Category Archives: Uncategorized

Vote to help make Redlands Coast Queensland’s Top Tourism Town


April 14, 2021

Redlands Coast needs your vote to become Queensland’s Top Tourism Town.

Mayor Karen Williams said she was thrilled the city had been named a finalist in the 2021 Queensland Tourism Industry Council Tourism Award Program, which is aimed at recognising the state’s outstanding destinations.

“Now we need the community to show how proud they are of Redlands Coast and get behind our city so we can win the Queensland Top Tourism Town award and help our tourism and hospitality businesses,” Cr Williams said.

“Votes help determine the winner, with a total of 70 per cent to be decided by the public, so your vote is vital.

“To be inspired by our naturally wonderful Redlands Coast you need only look at the world-class experiences on your doorstep, and so close to the Brisbane CBD.

“We are home to the world’s second largest sand island, Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island, that is teeming with marine life, where you can swim with manta rays, watch whales from one of the best land-based whale watching site in the southern hemisphere and spot turtles, dugongs and dolphins.

With 335km of coastline, it is no wonder the Redlands Coast is such a popular playground.

“Redlands Coast is also home to one of the world’s oldest living cultures, with the Quandamooka people delivering immersive cultural tours and experiences for visitors and locals alike.

“With 335km of coastline, it is no wonder the city is a playground for those who love coastal, island and water adventures including sailing, boating, snorkelling, diving, fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, making the King Island walk at Wellington Point and visiting our other unique islands.

“Ride the ferry to Coochiemudlo Island or our Southern Moreton Bay Islands, get afloat in Moreton Bay Marine Park, or stretch out on our many hinterland trails and bayside walks.

“Or visit our national parks and rainforest, go mountain bike or horse riding, shop at our unique villages, and enjoy the food and view at the oldest licensed pub in Queensland, the Grand View Hotel, and Queensland’s largest, award-winning winery, Sirromet.

“Our region’s world-class natural and eco-cultural treasures, hidden gems and a friendly, welcoming vibe are the perfect mix for a thriving visitor economy that will also help tourism and businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Cr Williams congratulated the tourism industry that works together to develop packages and promotions to encourage visitors to Redlands Coast.

Each year more than 1.2 million visitors come to Redlands Coast, injecting $228 million into the economy and supporting more than 2000 jobs.

In March this year, Redland City Council’s latest tourism video, Redlands Coast on Quandamooka Country, won an international gong and catapulted the region on to the world stage.

The video won the Best Cultural Tourism award in Japan World’s Tourism Film Festival and was developed as part of Council’s Reconnect on Redlands Coast campaign to help the tourism industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The campaign was viewed more than 2.57 million times and tourism operators reported an increase in both out-of-region visitors and Redlands Coast residents booking holidays and staycations on Redlands Coast.

To cast your vote for Redlands Coast, visit Council’s website or head straight to the QTIC website.

Voters will be in the draw to win a $2000 Apollo Motorhome travel package.

Voting closes 26 April 2021. Winners will be announced in May.  The state winners will represent Queensland at the national awards and have the opportunity to be named Australia’s Top Tourism Town!

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Nature-based thinking around the future of Birkdale Community Precinct


April 9, 2021

With Birkdale Community Precinct rich in protected ecology and environmental values, Redland City Council is encouraging people to consider the area’s natural assets as they imagine and share their ideas for future uses of the land.

The precinct sits within an ecological corridor along the lower Tingalpa and Coolnwynpin Creek catchments and links with a broader network of conservation reserves and protected areas, with almost two-thirds of the precinct being protected by an environmental covenant.

Mayor Karen Williams said the 62-hectare site had potential for a huge variety of community uses, providing they were respectful of the land’s ecology and environment.

“The protections mean the precinct’s habitat, wildlife and heritage will be safe and the community keeps the beautiful greenbelt we now see wrapping around the meandering Tingalpa Creek. I want to make it really clear that these areas are preserved for future generations and will be enhanced and connected to make areas of outstanding ecological importance to our wildlife,” Cr Williams said.

“That doesn’t exclude the community from being able to access and enjoy these beautiful areas in the future, as some low-impact ‘tread-lightly’ ideas that are respectful of their environment are possible. The community will always be the custodians of this protected conservation area which covers almost 40 hectares of the precinct, so how can it be best enjoyed perhaps through education and discovery opportunities?

