Redland City Council has kicked off planning for a major upgrade of the facilities at Charlie Buckler Memorial Sportsground in Redlands Bay with an injection of approximately $175,000 to help fund a detailed design process.

Mayor Karen Williams said it was part of a $981,100 package approved by Council last month to help sport and recreation clubs across Redlands Coast recover from the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We know our local sports clubs have done it tough through COVID, so we are investing in infrastructure projects to help our local sports stars get back on the field playing the game they love,” Cr Williams said.

“Sports and recreational clubs are fundamental to our community’s wellbeing, providing social cohesion and enabling people to stay fit, healthy and engaged.

“But as well as play, COVID-19 has disrupted fundraising opportunities that would ordinarily contribute to these clubs’ essential upkeep and planning for the future.”

Division 6 Councillor Julie Talty said the Charlie Buckler design process would lay the foundation for a new clubhouse, car parking expansion, relocation and upgrade of the cricket net and storage sheds, reconfiguration of the dog off-leash area and relocation of the basketball half court and dirt BMX track.

“It will be great news for the Southern Bay Cyclones Rugby Union Club, Redland Sharks Cricket Club and Redlands Cricket Club; as primary users of the sports field,” she said.

“With the new clubhouse design to include new change rooms suitable for female use, it will help increase female participation.

“The design process is expected to be completed before the end of June 2021, with the contract already in the final stages of being awarded to the preferred tenderer.”

Mayor Williams said Council officers had also finalised business cases with a view to construction during the 2021/2022 financial year subject to Council budget.

“We know that the Southern Bay Cyclones Rugby Union Club has secured a Federal Government grant and are looking at other funding opportunities to deliver a fit for purpose facility.”

Southern Bay Cyclones Rugby Union Club Secretary Mr James Eaton thanked Council for working closely with the club and said they looked forward to being able to host future rugby carnivals.

“The design process will inform all future works and help facilitate best use of funds from all sources,” he said.

Redlands Cricket Club President Wayne Todman said it was pleasing to see plans going ahead.
“It’s a great motivation to work collaboratively with all parties as we move into the New Year,” he said.

The sentiment was echoed by Redland Sharks Cricket Club Vice President Scott Gillard.

“This is a great opportunity for sport of cricket on Redlands Coast and we’re excited to be a part of the process,” Mr Gillard said.

A dedicated group of Southern Moreton Bay Islands ‘champions’ have been recognised by Redland City Council for their exceptional service to the community.

Mayor Karen Williams, who recently presented recognition awards to the Redlands Coast Community Champions on Macleay Island, said they all had been invaluable in supporting fellow islanders in times of need.

“These certificates are a small recognition of how grateful we are to our Community Champions for what they do for others, especially the more vulnerable in our community,” Cr Williams said.

“This year, more than ever, they have shown incredible community spirit and selflessness, especially through ensuring the safety of other islanders when COVID-19 hit.

“They spread the safety message and were there to support their neighbours to ensure they were okay, while also supporting Queensland Health with screening clinics on Russell and Macleay islands.

“Our Champions have done such an amazing job and, on behalf of Redlands Coast, we wanted all involved to know that what they do to ensure their communities are prepared, safe and supported is highly valued.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the Community Champions were ready to assist with challenges ranging from potential natural disasters to ensuring the wellbeing of others, including how to safely refer on suspected domestic and family violence.

“Our Champions have now partnered with another wonderful local organisation, STAR Community Services, so they can assist STAR’s clients during disasters and local emergencies,” Cr Edwards said.

“They will be there to call residents to check on them and to assist them in getting to an evacuation centre if needed.

“We have already seen the wonderful jobs they did supporting vulnerable residents with information and bottled water during water outages on the islands, as well as providing vital community support and education during fire and storm season.

“Our Community Champions are now being trained to identify and refer on instances of domestic and family violence and help those affected by it as part of a ground-breaking trial.

“By making it easier for those affected by such violence to get the help and support they need, they are driving social change.”

Southern Moreton Bay island residents who would like to become a Community Champion should email Council’s Disaster, Planning and Operations team at disaster@redland.qld.gov.au

Redland City Council will inject up to $150,000 into Judy Holt Reserve in Birkdale as part of its Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Recovery Program.

