Category Archives: Tourism

Council closures during COVID-19 lockdown

July 31, 2021

The Queensland Government has today announced a three-day lockdown due to COVID-19 for 11 local government areas across south-east Queensland, including Redland City.

Redland City Council’s essential services will continue during the lockdown, with other services operating online or closing for the duration of the lockdown, which is currently from 4pm Saturday 31 July to 4pm Tuesday 3 August 2021.

Kerbside rubbish collection and recycling and waste centres will continue to operate, but now is not the time for a general clean-up.

Other south-east Queensland local government areas affected by the health directive are Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Somerset, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and Gold Coast.

Queensland Health has advised that from 4pm today, people in these areas will be required to stay at home except for essential purposes, including buying food and medications, accessing health care or providing support, exercising locally, and undertaking essential work and study that cannot be done from home.

Masks must be carried everywhere and worn in all indoor spaces and outdoors spaces, except where exemptions apply. Please keep informed by visiting the Queensland Health website.

Under the restrictions, the following Redland City Council services will move online or close to the public from today Saturday 31 July 2021 until close of business on Tuesday 3 August 2021, pending further advice from the Queensland Government.

This includes:

Council’s Customer Service Centres
Customer Service Centres at Cleveland, Capalaba and Victoria Point will be closed for the duration of the lockdown, but Council’s online and telephone services will continue.

Council’s Customer Contact Centre is available for all phone enquiries on (07) 3829 8999 Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm, excluding public holidays.

Libraries
Redland Libraries closed at 12pm Saturday 31 July, but the libraries’ extensive online services will continue, including e-books, e-audio books, e-magazines, music, movies and children’s stories.

Return chutes will also be closed with loan and hold periods extended. No late fees will be incurred. To access our digital library services, visit our website or download the app from the App Store or Play Store.

Art Galleries
Council’s Art Galleries will be closed for the duration of the lockdown.

RPAC

Redland Performing Arts Centre will be closed for the duration of the lockdown. All scheduled performances and workshops have been postponed. See RPAC website www.rpac.com.au for latest performance updates.

IndigiScapes Centre
Closed.

Visitor Information Centre
While the Visitor Information Centre at Raby Bay closed at 12pm Saturday 31 July, information will still be available by phone on 1300 667 386 or visit the Redlands Coast website.

Redland Animal Shelter
The gates to Redland Animal Shelter will be closed, with onsite staff available for appointments and emergency drop-offs only.

Community halls
Indoor venues, including community halls, will be closed.

Public swimming pools
Cleveland Aquatic Centre will be closed. Bay Islands Aquatic Centre is already closed for winter.

RecycleWorld
RecycleWorld at Redland Bay Recycling and Waste Centre will be closed.

Recycling and Waste Centres

While our Recycling and Waste Centres remain open, Council urges residents to avoid generating unnecessary waste and avoid visiting the facilities unless absolutely necessary. Social distancing and safety requirements apply.

More information
Watch Council’s website and social media for updates. The Queensland Government is the lead agency in managing the public health response to COVID-19.

For more information about the health directive and the latest health advice, visit health.qld.gov.au

Celebration of all things Olympic at Live event

July 26, 2021

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams at Redlands Coast Olympics Live in Cleveland, Sunday 25 July.

Redlands Coast residents turned out to celebrate an Olympics double in Cleveland on Sunday and continue to watch the big screen at Bloomfield Street Park for the Olympics Live action.

Not only were they there to cheer on our Aussie team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, including Redlands Coast sailor Mara Stransky, but also to celebrate Wednesday’s announcement that Brisbane and Redlands Coast will host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams told the crowd at Olympics Live Presented by Westpac in Bloomfield Street Park that having the 2032 Games come to the south east was “beyond exciting”.

“Redlands Coast will be an event venue city. The Brisbane 2032 Olympics Canoe Slalom events will be held at our purpose-built Redland Whitewater Centre,” Cr Williams said.

“This will be a fantastic opportunity, not only for us to enjoy the spectacle and excitement of a Games event here in our city, but also to showcase our wonderful Redlands Coast to the world.”

Paralympian Daniel Fox, Olympian Andrew Trim and Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club president John Simpson were guest speakers at the Sunday morning forum emceed by Ranger Stacey and with a performance by the Cleveland Air Magic skippers.

Daniel Fox, who retired from swimming in June this year, inspired youngsters in the audience to get involved in sport.

“The Brisbane 2032 Olympics could be the moment that inspires kids to get involved in sport,” he said.

Paralympian Daniel Fox at Redlands Coast Olympics Live in Cleveland.

