Category Archives: Planning

Council supports Covid-19 urban planning flexibility – not unintended legacies.

August 5, 2020

Redland City Council will not opt into state government Covid-19 planning regulation changes, for now, saying the Redland City Plan already aligns well with the majority of proposed changes.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council fully supports the need to facilitate flexible support for businesses, jobs and economic growth in response to impacts of Covid-19.

“Responses to Covid-19 need to help support business innovation, improved processes and help them to adapt and invest for long term futures.

“Good planning will facilitate this, and the Redland City Plan already aligns well the majority of changes proposed by the State.

“Where it doesn’t, it has been a deliberate decision to encourage appropriate planning uses and outcomes.

“Some of the Covid-19 planning concessions proposed by the State may well result in permanent unintended planning outcomes for the city,” Cr Karen Williams said.

“Examples include allowing specific non-industrial uses to establish in existing tenancies in industrial zones without the need for planning approval or expanding gross floor area of specific existing uses by up to 10 per cent or 100m2.

“Expanding floor areas without assessing the impacts may end up permanently reducing the number of parking spaces provided, thus affecting adjoining businesses, or impact site landscaping.

“Proposed changes in uses allowed in an industrial zone that do not need to locate in these areas, will reduce suitable land set aside for future industry.

“Councils submission to the State will acknowledge minor and helpful changes while calling for more detail on some parts of the proposed changes.

“Council has received positive responses to date to its COVID-19 Business Support Grant and Innovation grants for Redlands Coast businesses.

“We will continue to work closely with business and new investors to the Redlands Coast to make sure there are no unnecessary impediments, including through city planning.

Council seeks community input on coastal strategy

June 12, 2020

Redland City Council is inviting community members to provide input into Phase 6 of its Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy.

A city-wide strategy for the protection of the city’s coastline, including islands and inland rivers and creeks; the project will assess the vulnerability of infrastructure, assets and property to coastal hazards, and recommend actions to help adapt and manage these risks.

As part of the project’s next phase, Council is conducting an online survey seeking feedback from community members on what they value most about Redlands Coast, plus their understanding and any experiences of coastal hazards.

Mayor Karen Williams, who is also chairperson of the project’s steering committee, said the next phase involved identifying options that would help Redlands Coast adapt to, and be protected from, potential hazards such as coastal erosion, storm tide inundation, and sea level rise to the years 2070 and 2100.

“I’m very proud of this project and I’m looking forward to its completion later this year,” Cr Williams said.

“Council and project stakeholders have worked hard in developing the Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy, and this next phase calls for the community to provide invaluable input to help inform the strategy’s recommended actions.

“Redlands Coast residents should feel confident knowing Council will have a plan in place to help protect our coastal lifestyle, Indigenous cultural heritage, and to guide the adaptation of private property and public infrastructure.”

Development of the strategy is overseen by the project’s steering committee, and is developed in consultation with the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, key asset owners and stakeholder bodies, and the wider Redlands Coast community.

For more information about the strategy and to take the online survey, please visit the project page at yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/CHAS

$8.1mill School of Arts Road, Redland Bay roadwork completed as more work planned

December 16, 2019

An $8.1 million section of roadwork on School of Arts Road and Collins Street Redland Bay has been completed ahead of schedule and under budget, paving the way for Council to start upgrading nearby water infrastructure in the New Year.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said it may be hard to appreciate the significance of the completed road work for those not familiar with how this section of road used to be.

“This new road section completed by Council crews has won compliments from locals for the way the work was undertaken and has fixed major floodway problems over Weinam creek.

“The finished roadwork has been lifted a metre above the old floodway that has been a source of regular flooding and traffic disruption during wet conditions.

“The design of the new work has also avoided impacts on a corner property and much loved fig tree that is a locally recognised landmark visible from the surrounding areas.

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the surface of the new two lane road section provides a smoother, quieter and longer lasting surface that will reduce ongoing maintenance costs and improve road access for an urban area of the city that has grown rapidly over recent years.

“The new road section includes cycle lanes, parking and safe pedestrian islands for crossings to popular nearby community facilities, while also ensuring that major utility service trenching upgrades were undertaken during construction,” Cr Edwards said.

Division 6 Councillor Julie Talty said improvements to local infrastructure would continue with Council beginning work on new sewer infrastructure along an adjoining section of School of Arts Road in January.

“The planned works from Denham Boulevard to approximately 60 meters past the Cypress and Bedarra Streets Roundabout will involve the supply and installation of a major new rising sewer main, a small section of gravity sewer main, manholes and other work.

“Traffic detours will be necessary during work hours from 7.00am and 6.00pm Monday to Friday for all west bound traffic travelling between Denham Boulevard and Cypress Street but detours will not apply outside of these work hours.