Mayor Karen Williams said the works, set to start next month, were part of Council’s recovery program to assist clubs recover from the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We know our local sports and recreation clubs are part of our social fabric, which is why we are investing $981,100 to help locals get back to doing what they love,” Cr Williams said.

“As part of our COVID recovery package Judy Holt Reserve will receive a lighting capacity upgrade, erosion management works, six replacement goal posts, help to progress new player shelters and a tap will be installed to help with manual irrigation of the rugby fields.

Redlands Multisports Club President Colin Apps, Division 8 Councillor Tracey Huges, Mayor Karen Williams, Redlands Rugby Union Club President Keith Taylor with three female Muddies

“The Redlands Multisports Club clubhouse at Judy Holt will benefit from building refurbishments.”

Division 8 Councillor Tracy Huges said the Judy Holt Reserves’ electrical works and erosion management would start as early as this month, with other activities expected to be completed by June 2021.

“The electrical works will improve lighting to ensure uninterrupted night games and activities, while erosion management and drainage works will see the garden behind the Redlands Rugby Union clubhouse stay put during and after heavy rain,” she said.

“Judy Holt is home to great local clubs who support community health and wellbeing and this investment shows our commitment to helping these clubs, players and committees.”

Redlands Rugby Union Club President Keith Taylor said these operational works were most welcome.

“Our club’s partnership with Council is vital to our success and this investment will help us bounce back from what has been a trying year,” he said.

Redlands Multisports Club President Colin Apps said the club was delighted to receive Council’s support.

“On behalf of our members, I’d like to thank Councillor Huges for her strong advocacy and look forward to the works beginning,” he said.

Cr Williams said Council’s Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Recovery Program was in addition to the previously announced $3 million COVID recovery package adopted as part of this year’s Budget.

“Already local businesses and community groups have benefited from about $370,000 from our COVID recovery package and now our great local sports clubs and associations will benefit from this additional funding,” Cr Williams said.

“The State Government had previously committed funding to the club for new goal posts and Council has worked with the department to allow the club to now use the State funding for another purpose while Council replaces the goal posts as part of our city-wide replacement program.

“Thanks to the State Department for working with Council to support this request, which will help the club do more with their funding.”

Following the success of the Redlands Coast Smart Mobility Trial on Karragarra Island, Redland City Council has again partnered with RACQ for a second phase of the trial, to be held at Raby Bay, Cleveland.

The trial’s first phase saw the RACQ Smart Shuttle in use on the island from November 2019 to May 2020 in Queensland’s first long-term, on-road trial of the autonomous vehicle technology.

The small, driverless bus has a maximum speed of 20km/h, sophisticated sensors for navigation, and detection lasers to identify obstacles within 40 metres before stopping safely or slowing as needed.

Mayor Karen Williams said Karragarra Island had been the perfect site for the Queensland-first test of how an autonomous vehicle would perform in a live traffic environment.

“As a city of islands with rural and urban communities, we know Redlands Coast faces a number of transport challenges; and by partnering with RACQ in these trials, Council has demonstrated its commitment to finding innovative ways to help our residents overcome these challenges,” she said.

“Over the course of the island trial, more than 850 passengers experienced the potential of autonomous vehicle technology, with the bus travelling more than 1400 kilometres.

“At all times, it was staffed by a human operator who could take control if necessary.

“Now the technology will soon be trialled in the Raby Bay area of Cleveland and we are delighted to again be partnering with RACQ for the trial’s second phase, with the commencement date to be advised but we anticipate it starting in late November.”

Cr Williams said the trial would connect Raby Bay Harbour with Raby Bay Foreshore Park – two popular destinations not currently serviced by public transport.

“The harbour is just a short walk from existing bus and train services, and this trial area will test the driverless technology in a more complex traffic environment while allowing us to see and assess how it works in an integrated transport network,” she said.

“These ground-breaking trials on Redlands Coast will also be used to investigate other applications for the autonomous vehicle and to lobby for greater adoption of innovative transport across the State.”

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said he was pleased to know the trial would be operating in Cleveland.

“This trial will add to the invaluable data Council has already collected from the trial on Karragarra Island,” he said.

“This is as much about research as it is about transport, with it to provide information on practical uses of the technology, not only on Redlands Coast but also across Queensland and even nationwide.”

RACQ Head of Public Policy Rebecca Michael said the shuttle was an opportunity for Raby Bay locals to test the future of public transport.

