Category Archives: Planning

Community backs plans for popular Thorneside sports park


December 1, 2021

Consultation about the upgrade of William Taylor Memorial Sports Field at Thorneside has revealed strong community backing for the draft concept plan.

Mayor Karen Williams said the plan was developed by Redland City Council in collaboration with the primary tenant sporting clubs that call the sports field home – Mooroondu Sport and Recreation Club, Mooroondu Football Club, Wellington Point Cricket, Thorneside Community Tennis and Raiders Netball Club.

“It was reassuring to see club members, park users and locals felt confidence in the benefits the plan would provide, Cr Williams said.

“Nearly 300 survey responses, including written submissions, were received during the consultation period, and nearly three-quarters of those indicated support for the plan.

“Knowing the plan is on the right track, making the most of the space for the clubs and the wider community, is a strong step towards progressing the project.

“Council officers will continue to work with clubs, including smaller clubs like the Petanque Club Brisbane Southside, as the planning and design phases progress.

“Consultation outcomes also revealed that Redlands Coast is fairly evenly split between preferring a natural environment or sports theme for the new play space, with the project team appreciating the suggestion from numerous respondents of combining the two to create a natural/sports theme.

“For the BMX and skate park area, it was not too surprising to hear that the half pipe is a well-loved if ageing feature, with respondents also telling us they liked the range of elements, community-friendly feel, shady position, and co-location with other activities.

“Our skaters and BMX riders are excited about the prospect of better facilities, and we will soon be in touch with respondents who indicated interest in the targeted skate and bike facilities consultation that will be led by an external skate and bike park design consultant.

“Having users involved in the planning will help ensure a great space for people from all sections of the community, now and into the future.”

Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop said he appreciated the time that so many community members took to have their say about the upgrade.

“It was really wonderful to hear that nearly 300 engaged local people took time to not only find out about the plans for William Taylor Memorial Sports Field but to let Council know what they think of them.

“Community feedback and input is invaluable when the aim is to create a space for everyone.

“I have been aware for some time that there has been a desire for changes in the area and am pleased that residents have expressed their views to council officers, so they can design for local needs.

“I thank every respondent for this expression of community spirit and participation.

“Consultation outcomes will now play a part in designing the new play space, further developing the site plan and informing the upcoming targeted consultation about the skate and BMX facilities.

“We know that many people really enjoy the relaxed feeling and natural environment within the area, while others like to exercise formally or informally at different times of the day, week and year.

“After feedback from clubs and individuals, I’m looking forward to seeing plans that make the best use of the space, with features that will maintain natural values yet also offer exciting options for skaters, scooters and BMX riders of varying ages and abilities.”

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Community to have its say on draft local plan for Victoria Point


August 20, 2021

Redlands Coast residents will soon be able to have their say on a structure plan to guide development of an emerging community in Victoria Point.

Mayor Karen Williams said the draft South West Victoria Point Local Plan would progress to community consultation, despite the fact about 40 per cent of the development proposed for the area had already been approved by a State Court.

“The Planning and Environment Court has approved two residential development proposals and one for an over 50s lifestyle village, an outcome which was taken out of our hands,” Cr Williams said.

“Despite this, there are still benefits in continuing to progress the plan to consultation and in continuing to lobby the State Government for the necessary infrastructure to support the development of this new residential community.”

At this week’s General Meeting, Council reaffirmed it would not sign off on the Local Plan until the State Government commits to fund the vital road infrastructure required for the area’s future growth.

“Council’s position in relation to the emerging community has not changed since 2019, when a similar resolution was endorsed,” Cr Williams said.

“Our residents have told us they do not want development without the infrastructure to support the growth and our stance shows Council is listening to these concerns.

“We have previously asked the State to commit to deliver the dual carriage way of Cleveland-Redland Bay Road between Magnolia Parade, Victoria Point and Giles Road, Redland Bay.

“We acknowledge the State’s commitment of $110 million to duplicate part of this state road, between Magnolia Parade and Anita Street, Redland Bay, but ask them to commit to full duplication before we will agree to adopt the Local Plan as an amendment to City Plan.”

Councillors voted to amend the draft South West Victoria Point Local Plan to address State Ministerial conditions. It will then be sent back to the State Planner for final endorsement after which Council will start public consultation, about September.

“The process for this detailed plan began in 2018 so we are happy we are almost at the stage to take it to the community,” Cr Williams said.