“It brings to mind such endeavours as interactive nature walks, both day and night-time, and small scale, eco-friendly stay options, such as camping, glamping, perhaps even tree-house accommodation that help facilitate citizen science projects.

“These are just a few of the possible uses and we invite the community to help build the future by sharing their ideas for the site with us. The precinct offers wonderful opportunities for us to transform this site into an environmentally and family-friendly conservation and recreational area that we can all be proud of.”

Cr Williams said Council had undertaken extensive environmental and cultural studies and had implemented management plans for the precinct to protect its unique values.

“There is also the opportunity to enhance habitat connections throughout the site and beyond which is really how we can elevate the importance and quality of the ecology on the land beyond just a single patch,” she said.

“Some of the precinct’s areas that fall under a Community Facilities zone have minimal identified environmental values, allowing potential community uses amid the naturally wonderful environment across the precinct.”

Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop said one thing COVID-19 had reminded us all of was the importance of people reconnecting – with themselves and family, within nature.

“In my view, the Birkdale Community Precinct site continues to remind us of the lessons that nature has been offering well before and since European arrival,” Cr Bishop said.

“Set within ancient land and cradled in the curves of a beautiful creek, this area offers an amazing opportunity for individuals and families to reframe our appreciation of economy, ecology and land use planning, as we reconnect with bountiful ecosystems within this place.”

Lat27 director Damian Thompson said reconnecting with nature had become even more critical in recent times as we travelled less and focussed more on our own back yards.

“This site presents an incredible opportunity to connect locals and visitors alike with the unique, largely unknown ecological attributes of this stretch of Tingalpa Creek,” he said.

Mr Thompson was one of five urban design and landscape architecture teams who created ideas boards for the precinct based around themes inherent to the site. His theme was Ecology and Environment.

A June 2020 study of the site’s ecology, commissioned by Redland City Council, discovered 219 flora species on the precinct, of which 146 were considered native species, and a total of 38 fauna species.

Future uses for the area will nurture and continue protecting these flora and fauna species.

The existing native vegetation identified in the report included native foods such as brush cherry, berry saltbush, ruby saltbush, native asparagus, kangaroo grass, warrigal greens (New Zealand spinach) and wombat berry.

For more information about Council’s community consultation on your input into possible future uses for Birkdale Community Precinct, visit yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au – see expert urban designers’ ideas, watch the videos, read the fact sheets, take a virtual tour of the precinct, and have your say.

Two open days when the community will have the rare opportunity to tour the site firsthand are planned for Friday April 16 and Saturday April 17, from 10am to 4pm. Full details on yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au

Consultation closes on Tuesday 4 May 2021.

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Council calls for interest in new Active Travel Group membership.


April 9, 2021

Redland City Council is calling for community input to help build an active and healthy Redlands Coast.

Mayor Karen Williams said the expression of interest (EOI) process for membership of the Redlands Coast Active Travel Group was designed to allow the new group to convene from mid-2021.

“Our aim is to identify organisations and individuals who can help us build a more connected, active and healthy Redlands Coast,” Cr Williams said.

“Active travel can help to encourage community-friendly public spaces, improve productivity, health and wellbeing.

“It can also contribute to reducing the burden of parking and transport infrastructure dominated by cars.

“We are looking to the new group members’ advocacy and passion to help drive and support active travel and transport infrastructure and innovation.

“We want our organisation and the Redlands Coast community to be an example of an environmentally sustainable and transport-resilient community.”

Chair of the new Active Travel Group, Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell, said the new reference group would focus on all active travel modes.

“The rising popularity of scooters is just one example of an active travel mode used in many urban areas for both recreation and journeys to work.

“The new reference group will help Council form strategic partnerships with community and transport groups and help to advocate for more active travel opportunities or projects of benefit to the Redlands Coast.

“This includes pedestrian access and safety within our villages and centres and all ages mobility issues encompassing personal mobility devices.”

Division 10 Councillor and Deputy Chair of the new group, Cr Paul Bishop, said Council’s decision to establish the reference group scope was a clear call to action for those in the community with a passion for more active travel.

“More diverse active travel planning will help to shape the future character of our unique Redlands Coast and the way we move between and within our urban villages, as we celebrate our city’s naturally wonderfully environment,” Cr Bishop said.

“For this process to be a success we need genuine input from those most directly affected – our community.”