“If you’ve got a goal and love a sport, stick at it, keep going and give 110 per cent in training.”

Andrew Trim congratulated Redlands Coast on being announced as the host city for the whitewater centre for the 2032 Olympics.

“The facility will bring many events to Redlands Coast – world cups and world exposure,” he said. “And it will also see lots of children training there.”

John Simpson said the whitewater centre would be an incredible opportunity to bring children into the sport.

“Younger generations will have the opportunity to really get involved because the opportunities are there,” he said.

“Olympians are just normal people – you have to believe it, dare to dream it, and picture yourself there because someone is going to be there, why not you?”

Olympics Live Redlands Coast, run by Redland City Council, continues at Bloomfield Street Park, Cleveland, 10am to 4pm daily until Friday 30 July. All of the excitement and achievements from the Tokyo Olympics will be shown live on a large LED screen.

Live appearances added to Olympics Live

July 22, 2021

Paralympian Daniel Fox and Olympian Andrew Trim will be guest speakers at a one-off forum being held during the Redlands Coast Olympics Live event.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams, who will also address this Sunday’s morning forum in central Cleveland, said the sportsmen – both long-time local residents – will join Wynnum-Redlands Canoe Club president John Simpson on a panel to discuss the importance of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“With Brisbane being named host of the 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games and with the Tokyo Olympics under way, what an exciting time to hear some real-life stories from these athletes,” Cr Williams said.

“Redlands Coast will be an event venue city for the Canoe Slalom events at the Brisbane 2032 Games, so it will be great to hear about the purpose-built Olympic-standard Redland Whitewater Centre that will be home to this exciting Olympic sport.”

Ranger Stacey will emcee the event which starts at 9.30am on Sunday 25 July and runs until 10am when that day’s Olympics Live Presented by Westpac broadcast starts.

Daniel Fox is a para-swimmer who competed in the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, and the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Andrew Trim is a past World Champion in kayaking having competed in three Olympic Games and winning medals in two, including a Silver at the last home Olympics in Sydney.

Olympics Live Redlands Coast at Bloomfield Street Park, Cleveland, will operate from 10am to 4pm, Saturday 24 July to Friday 30 July, with Sunday’s one-off forum coinciding with the popular Cleveland Markets.

The seven days of big screen viewing and Sunday activities are being run by Redland City Council.

Games come to Redlands Coast in 2032

July 21, 2021

The Olympics are coming to Redlands Coast in 2032.

With Brisbane being named as host city for the Games of the XXXV Olympiad, Redland City Mayor Karen Williams confirmed Redlands Coast would be an event venue city for the Canoe Slalom events at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“This is a fantastic opportunity, not only for locals to enjoy the spectacle and excitement of a Games event right in our city’s backyard, but also to showcase our wonderful Redlands Coast to the world,” Cr Williams said.

“A purpose-built Olympic-standard Redland Whitewater Centre to host the canoe slalom events 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.”

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced in Tokyo tonight that Brisbane had been selected to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Cr Williams said what was even more exciting about the whitewater venue is that it would be a legacy facility for generations to come.

“There is ample land for such a facility to be accompanied by other uses without having to impact the site’s important environmental and cultural values. Its overall legacy opportunities are compelling,” she said.

“Subject to vision development and master planning, the location for the Redland Whitewater Centre within the precinct is likely to be the area proximate to the vacant cleared land to the precinct’s northern corner, given the known values of the land and the opportunities it presents.

“Council will soon be able to share with the community the Vision for the Birkdale Community Precinct, which will capture and integrate the aspirations and ideas of the community as expressed through the recent community engagement.

“It is a large precinct that has space for many exciting projects that would enhance lifestyle and benefit communities and economies. The Redland Whitewater Centre, which has a small footprint and will be on already cleared land, would be just one of several community ventures and activities that the 62-hectare site could accommodate.”

Cr Williams said similar Olympic facilities elsewhere had demonstrated substantial local community and economic benefits, including during construction and for ongoing operation.

“It will bring forward important transport infrastructure, in particular, the much-needed duplication of the Cleveland railway line and the completion of the Eastern Busway to Capalaba,” Cr Williams said.

“The Redlands Coast Adventure Sports Precinct is identified as a catalyst project in Our Redlands – A Corporate Plan to 2026 and Beyond.

“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 to be used as a swift-water rescue training facility for emergency services.”

Australian Olympic Team paddler Jessica Fox who will compete in the Canoe Slalom events in Tokyo said the 2032 Olympics decision was an “amazing opportunity”.