The draft local plan covers about 175 hectares of land located between Bunker Road and Brendan Way in the north, Clay Gully Road and Cleveland-Redland Bay Road in the east, Double Jump Road in the south, and Little Eprapah Creek in the west.

Councillor for Division 4 Lance Hewlett said a well-prepared structure plan should ensure that development is appropriate, coordinated and delivered in a timely manner.

“We want this area to be an attractive, functional and walkable urban community that is supported by an accessible neighbourhood centre, integrated open space, active transport network and public transport services,” Cr Hewlett said.

“The local plan will guide new development through a mix of dwelling types, protecting and enhancing ecological habitat and connections, and outline the infrastructure that will be needed to support the new community.”

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Clarity sought on Minjerribah land use


August 19, 2021

Redland City Council is seeking a commitment from the State Government for comprehensive community consultation on its plan for North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) and to detail how it will accommodate the land-use aspirations of traditional owners.

It follows a ministerial direction for Council to amend its planning scheme to rezone 25 lots of native title land on the island for residential, industrial, community and tourism development.

Mayor Karen Williams said that while Council recognised that the direction had been made to give the Quandamooka people important residential and commercial opportunities, a commitment from the State Government was required to undertake a comprehensive and coordinated community consultation exercise.

“It needs to clearly articulate its strategic plan for Minjerribah and reveal how it intends to accommodate the land-use aspirations of the Quandamooka people and deliver on its economic transition commitments,” Cr Williams said.

“Deputy Premier Steven Miles has directed Council to amend its planning scheme to reflect a Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) that was made in September last year which overrides City Plan and rezones native title land at Dunwich (Gumpi), Amity (Pulan Pulan) and Point Lookout (Mulumba).

“While this is something the State is directing, Council will work closely with communities on the island and continue to advocate on their behalf to make sure the State considers and understands their expectations for real investment to support the island economy and local jobs.”

“Council also seeks a firm commitment from the State that it will provide adequate funding for all the infrastructure and associated costs for the development of these land parcels.

Councillor for North Stradbroke Island Peter Mitchell said that while it was understood that Council would have a role in assessing and deciding development applications for the 25 lots, some applications for the land might require approval by the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning’s State Assessment and Referral Agency.

“On behalf of Council, I made a submission to the Minister noting Council’s support for the Quandamooka Peoples’ land aspirations and made a number of suggestions to help facilitate a transparent and collaborative process but we did not get a response,” Cr Mitchell said.

“As we now work to amend City Plan in line with the ministerial direction, it is vital that the clarity that Council has sought is forthcoming. We need to ensure all submissions made during this process can be considered on their merits, so it may be appropriate for the State to take an active role in the public consultation and consider taking responsibility for reviewing and commenting on all submissions received during this period.

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Exciting vision for Birkdale Community Precinct


August 18, 2021

Redland City Council has formally adopted the Birkdale Community Precinct Vision document – another step towards creation of an exciting community heart for Redlands Coast.

Mayor Karen Williams said the ideas from the community and presented as a spatial representation in the vision document provided an exciting glimpse at what the 62-hectare site could become.

The vision concept plan.

“This is not the Council’s vision for the site; it is what the community told us they would like to see there,” Cr Williams said.

“To see many of the ideas suggested by the community during our sensationally supported engagement phase actually placed on a map really gives you an impression of how large a scale this vision is and how much can be accommodated on the precinct.

“It shows how the precinct could operate effectively with a multitude of purposes and outcomes and is an exciting glimpse into what our future generations can enjoy.

“It also begins to show the broader picture. Birkdale Community Precinct will have benefits well beyond its boundaries with major public transport upgrades; employment opportunities during its establishment and then ongoing; and as an attractive location for enterprises and ventures across a wide spectrum.”

Cr Williams said the vision placed a range of rural experiences around a restored Willards Farm.

“It could operate in tandem with bush tucker gardens and agritourism opportunities and more,” she said.

“It respects and protects the precinct’s valuable natural habitat while also providing plenty of room for bush walks, wetlands boardwalks, an aquatic centre and adventure play hub, open lawn spaces and eco-camping facilities.

“The vision places the Redland Whitewater Centre – which will be an event venue for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games – in an existing cleared area adjacent to the aquatic centre and with the area possibly having canoe access from Tingalpa Creek. It clearly shows the centre and associated aquatic playground takes up just a small portion of the overall site.

