Category Archives: Roads and transport

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

Security cameras to keep watch on Weinam Creek precinct

November 7, 2019

A unique agreement across three levels of government will see security cameras installed at the Weinam Creek marina precinct in Redland Bay.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said work starting this week on the installation of the security cameras came after funding from the Federal Government and a Memorandum of Understanding with the State Government to monitor footage from the cameras.

“The Weinam Creek marina precinct is used by hundreds of residents every day and the cameras will be a welcomed addition to the car parking area,” Cr Williams said.

“We have seen a number of concerning cases of vandalism at Weinam Creek in recent months, which prompted me to speak with local police and Translink to see how we can work together to make the area safer.

“The result is an MOU between Council, Translink and Queensland Police so any footage caputured by the cameras can be accessed for evidence, helping improve community confidence by cracking down on criminal behaviour.”

(Left to right) Federal Member for Bowman, Andrew Laming; State Member for Redlands, Kim Richards; Redland City Mayor Karen Williams and Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards inspect one of the security cameras onsite at Weinam Creek marina.

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the cameras send a clear message to anyone thinking of doing the wrong thing.

“It’s about putting criminals on the back foot and sending a message that anyone damaging property or carrying out anti-social behaviour will be caught.”

Cr Williams said while community safety remained a matter for the police, Council took a collaborative approach to working with other levels of government to deliver for the community.

“In addition to signing the MOU with the State Government, Council also received a $49,920 grant from the Australian Government’s Safer Communities Fund toward the project,” Cr Williams said.

“Redland City Council thanks the Federal Government for its investment in our City that will give motorists greater confidence when parking vehicles at the marina.”

Federal Member for Bowman, Andrew Laming, said community safety is a priority for the Federal Government.

“The Australian Government is committed to keeping every Australian safe and everyone using this marina precinct should have confidence in knowing their property is also secure,” he said.

“This funding shows the Federal Government is delivering on its commitment and I am pleased to be able to work with Council to deliver these much-needed cameras.”

State Member for Redlands, Kim Richards said vision captured by the cameras will be shared with Queensland Police to assist with police investigations.

“While security cameras will help deter crime and help Police track down offenders, it is important that people continue to be vigilant in preventing opportunistic crime and to also report crime to Police for investigation,” she said.

“I am pleased the Queensland Police and TMR are able to be part of this initiative which shows what can be achieved when we work together.”

Greener roads for Redlands Coast

October 23, 2019

Redland City Council is pioneering a process that turns plastic bottles and other waste into new, high-quality roads.

In a Queensland first, Council is working with leading recycler Alex Fraser and Suncoast Asphalt to resurface a 1km stretch of Princess Street, Cleveland, with Green Roads PolyPave, an innovative, high-performance asphalt product containing reclaimed plastics.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said that, in keeping with Council’s strong focus on sustainability, it was hoped the pilot project would lead to many more roads being built and resurfaced using reclaimed materials.

“Roads are big business for Council, so if we can find a better way to build and maintain them using sustainable materials while removing waste from landfill that would be a major coup,” Cr Williams said.

“This is very much part of Council’s vision for our naturally wonderful Redlands Coast, so we are excited to be at the forefront of greener road building and the environmental benefits that can bring.

“This project will see around 933 tonnes of reclaimed asphalt and about 90,000 hard plastics, such as the milk and shampoo bottles you place in your yellow-lid recycling bins, become part of Princess Street – the equivalent of about nine months of kerbside recycling collected from that street.

“I have been working with the Australian Local Government Association to investigate these sort of innovative solutions for years and I am pleased this work is delivering value for the community.”

Alex Fraser and Suncoast Asphalt general manager Brendan Camilleri said this was a prime example of how circular economy could be achieved with local government, industry and community working together to recycle waste and invest in recycled materials to build new, sustainable infrastructure.

“Redland City Council’s progressive approach to the use of sustainable material is paving the way for Queensland. This is an outstanding example of how local government can harness recycling to build and maintain their cities, and reduce their projects’ carbon footprint by up to 65 per cent,” Mr Camilleri said.