“We all know the impact the Sydney Olympics had on all of us, on sport in Australia, the general public, so to see it come home would be amazing. It’s something the kids, watching the Olympics today, could look forward to in a few years’ time,” the three-time Olympian said from the athletes’ village in Tokyo.

“It’s incredible to think of a new whitewater venue in Redlands Coast. It would be amazing for the sport, for the community, tourism and for the general public wanting to try something new.

“We’ve seen the impact Penrith (Whitewater Stadium in NSW) has had on us and our sport and to have another world class venue in Australia would be incredible.

“We see this venue here (in Tokyo) and it would just be amazing to have that back home in Redlands Coast.”

Fellow Australian team member at the Tokyo Olympics, Russell Island-raised sailor Mara Stransky said Brisbane’s selection for 2032 was “fantastic for Australian sport in so many ways”.

“It’s the 8-year-old of today who we can be really proud of when the Olympics come here,” she said.

Stransky, 22, who will compete in the Laser Radial class in Tokyo, said an Olympics whitewater centre in Redlands Coast would be a great asset for the city.

Cr Williams said Redlands Coast residents had the chance to cheer on the Australian Olympic team in Tokyo during the Olympics Live free event to be held in Cleveland from this Saturday (24 July).

“There will be a large LED screen set up in Bloomfield Street Park broadcasting all of the excitement and achievements from the Tokyo Olympics live,” she said.

Olympics Live Presented by Westpac Redlands Coast at Bloomfield Street Park, Cleveland, will operate from 10am to 4pm, Saturday 24 July to Friday 30 July.

Cr Williams said the Council of Mayors (SEQ), which has been instrumental in the Brisbane 2032 proposal, had good reason to celebrate their success.

“The Games are predicted to deliver some $8.1 billion in economic and social benefits for Queensland, and $17.6 billion nationally,” Cr Williams said.

For more Olympics information, go to redland.qld.gov.au/olympics

What exactly is the event that Redlands Coast will host in 2032?

The sport of canoe slalom, in which competitors in canoes and kayaks navigate a series of whitewater rapid challenges, was modelled from ski slalom and began in Switzerland in 1932. In its early days, it was first performed on flat water but later switched to whitewater rapids. In canoe slalom the boats are small, light and agile, allowing for greater manoeuvrability through rapids.

Canoe slalom made its debut at the 1972 Munich Games. Slalom racing was not competed again in the Olympic Games until the 1992 Barcelona Games. Canoe slalom racers compete in four events, three for men and one for women, over the same course.

Olympics Live comes to Redlands Coast

July 16, 2021

Redlands Coast will be able to cheer on the Australian Olympic team in Tokyo during the Olympics Live free event to be held in Cleveland from 24 July.

Mayor Karen Williams said the Olympics Live Presented by Westpac event was a great opportunity for the city to gather and support our Olympians.

“There will be a large LED screen set up in Bloomfield Street Park broadcasting all of the excitement and achievements from the Tokyo Olympics live,” Cr Williams said.

“Due to the global pandemic, spectators will not be in attendance at the Tokyo Games, so it will be more important than ever for our athletes to know Australians are cheering them on at home.”

Olympics Live Redlands Coast at Bloomfield Street Park, Cleveland, will operate from 10am to 4pm, Saturday 24 July to Friday 30 July. Spectator seating will be available.

The result of the International Olympic Committee’s vote on the host for the 2032 Olympic Games will be announced on Wednesday 21 July, three days ahead of Olympics Live at Redlands Coast.

The IOC’s vote has the potential to be transformational for Queensland and the Olympic and Paralympic games.

Redlands Coast will be home to an Olympic venue for the 2032 Olympic Canoe Slalom events should Brisbane be named as host.

Matt Carroll AM, CEO of the Australian Olympic Committee, said Olympics Live at Redlands Coast presented a great opportunity to re-unite through sport.

“We’re really excited to see Redlands Coast embracing Olympics Live, and I thank Cr Williams for supporting the ongoing development of sport within their community,” Mr Carroll said.

“Olympics Live will present an opportunity to re-connect as a community and embrace the Olympic spirit.”

Olympics Live Redlands Coast will be part of a large network of live sites across the country being set-up next week.

Point Lookout Gorge Walk update – still great viewing

June 29, 2021

You can still keep a lookout for whales from the Point Lookout Gorge Walk during whale watching season until November.

Council is working on plans to reconstruct a damaged section roughly in the middle of the Point Lookout Gorge Walk at North Stradbroke Island.

Council closed a section of the Gorge Walk in late March after significant rainfall damaged a section of the foundations on the southern side of the centre bridge.

