Redland City Council has adopted an Implementation Plan to assist Council and property owners manage erosion along the Amity Point coastline on North Stradbroke Island.

Under Council’s Coastal Adaptation Strategy, Amity Point has been identified as a high-priority locality and has been the focus of Council-led Shoreline Erosion Management Planning (SEMP) since 2015, which sets out steps for property owners to protect their properties.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the southerly migration of the waterway between North Stradbroke and Moreton Island, has caused complex erosion impacts and resulted in decades of informal efforts to prevent property loss.

‘This Implementation Plan is a historic step in addressing these complex erosion issues.

“The plan outlines future works along the three distinct sections or ‘reaches’ of the coastline and agreement on property owner responsibilities, including Council.

“Importantly the plan includes recognition of the effective role the placement of rocks along the foreshore plays against erosion, particularly in the central reach.

“The recognition of this rock structure (known as a flow slide barrier) is a crucial element in the ability of property owners to plan for works to defend their properties.

“Council will assist landowners by applying for a high-level preliminary approval of the flow slide barrier so that landowners can proceed with carrying out the work required to protect their properties.”

Councillor for Division 2, Cr Peter Mitchell said the implementation plan supported landowners in ensuring they have the necessary development permits and approvals to carry out ongoing maintenance work on the section of flow slide barrier protecting their property.

“This implementation plan and the erosion management plan it supports have been developed in close consultation with the residents it is designed to support,” Cr Mitchell said.

“It outlines how residents can secure the permits they need to protect their properties, as well as explaining Council’s role in managing areas that protect local roads and parks.

“Future works will also include ongoing beach surveys and coastal process studies.

“The SEMP and Implementation Plan have also been developed in consultation with other stakeholders, including Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, State Government agencies and the project’s Community Reference Group.”

For more information visit yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/amity-point-shoreline-erosion.

Redland City Council has installed signs at Thompson’s Beach, Victoria Point and Coochiemudlo Island’s Main Beach to advise residents and visitors of the presence of Lyngbya (Lyngbya majuscula), a naturally occurring, blue-green algae that can cause skin, eye and respiratory irritations if people come into contact with it.

The presence of Lyngbya is not uncommon for the waters of Moreton Bay, and all Redlands Coast beaches and waterways remain open for recreational use.

The signs are precautionary only to inform people of the presence of the material, which often presents as mats floating on the surface of the water or as washed-up clumps on the beach.

Swimming and wading is not recommended where algae is present; and Council urges residents to be mindful that Lyngbya could also be present at any beach.

Council will continue to monitor all Redlands Coast beaches, and will erect signs if Lyngbya is found elsewhere.

More information is available from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection

Redlands Coast has some lovely recreational trails, especially through Scribbly Gums Conservation Area (home to Redland Track Park) and Bayview Conservation Area. But they’re pretty waterlogged just now so we’d prefer you avoided them until they dry out.

Using wet trails can cause substantial damage, spoiling the experience of other users and meaning extra repairs and maintenance.

As a general guide, if you’re leaving a footprint or bike track then the trails are too wet to use.

The bike tracks here show damage that may later need to be repaired.

Try sticking to the wider gravelled access tracks if you’re keen to get out and don’t forget to report fallen or damaged trees on or near trails to Council on 3829 8999.

Thank you for helping us to preserve our wonderful natural area trails.

Redland City Council acknowledges the judgement of the Planning and Environment Court of Queensland, delivered on 11 December 2020, in regard to a development application for a fast food restaurant at Birkdale Fair.

The Court found the application was appropriate in regard to the setting and context of the site, and complied with the overall outcomes and performance outcomes of the relevant codes within Redland City Plan.

Following the judgement, Council will assess the need, if any, for amendments to the planning provisions to overcome any ambiguity in the future.

Redland City Council has today adopted its new corporate plan, Our Future Redlands – A Corporate Plan to 2026 and Beyond.

The plan, which commences on 1 July 2021 and focuses on finding a balance between sustaining the lifestyle enjoyed on Redlands Coast and the community’s desire for a thriving and progressive city, will help inform Council’s operational plan, budget and decision-making over the next five years.

Our Future Redlands also introduces a new city vision – Naturally wonderful lifestyle. Connected communities. Embracing opportunities – and describes seven goals for 2041 that are supported by initiatives and catalyst projects.

Mayor Karen Williams said Our Future Redlands – A Corporate Plan to 2026 and Beyond was a forward-looking document that would help ensure Council decisions over the next five years helped shape a city that met the community’s current needs and future aspirations.

“The new plan will support an enriched and sustainable future for our city and the people who live, work and play here,” she said.

“The community provided input into helping shape our new 2041 vision for Redlands Coast, as well as the seven strategic goals that will be the roadmap to delivering key projects and services.

“The seven goals include city leadership, strong communities, Quandamooka Country, natural environment, liveable neighbourhoods, thriving economy and efficient and effective organisation, with each supported by projects and initiatives that lay the foundations for their achievement.”

Catalyst projects include:

• a Redlands Coast Adventure Precinct to add to the sport and recreation activities in the area
• opportunities to harness new forms of energy from Council’s waste water treatment plants
• investing in active transport through improved cycling and pedestrian facilities
• revitalisation of Cleveland Central Business District
• a Redlands Health and Wellness Precinct
• dual naming way-finding signage that incorporates Quandamooka Jandai language
• a shared vision for Birkdale community land, Willard’s Farm and the Tingalpa Creek Corridor
• a Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island Coastal Walk between Point Lookout and Cylinder Beach

Cr Williams said today’s adoption of the plan followed a six-week community consultation period during which Council delivered a range of engagement activities, including 10 externally-facilitated workshops, an online survey, and advertising in local media to encourage community feedback on the draft plan.