He said Green Roads PolyPave was also a more durable product which lasted longer than regular asphalt, bringing long-term costs benefits.

“When we incorporate recycled plastics into Green Roads PolyPave it becomes part of the DNA of the road, meaning there is no issue with micro-plastics entering the environment.

There is also an enormous carbon saving, with the process producing 43 per cent less CO2 emissions when compared with conventional asphalt,” he said.

“The addition of other recycled ingredients, such as reclaimed asphalt pavement, along with our energy-saving production methods further increases CO2 savings”.

The resurfacing, between Bloomfield and Passage streets, is due to be completed on November 8, weather willing.

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

$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.”

Council to speak up at 123rd LGAQ Conference

July 31, 2019

Redland City Council will use October’s Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) conference to join with Queensland councils to lobby the State Government on several key issues:

Allowing Councils to raise more infrastructure funding by reviewing the existing State imposed infrastructure cap.
Delivering better managed and coordinated State
Providing greater certainty for the community in the Queensland planning framework.
Reinvesting the State Government Waste Levy back into the Queensland environment.
Transport hub infrastructure.
Assistance for drought affected Queensland areas.

Mayor Karen Williams said the motions, which were supported unanimously at today’s general meeting, would now be tabled at the LGAQ’s 123rd annual conference in Cairns, 14 – 16 October 2019.

“Our residents tell us they want infrastructure to keep up with growth and so we will be tabling two motions asking for the State to do just that,” she said.

“The first motion will call on the LGAQ to lobby the State Government to implement longer term infrastructure plans that provide greater certainty for our community.

“Currently the State Infrastructure Plan uses a two tier timeline of 1-4 year projects and 5-15 year opportunities, which aren’t long enough, meaning they don’t align with State Government growth targets nor the State’s South East Queensland Regional Plan, which spans a 25 year period.

“Our community wants certainty, so it makes sense for the State’s Infrastructure Plan to be longer term so Councils can use them to plan local infrastructure and to give the community certainty in regards to what will be delivered.”

Cr Williams said a second motion would call on the State Government to review their infrastructure caps and introduce their own mechanism to collect infrastructure charges from developers.

“Currently the State Government caps what infrastructure charges Councils can collect from developers, resulting in a funding gap that our community ends up funding.

“If the State Government listens to our motion by removing these caps it will allow Councils to collect infrastructure charges based on the impacts the development will have on local infrastructure, meaning the infrastructure is then funded by the private development industry rather than the community.”

Cr Williams said Council would also ask the State to commit to developing a more prescriptive planning framework to give the community certainty about what will be built.

“The current ‘performance based’ system allows too much flexibility for the development industry, creating confusion for the community,” she said.

“This motion calls on the State to create a black and white system that makes it clear to residents what can and can’t be built in their neighbourhoods.

“Continuing the infrastructure trend, a motion will also be put forward asking the State Government for increased infrastructure, including car parking, at Queensland railway stations.

“We need to encourage people to use public transport, so there must be an increase in infrastructure, such as car parking and station amenities, to encourage people to use trains more and to get parked cars away from what were once quiet, suburban streets.”

Cr Williams said Council would also ask the State to commit to reinvesting the State Government Waste Levy back into the Queensland environment.

“Currently the State expects 70 per cent of the funds raised through the levy will benefit industry programs, environmental initiatives and advanced payments to councils to help offset the costs for Queensland households,” she said.

“This should be 100 per cent.

“There is currently no commitment beyond 2022 and we are asking that local communities be given long term assurance that the environment will continue to benefit from the funds raised and that people will not be left out of pocket by this levy.”

Council will also put forward a motion calling for more assistance for drought affected Queensland areas.

Cr Williams and Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell will be Council’s official delegates at the conference, which will bring together delegates from all tiers of government, external stakeholders and the media to consider the challenges facing local governments and their communities.

Other Councillors are able to attend as observers.