“The heritage-listed former World War II radio receiving station takes pride of place in the centre of a pedestrian spine running through the precinct, offering the possibility of a memorial site as well as World War II artefact displays. This sits next to a First Nations ceremonial space and cultural history centre.”

Cr Williams said the vision showed Birkdale Community Precinct’s potential to be transformed into a world-class precinct that would be a multi-generational showpiece for Redlands Coast.

“It will be a picturesque, vibrant and diverse destination which provides benefits beyond its boundaries in helping to define Redlands Coast,” she said.

“The plan doesn’t represent a completed design that is ready to be built. It is instead an interpretation of what it could look like.

“This document brings together the ideas gathered from the community during an extensive seven-week engagement program and presents them as concepts. It will be used to inform a draft master plan for the precinct for which there will be further extensive community engagement.

“The vision document is structured around the precinct’s significant heritage, cultural and conservation values, all of which will be protected.

“Remember, this was Commonwealth land before Council bought it in December 2019 to save it from being subdivided after the Federal Government had earmarked it for about 400 housing lots.

“To see it on the path to becoming a world-class community asset is such an achievement.”

Cr Williams said this stage in the visioning process had been shaped by a huge and unprecedented response from the Redlands Coast community.

“When the community was invited to help create a shared vision for the site during the engagement program which ran from March to May this year, the response was phenomenal,” she said.

“All of those, literally, thousands of ideas and creative suggestions and discussions and sharing of personal stories, are now coming together to form the heart of this precinct.

“This is a long-term project that delivers on the diverse views our community showed us they had for future use of this unique site.

“The community will continue to have ongoing input into the planning for what is shaping up as potentially one of this city’s finest achievements.”

Precinct Vision highlights:

Adopted by Redland City Council on 18 August, 2021, the Birkdale Community Precinct Vision document is an overarching framework to guide decision making and allow individuals, institutions and businesses to establish a dialogue about the prospective future of the precinct. It brings together the multitude of ideas gathered during the engagement process and presents them spatially on the site as concepts.

Environment and ecology

Whether it’s a bush walk on an Aboriginal art trail or wetlands boardwalk, kayaking along Tingalpa Creek, learning about local wildlife and landscape stewardship on an overnight camping trip, or taking in the scenery from a treetop walk – the precinct could deliver a multitude of sustainable ways for visitors to enjoy and experience the landscape. Key elements include: wetlands walk, bush walks, eco-camping and treetop walk.

Agriculture and rural tradition

The legacy of Willards Farm presents a unique opportunity to create a dynamic cluster of agritourism destinations and community assets that celebrate the region’s rural tradition and history. Key elements include: Willards agrifarm experience, flexible farmer’s market space and paddock-to-plate café and dining.

Heritage and history

Birkdale Community Precinct could incorporate the respectful protection, adaptation and reuse of the area’s significant heritage assets through showcasing local First Nations stories and land management practises and celebrating and reusing Willards Farm and the US Army Corps-built World War II radio receiving station. Key elements include: connection to Country, pioneer past and World War II history

Adventure and recreation

The precinct could offer a dynamic and diverse range of adventurous experiences that cater to all ages and abilities, while also establishing a world-class destination for live sport and events – a truly multidimensional destination with something for everybody, keeping visitors coming back for more. Key elements include: Redland Whitewater Centre, aquatic centre, swimming and water play, adventure play hub and flexible events lawns.

Education and discovery

Engaging learning experiences could be embedded throughout the precinct, with opportunities for local stewardship showcasing everything from Traditional Owner land management techniques and wildlife education, renaturalising processes, as well as innovative agricultural research and technologies. Key elements include: bush tucker garden, ag-tech hub and wildlife and landcare centre.

For more information on Birkdale Community Precinct, go to: yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/imagine

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Redland City seeks funding commitment for island master plan


August 18, 2021

Redland City Council has renewed its call to the State Government to lock in funding for key projects in North Stradbroke Island’s draft Gumpi (Dunwich) Master Plan (GDMP).

At its general meeting today, Council agreed to make a further submission on the draft plan, urging the State to make a firm commitment to deliver critical services and infrastructure and also consider key projects to be delivered through a future South East Queensland City Deal.

Mayor Karen Williams said that while Council was supportive of the master planning work undertaken so far, it was concerned the draft plan had been released for community consultation without addressing crucial issues raised many times by Council over several years.

