Category Archives: Roads and transport

Council’s Green Seal program expands on Southern Moreton Bay Islands


October 15, 2020

Redland City Council has commenced upgrades to almost 9 km of gravel roads on Russell and Macleay islands.

Mayor Karen Williams said the work, undertaken as part of the Green Seal program, underscored Council’s commitment to improving infrastructure on the SMBI.

“Since the Green Seal program was established in 2014, Council has sealed about 48 kilometres of gravel roads,” she said.

“These latest upgrades will boost that further, with 28 streets on Russell Island and 13 streets on Macleay Island being improved with a two-coat bitumen seal.

“These works will significantly improve conditions for island residents.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the upgrades, which cost more than $3 million, were co-funded by Council and the State Government, with the Federal Government providing funding towards work on Tingara Street Macleay Island and Rampart Drive Russell Island.

“Preliminary drainage works started on Russell Island in early September, and works on Macleay Island are expected to start at the end of October,” he said.

“The upgrades are expected to be completed by 30 April 2021, weather permitting.

“This is great news for our island residents, and I’m pleased to see even more gravel roads being sealed on the SMBI.”

The 2020-21 Redland City Council budget allocated $1.5 million for the Green Seal program on Southern Moreton Bay Islands.

The funding formed part of an $11.1 million package for major infrastructure and roads projects to benefit Redlands Coast island communities.

This includes:

  • $3.5 million for the Russell Island pontoon upgrade,
  • $3.4 million for the Weinam Creek car park at Redland Bay,
  • $1.1 million to upgrade Point Lookout’s Headland Park on North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah,
  • $795,000 for the Canaipa Point Drive off-road footpath on Russell Island,
  • $404,000 to upgrade island waiting sheds and shelters,
  • $270,000 for park and streetscape asset renewal on Coochiemudlo Island, and
  • $259,000 to upgrade Macleay Island Community Park.
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Council to trial car-sharing at Redland Bay Marina car park


July 6, 2020

Redland City Council will soon be seeking community feedback on a car-share trial that will be held at the Redland Bay Marina car park from Monday 3 August 2020 to Friday 5 February 2021.

The trial will provide Southern Moreton Bay Island residents with access to short-term, mainland car hire.

Mayor Karen Williams said the six-month trial was ideal for those SMBI residents who only infrequently used a mainland car.

“The trial will offer residents access to a mainland car without associated ownership costs,” she said.

“We know there are island residents who only need access to a vehicle on the mainland for short periods and car-sharing is a handy alternative to maintaining a vehicle at the marina car park.

“Parking near the ferry terminal is in high demand and, while work is underway to provide more parking facilities in the area, car-sharing is convenient for short trips without needing to own a private vehicle, and also frees up parking space.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the popularity of car-sharing was increasing across Australia.

“Council has been working towards facilitating a car-share trial at the marina since last year,” he said.

“Unfortunately, the trial, which was scheduled to start earlier this year, was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but Council has continued to work to find a solution that would deliver this trial for the island community.

“Under the trial, four parking spaces between the Coast Guard building and the marina will be set aside for car-share vehicles.

“Residents can book a vehicle online and pick it up when they arrive at the marina, and then return the car without parking hassles.

“We’ll be seeking public feedback on the trial; and this will help Council decide what to do after it ends.”

For more information about the trial, visit yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au

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Redlands Coast island infrastructure boost


June 25, 2020

Redlands Coast island communities will benefit from more than $11.1 million in major infrastructure and roads spending in the 2020-21 Redland City Council budget.

Mayor Karen Williams said the allocations to projects across the Southern Moreton Bay, North Stradbroke and Coochiemudlo islands underscored Council commitment to improving island infrastructure.

“And we hope this is just the start of the post-COVID investment, with Council continue to push hard for state and federal government funding assistance to bring forward shovel-ready projects for island communities,” Cr Williams said.

“We see projects such as the Glendale Road emergency access road on Russell Island and a range of footpath projects and road improvements as vital to the islands’ futures.”

Council’s 2021 budget, adopted today, includes multi-million-dollar investments in the Southern Moreton Bay Islands as part of a total of a $21.6 million to be spent directly on caring for Redlands Coast island communities – up $1.7 million on last financial year.

“Big ticket projects such as the Russell Island pontoon upgrade, which will cost $3.5 million this financial year, the Weinam Creek car park, which will cost $3.4 million, and another $1.5 million for the islands’ Green Seal program will help to significantly improve conditions for islanders,” Cr Williams said.