Illuminated signage alerts motorists to flooded roads

March 15, 2019

Redland City Council has installed automated illuminated flooded road signage at two Redlands Coast locations that experience flash flooding during rainfall events and severe weather.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the solar-powered signs – located at Avalon Road, Sheldon and the corner of Pitt and Nelson roads, Birkdale – would provide an early warning system to motorists who came across flooded roads before Council had time to put temporary warning signage in place.

“Certain areas of Redlands Coast can be prone to rapid onset flooding, often resulting in treacherous conditions forming before hazard signage can be placed,” Cr Williams said.

“It makes sense to have an automated solution where roads are known to go under.

“The system includes a dual-float signalling device placed at the creek crossing and one sign at each side of the crossing with a third sign if the crossing is a T-intersection.

“When the signs are activated, they will update Council’s publicly available online Disaster Dashboard to reflect the localised flooding.

“SMS and email messages will also be sent to notify on-call Council staff.”

Cr Tracey Huges, Cr Wendy Boglary, Mayor Karen Williams and Cr Julie Talty at the Avalon Road creek crossing

Councillor for Division 6 Julie Talty said she welcomed the signage at Avalon Road, Sheldon, which has also been fitted with a camera to broadcast the real-time status of the creek crossing back to Council.

Councillor for Division 1 Wendy Boglary said a third dual-float signaling device has been installed without signage on Allan Day Drive, Wellington Point at the northern end of Sovereign Waters Lake.

“It will also notify Council staff and the Disaster Dashboard when water is over the road and local residents will be able to opt-in to a text messaging service,” she said.

Councillor for Division 8 Tracey Huges said the automated signs on the corner of Pitt and Nelson roads, Birkdale would help to reduce the risk of vehicles being inadvertently driven into flooded waters and being washed off the road.

“This new technology will be a great help during severe weather, when resources are already stretched,” Cr Huges said.

Mayor Karen Williams, Councillor of Division 6 Julie Talty, Councillor for Division 1 Wendy Boglary and Councillor for Division 8 Tracey Huges inspect the newly installed illuminated automated flooded road signs at Avalon Road, Sheldon with Council officers and contractors working on the project.

Council has received $58,500 from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority towards the installation of signs at four locations across Redlands Coast under the Natural Disaster Resilience Program.

Visit Council’s Disaster Dashboard for information on how to prepare, respond and recover from natural disaster.

Council calls on State to prioritise Redlands Coast transport projects

February 21, 2019

Redland City Council is calling on the State Government to include in its Draft Regional Transport Plan an extension to Capalaba of the Eastern Busway and duplication of the Cleveland rail line as priority projects.

Mayor Karen Williams said Councillors unanimously supported a formal submission to the State’s draft transport plan that asked for a commitment to delivering these crucial projects and others of importance to Redlands Coast.

“State-controlled roads and public transport are key aspects of the transport network on Redlands Coast,” Cr Williams said.

“The Council of Mayors (SEQ) People Mass Movement Study released in January showed State and Federal Government investment in transport needed to be increased to accommodate growth across the region, and it especially identified the Cleveland rail duplication and Eastern Busway as critical for the future of Redlands Coast.

“This echoes what we hear from residents every day, so it is disappointing that there is currently no commitment in the State’s Draft Regional Transport Plan to deliver these projects.

“The People Mass Movement Study identified Old Cleveland Road as already being beyond its capacity, but the State’s draft plan only includes a bus transit way from Coorparoo to Carindale and 10-year planning for the protection of the Cleveland rail line corridor.

“The major transport corridors into and out of Redlands Coast are owned by the State, traffic congestion on them is growing, and there are no plans to deliver significant improvements.

“Our submission will make it clear that we want the State Government to focus on upgrading their roads, including Cleveland-Redland Bay Road, as well as providing better island transport.

“Previously we have asked for the State Government to implement Translink bus services on our islands so our residents can get around faster, but so far our request has fallen on deaf ears, so we will ask again in the hope the State Government listens.

“This is a regional plan and there needs to be a regional solution that will help Redlands Coast residents, including islanders, get to Brisbane and beyond and help our neighbours come to visit and enjoy Redlands Coast.”