“We are also concerned that no budget commitment has been outlined for a plan which will cost well over $100 million. There is no detailed implementation plan and no indication of the costs, delivery timeframes or funding sources despite our repeated requests,” Cr Williams said

“There’s not even an indication of who will be responsible for project delivery – another aspect of the process on which Council has unsuccessfully sought clarity.

“We simply cannot support the draft GDMP until these issues are addressed to ensure Minjerribah gets a plan which guarantees a real economic boost and real jobs for locals.

“Also absent is a commitment to the technical studies and planning needed to ensure the delivery of a sustainable, efficient and integrated barge and ferry terminal – something which is critical to the success of State Government’s economic transition strategy for the island.

“These need to be completed as a matter of urgency to determine whether the concept for the Junner Street terminal is both suitable and can actually be delivered.

“The draft master plan is a product of the State’s economic transition strategy for the island which was designed to lift the local economy, which is why it demands certainty in both funding and implementation.”

Cr Williams said Council would make representations to both the State and Federal governments asking for key projects identified in the Gumpi (Dunwich) Master Plan to be delivered through a future South East Queensland City Deal where appropriate.

“And we will be making representations to the State Government to emphasise Council’s commitment to working in partnership with it and the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) on delivery of the master plan,” Cr Williams said.

“We urge the State to re-establish the Minjerribah Ministerial Forum and invite us along to guide all this through.”

Councillor for North Stradbroke Island Peter Mitchell said the draft plan also needed to offer more clarity over the future of mining lease areas and the sand loading facility.

“A full understanding of what rehabilitation works are needed and alternative uses needs to be sufficiently advanced to ensure we know the extent of any contamination and the potential rehabilitation costs and responsibilities,” Cr Mitchell said.

“There is also no progress on a detailed structure planning of One-Mile despite both QYAC and Council reaffirming just how important this is. The State needs to meet its responsibilities in consulting and engaging directly with QYAC on One-Mile.

“It must commit to the identification and delivery of the critical services and infrastructure requirements required to support the One-Mile community at no cost to Council or the broader Redlands Coast community.”

Cr Williams said cost estimates to deliver five of the projects identified in the GDMP was already in the order of $100 million.

“But we still haven’t been informed what additional costs will be associated with other elements of the draft GDMP,” Cr Williams said.

“What we do know is that significant further investigations and planning work is required to more accurately understand potential delivery costs, as well as the on-going costs of management and maintenance and the critical infrastructure upgrades required to make the Junner Street ferry terminal an all-weather facility.

“For the GDMP projects to be delivered, it will almost certainly require substantial government funding commitments which we have yet to see.

“Without them, what confidence can the island community have that the key initiatives outlined in the draft plan will be delivered to support the island’s transition from mining to a tourism-based economy.”

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Draft medium density amendments to encourage housing diversity and quality for Redlands


August 2, 2021

Redland City Council will consult the community on a Redland City Plan amendment package designed to deliver well-designed apartments and townhouses across the city.

Mayor Karen Williams said the proposed City Plan amendment and policy amendment package followed a thorough review of multiple dwelling outcomes delivered by the City Plan since its commencement in 2018.

The findings and recommendations of the review were presented to the council in May 2020.

“Redlands Coast community has consistently expressed strong views about the quality and location of residential growth within the city with a preference for well-located and designed housing development,” Cr Williams said.

“The review identified a number of concerns with the built form and design elements being delivered under the City Plan and opportunities to address these concerns and improve the design outcomes being delivered.

“This included ways to better integrate the design outcomes sought by the existing Multiple Dwelling Design Guide into the zone codes of the City Plan.

“The design guide was also recommended to become a planning scheme policy to assist in its use for guiding development proponents in achieving high quality design outcomes.”

Cr Williams said the review included the operation and coordination of existing built form and design provisions, the approach of other regional councils, and the effectiveness of the existing Multiple Dwelling Design Guide that supports, but is not part, of the current City Plan.

“A greater diversity of housing options, including multiple dwellings strategically located throughout the city close to centres and public transport is important to manage expected population growth while at the same time responding to the changing housing needs of the community,” she said.

“It plays a key role in meeting housing and lifestyle needs of the growing and changing community; providing greater housing choice in the city, including affordable housing options, while supporting improved public transport services, and enhancing the economic vitality of centres.

