Council’s land assessment studies into the former Commonwealth land at 362-388 Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale are underway, with Council this week noting a status update report.

Land activities include the following:

Council has engaged an ecologist to report on the ecological values of the property and prepare a management plan for the land’s conservation area, to meet contractual arrangements for long-term protection and conservation of koalas and koala habitat, a subtropical and temperate coastal saltmarsh ecological community and other ecological values within the land’s conservation area.

A heritage consultant has also been engaged to conduct a review of Indigenous, historic and natural heritage values, and to prepare a Heritage Management Plan that Council will be required to implement.

A planning consultant has commenced work on a planning investigation that will give Council a clear understanding of the statutory framework and physical attributes associated with the land, an assessment of opportunities and constraints and details of any information gaps.

Since Council took ownership of the property late last year, assessments have also been carried out relating to site safety and security, general land maintenance, including mowing, and weed and fire management.

The first phase of Council’s community engagement on the land is still underway, with members of the public asked to share their stories and knowledge of the land to help Council understand its values to the community.

For more information on the consultation, visit the project page on Council’s Your Say site.

A further report following completion of all relevant studies and management plans will be presented to Council later this year.

Redland City Council has resolved to enter an interim agreement with the State Government for a minimum of six months for the management of the Bay Islands Aquatic Centre.

This interim agreement will allow time to conduct further on the ground, face to face community consultation and ensure a range of appropriate long-term management models are explored.

Council recognises the important service the pool provides to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands community and is eager to find a practical and cost effective management arrangement that retains both community access and school-based usage.

Last year Council consulted with the users and broader community to gauge views on the current and future management of the facility.

Island communities were generally in favour of Council continuing to manage the popular facility.

Residents also expressed a desire for longer and more consistent opening hours, a longer season (facilitated by the installation of a heat pump), more seating on the grass area, availability of seasonal tickets and more flexible pricing options.

The existing agreement with the State of Queensland is due to expire on 19 April 2020.

Redlands Coast Sports Gala is back on at Redland Showgrounds, Cleveland and Council is delighted to share the new date: Saturday 29 February.

Rescheduled due to wet weather, the event is still set to be a fantastic chance for primary-school-aged children to try new sports and talk to clubs and representatives to find the sport that’s right for them.

Activities will run from 9am – 11.55am with an athlete signing/photo session planned from 12pm – 12.30pm (To be confirmed).

We hope you can join us on the new date.

In case of further wet weather, please keep an eye on Council social media for updates.

Earlier – UPDATE AS AT 12 FEBRUARY 2020:

Due to the poor weather forecast for this weekend, including the unpredictability of the effects of Cyclone Uesi of the east coast of Australia, Council has made the decision to postpone the Redlands Coast Sport Gala scheduled for this Saturday 15 February at Redland Showgrounds, Cleveland.

Council will work with sporting clubs to look at options for rescheduling the event and share this information with the community as soon as possible.

Earlier -23 January 2020 – Council sports gala connects clubs with kids

Redland City Council and local sporting organisations will host a free ‘come and try’ gala day from 9am to 12pm on Saturday 15 February, promoting sports on Redlands Coast.

Mayor Karen Williams said the Redlands Coast Sports Gala, targeted at primary school aged children (6 to 12 years), would give families the chance to meet with local clubs, ask questions and have a go at a range of sports on offer around the city.

“Redlands Coast has an abundance of fantastic sporting clubs and activities, and this is a chance for the local community to come along to Redland Showgrounds and connect with them,” Cr Williams said.

“With so many options, it can be daunting to find the right fit – particularly if your child is just starting to get into sports and you are looking for a team or a schedule that suits your family needs.

“This will be a ‘one stop shop’ for primary school children and their parents to come along, talk to club members and representatives, have fun and sign on if they wish to.”

With almost 30 stalls already confirmed, sports represented include AFL, basketball, cricket, soccer, gymnastics, hockey, netball, rugby league, rugby union, skipping, softball, tennis, tae kwon do, BMX and touch football.

The day will be fun and flexible, allowing the children to choose which sports they would like to try, with timed rotations so they have the chance to try multiple activities.

Redlands Coast Sports Gala

9am – 12pm Saturday 15 February 2020

Norm Price Park – Redland Showgrounds, Cleveland

Targeted to primary school ages (6 – 12 years)

People can register on the event listing on Council’s Facebook page (facebook.com/RedlandCouncil) to receive further information in the lead up to the gala, or can just turn up on the day.

The Redlands Coast Sports Gala is a Redland City Council event proudly held in partnership with local sporting organisations.

The reopening of Redland City Council’s popular IndigiScapes Environmental Education Centre will be celebrated on Friday 21 February at a special community event.

The event, which also marks the centre’s 20^th anniversary, follows a $3 million transformation of the centre – including new theatrette, interpretation centre and café – funded by Council with the assistance of the State Government.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the project marked the evolution of IndigiScapes into one of Queensland’s premier eco-destinations built around an active community environmental centre.

“IndigiScapes is one of Redlands Coast’s true treasures. It was the first of its type in Australia when it opened 20 years ago and, thanks to the latest upgrades and the very busy environmental program they support, it remains a leader in its field,” Cr Williams said.

“At the same time, it has become a popular spot with more than 40,000 people visiting each year, and that popularity will only increase thanks to the upgrades.