Redlands Coast supports SEQ City Deal Proposal

February 12, 2019

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams has thrown her support behind a Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ) joint proposal to the Federal Government for a City Deal.

The Transforming SEQ proposal – announced by Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad and Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair Cr Graham Quirk today (Tuesday 12 February 2019) – calls on the Federal Government to enter into negotiations for a long-term City Deal to deliver better connectivity, more liveability and more jobs in the region.

Cr Williams said the Council of Mayors (SEQ) – of which she is an executive member – had been investigating the application of the City Deal model since 2013 as a way to ensure the long-term and coordinated delivery of infrastructure and supporting programs across the region.

“An SEQ City Deal would see the state and federal governments sign a long-term commitment with the Council of Mayors (SEQ) to deliver the projects needed across the region, providing security for our residents that the projects will be delivered even if governments change,” Cr Williams said.

“Redlands Coast would benefit greatly from a SEQ City Deal, with the potential to deliver better outcomes on the locally important issues of transport infrastructure, internet/mobile connectivity, health, and small business and innovation.

“My number one priority is Redlands Coast and I will always continue to represent our local interests.

“Using the power of all SEQ councils means we have the power to negotiate what would be a region-shaping deal for all SEQ communities.

“Some of the issues we are facing – such as the urgently needed Eastern Busway and Cleveland rail line duplication – demand a regional approach because they cross Council boundaries and require significant financial and infrastructure commitments.

“I believe south-east Queensland has a strong case for a City Deal, which would facilitate better collaboration between all three tiers of government and private enterprise.

“With a Federal election looming, the timing is right for the Council of Mayors (SEQ) to put this regional proposal forward and ask the Australian Government to begin formal negotiations to deliver an SEQ City Deal.”

“The announcement of the City Deal proposition follows Council recently urging all candidates for the seat of Bowman to support an advocacy document prepared by Council in the lead-up to the 2019 Federal election.”

The Transforming SEQ proposal is available on the SEQ Council of Mayor’s website:

https://seqmayors.qld.gov.au/initiatives/tLAdT8gpRDYncj1h72EQ

Eastern Busway and duplication of Cleveland rail critical projects for Redlands Coast

January 24, 2019

A regional blueprint for transport in South East Queensland has identified the Cleveland rail duplication and Eastern Busway as critical for the future of the Redlands Coast.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the Council of Mayors (SEQ) People Mass Movement Study released today showed State and Federal Government investment in transport needed to be increased to accommodate growth.

“Transport is about much more than convenience, it drives economic growth and regional opportunities and is critical for our community,” Cr Williams said.

“This study lists 47 priority projects needed to transport residents anywhere in the SEQ region within 45 minutes and within each of the major centres within 30 minutes, helping to unlock those regional opportunities and economic potential.

“The People Mass Movement Study shows this can be achieved on the Redlands Coast by duplicating the Cleveland rail line and delivering the Eastern Busway, in turn encouraging public transport use and taking private vehicles off the road”

Cr Williams said there was currently no commitment to deliver either of these projects, showing a clear deficit in transport infrastructure.

“This report shows clearly that Old Cleveland Road is already beyond its capacity, but as yet there is not even a business case let alone a commitment to remedy this and unless something is done soon the gridlock will worsen,” she said.

“We had a previous commitment to deliver the Eastern Busway but that has now dropped off the State Government’s agenda and despite consistent lobbying there are no plans to deliver it.

“Last year I joined with Member for Capalaba Don Brown to petition Transport Minister Mark Bailey to deliver a business case for the Eastern Busway, hopefully this report will show why this project is so important to the Redlands Coast.

“This People Mass Movement Study also identifies the duplication of the Cleveland Rail Line as critical, and with it now dubbed the ‘Misery Line’ I’m sure all residents would agree this project is vital.

Cr Williams said while the Redlands Coast was expected to experience modest growth compared to our neighbours, the fact that about 60 per cent of residents already left the city each day for work or study showed there was a clear need for transport investment now.

“This is a regional plan and there needs to be a regional solution that will help Redlanders get to Brisbane and beyond and help our neighbours get out to enjoy the Redlands Coast,” she said.

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