“These three key projects are critical to improving access to and around the Southern Moreton Bay islands, with the Russell Island pontoon the start of major marine transport infrastructure renewal program which will now to be accelerated to include upgrades to the jetties, gangways and pontoons at Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra islands over three years.

“One of Redlands Coast’s largest-ever marine projects, this partnership with the Department of Transport and Main Roads will have significant transport, tourism and recreational benefits for the region.

“Another $795,000 will be spent on the Canaipa Point Drive off-road footpath on Russell Island, with $259,000 allocated to upgrade Macleay Island Community Park.

“Island waiting sheds and bus shelters will be upgraded at a cost of $404,000.”

Other major island projects include the upgrade of Point Lookout’s Headland Park on North Stradbroke Island ($1.1 million) and park and streetscape asset renewal on Coochiemudlo Island ($270,000).

Go to our website at redland.qld.gov.au/budget for full budget information.

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Massive boost to make it easier to get around Redlands Coast


June 25, 2020

More than half of Redland City Council’s projected record capital spend for 2020-21 will go towards transport and traffic solutions, with a dozen big-ticket projects and programs alone costing more than $30 million.

The capital outlay in today’s budget also has a strong focus on active transport options, with more than $5.8 million directed at footpaths and cycleways alone to make it easier for our community to leave the car at home and get on their bikes or head out for walks.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council would continue to work with the state and federal governments to bring forward further funding for a multi-million-dollar catalogue of other shovel-ready road and transport infrastructure projects.

“The $80 million in budgeted capital expenditure is expected to hit a record more than $90 million once carry-over funds and anticipated state and federal assistance is factored in,” Cr Williams said.

“More than $9 million will be injected into the city’s Road Renewal Program, with $1.8 million going to Regional Road Alliance Program projects and another $1.7 million to the Roads to Recovery Program.

“Another $1.5 million will go towards our bus shelter and seat renewal program and $525,000 for the Cleveland Rail bus station. We want to encourage more residents to use public transport than just have machines laying bitumen.

“Our island communities will benefit from the start of a $28.6 million two-year project to upgrade the jetties, gangways and pontoons at Russell, Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra islands, with $3.5 million for the Russell island project.

“At Weinam Creek, the gateway to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, we have dedicated $3.4 million for the carpark development, and we have committed another $1.5 million to the sealing of island roads.

“All this is not only vital to our island residents but also to the development of a sustainable tourism industry to support local jobs creation.”

Cr Williams said Redlands Coast’s great attraction – its waterways and foreshores – came with a substantial cost.

“With more than 335km of coastline, our operating maintenance costs for marine infrastructure, including boat ramps and jetties, foreshore work and canals will total $8.5 million over and above the $10.2 million earmarked for capital works this financial year,” she said.

Cr Williams said Council was also seeking vital infrastructure commitments from the State Government under its Works for Queensland program and the Federal Government under its Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program and Financial Assistance Grants to add impetus to its infrastructure investment.

“We already have 64 projects worth almost $83 million that are shovel-ready and which, if funded, will support jobs growth and deliver improvements for our community,” Cr Williams said.

“These include community disaster resilience and infrastructure improvements worth
$10.4 million for North Stradbroke Island and $8.6 million for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, communities which have been particularly hard hit.

“It also includes millions of dollars’ worth of upgrades to the Redlands Coast transport network, including 6.2km of footpaths, 26km of resurfacing mainland roads and 3.7km of green seal for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands in the next financial year alone to help residents and visitors move around the city faster and safer.”

Major road, traffic and transport projects and programs

Road Renewal Program $9 million

Russell Island pontoon upgrade $3.5 million

Raby Bay revetment walls and groynes $3.7 million

Weinam Creek development carpark $3.4 million

Wellington Street and Panorama Drive road upgrade $3.3 million

Southern Redland Bay boat ramp $1.8 million

Regional Road Alliance Program $1.8 million

Roads to Recovery Program $1.7 million

Southern Moreton Bay Green Seal program $1.5 million

Bus shelter and seat renewal program $1.5 million

Canaipa Point Drive off-road footpath (Oasis Drive – Keats Street) Russell Island $795,000

Kinross Road upgrade, Thornlands $700,000

Main Road, Wellington Point, footpath and retaining wall upgrade $650,000

Cleveland Rail bus station $525,000

Moreton Bay Cycleway, Victoria Point (School Road – Pt O’Halloran Road) $500,000

Go to our website at redland.qld.gov.au/budget for full budget information.

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Suspension of parking infringement notices to end on Sunday 12 July


June 23, 2020

Redland City Council would like to advise that as COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease, the suspension of parking infringements at the city’s ferry terminals will end on Sunday 12 July.