“It really is a wonderful example of a sustainable eco-tourism attraction which has a strong emphasis on community working with Council to manage and improve our naturally wonderful environment.”

Division 7 Councillor Murray Elliott thanked the State Government and Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe for helping to fund the new facilities, which include the Discovery Centre, IndigiCafe, gift shop, theatrette and conference facilities, grandstand seating and garden improvements.

“This investment, which follows the state’s support for the new nursery which opened last year to supply local native plants for gardeners and Council projects, allowed us to make improvements which might otherwise have been out of reach,” Cr Elliott said.

“It is much appreciated. So, too, the patience of residents while this popular spot has been a construction site over recent months but we think you will find the result has been well worth the wait.”

Following the recent wet weather that resulted in Council’s routine recreational water monitoring program identifying elevated levels of bacteria at a number of recreational water sites across Redlands Coast, all sites have now reduced to within the acceptable levels for recreational water activities.

In accordance with Healthy Land and Water’s Healthy Waterplay Guidelines, these recreational waterways are again suitable for swimming and recreation.

Low levels of enterococci bacteria and other hazards are often found in waterways, with risks and elevated bacterial levels often higher during and after heavy rainfall.

Council will continue to routinely monitor these recreational water sites to ensure they are safe for residents and visitors.

Redland City Council has agreed to a deal that will pave the way for the upgrade of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands ferry terminals.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council had resolved to sign the funding agreement for the upgrades after extensive negotiations with the state Department of Transport and Main Roads and island residents.

“We are now hopeful that the department swiftly does likewise so we can get these desperately needed projects under way,” Cr Williams said.

Mayor Karen Williams and Councillor for Division 5 Mark Edwards at Russell Island ferry terminal, the first in line for upgrade.

“Council has worked hard and in good faith with the department and the island communities to ensure this project aligns with community expectations and includes commercial and development opportunities.

“It’s an exciting project with huge benefits for Redlands Coast so, having taking it to the stage where it is ready to be signed off, we are keen for that to happen without delay – especially as funding is available through the Passenger Transport Infrastructure Investment Program (PTIIP).”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards thanked the community for input over the years which had informed the terminals’ detailed designs.

The project includes upgrading or replacing the terminals – including jetties, gangways and pontoons – on Russell, Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra Islands over four years. The plans also include repurposing existing ferry pontoons for recreational uses such as fishing and mooring.

“Thank you especially to everyone who submitted their feedback during the concept design and preliminary design phases,” Cr Edwards said.

“I’m looking forward to construction starting as soon as possible on the Russell Island ferry terminal, which will be the first to undergo an upgrade.

“The SMBI community has waited a long time to see the terminals receive the significant upgrades that they and Council have fought for and which are not just a daily necessity for island residents but vital to Redlands Coast economic future.”

For more information and project updates, please visit Council’s SMBI Ferry Terminals Upgrade webpage.

Redland City Council will breathe new life into former Department of Agriculture and Fisheries land in Macarthur Street, Alexandra Hills with an Expression of Interest to explore tourism, economic and recreational opportunities.

Council purchased the land in 2018 after many years of negotiation with consecutive state governments.

Mayor Karen Williams said the property, located in the heart of Redlands Coast, had important environmental and cultural heritage values and potential for community use.

“The expression of interest process will encourage uses that complement the land’s current Conservation zoning and environmental values,” she said.

“Possible uses may be nature based tourism, a recreational vehicle tourist park, or camping and glamping.

“Submissions will be encouraged to propose community infrastructure that can be used by the broader community, such as recreational trails that connect to nearby recreational areas, or other public uses.”

Division 7 Councillor Murray Elliott said Council had worked over many years to secure the land.

“This is a great opportunity to explore what could be done on this property, including a mix of tourism and community purposes,” he said.

“There is good access to a main road and plenty of nature based trails nearby, so I have no doubt the EOI will provide options that complement the existing natural surrounds while at the same time opening up some economic and tourism opportunity.”

Cr Williams said the Expression of Interest would add to the innovation and technology investment supported by Council at the adjacent Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

Redlands and Queensland Crop Development Research Facility.

“There is some amazing green energy technology and innovation being developed at the research facility that is being supported by Council,” she said.

“Just last week I met with potential investors at the research station and I know there is more exciting innovation to come.

“This EOI will complement the work being done on that neighbouring site by creating an economic precinct while at the same time protecting our naturally wonderful environment.”

She said the expression of interest process was expected to commence in coming months, with information to be made available on Council’s website in due course.

With wet weather forecast to continue across the region, Redlands Coast residents are urged to avoid contact with flood waters, creeks, stormwater drains and even recreational water sites where unexpected hazards and an elevated level of bacteria could be present.

Low levels of enterococci bacteria and other hazards are often found in waterways, with risks and elevated bacterial levels often higher during and after heavy rainfall.

Council’s routine recreational water monitoring program has identified elevated levels of bacteria at a number of sites throughout Redlands Coast. Officers will continue to monitor water quality.

For more information about Council’s recreational water monitoring program please visit our Recreational Water Quality webpage.

Due to heavy rain, Council has closed all tracks and trails at Scribbly Gums Reserve (Cleveland Track Park) and Bayview Track Park, Redland Bay. 

The Bayview car park and staging area are also closed.

Signs notifying of the closures are in place at all main entry points to the two reserves.

Council will continue to monitor conditions to determine when the track parks can be reopened.