“Site works will begin on 6 January with the work planned for completion in April 2020, weather permitting.

“Council greatly appreciates the ongoing patience and co-operation of road users and the local community and for helping to ensure these important infrastructure project can be completed safely, on budget and on-time.”

Information on the new sewer project is available on the Yoursay Redlands Coast website or by contacting council on Tel 3829 8999.

Bring out your stories about Birkdale land

December 6, 2019

Redland City Council has put out the call for residents to share any historic or cultural information they may have about land at Birkdale which has now been purchased by Council from the Commonwealth Government.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council was inviting personal stories about the 61 hectares of land at 362-388 Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale while a suite of additional heritage, environment and land studies were carried out.

“To support the work of the experts who will be completing gap analysis and further information gathering, Council is inviting the community to also share their knowledge of the land, its history and values.

“This is the first stage of speaking with the community about this property, with formal public consultation to occur next year after all heritage and environmental studies have been completed.

“The Redlands Coast community has had a long and strong relationship and interest in the Birkdale site over many decades, including its Quandamooka cultural significance and historic role in World War II.

“While much is already known about the land, a great deal of its history is locked in the memories and experiences of residents, with many having childhood stories of the land and the creek.

Cr Williams said that securing the property had been a long journey across a number of years and many Federal Government Ministers.

“We have been trying to secure this land for years and for it to now be owned by the community is exciting news,” she said.

“We want to thank the Federal Government for agreeing to sell the land to the Redlands Coast community so its significance will be protected and the land can be retained for community benefit.

Federal Member for Bowman, Mr Andrew Laming MP said the transfer of ownership was a project he initiated with then Mayor Don Seccombe shortly after being elected in 2005.

“It took 5270 days and navigating dozens of Ministers and advisors but we got there. The greatest victory being a sale to Redland City Council rather than into private hands which the law would usually require. There isn’t a deal like this anywhere nationwide.

“Council has been a model purchaser and tolerated plenty of ups and downs from Canberra, including last year’s federal Budget which incorrectly listed the purpose of sale for development.”

Cr Williams said over seventy two percent of the 61.78 hectare site is already principally zoned conservation within the City Plan, with the remaining 17 hectares of the site zoned for community purpose.

“This land purchase is a major and strategic opportunity to secure a lasting legacy for future Redlands Coast generations.

“This includes the opportunity for community recreation, sport and tourism uses on the small portion of the site that is zoned for community purposes.

“Council’s commitment today is to ensure that the future for the land is part of well-informed conversation with the Redlands Coast community.”

Visit the Your Say Redlands Coast Birkdale Land page on to tell your story.

Trail creates new southern Russell Island evacuation route

November 25, 2019

Works have begun this week on hardening a trail along Lagoon Road, Russell Island to create an alternate evacuation route on the southern end of the island.

Redland City Mayor and Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group Karen Williams said the works to the existing fire trail would ensure it could be used as an evacuation route if needed.

“The works to the 300m trail, along Lagoon Road, will involve adding rocks and gravel to harden and widen it to 2.5m to improve accessibility,” Cr William said.

“It is not designed to be a new road, but once upgraded the trail can be opened to access by emergency agencies and resident evacuation should the need arise.

“The trail work, expected to be complete by early December, is the latest in our emergency planning on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and will provide an added evacuation option, linking Rocky Point to Centre Road.

“This adds to our other 2019 fire preparedness efforts across the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, including clearing reduction zones, slashing blocks, controlled burns, community education campaigns and new signage.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the works, were a timely reminder for people to also take their own precautions.

“Council continues significant disaster preparation works, and to collaborate with other levels of government, to ensure we are ready of the storm and bushfire season ahead of us,” Cr Edwards said.

“As residents we all need to be part of that collaboration, and take household measures to ensure the safety of our loved ones and assets.

“It is important that all residents, but particularly islanders who have the added complexity of geographic isolation, take the time now to prepare their homes and set up an emergency kit and plan.

“Knowing evacuation routes in advance, such as the additional one we are creating now along Lagoon Rd, could make all the difference in an emergency situation.

“I encourage everyone to jump on to Council’s dedicated Disaster Dashboard disaster.redland.qld.gov.au for details on how to be prepared for what could be testing season ahead.”

Tips for helping to fireproof your property include:

keeping grass and undergrowth trimmed
raking up and reduce leaf litter and overgrown shrubs
removing branches overhanging buildings and leaf litter from roofs and gutters
storing fuels and chemicals away from dwellings
moving woodpiles away from buildings
preventing embers from entering a building by sealing gaps, vents and roof spaces
displaying house numbers clearly and provide access for fire trucks.