“Autonomous vehicles will change the way we move in the future and we’re very excited that the Redlands Coast community gets to be front and centre of this ground-breaking trial and gets to test out the innovative technology now,” Dr Michael said.

“Once the trial begins, members of the community will be able to ride the shuttle for free and we’ll gather feedback on their experience and thoughts on the technology, so we can ensure current and future trials positively impact Queenslander lives.”

More information about phase two of the Redlands Coast Smart Mobility Trial can be found on Council’s Your Say website.

Redland City Council has established self-service sandbagging stations across the city as heavy rainfall continues to develop.

The sandbagging stations will be open at the following times and locations:

Cleveland

• South Street Depot – from 7am – 6pm on Wednesday 28 October and Thursday 29 October. From 7am to 12pm on Friday 30 October. Closed on the weekend (weather permitting). Council staff will be onsite to assist. Sand, bags and shovels will be supplied.

North Stradbroke Island

• Outside the Council Depot on Mitchell Crescent, Dunwich – open all hours. Sand and bags supplied; please take your own shovel.

Russell Island

• Outside the Council Depot on Cambridge Road – open all hours. Sand and bags supplied; please take your own shovel.

Macleay Island

• Outside the Council Depot on Scarborough Terrace – open all hours. Sand and bags supplied; please take your own shovel.

Residents are permitted a maximum of six sand bags per household.

Please note: enclosed shoes must be worn.

Council reminds residents to check gutters are clear and to secure loose items around the home.

For the latest advice and emergency warnings:

• Tune in to 612ABC
• Bay FM 100.3
• Monitor Council’s Disaster Dashboard
• Follow Redland City Council on Facebookand Twitter

The Redland State Emergency Service has picked up 10 regional and two state awards at ceremonies held during Queensland SES Week.

Mayor Karen Williams said the results reflected the outstanding efforts of all 150 volunteers in keeping residents safe during times of disaster.

“We are very lucky to have one of the hardest working, community minded SES teams in Queensland here on the Redlands,” she said.

“The Redland SES Unit responded to more than 270 jobs during the past 12 months.

“This included helping with land searches for missing people, agency assistance with fires including public safety management, and police support with COVID-19 border security.

“I am sure the community will join with me in congratulating the Redland SES Unit for their training, dedication and willingness to help, all of which has led to these exceptional results.”

Deputy Mayor Julie Talty said to take home 10 regional awards from a record 16 nominations was an extraordinary result and included Unit or Group of the Year, Operational Response of the Year, Trainer of the Year and seven individual awards.

The state awards were for Trainer of the Year and a highly commended for Operational Response of the Year.

“Many of us don’t think about how much hard work goes into training for the SES, until we need them,” Cr Talty said.

“Our SES is about people helping people and I also pay tribute to the families they leave behind to rush out and respond to a community in distress.”

Regional Awards collected by Redland SES Unit are:

• Regional Unit/Group of the Year Redland Bay SES Group for exceptional engagement, operational readiness and innovation, leading to outstanding operational results within the Brisbane region.
• Operational Response of the Year jointly shared by Redland City, Brisbane City and Moreton Bay SES Units for extraordinary diligence and professional service during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Trainer of the Year Ian Bacon, Cleveland SES Group for distinguished service to the SES through outstanding professional leadership, commitment and dedication to planning, training delivery, and members’ skills development.

Assistant Commissioner John Cawcutt, Trainer of the Year Ian Bacon, and Acting Assistant Commissioner Brian Cox.

Individual Awards were won by the following Redland SES team members for special contribution to the service:

• Alex Johnson, Redland Bay SES Group:  For distinguished service through leadership, dedicated service to the community, and continually developing the knowledge and skill level of fellow members.
• Alexandra Baines, Cleveland SES Group: For distinguished service through exceptional leadership and commitment to the Redland City SES Unit through training, administration and skills development of members.
• Noel ‘Geoffrey’ Le Noel, Cleveland SES Group: For distinguished service through his outstanding dedication, compassion, and his commitment to educating members within the Cleveland SES Group and Redland City SES Unit.
• Mitch Brushe, Cleveland SES Group: For distinguished service through outstanding professional leadership within the Cleveland SES Group, and continued dedication to the Redland City SES Unit and its community.
• Blake Tomlinson, Cleveland SES Group: For distinguished service through outstanding professionalism, dedication and generosity to Cleveland SES Group and the Redland Community, and deploying to assist communities recover after devastating events.
• Joel Muraca, Redland Bay SES Group: For distinguished service by maintaining operational readiness and providing support to other members of the Redland City SES Unit.
• Kiara Muraca, Redland Bay SES Group: For distinguished service through continued growth as a leader supporting members and operations.