However most of the walk, one of the southern hemisphere’s best land-based whale watching vantage points, can still be completed.

Analysis has confirmed that a 25 metre section of the boardwalk will require extensive reconstruction, including the installation of new foundations into the underlying rock.

This is a difficult area in which to undertake works and, at the same time, protect its beautiful surrounds.

Heavy earth moving equipment cannot be used and it is believed works will have to be undertaken by hand.

Council is seeking contractors to undertake the work and will be able to provide further information, including a timeline and costs, once a contractor has been engaged.

Until the works are completed the Gorge Walk will remain partially closed.

However the majority of the Gorge Walk remains open to tourists and locals, with entry points at both the southern and northern ends. The damaged section is located roughly in the middle of the walk.

The Gorge Walk offers multiple vantage points to experience the stunning scenery and abundant wildlife on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), but Council urges everyone to take heed of the site safety signage and not enter the closed area.

Residents and visitors are advised to stay on the designated trail and not attempt to bypass or cut through the closed section, as it sits over a steep section of the headland.

A fall could result in serious injury and sensitive vegetation is also present in the area.

Until the boardwalk fully reopens, read the signs and be safe, and enjoy our wonderful Redlands Coast.

There’s more to explore next door on your winter holiday

June 18, 2021

Redland City Council’s new tourism campaign is set to promote Redlands Coast as an ideal winter holiday destination for the Queensland domestic market.

Mayor Karen Williams said the campaign would highlight some of the major attractions sitting right next door to the rest of southeast Queensland.

“Visitors can experience more with a getaway to Redlands Coast this winter,” Cr Williams said.

“We want the rest of southeast Queensland to know that there’s more to explore – and it’s right next door!”

Cr Williams said Redlands Coast offered whale watching, glamping and camping options, coastal adventures and island escapes.

“Whales have just started their migration, and Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) offers some of the best land-based whale watching vantage points in the Southern Hemisphere,” Cr Williams said.

“While on Minjerribah, visitors can also take an Aboriginal Cultural Walk with a Quandamooka guide and hear sacred stories dating back more than 21,000 years.”

The hour-long tours explore local bush tucker and medicinal bush plants. But you are also likely to spot some of the island’s native wildlife – from garumun (kangaroos) and Buangan (dolphins) to bunbiya (turtles), mirigingah-banggau (eagle rays) and miringinpah (sea eagles) – depending on which tour you take.

“Redlands Coast is the place to visit if you are after an island escape,” Cr Williams said.

“Why not try a family beach holiday on Coochiemudlo Island or step out for some barefoot bowls on Macleay Island?

“We are lucky enough to have an amazing 335km of coastline and, with fast ferry services available to all our islands, it’s a definitely a destination worth exploring.”

Cr Williams said visitors could also indulge their culinary senses by checking out the thriving local food scene – from hidden bars and micro-breweries to gluten-free delights, breakfast hotspots and dinner options.

“From fish and chips on the waterfront to tasty curries, wood-fired pizzas, relaxed cellar door meals, Italian pasta and fine restaurant dining, Redlands Coast has something to satisfy your tastebuds,” she said.

“The Redlands Coast online food trail directory is a great place to begin your culinary journey.”
For art lovers, there are a number of galleries to explore along the Redlands Coast art trails.

“Redland Art Gallery holds multiple exhibitions at Cleveland and Capalaba, showcasing innovative and culturally diverse exhibitions,” Cr Williams said.

“At Cleveland you can visit The Old Schoolhouse Gallery, run by local artists and offering plenty of artwork to purchase, while the volunteer-run Redland Yurara Art Society holds monthly rotating exhibitions from its Thornlands studio and gallery.

“Minjerribah reveals its rich Quandamooka history and culture through art and place marking, and several galleries feature work by local artists, while the four Southern Moreton Bay Islands are a haven for artists and creatives.

“As well as being home to hundreds of talented resident artists, the islands of Macleay (Jencommercha), Karragarra, Lamb (Ngudooroo) and Russell (Canaipa) feature private art collections, galleries and public art installations.”

If you are after a chance to reconnect with nature, then there are plenty of options – from guided eco-education tours by Ranger Stacey at the IndigiScapes Centre, to a sunset picnic at Wellington Point or bushwalking through many of the nature reserves.

“For the more adventurous, check out the hinterland mountain bike, hiking and horse riding trails,” Cr Williams said.

“There are more than 60km of tracks in the Bayview Conservation Area which is home to koalas, goannas, glossy black cockatoos, wallabies and powerful owls.

“Other options include the 239ha of natural conservation bushland at Redlands Track Park, along with the many kilometres of off-road cycling routes across the Redlands Coast.