Recent fire mitigation work across the SMBI’s includes:

six prescribed burns completed on Russell Island 2019
six prescribed burns completed on Macleay Island in 2019
300 (212313 m2) blocks slashed
544 (122,794 m2) fuel reduction areas slashed
23 (8km) new fire trails constructed on Russell Island
Design work underway to consider forming Glendale Rd from Rocky Point to Sandy Beach
Consideration of a secondary evacuation route north of Sandy Beach Rd
Fire Danger Rating signs across each island
Emergency signage placed on SBMI and Coochiemudlo Islands
Fire preparedness information distributed at mainland ferry terminals
Posters and information flyers available at ferry terminals
Community Champions have been readied to provide fire preparedness information to the community at SMBI ferry terminals or operate Evacuation Centres if needed.

Moreton Bay Cycleway extension opens

November 15, 2019

This week marked a high point for Redlands Coast cyclists and recreational trail users, with the completion of Stage 1 of a multi-million dollar extension to Moreton Bay Cycleway.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Stage 1 was part of a multi-stage cycleway extension jointly funded by Council and the Queensland Government, due for completion by mid-2020.

“Today’s opening of Stage 1 of the Moreton Bay Cycleway Extension Project sees an additional 850m of pathways and boardwalk added to this much-loved community asset,” Cr Williams said.

“A 3m wide cycleway now links to existing networks at Cameron Court Park and School Road, Victoria Point.

“Section 2 works, providing a link from School Road through Orana Street Park to Lakefield Drive, will start soon and include a further 350m of boardwalk and 360m concrete footpath, or a total extension of 710m.

“Section 3 is the final link of the network and will see an on-road link via Lakefield Drive and we hope to have the entire project completed and open for public use by mid-2020.

“This newly-opened section, and the stages to follow soon, will provide important linkages between existing bike paths and will greatly improve usability, accessibility and overall visitor experience.”

The $1.83 million Moreton Bay Cycleway Section 1 project is funded equally by Council and State through their 2018-19 Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program.

Deputy Mayor and Division 4 Councillor Lance Hewlett said a trip along the newly-completed section of the cycleway offered a great recreational experience.

“We now have a new way for people to enjoy natural assets and connect across our City, with residents and visitors soon being able to pedal from Cleveland to Victoria Point along the Moreton Bay Cycleway,” Cr Hewlett said.

“There are some beautiful vantage points along the way, with the Stage 1 winding through Point Halloran Conservation Area.”

State Member for Redlands Kim Richards said Queensland State Government was delighted to partner with Council on this exciting project.

“We want to see people heading outdoors and enjoying recreational and health benefits, and State Government has been proud to support Council in delivering this cycleway,” Ms Richards said.

“Moreton Bay Cycleway provides high quality and safe cycling infrastructure and this project is an example of what can be achieved through collaboration.”

Mayor Karen Williams, Deputy Mayor and Division 4 Councillor Lance Hewlett and Member for Redlands Kim Richards join community members at stage 1 of the Moreton Bay Cycleway extension

Redland City Council Annual Report tells of positive performance

November 6, 2019

Redland City Council today endorsed its Annual Report 2018 – 2019, highlighting positive financial and operational results and Council’s significant activities for the year.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the report showed Council’s continued financial sustainability and also outlined where the money goes, with a 100 per cent delivery of its Operational Plan 2018 – 2019.

“Each year, our Operational Plan sets significant activities to help us achieve our community commitments outlined in the Corporate Plan 2018 – 2023,” Cr Williams said.

“Today Council proudly presented an Annual Report that showed delivery of all 70 significant activities across our eight Vision Outcomes.

““Our Community Financial Report and externally-audited Consolidated Financial Statements present good news, with our current position providing stability for long-term financial strategies and meeting our future obligations.

Mayor Williams said the report also shared some business innovations that had resulted in significant operational cost savings in the 2018 – 2019 financial year.

“It is important that the Redlands Coast community has confidence in our performance in managing an asset portfolio with a replacement value of $3.7 billion on their behalf.

“Continuous improvement can be seen in action through Business Transformation Program case studies, with an additional $2 million of infrastructure delivered on top of our budgeted commitments.

“The annual report also includes some of the challenges faced in 2018 – 2019, to give our stakeholders and customers an understanding of current regional and local issues that impact Redlands Coast.

“There are also detailed sections providing transparency in reporting of our governance mechanisms and statutory disclosures.”

View the Redland City Council Annual Report 2018 – 2019

A Smart New Future for Redlands Coast

October 17, 2019

Redlands Coast businesses and residents have a chance to shape the future of the city with the launch of Redland City Council’s public engagement on the Redlands Coast Smart and Connected City Strategy.