The two state awards were for:

• Joyce Scorey Shield-Trainer of the Year: Ian Bacon, Cleveland SES Group
• Assistant Commissioner’s Shield-Highly Commended for Operational Response of the Year jointly shared by Redland City, Brisbane City and Moreton Bay SES.

The awards provide an opportunity to thank all SES volunteers and honour length of service and exceptional performance throughout the year.

QFES Assistant Commissioner John Cawcutt, local SES controller Clare Barker, Redland Bay Group leader Daniel Tuckwood and Deputy group leader Alex Johnson and QFES Acting Assistant Commissioner Brian Cox.

Redland City Council will fly the Redlands Coast flag at next week’s Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) conference to advocate for a number of key projects and initiatives on behalf of the community.

Mayor Karen Williams said in addition to a number of resolutions Council was putting to the conference she would also be speaking with fellow Queensland Mayors about key projects included in Council’s 2020 State Election Advocacy Plan.

“Key amongst our state election advocacy priorities are better transport infrastructure and clearer planning laws and I will be looking to discuss these opportunities at next week’s conference with my fellow Mayors and State MPs in attendance,” she said.

“We have also asked candidates in the seats of Capalaba, Redlands, Oodgeroo and Springwood to provide comment on their level of support for each project and initiative included in our advocacy plan so we can let the community know where they stand.

“So far the responses have been slow coming back so Council has again reminded candidates that we will be making their responses public so the community is across their priorities ahead of the election.”

Cr Williams said among the items to be raised by Council at the annual conference was the need for clearer planning framework.

“We will again be advocating for a State Government planning system that is easier for the community to understand and meets their expectations,” she said.

“Council has long argued that the State’s current, performance-based planning system allows too much flexibility in how the overall outcomes of relevant codes are achieved, creating uncertainty within the community.

“To provide the certainty the community seeks, and in response to concerns about small lot sizes, Council previously tried to cap minimum lot sizes through the 2018 city plan, but were advised by the State Government that we couldn’t under the current planning regime.

“Residents need some surety of what may be built in their neighbourhoods and we are calling on the State Government to provide clearer planning framework.”

Cr Williams said Council would also present a case to the LGAQ Conference for better recognition of, and financial support for, regional challenges.

“We are a city of islands and have one of the largest, un-bridged island populations in the country,” she said.

“In recognition of our island communities’ unique social, economic and isolation issues compared with the rest of the city, we have long advocated for our islands to be considered regional under State Government funding allocations.

“Despite the rates of unemployment and disability being higher than on the mainland, along with transport challenges similar to those of other regional areas, our islands are excluded from the State Government’s regional funding programs designed to support regional Local Government Areas.”

Other items to be tabled at the LGAQ’s 124th annual conference on the Gold Coast from October 19-21, 2020 are:
• Local Governments’ Powers to Conduct Elections
• Regulated Dog Management Review
• More Respectful Debate in Parliament
• Asset Sustainability Ratio

Cr Williams and Division 7 Councillor Rowanne McKenzie will be Council’s official delegates at the LGAQ Conference, which will bring together delegates from all tiers of government, external stakeholders and the media to consider the challenges facing local governments and their communities.

Other Councillors will be able to attend as observers.

To read Council’s 2020 State Election Advocacy Plan, visit Council’s website.

Almost $20,000 was raised for State School chaplaincy programs across Redlands Coast at the annual Redland City Mayoral Prayer Breakfast.

Held at the Alexandra Hills Hotel Conference Centre, today’s event brought the amount raised in the past six years to more than $120,000.

Due to COVID-safe requirements, a reduced gathering of 96 people attended the breakfast, which in the past has attracted almost 300 people.

Attendees included school chaplains, church and school leaders, government representatives, business people and community members, who enjoyed a talk by guest speaker Andy Gourley from Red Frogs Australia and founder of the Red Frog chaplaincy program, which helps safeguard teenagers at schoolies events and festivals.

Mayor Karen Williams said this year’s fundraising was an excellent result given the reduced numbers of people able to attend.