To express your interest in being a member of the Active Travel Group, please go to Council’s Yoursay Redland Coast website. The EOI closes on 30 April 2021.

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Council recycles road materials to create better roads


April 8, 2021

Redland City Council is using recycled road materials to deliver better road conditions for the community.

Mayor Karen Williams said the re-use of profilings (the waste by-product collected when roads are resealed) offered a number of benefits to both Council and road users.

“Recycling the profilings and using them in place of gravel not only results in cost savings for Council, but also offers a high quality structural surface and reduces dust,” she said.

“Profilings are a mix of surface bitumen and asphalt and some of the gravel below which are removed as part of the road resealing process, and are reused as part of Council’s support of the circular economy, where materials and products are recirculated for as long as possible.

“They have been used to build Council roads on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) for the past few years as part of the Green Seal program.

“We have also completed several big projects on the mainland, including Billiau Road in Mount Cotton and School of Arts Road in Redland Bay, which used thousands of cubic metres of profilings.”

The road profilings are screened and stored at Council’s quarry and then transported to sites as required.

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said profilings had also been used for SMBI road maintenance for about the past two years.

“There is a need for continuous maintenance of unsealed gravel roads and roadside drains on the islands and Council’s road maintenance crews use road profilings – laying it, watering and rolling it to form a better surface,” Cr Edwards said.

“The profilings compact and hold better, reduce dust and have greater longevity than gravel alone.”

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Work progresses on new Redlands Coast fibre network


April 8, 2021

A new fibre network will deliver high-speed connectivity across Redlands Coast as the region looks towards driving a post-COVID future economy.

Mayor Karen Williams said the network would initially connect five major Redland City Council sites while Council continued investigating how spare fibre bandwidth could help improve internet connections for local businesses and residents.

“A reliable and fast internet service is crucial for local business, particularly following the disruptions presented in a COVID-19 era,” Cr Williams said.

“Fast connectivity will allow more start-up businesses to base themselves on Redlands Coast while also helping established businesses pivot and work towards a broader customer base.

“COVID-19 has changed working behaviour, with working from home becoming a viable option, so a fibre network that looks to the future is crucial if we want to provide opportunity for long-term changes to the way we work and live.”

Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce President Rebecca Young said Redlands Coast had a “real opportunity” to position itself as being very attractive to business and industry.

“If we are going to position ourselves in terms of investment appeal, and if we want to become more aggressive in that space of attracting businesses to create job growth, we are going to need a fast and reliable network service,” Ms Young said.

“Redlands Business Park is our main commercial and industrial land space on Redlands Coast and connectivity is important to continue the growth of existing businesses and attract others into the space.”

Ms Young said COVID-19 had also forced many local businesses to think about securing a broader customer base.

“Even if a business has a local bricks and mortar retail outlet on Redlands Coast, having the ability to be connected globally is going to keep people afloat in uncertain times,” she said.

“It is certainly important that businesses can remain strong locally, but when we have restrictions placed on how we can operate, lockdowns and border closures, we need to think more broadly about a customer base.

“Fast speed internet connectivity opens up more opportunities, not only for start-up ventures to be based here, but for large-scale and global businesses to allow their employees to live here and work from home.

“Recent studies have been done post-COVID on decentralising urban centres. From that perspective, having fast internet availability on Redlands Coast makes that quite attractive.”

Cr Williams said the fibre network, funded through a $1 million State Government Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package grant, would initially connect a number of Council facilities in Cleveland and Capalaba, with the potential for it to extend to further Capalaba and Victoria Point sites in the future.

“In addition to saving Council $900,000 over the 20-year life of the infrastructure, this project will offer a number of key economic and community benefits to our city, including enhanced connectivity for our schools, hospital and other vital community infrastructure,” Cr Williams said.

“This is an example of what can be achieved when Council and the State Government work together and on behalf of the community I thank the State Government for investing in this important project.”

Construction of stage 1 is underway and expected to be completed by late May, weather permitting.

The Redlands Coast Fibre Network Expansion project is an initiative of the Queensland Government.

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Council spends $2.5 million on fire management for SMBI


April 7, 2021

Council is on track to spend more than $2.5 million on fire mitigation measures on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) since 2017.

Mayor Karen Williams said the fire management measures were an important component of Council’s annual disaster preparedness activities on the SMBI and in response to major fires on the islands in recent years.

