with key transport organisations and providers.

“Our community has told us they want to be able to get around the city faster and safer and want to see the major roads in and out of the city upgraded along with key public transport infrastructure such as the Cleveland Rail line.”

Cr Williams said an important next step of the strategy was hearing from residents, businesses, schools and transport partners on what transport issues were important to them.

“As part of the consultation process we will ask residents what they think our priorities should be to help guide delivery of Council’s transport initiatives and advocacy to state and federal governments, transport providers and neighbouring local governments.

“State and federal MPs will also be engaged directly, and information will be provided to raise community awareness about the transport network and which level of government was responsible for which transport corridor and service.

“Our journey to a more effective and efficient transport network is just starting. This won’t be completed overnight, nor can Council take this journey alone.

“The State Government is responsible for many of the major transport opportunities across Redlands Coast, including the majority of roads in and out of the Coast, public transport and rail.

“This is why a key part of this strategy will be to advocate to other levels of government and encourage them to prioritise the projects, road upgrades and public transport services our community needs.”

“The Redlands Coast Transport Strategy will be followed by a series of implementation plans, which is where the rubber hits the road through the identification of on the ground priorities and projects our residents will see in their neighborhoods and along their daily commute.”

Cr Williams said Council would make the case for better transport technology to meet local challenges as part of their submission to the State Government Transport and Public Works Committee inquiry into Transport Technology.

“The Redlands Coast has some unique transport challenges and our submission will encourage the State Government to remove some of the existing barriers to the technology that may meet these challenges,” she said.

“An example of these technologies is Autonomous Vehicles, and we have been trying to encourage the State Government to trial these vehicles on our island communities.

“We will also use our submission to highlight the transport challenges and increased transport costs for our island communities, as well as the challenges our island based residents face in accessing employment and social services.”

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