“This has been a year like no other and anxieties have been heightened for many across our community, including our young people, highlighting the importance of programs such as school chaplaincy.

“Our school chaplains provide vital spiritual and emotional support not only to students, but also to local families and school staff across Redlands Coast, and it is important that they are there when someone needs to reach out for support.”

Cr Williams thanked all those who supported the event, especially the individual contribution of Albert Benfer.

“Albert has been a generous supporter of this cause and I sincerely thank him, as well as the many other caring people who have sponsored and supported our fundraising effort in this challenging year.

“I hope this year’s result will allow more Redlands Coast schools to benefit from the chaplaincy program, which already supports more than 14,500 students.”

Cr Williams said this year’s event included the inaugural Pastor Glen Gray Award, which recognises an outstanding school chaplain.

“This award is special for two reasons: first, it recognises a local chaplain doing great things in our community, but it also bears the name of dear friend Pastor Gray, who has been instrumental in organising this event and doing so much great work in our community,” Cr Williams said.

“This year’s award went to Grant Lea for the amazing work he has done supporting students at Dunwich State School and The Sycamore School.”

Sponsors and supporters included:

Diamond sponsor

• Lee’s Environmental

Gold Sponsor

• Renaissance Retirement Living

Silver sponsor

• Certified Roofing

Bronze sponsors

• Alex Gow Funerals
• Scripture Union Queensland

Event supporters

• CPC Productions
• McGuires Alexandra Hills Hotel
• Corporate Stage Solutions

Redlands Coast continues to prove itself to be a film friendly location as YR Production Pty Ltd took to Capalaba this week to film selected scenes for the new NBC Universal television series Young Rock.

It was the first filming location in Queensland for the US series, which tells the story of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s formative years.

Cr Williams said this was yet another example of the attraction Redlands Coast held for film makers.

“The night-time scenes took place  outside the Wicked Brew Café, Dollery Road, Capalaba and on Loraine Street, Capalaba, where the production team put in a temporary bus stop for the shoot,” she said.

“This new production, Young Rock, adds to our already impressive list of big name productions filmed here.

“Not only is it exciting to know our naturally wonderful city will be showcased on screens around the world but the boost to the local economy is also welcome.

“As we focus on recovering from the impacts of COVID-19, international productions such as this help support our economy through film crews and actors using our local businesses and services.”

Division 9 Councillor Adelia Berridge said much work had been done to promote Queensland and Redlands Coast as ideal choices for film locations.

“It’s great to see Redlands Coast, and this time Capalaba, continue to be a preferred location for so many producers of film and television,” she said.

“Having productions such as this come to Redlands Coast only increases our global reputation as a natural choice for film and television.”

This production has also received support from the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland.

Redland City Council will consult individual property owners and the broader community on a proposal to add a number of properties to the city’s Local Heritage Register following the identification of European heritage significance.

Mayor Karen Williams said the consultation with property owners until 4 December 2020 was an essential step towards including the properties in the local register.

“Council has looked at hundreds of properties and we are now seeking community feedback on 47 of these properties that include many wonderful examples of our built settlement history dating back over 140 years,” Cr Williams said.

“This is all about identifying and protecting our local heritage and Council wants to hear from property owners and the general public about this proposal.

“These properties have all been independently assessed as important physical reminders of our European settlement history and essential parts of the story of Redlands Coast.

“In many cases, their built history is just part of the longer European settlement stories going back even decades earlier.

“The survival of these properties in private ownership is a testament to generations of owners who have recognised their value and maintained them since.

“The Queensland Heritage Act requires Council to maintain a local heritage register under Schedule 7 of our City Plan, with any changes also requiring planning scheme amendment.

“Until now our local register has mainly listed Council and State-owned sites.

“Council’s proposal to now add these privately owned properties to the local heritage register will require a major amendment to the Redland City Plan.

“The decision to move forward with the recommended listing and amendment recognises the need to work with individual property owners to support their property interests while ensuring continued preservation.

“This includes options for future support through the provision of expert heritage and planning advice and property maintenance support.

“Any future recommendations for support for heritage property owners are expected to follow from the public consultation with individual owners and the community.

“These are likely to be carried forward for consideration and funding in Council’s 2021-2022 budget deliberations.”

To make a formal submission and for background on the properties and the proposals, visit Council’s Your Say Redlands Coast website from 12 October, 2020.