“Major works have been undertaken on Council-owned land, and will continue, as part of our strategy to make the islands safer for residents,” she said.

“Council also works closely with the community and supports individual responsibility for fire safety on private properties.

“This includes community education and awareness campaigns and liaising with our Community Champions who help spread the safety message.”

This financial year, Council has budgeted almost $779,000 for all fire mitigation measures on the SMBI, including not only fuel reduction but also weed control, tree pruning, planned burning, fire trail maintenance and debris removal.

“This brings the total spend, since July 2017, to $2.502 million,” Cr Williams said.

“Following the implementation of all recommendations in the QFES Fire Management Plan Review Report, Council is planning an ongoing annual budget of $590,000 to maintain the fire management regime on the SMBI from next financial year – almost double what Council spent in the 2017-18 financial year.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said it was important to maintain fuel reduction zones, located between privately-owned properties containing structures and Council-owned bushland, to ensure access for response vehicles.

“The maintenance program includes slashing eight times during the year and uplift pruning of vegetation, which also helps to reduce the fuel area adjacent to private properties,” he said.

Cr Edwards said there were also 44 fire trails on the SMBI.

“This network of about 23.5km of trails has been constructed over the past three years and more may be constructed as required,” he said.

“They are also subject to a maintenance program, with slashing and vegetation removal to ensure vehicle access and the application of rock hardening to some trail areas.

“Other fire mitigation measures on the islands this year include weed control, removal of debris and planned burns which are undertaken between April and September, weather permitting.”

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New ‘bike and scooter play’ playgrounds open in time for Easter


April 1, 2021

Get set for exciting new play experiences at neighbourhood parks in Wellington Point and Ormiston, just in time for Easter school holidays.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said playground upgrades at Plantation Place Park at Wellington Point and Raby Esplanade Park at Ormiston have seen $355,000 and $184,000 upgrades respectively, with the addition of exciting bike and scooter play features at both parks.

“These upgrades are part of a budgeted program of approximately $13.8 million to improve popular parks and sports fields across Redlands Coast,” Cr Williams said.

“We expect families and bike and scooter riders to thoroughly enjoy the ‘real road feel’ of the fantastic new play elements opening for school holidays.

“I’m delighted to see these novel upgrades, from which local communities will benefit for years to come.”

Fun at Raby Bay Esplanade Park, Ormiston: Sean and Nabilah with children Cameron and Sienna

Division 1 Councillor Wendy Boglary said the parks would likely become popular with locals and visitors as places to learn to ride as well as to build road awareness and cycling confidence.

“At Plantation Place there’s an exciting mini-cycle precinct with road signs, a zebra crossing, play train station, small bicycle slalom, mini scooter and bike ramps and corrugations,” she said.

“It’s what parents said they wanted during my community consultation and takes me back to the facility where I learned to ride my bike as a girl.

“This is complemented by a bright new play unit with climbing elements, a slide and a swing.

“At Raby Esplanade, last year’s major playground upgrade is now accompanied by a 200m long circuit that builds on the community’s traditional use of the park as a place for riding bikes and scooters.

“I can see families loving the new features, which include jumps, traffic signs, road markings, turning lanes, roundabouts, ditch rides, rest stops, speed humps and more.

“I invite all Redlands Coast families to explore all these parks have to offer over the Easter school holidays.”

ENDS

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Redland City supports Olympic Games


April 1, 2021

Redland City Council has formally committed to being part of a 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games proposal.

At a special meeting today, Councillors agreed to enter into the required contractual framework to offer Redlands Coast’s support as a Games venue and Games Partner.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the agreements, which will also be considered by other South-East Queensland councils, were vital for Brisbane to progress its Olympic proposal after being announced as ‘preferred host’ for Targeted Dialogue on February 24.

“This decision allows Brisbane as preferred host to formally show they have our commitment to support the Games through the use of venues and public services,” Cr Williams said.

“We have been on this journey with Brisbane and other South-East Queensland councils from the beginning because we see a potential Olympics and Paralympic Games as a catalyst to deliver the infrastructure, including public transport infrastructure, our community needs.

“Being a Games partner has the potential to deliver significant legacies for our community and today’s decision is an exciting step towards locking in the Games and the many benefits they will bring our city and region.”

Cr Williams said that while there was still a lot to work through, bringing the Olympics and Paralympics to the region would provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity, with a Redlands Coast white-water centre included as a potential venue for Olympic canoe slalom events.