“Ensuring the City Plan delivers a high-quality multiple dwelling built form, consistent with Redland City’s character, is essential to maintaining the quality of life and amenity of the Redlands Coast.”

Cr Williams said the proposed amendments to the City Plan were supported and informed by testing and review by independent planning and economic consultants.

“The current location and extent of land zoned for medium density development in City Plan 2018 was also found to accord with current strategic development outcomes, and no change to zoning maps was needed,” she said.

Council this week responded separately to the Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government and Planning noting that the State Government’s own reporting shows the City is meeting Shaping SEQ dwelling supply benchmarks and delivering housing diversity.

“This includes seven years supply of uncompleted multiple dwellings.

“Council considers the delivery of State transport and other infrastructure is a high priority for effectively addressing the ongoing housing supply and diversity needs of the City.”

The proposed medium density amendments have been reviewed by the Queensland Government and agreed for community consultation.

The major amendment and the planning scheme policy will be advertised for a 30 day public consultation and formal submission period beginning on 4 August.

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Planning amendments to address development near dams and waterways and ROS zone subdivision


July 28, 2021

Amendments to the Redland City Plan will be drafted with the aim of strengthening provisions that regulate development in proximity to the city’s waterways and dams.

Redland City Council has resolved to undertake the amendments to the Waterway Corridors and Wetlands Overlay (WCWO) Code and the Healthy Waters Code in the City Plan.

Mayor Karen Williams said the WCWO code would be tightened to improve environmental outcomes near waterways and wetlands.

“The intent is to place definitive obligations on assessable development in those areas to undertake re-vegetation that enhances stream and habitat condition, biodiversity and wildlife movement,” Cr Williams said.

“As part of this, they are required to provide a vegetated and development-free riparian buffer along waterways and wetlands.”

Division 3 Councillor Paul Golle, has campaigned for the proposed amendments after raising concerns about impacts caused by certain development.

“Unless very well considered, alterations to natural wetlands, dams and watercourses during development can result in serious legacy impacts on residents through increased localised flooding events,” Cr Golle said.

“The Healthy Waters Code will be amended to ensure that there is no implied preference in the Plan to remove artificial water bodies such as old farm dams.

“This is to ensure applicants understand that the removal or retention of a dam will be determined on a case by case basis and with regard to the performance criteria.

“Performance criteria include ensuring the dam performs a significant ecological, water quality or recreation function, is structurally sound and will not impose a significant maintenance or cost burden on the community,” he said.

In another City Plan amendment, Council also resolved to strengthen the Recreation and open space (ROS) zone code provisions.

“If not being undertaken by Redland City Council, the adopted amendment provisions will elevate the level of assessment from code to impact assessment for re-configuring a lot in the recreation and open space zone (ROL)” Cr Williams said.

“The agreed amendments will afford the community an opportunity to lodge submissions on re-configurations within ROL zone.

“The strengthened assessment is expected to help avoid fragmentation of ROL zoned land and the creation of additional residential lots extending into the ROL zone.”

The proposed amendments will be included in the next general package of major amendments to the City Plan.

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Enough housing supply and diversity in Redland City


July 21, 2021

Redland City Councillors have unanimously refuted the Deputy Premier’s proposed Ministerial Direction requiring Council to prepare a new housing supply and diversity strategy for Redland City by August 2022.

Mayor Karen Williams said Redland City had plenty of housing supply and diversity and would demonstrate there was no urgent need for a strategy in a written submission to the Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, Steven Miles.

“I am bewildered as to why the Deputy Premier has sent a letter stating he is considering using his ministerial powers to force Council’s hand on the matter,” Cr Williams said.

“We are meeting our requirements with evidence of sufficient and increasing housing diversity in Redlands in the State Government’s own annual Land Supply and Development Monitoring (LSDM) Reports.

“The LSDM consistently notes that Redland City has sufficient planned dwelling supply to achieve the dwelling supply benchmarks of the SEQ Regional Plan (ShapingSEQ).

“In addition, recent dwelling approvals show the City is achieving greater diversity in its dwelling stock compared with the 2016 Census.

“While housing strategies are valuable, local governments would usually undertake them in preparation for a review of their planning schemes.

“As this is some four years away for Redland City, and the city’s 2002/21 housing supply figures exceeds the State’s targets, it would be premature and unnecessary for Council to allocate resources to undertake this strategy now.