“For coastal adventures on the water, there are a number of canoe and kayak launching pontoons if you have your own water craft. Or check out the waters of Moreton Bay by hiring a standup paddleboard, canoe or kayak from one of the local waterfront businesses.”

Cr Williams said that for visitors wishing to stay a little longer than a day trip, Redlands Coast offered a multitude of accommodation options.

“From coastal cottages on the waterfront on Macleay Island, to glamping at Sirromet winery and beachfront resorts on Minjerribah there is something to suit everyone,” she said.

For more ideas on naturally wonderful places to visit on Redlands Coast, go to https://www.redlandscoast.com.au/

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.”

Council lights up historic Cleveland Point lighthouse

May 27, 2021

The historic Cleveland Point lighthouse has become a well-lit beacon once again with the installation of programmable coloured lighting.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the lighthouse was already an iconic Redlands Coast attraction and the lighting would further enhance its popularity.

“The lighthouse was built about 1865 and is the only remaining timber-structured, timber-clad 19th century lighthouse in Moreton Bay,” she said.

“It is a popular photo backdrop for visitors to Cleveland Point Reserve, often features in the media and on live television crosses for weather reports and is a recognizable part of Redlands Coast.

“Council has now added programmable lights to the base of the lighthouse and feature lighting on the upper deck.

“While on most nights the lighting will remain cool white, in homage to its historic past, there will be an option to change the colour to support special causes, for example pink for breast cancer awareness month or orange to support our SES volunteers.”

Mayor Karen Williams and Cr Peter Mitchell at Cleveland Point lighthouse.

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell, who supported the $100,000 project with funding through the Community Infrastructure Program, said there had been strong community support to light up the lighthouse.

“Residents told me they wanted to see it lit up, to highlight the fact it is the only clearly visible reminder of Cleveland Point’s role in the early shipping on Moreton Bay,” Cr Mitchell said.

“Cleveland Point Reserve is one of Redlands Coast’s destination parks, popular with families and for wedding ceremonies, and lighting up the lighthouse will make it even more attractive to residents and visitors.

“The lighthouse may no longer serve as a navigational aid for coastal steamers on the bay, but I am sure it will prove an irresistible beacon for land-based travellers.”

The park near the lighthouse has also received an upgrade, worth about $220,000, with the installation of new double barbecues which are wheelchair-accessible from all sides, up-lighting to trees, the addition of a spinner to the play area, and new bollards, signage and bins.

Council to call for expressions of interest for short stay facility for RVs

May 20, 2021

Redland City Council will progress investigations for short stay facilities for self-contained recreational vehicles (RVs) and caravans on Redlands Coast by inviting expressions of interest (EOI) from community and not-for-profit organisations.

Mayor Karen Williams said the move, adopted at this week’s General Meeting, followed finalisation of an Economic Needs Assessment (ENA) which found there was a definite need for, and clear economic benefits from, a short-stay facility for RVs.

The ENA identified a preferred operational model, and 20 potential sites on private and public land.

“The RV traveller market has been identified as one of the fastest growing tourism sectors in the last 15 years and we need to ensure our naturally wonderful Redlands Coast caters for the needs of this market,” Cr Williams said.

“These low-cost basic camping grounds are planned for short stays of three to five days for self-contained RVs and caravans.

“While the sites may generally provide base infrastructure it is not required that they include all the services of a caravan park such as toilets, showers, camp kitchen, laundry or kiosk facilities.

“The recommendation is that it be a permanent all-year-round facility, and that Council outsource the operation and management to a not-for-profit or community organisation, preferably one with ‘branding’ to ensure confidence in terms of the standard of visitor experience.

“It’s also important to note that such a facility is not expected to unduly impact on current caravan parks and Council will continue to support and work with existing commercial campground and caravan park operators.”

The ENA estimated there was demand for a facility accommodating between 20 and 25 RVs and caravans.

“The assessment showed that even a small facility could attract an extra 4100 visitors to our region each year, spending an extra $130,000 with our local businesses and tourism operators,” Cr Williams said.

“These flow-on benefits could increase if the facility was managed by a well-known branded not-for-profit or community organisation on a site close to shops, dining and entertainment with good access to the bay, and a curated experience to tourist attractions on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) and the mainland.”

Council has developed a fact sheet to assist not-for-profit and community organisations that may be interested in providing suitable short-term stay options.

The timing of the EOI process is subject to resource availability. A report outlining the outcomes of the process will be brought back to a future Council meeting.

Redland City Council News

The latest news from Redland City Council