Mayor Karen Williams said with technology and data rapidly changing the way governments delivered vital services, Council was developing a Smart and Connected City Strategy that would put Redlands Coast at the forefront of intelligence, productivity and sustainability.

“The Smart and Connected City Strategy will help make Redlands Coast more liveable, more efficient and a more vibrant place to live, do business and enjoy life,” she said.

“We already know Redlands Coast is the best city in the best state in the best country but we are determined to make it even better.

“By embracing technology and using readily available data more effectively we can transform the way we deliver services and strengthen our position as the jewel in the south-east Queensland crown.”

Cr Williams said the Redlands Coast Smart and Connected City Strategy would explore how to embrace the digital revolution and would look at how Council could better use data to deliver more and improved services.

“The strategy will seek new ideas on how we can collaborate with innovators, investors, researchers and local businesses to grow the digital economy and build its innovation capacity,” she said.

“We want to hear from business and the community on how we can use innovations like wireless networks, the Internet of Things, real time information, crowd-sourced solutions and new mobile apps to improve the way we do things for local residents and businesses.

“By taking part in our Smart and Connected City community engagement, everyone can have a say in the Redlands Coast of the future.”

For more information and to have your say on the Redlands Coast Smart and Connected City Strategy and help shape the future of our city visit redland.qld.gov.au/SmartConnectedCityStrategy

Amity Point to host Council NSI update in September

August 30, 2019

Redland City Council is inviting North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) residents and visitors to drop into Amity Point Hall on Saturday 14 September for updates on a range of Council projects.

Mayor Karen Williams said the North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) Community Open House, from 10am – 12 noon, would be an opportunity for members of the public to learn more about some of Council’s key island priorities.

“North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) is undergoing significant transition and this event is part of our commitment to keep in touch with island residents about Council’s role and ensure they’re informed,” she said.

“The open house is designed for people to drop in, stroll through information stations and speak to our officers.

“Council will have information stations on topics such as water and waste, disaster management, open space planning, Amity Point Shoreline Erosion Management Planning and others.

“I will be attending, along with Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell and other senior Council officers, so we can meet and speak with residents.

“Recognising we are only one of many agencies with tenure on the Island, in addition to information on projects and services under Council responsibility, we have also invited other government and community stakeholders and Members of Parliament to participate.”

Cr Mitchell said taking project updates to the island was an important tool in connecting Council and community.

“As the island continues to transition towards the end of mining in late 2019, this is another way of keeping the avenues of communication open,” he said.

Event details

North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) Community Open House
Date: Saturday, 14 September 2019
Time: Drop in any time from 10am to noon
Location: Amity Point Community Hall, Ballow Street, Amity Point (Pulan)

$34.1 million Southern Islands passenger ferry terminal upgrade

August 6, 2019

Redland City Council and the Queensland Government are a step closer to a $34.1 million upgrade of Redlands Coast’s four Southern Island passenger ferry terminals.

Council has welcomed a State Government offer to design and co-fund with Council the long-awaited rebuild of the terminals and will now commence negotiations for a Deed of Agreement with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).

Mayor Karen Williams said the State’s offer followed negotiations over many months with TMR and Translink to upgrade the passenger ferry terminals at Russell, Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra islands.

“Council has been determined to negotiate a deal that best serves the interests of island residents and visitors to use these terminals well into the future,” she said.

“The upgrade of the Russell Island ferry terminal will be given top priority, because of the condition of the facility, with sequencing of the other upgrades determined during the planning phase.”

“The State and Council are working together to share the construction costs, ensuring this vital infrastructure provides reliable and safe transport for our Southern Islands.

“This infrastructure is the lifeblood of the communities they service and it is great to see Council and the State partnering to upgrade it.

“Unlike most residents, these communities have no other transport options available to them.”

Redland City Councillor for Division 5 Mark Edwards welcomed the development of a partnership and said the project had many benefits for the four island communities.

“We know these communities rely on this infrastructure to access everything from employment to critical health services and this project will enhance commuter safety, as well as improve access to these vital services” he said.

“Council is keen to work with TMR to develop an operating model that ensures the long-term viability of this significant community infrastructure.”

Member for Redlands Kim Richards said the ferry terminal upgrades were not only a vital piece of infrastructure for local residents, but important destination experiences to showcase arrival to our magnificent Redlands Coast islands.

“The $34.1 million upgrades to the terminals were a significant investment by both State Government and Redland City Council and is a wonderful opportunity to collaborate on delivering for our island communities.”

Redland City Council News

The latest news from Redland City Council