“Council has already completed two pieces of work that currently serve the purpose of a housing supply strategy – the Redlands Housing Strategy 2011-2031 and the Redland Land Supply Review; a detailed assessment of residential land availability undertaken in 2014,” Cr Williams said.

Prior to the preparation of the current Redland City Plan, Council officers engaged planning consultants to prepare the ‘Redlands Housing Strategy 2011-2031’ (RHS), which recommended the types of housing that would be required to meet the future housing needs of the Redlands.

In 2014 Council also engaged planning consultants to undertake a detailed assessment of residential land availability in the Redlands which found that Redland has capacity to accommodate the number of dwellings required to house the projected population growth over the planning timeframe 2014 to 2041.

Cr Williams said that together, these bodies of work not only informed the development of the Redland City Plan but would also ensure future planning scheme amendments and the review of the Local Government Infrastructure Plan supported ongoing supply and diversity of residential land across our City.

“Council is also currently finalising a comprehensive review of existing residential land supply and demand across the City to 2045,”Cr Williams said.

“While we may have temporarily fallen below the ShapingSEQ benchmark of four years of approved lot supply, our figures from the 2020/21 financial year will be well above this target at close to five years.

“We seem to have been singled out as there are much bigger players with a lot more population growth that could deliver additional housing, but do not seem to be getting the same direction from the Minister.

“It would appear that other local government areas that have fallen below the ShapingSEQ threshold – including Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Noosa and Moreton Bay – have not been requested to prepare a housing supply and diversity strategy.

“Council has also progressed land use and infrastructure planning for two newly emerging communities in south west Victoria Point and southern Redland Bay which are expected to accommodate more than 5500 new lots, including providing opportunities for lots below 400m2.

“It is also worth noting that the Deputy Premier recently commented that the State’s newly established Priority Growth Area in Southern Redland Bay would unlock growth, housing choice and affordability and identified the opportunity for an additional 2000 new dwellings outside the approved Shoreline development.

Council determined today that the CEO would write back to the Deputy Premier to demonstrate there was no need to prepare a housing supply and diversity strategy at this time, and request that the State provide a transport and infrastructure plan that is intrinsically linked to the dwelling forecasts for Redland City and that includes the Eastern Busway through to Capalaba, Cleveland Rail duplication through to Cleveland and upgrades to all State-owned roads.

Providing this critical infrastructure will be key in unlocking the planned dwelling supply in City’s existing urban areas.

Cr Williams said “We stand here ready to collaborate with the State Government but want to do it right.

“We ask the State to come to the party with transport and other infrastructure that meets growth expectations.”

Council has 20 business days to make a submission in response to the Deputy Premier’s notification that he was considering exercising the Ministerial Direction powers under the Planning Act 2016 to require Council to prepare a Redland City housing supply and diversity strategy by 30 August 2022.

 

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Redlands Coast closer to hosting Olympics events as Brisbane 2032 proposal firms


June 11, 2021

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams is pleased the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive has recommended Brisbane’s proposal be advanced to a full committee session vote expected ahead of the opening of the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo on July 23.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced early this morning that it would progress Brisbane’s proposal to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to a full vote and that Redlands Coast was set to be the location for the canoe (slalom) events if it was endorsed.

“A purpose-built Olympic-standard Redland Whitewater Centre is part of the integrated Redlands Coast Adventure Sports Precinct for which Birkdale Community Precinct on Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale, is the preferred site,” Cr Williams said.

“The Olympic venue will be funded by both the Federal and State governments and would help support other attractions at the site, including Willards Farm and the WWII radio receiver station, both financially and through attraction of visitors.

“In April 2021, the Federal Government committed to a 50/50 funding arrangement with the Queensland Government for all venues and critical infrastructure associated with the potential 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“What is so very exciting about this venue is that it will be a legacy facility for generations to come.

“It will also bring forward significant infrastructure, in particular, road, rail and bus projects for Redlands Coast.

“Our community is particularly keen to see the much-needed duplication of the Cleveland railway line and the completion of the Eastern Busway to Capalaba.

“Similar Olympic facilities elsewhere demonstrate substantial local economic benefits, including during construction and for ongoing operation.

“It is anticipated that about 150 jobs could be sustained through the building and delivery of the adventure sports precinct, with an annual contribution of $52 million to the local economy.

“It also has significant opportunities as a swift-water rescue training facility for emergency services.