“Redland City Council is committed to delivering a water-based venue that creates a lasting community legacy, regardless of an Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Cr Williams said.

“We want to create a Redlands Coast Adventure Sports Precinct which includes a regional aquatic centre with adventure sports, water play equipment and an Olympic-standard white-water course.

“The course could be an ideal venue for canoe slalom events for a 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, as well as being able to be used for other international, national and state competitions and emergency services training.

“It would also deliver important benefits in a post-COVID economy, with economic studies suggesting it could potentially create 152 jobs and contribute $52 million annually to the local economy while helping to deliver much-needed transport infrastructure.

“The Games would provide a rare and exciting opportunity to deliver something that enhances community lifestyle and recreational opportunities.

“A sustainable legacy must be part of any Olympics proposal and this certainly aces that requirement.”

Cr Williams said potential sites for a future Redlands Coast white-water centre were still to be determined.

“Council’s commitment to a Brisbane Games bid recognises the enormous potential for Redlands Coast and its residents, particularly in light of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and our efforts to recover from the crisis,” Cr Williams said.

 

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Update as at 6 April 2021, Sandbagging stations are now closed


April 1, 2021

UPDATE: Tuesday 6 April 2021 – With the cancellation of the severe weather warning and rainfall easing today, the sandbagging stations at South St Depot, Cleveland and the Dunwich, Russell and Macleay Island depots are now closed.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns of severe weather ahead over the Easter long weekend, with intense rainfall, damaging winds and dangerous surf conditions possible around central and south-east Queensland during Sunday and continuing into Monday.

Redland City Council sandbagging stations have been set up at the following locations and times:

Council Depot Cleveland – 199-205 South St, Cleveland – Click here for directions
Council staff will be onsite to assist.
Open Thursday 1 April, from 2pm – 6pm.
Good Friday 2 April to Easter Monday 5 April between 9am and 4pm.

24-hour self-service sandbagging stations are located at:

Council Depot Dunwich – 11-37 Mitchell Cres, Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island – Click here for directions
Outside the Redland City Council Depot, 11-37 Mitchell Crescent, Dunwich.
Sand and bags supplied. Please take your own shovel.

Council Depot Russell Island – 6 Cambridge Rd, Russell Island – Click here for directions
Outside the Council Depot on Cambridge Road. Sand and bags supplied. Please take your own shovel.

Council Depot Macleay Island – 22-24 Scarborough Rd, Macleay Island – Click here for directions
Outside the Council Depot on Scarborough Terrace. Sand and bags supplied. Please take your own shovel.

Please note: enclosed shoes must be worn.

Need assistance?

☎️ Call the SES on 132 500 to log a job, which will be prioritised and tasked. This will help ensure our most vulnerable in the community are addressed as a priority.

🚨 Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if the situation is life-threatening.

⚡️ Call Energex on 13 19 62 to report fallen powerlines. Remember to stay clear and warn others.

📞 Call Council on 3829 8999 to report fallen branches on public spaces across the city.

Please mindful of conditions when outdoors; Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:

  • Never drive, walk or ride through flood waters. If it’s flooded, forget it.
  • Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
  • Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.
  • Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.

For the latest advice and emergency warnings:

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Greater Brisbane 3-day lockdown ends at midday Thursday 1 April 2021


April 1, 2021

The Queensland Government has this morning announced that the lockdown due to COVID-19 for Greater Brisbane, including Redland City will end at midday today. Some restrictions remain in place for a further two weeks until Thursday 15 April.

Continuing restrictions include that masks must be carried everywhere, worn in many indoor spaces and worn in outdoor spaces where you may not be able to physically distance at 1.5 metres per person. When dining out people must also remain seated. For more information about restrictions visit the Queensland Government website.

All of Redland City Council’s non-essential services that were closed due to the lockdown will reopen after the Easter long weekend on Tuesday 6 April 2021.

The Waste and Recycling Centres will be closed Friday 2 April (Good Friday) and return to normal operating hours on Saturday 3 April.

The Redland Animal Shelter will be open 9am to 12pm Friday 2 April (Good Friday) through to Monday 5 April (Easter Monday) returning to regular operating hours on Tuesday 6 April 2021.

More information

The Queensland Government is the lead agency in managing the public health response to COVID-19.

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

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