Parking infringement notices in these areas will apply again from Monday 13 July.

A Council spokesperson said parking infringements had been suspended for some areas in the Redland Bay Marina car park and all timed parking areas at Toondah Harbour and the Victoria Point ferry terminal to assist residents who had a mainland vehicle and were self-isolating at home due to COVID-19.

“Council is pleased to have been able to support our geographically isolated island residents during the height of the COVID-19 travel restrictions,” the spokesperson said.

“Now, with the State Government having opened Queensland to travel and more people using the city’s marinas, Council must ensure parking is available for everyone at these car parks, so parking infringement notices will soon apply again.

“Areas at the Redland Bay Marina car park that had been changed from three day parking to 18 hour regulated parking will also revert to the previous three-day parking.”

The spokesperson said Council strongly encouraged the community to be mindful of the changed parking conditions that would apply at the city’s marina car parks from 13 July.

“Council urges drivers to ensure they have parked lawfully in accordance with regulatory signs and line marking before they leave their vehicles,” the spokesperson said.

“Parking infringements only apply in situations where local laws are not adhered to, and Council looks forward to Redlands Coast residents and visitors parking responsibly.”

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New ferry terminals to be delivered sooner


June 11, 2020

Four new ferry terminals on Redlands Coast will be delivered sooner and at an estimated cost saving of more than $5 million after Council this week agreed to bring forward the projects.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council’s decision would see the Southern Moreton Bay Island (SMBI) ferry terminals delivered about 12 months sooner than originally expected, delivering local jobs and saving residents money.

“This is an exciting partnership between Council and Transport and Main Roads that will see four new ferry terminals delivered for our Southern Moreton Bay Islands, helping residents move around our beautiful Redlands Coast faster and safer,” Cr Williams said.

“Through this partnership, TMR and Council have found a way to deliver the project sooner and in doing so save ratepayers $2 million, with a total saving of $5 million across the entire project, including State Government savings.

“The project still includes the original design of updating the jetties, gangways and pontoons, and repurposing existing ferry pontoons for recreational uses such as fishing and mooring.

“This is an exciting development that will also see more jobs created in the 2020/21 financial year, which is vital following the economic impacts of COVID-19.

“There are many benefits in this for Redlands Coast, and we are keen to see the project delivered as quickly as possible.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the Southern Moreton Bay Islands community had waited a long time to see the terminals receive the significant upgrades they needed.

“We are a city of islands, and the ferry terminals are vital for island residents and highly important to the Redlands Coast economy,” he said.

“Council and the State Government negotiated patiently over a long period of time for the best outcome possible for the community, and this new development will see that outcome realised sooner.”

Member for Redlands Kim Richards said she welcomed Council’s decision, which would deliver local jobs sooner.

“This decision means we can get the ferry terminal upgrades finished sooner for all our islands and create more local construction jobs when they’re needed most,” Ms Richards said.

“We’re expecting tenders for construction to go out in August, and this announcement will cut about a year off the time it will take to get the work done, so I can’t wait for our community to see work start on these upgrades that will create an enviable arrival and departure experience for our island communities.”

Cr Williams said that in other Council works brought forward, the Wharf Street, Cleveland car park was currently being resurfaced.

“Council took the opportunity during the recent travel ban to North Stradbroke Island to bring forward this important maintenance work, which was previously planned for the next financial year,” she said.

“This work is part of Council’s broader roads program and is expected to be completed soon, weather permitting.”

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A new bridge leads the way into the redevelopment of Weinam Creek


May 29, 2020

The first stage of the Weinam Creek Priority Development Area (PDA) is nearing completion, with the connecting footbridge between the north and south side of the marina expertly lowered into place recently.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the new footbridge would make a big difference to the lives of residents, providing a connection between the Weinam Creek ferry terminal and the new car park on Moores Road.

Mayor Karen Williams and Division 2 Councillor Mark Edwards

“We are very excited to see stage one of the Weinam Creek development coming to fruition,” Cr Williams said.

“This footbridge and the additional 500 car parking spaces provided at Moores Road will certainly help to ease the congested parking situation at the ferry terminal, as well as reducing congestion in local streets where people have been forced to park.

“Many residents have a car on the mainland as well as on the islands and this overflow parking area will be very convenient for longer-term parking, with an easy 5-10 minute walk over the footbridge to the ferry terminal.

“It will also enable somewhere for cars to be parked while work is carried out on the ferry terminal, allowing it to keep operating while the rest of the project is constructed.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the new car park and the connecting bridge would open in mid-June and were just the first stage of the Weinam Creek Priority Development Area.
“This ferry terminal is the gateway to our Southern Morton Bay islands (SMBI) and therefore a very important transport hub and this project will transform the area into an exciting and dynamic destination in its own right.