“The whitewater centre will be part of a larger adventure sports precinct proposed to be integrated into Birkdale Community Precinct with its overall legacy opportunities being compelling.

“A whitewater facility featured strongly in the community’s list of preferred ideas for the Birkdale precinct during Council’s recent extensive community engagement campaign.

“At 62 hectares, Birkdale Community Precinct provides more than enough space to accommodate the Redlands Coast Adventure Sports Precinct and a variety of other uses in an integrated way.

“As well as strong support for the whitewater facility, the community told us they wanted picnic facilities, cycling and walking paths and circuits, access to Tingalpa Creek and natural areas, café and dining areas, community markets, camping and overnight stays, an amphitheatre and performance spaces, education and training facilities, paddock to plate, wildlife tourism and night walks.”

Cr Williams said the Council of Mayors (SEQ), which has been instrumental in the Brisbane 2032 proposal, is honoured the IOC Executive has recommended the proposal go to a full session vote.

“While we acknowledge this exciting milestone, there is still a lot of work to be done and all partners look forward to a final decision by the IOC and stand ready to assist in providing any further information,” Cr Williams said.

“The potential benefits of a Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are massive – some $8.1 billion in economic and social benefits for Queensland, and $17.6 billion nationally.”

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Have your say on Council’s draft Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan


April 28, 2021

Redlands Coast residents can now have their say on Redland City Council’s four-year plan to boost recycling and reduce local waste going to landfill.

Council will open its draft Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan 2021-2025 for four weeks of community consultation from 27 April.

Councillors have also endorsed in principle a longer term draft waste management plan developed by the SEQ Council of Mayors to guide a regional approach to waste management, which will be launched in May.

Mayor Karen Williams said all residents had a vested interest in how Council and its local government neighbours met waste reduction and recycling targets necessitated by significant changes in the waste sector in recent years.

“Better management of our waste and the greater uptake of recycling means more than just helping our environment and progressing to a zero-waste future, it is also critical to minimise extra costs to ratepayers,” Cr Williams said.

“In July 2019 the State Government introduced a waste levy in an attempt to reduce waste being sent to landfill.

“While this levy is currently subsidised by the State Government, we are concerned this subsidy may change in the future, making the investment into improved recycling a better use of community funds.

“Council’s draft plan, developed alongside the broader draft South-East Queensland Waste Management Plan, outlines how we can all work together to better use our existing kerbside waste, recycling and green waste services as efficiently as possible.

“Through it we will work to double the number of households with a green-waste bin for garden organics, as well as halve the amount of recyclable material being placed into general waste bins.

“We also want to ensure everyone knows the importance of using the right bin and reduce the contamination in yellow-lid recycling bins that can undermine residents’ recycling efforts.

“Our aim is for 90 per cent of our community to be correctly recycling 90 per cent of their waste, 90 per cent of the time. This is what it will take to reach Queensland’s recycling target of 70 per cent by 2050, together with other industry action.”

Cr Williams said the draft plan relied on residents working with Council to reduce waste and increase recycling.

“The plan outlines a way we can collectively achieve waste reduction and recycling targets set by the Queensland Government,” she said.

“Community involvement is important to the success of the plan and achieving a collective impact on our waste management and a zero waste future for the Redlands Coast.

“Now that the consultation period has started, I encourage everyone to provide feedback on the priorities and initiatives identified in this draft plan.

“I know how passionate our community is about helping to look after our environment and keeping Redlands Coast naturally wonderful.

“So please take this opportunity to tell us what you think.”

Redland City Council’s draft Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan 2021-2025 includes encouraging the improved use of the existing kerbside services such as:

  1. doubling the number of households with a green waste bin for garden organics
  2. halving the amount of recyclable material being placed into general waste bins
  3. reducing contamination (non-recyclable materials) in the yellow-lid recycling
  4. ensuring everyone knows the importance of using the right bin.

Currently almost two-thirds of what goes in Redlands Coast red-lid waste bins could be kept out of landfill, including more than 10,000 tonnes a year of garden organics and 6,000 tonnes of other waste which could be recycled.

Visit Council’s Your Say website https://yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/  to read all about the draft Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan 2021-2025 and have your say by 28 May 2021. As an added incentive, those who complete the online survey will have the chance to enter a competition draw to win one of 10 x$50 IndigiScapes vouchers (terms and conditions apply).

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