“During the consultation period a total of 3660 people were engaged, with 583 submissions received from predominantly Redlands Coast residents (95 per cent) across all age bands, including those who have historically been difficult to engage, such as under 18-year-olds and 18- to 25-year-olds,” she said.

“Respondents were deeply engaged, with more than half choosing to complete a long survey and provide detailed feedback to open response questions about the vision and each section of the plan.

“Analysis of our community’s feedback revealed some common themes that were addressed by changes to the draft plan, including adding a Quandamooka Country section, outlining key performance indicators for each strategic theme and changing the wording of the city vision.

“The plan Council adopted today reflects our community’s views and will help guide us to a city that is fit for purpose, where future generations experience the environmental, social, cultural and economic benefits of calling Redlands Coast home.”

Our Future Redlands – A Corporate Plan to 2026 and Beyond is available on Council’s website.

Supporting post-COVID future economic development opportunities will be the focus of a review of Council’s Redland Investment Corporation (RIC) and Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB).

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said with global economies adapting on the back of the Coronavirus pandemic, the time was right to review RIC and EDAB to ensure Council continued to support the local economy.

“The future of our economy is bright with more than 130 major projects and investments worth more than $6 billion on the horizon, with the potential to deliver thousands of jobs” Cr Williams said.

“As we recover from the COVID pandemic it’s important we take advantage of these opportunities and this review is all about building on these foundations to deliver the infrastructure, jobs and partnerships needed to support the community.”

Cr Williams said both reviews would be run in parallel, with no impact on existing RIC projects.

This all about transitioning rather than stopping; so it will be business as usual for these existing projects, including the our Priority Development Area precinct redevelopments and revitalisation of Capalaba town centre, which are all currently under way.

“Both RIC and EDAB are focused on building our local economy, so it makes sense for these reviews to be run in parallel, with a report to come back to Council by 30 June 2021.”

Cr Williams said Council was committed to working with industry and all levels of government to continue positioning our region for future growth and economic prosperity.

“We all play a part in identifying employment and training opportunities to address skills gaps and supporting initiatives to grow the local economy,” Cr Williams said.

“Examining our structures such as RIC and EDAB will continue to position Redlands Coast as a competitive, welcoming destination for talent, capital and commerce.”

About RIC and EDAB

RIC is a wholly Council-owned company established in 2014. It has an independent Board that oversees key projects at Council’s direction.

EDAB was established in 2015 and comprises business leaders from the city’s key industry sectors. The Board provides advice to Council on economic initiatives and projects.

Redland City Council will investigate broader opportunities in unlocking the potential of Council land at Macarthur Street Alexandra Hills after a 60 day campaign unveiled several potential options for the site.

Councillors earlier this month voted to continue discussions with four interested parties who provided submissions during a recent Expression of Interest (EOI) campaign.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said while the original EOI had focussed on tourism proposals, the submissions received had highlighted other potential uses that had significant community benefits.

“The four responses show there is a great deal of potential value of the site for community uses, including education and community use,” Cr Williams said.

“Council agreed to explore these alternate uses further.

“This will include undertaking additional planning investigation work to understand better the suitability of other uses to meet commercial and community outcomes.

“The Macarthur street site has conservation values and connects with recreational and environmental land and the adjacent Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) Redlands Research Facility.

“Council purchased the 6.7-hectare site from State Government in 2016 for future community purposes, and this remains our focus for the site.

“Council’s aim through the recently completed expressions of interest process was to understand whether there was a demand from the market to develop the site for a particular tourism purpose.

“We now have a number of potential exciting partnerships to explore for the benefit of the community.

“While this work and interest must remain confidential for now, Council will bring details back to the community once there is a clear future direction for the site.”

Fielding Park in Redland Bay is set to become more accessible to a range of users following a Redland City Council decision to design and construct a sealed car park there.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said construction was expected to be completed before July 2021.

“This investment is part of our $981,100 Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Recovery Program, which will see upgrades to sports and community facilities across the city,” Cr Williams said.

“Our sports clubs and community groups have been impacted by the COVID pandemic, so this funding will help them get back to doing what they do best, supporting our community.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said that Fielding Park was a popular community park that attracted locals and visitors due to its peaceful natural surrounds and adjacent sporting and recreation facilities.

“The park itself is home to the Weinam Creek wetlands, featuring a network of walking and cycling paths and nature play facilities designed to connect youngsters to their natural environment,” he said.

“Being in a low lying area, the carpark will need to meet high planning, design and construction standards so the $442,600 allocated includes significant contingency that may not all be needed.

“The Redlands Salad Bowl Community Garden is currently being built in this park and facilities at adjacent parks include the Redland Bay Men’s Shed, a dog off-leash park, a sports field used for regular soccer games, basketball half court and skate park as well a toilet amenities.”

Division 6 Councillor Julie Talty said the growing precinct extended across School of Arts Road to Beechwood and John Edward Downie parks, with a bus stop in between.

“As you can imagine, all these community facilities attract a lot of visitors, making off-street parking to provide safe access to this precinct increasingly important,” Cr Talty said.

“The south of our city is home to new families moving to the Redlands and this investment will ensure they can enjoy all the great recreational areas on offer.”