New footbridge going up and over Weinam Creek

“The Weinam Creek project will provide important community infrastructure for local families and retail options to attract visitors, as well as important community services such as medical facilities and employment opportunities.”

Cr Williams said the Council had a clear vision for the Weinam Creek PDA precinct that responded to the community’s needs.

“This staged development is being delivered in partnership with Redland Investment Corporation and includes more open space; new pedestrian and cycle ways; rejuvenation of existing parkland; more car parks with a multi-storey park proposed for the later stage of the development; improved drop off and storage facilities for island residents and visitors; a new boat ramp to separate emergency and public access; and a mix of residential and retail spaces including cafes, restaurants and potential for a medical precinct,” Cr Williams said.

“The next stage of the development is lodging the final master plan with Economic Development Queensland in mid-2020, followed by further public notification and communication from late 2020.

“This Priority Development Area will further improve liveability in this beautiful area of Redlands Coast and also create jobs and drive economic development.”

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Changed parking conditions at marina and ferry car parks


May 1, 2020

To assist Redlands Coast island residents who are self-isolating due to COVID-19, Redland City Council has suspended parking infringement notices for some timed parking areas within the Redland Bay Marina car park and all timed parking areas at Toondah Harbour and the Victoria Point ferry terminal car park.

The suspension does not apply to non-timed parking including disabled parking spaces, loading zones, boat trailer parking, parking other than in a marked bay, or the parking spaces at Weinam Creek highlighted on the attached map.

Mayor Karen Williams said the changes would help support Redlands Coast’s island communities.

“Council is aware of the challenges faced by our island communities due to their geographic isolation,” she said.

“Worrying about potential parking fines while they are isolating to help slow the spread of COVID-19 is a worry these residents don’t need.

The suspension of timed parking infringements at ferry terminal car parks will continue until further notice and Council will advise the community publicly in advance before recommencing them.”

The area highlighted on the Weinam Creek map will be changed from three-day parking to 18-hour regulated parking to assist regular commuters.

Mayor Williams said: “We ask that residents who have cars parked long-term in the highlighted area at Weinam Creek move their vehicles as soon as possible to accommodate the needs of regular commuters.

“Council will soon be in contact with people who have cars parked in that area who have not had the opportunity to move their vehicles.”

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Government investment critical for future Redlands Coast transport improvements


February 12, 2020

Redland City Council will lobby the State Government to establish a Public Transit Authority and increase investment in State roads after adopting the Redlands Coast Transport Strategy today.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the development of the strategy over the past eighteen months had included substantial stakeholder and community engagement.

“While the Strategy identifies Council led priorities, including trunk infrastructure and travel behaviour priorities, it has again highlighted the State’s influence over critical Redland transport priorities.

“Not surprisingly, the strategy review and engagement identified the priority for investments in the Eastern Busway and Cleveland rail duplication, as well as essential upgrades to the state road network.

“Engagement also showed a disconnect between different public transport modes such as ferries and buses, and in response, we will advocate for the State to establish a Public Transit Authority to oversee all Public Transport operations and investment across the region.

“Recently, I have spoken with several public transport operators who all believe a Public Transit Authority would help coordinate services and investment across the region, delivering better results for passengers.

“Nowhere is the need for this coordination more evident than our city of islands where residents often have to catch multiple modes of transport.

“Nothing is more frustrating than wasting time waiting at a bus stop because the bus timetable doesn’t line up with the ferry, or even worse seeing the bus pull away just as the ferry arrives.

Cr Williams said the transport strategy highlighted a need for increased funding for State roads and public transport in and out of the city.

“While more than 60 per cent of our workers commute out of the city each day, only 14 per cent are willing to do so by public transport, directly reflecting community frustration with poor service frequency, travel time and connectivity.

“Essential state road improvement priorities identified in the review, include Capalaba intersections, Cleveland Redland Bay Road, Finucane Road – Shore Street and Mount Cotton Road – Boundary Road.

“While the Redlands Coast Transport Strategy has highlighted the importance of advocacy for substantial transport network investments by Government, it has also focused on priorities to address transport and travel behaviours at the local level.

“Council is actively working on initiatives including local area transport planning, rideshare, autonomous vehicle trials and modelling changes to parking and our urban landscape connectivity to encourage higher public transport, walkability and cycling use.

“Ultimately though, achieving these Redland Coast Transport priorities requires Queensland Government collaboration and a significant step-up in State investment in our shared transport future.”

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$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.

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