State Government claims that visitors could bypass Redlands Coast by travelling directly from Howard Smith Wharves to North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah in 40 minutes needs a lot more work and better consultation, Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said.

Cr Williams said while she supported any plans to deliver more visitors to islands such as Minjerribah, she was surprised to see plans announced over the weekend for a pontoon to be open at Howard Smith Wharves by Christmas to allow passengers to bypass Cleveland and Redland Bay and access the islands of Moreton Bay directly from Brisbane City.

“You can’t have fast expresses coming down the river,” Cr Williams said.

“You would be lucky to get to the mouth of the river in 40 minutes let alone to Amity/Pulan on North Stradbroke Island, which doesn’t have a jetty to accommodate that type of tourism operation.

“If this is supposed to happen before Christmas, who is going to pay for the required infrastructure on North Stradbroke Island, and who would maintain it?”

Division 2 Councillor for North Stradbroke Island Peter Mitchell said he was dismayed by the lack of consultation from the State Government regarding Saturday’s announcement of $5.5 million State Government funding for three new pontoons at Howard Smith Wharves, with the first to be completed by the end of the year, for boats to travel to Moreton Bay Islands in 40 minutes.

“Council is not opposed to the concept of a direct link from the Brisbane River to the island but before anyone goes spending $5.5 million in Brisbane city and claiming it will benefit Minjerribah we need to see a full feasibility study,” Cr Mitchell said.

“We need to know how it will impact the island, how it will impact Redlands businesses that currently sell supplies to people travelling to the islands and what will it mean to Redlands ferry companies?”

Cr Williams said there was a great deal of need on North Stradbroke Island and so she wanted to understand the potential benefits and risks of the plan.

“The end of sandmining last year has impacted Straddie businesses greatly and now COVID has made that worse, with a lot of businesses on the island hurting and so we need to know money is being spent in the right areas,” she said.

“When the State announced they were ending sandmining on Straddie the first thing I said is that they need to allow enough time to transition the island and they need to have a clear plan backed by clear engagement.

“This is not how you engage and I ask the State Government to consult with the whole Redlands Coast community to understand their needs and concerns on this plan.

“I have been speaking with the Minister about the need for a Moreton Bay Tourism Strategy to guide the future of our island communities and the infrastructure needed to support it.

“Without a vision for these islands how do we know this is the right sort of infrastructure to support the community and how do we know it won’t hurt business?

“I have asked to speak with the Minister about this announcement and the future of North Stradbroke Island, and on behalf of the community I am asking for more detail and transparent consultation so residents and visitors know what is planned.”

Are you planning an event or activity on Redlands Coast that would benefit from an injection of funding to support your efforts or those of your organisation?

Redland City Council’s Sponsorship Program, the only one for the 2020-21 financial year, is opening soon.

Mayor Karen Williams said sponsorship enabled Council to provide financial or value-in-kind support to individuals and organisations, helping them run events and activities that benefitted the local community.

“This has been a far from normal year, and the people of Redlands Coast are excited about the prospect of once again getting out and about to enjoy COVID-safe events and activities,” she said.

“Council recognises this and is thrilled to support our event organisers in delivering some much-needed light relief to our hard-working community while supporting our local economy.

“Since 2009 we have sponsored more than 1000 events and activities, totalling more than $6 million.

“This year, we expect to support a range of exciting events that will not only help bring our community together but will provide a welcome injection of funding to our local businesses doing it tough.”

Cr Williams said sponsorship applications went through a competitive assessment process that ensured equity, openness and transparency.

“Applicants can choose from two categories: $15,000 or less, and more than $15,000, and can also request funding up to $1500 to support Quandamooka Cultural Awareness activities,” she said.

“This sponsorship program is in addition to the $370,000 in COVID Recovery funding recently given to local businesses and community groups to help them recover from the COVID pandemic.

“I am delighted that we have been able to open this sponsorship round, and I would encourage all event and activity organisers to consider applying for some support.”

Visit Council’s website to download the Sponsorship Program Information Kit, or phone the Grants and Sponsorship Team on 3829 8999 to express your interest or to arrange a meeting with the Grants Coordinator.

For more information, visit redland.qld.gov.au/sponsorship

The Southern Moreton Bay Islands Ferry Terminal Upgrades Project has entered an exciting new phase, with Redland City Council and the Queensland Government announcing the tender process for construction of the upgrades was underway.

The announcement follows the recent finalisation of the detailed design, which now include new toilet facilities for the upgraded Russell and Macleay island ferry terminals.

Mayor Karen Williams said these project developments were exciting.

“These are all positive steps forward in delivering the much-anticipated works,” she said.

“While this particular phase is complex and may take some time, it is important that we ensure value for the community; and once the contract is awarded, construction can begin.

“The 3D graphics of the detailed drawings and the terminals’ perforated screens’ artwork, designed by Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, are also available for the community to view via the project’s page on Council’s Your Say site.

“While some operational matters required the project team and ferry operators to revisit the preliminary designs, key themes and requests identified by the community during last year’s consultation period are still in the designs.

“This includes features such as repurposed gangways and pontoons for recreational use, increased seating, provision for Wi-Fi, drinking fountains, improved security with lighting and 24-hour video recording, enhanced weather screening and more waiting areas for better weather protection, and wider jetties and gangways for improved accessibility.

“To top it off, the Russell and Macleay island ferry terminals will have new toilet blocks built closer to the terminals as part of the project.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said he was pleased to announce tenders for construction of the four ferry terminals had been combined into one contract.

“The project team has done a significant amount of work to reach this milestone and it is wonderful news for the island communities that we are now another step nearer,” Mr Bailey said.

Member for Redlands Kim Richards said the tender was now open for five weeks, closing next month (October).

“The project will support an average of 45 direct jobs over the life of the works at a time when they’re needed most,” Ms Richards said.

”We’re committed to keeping Queensland moving and investing in the Redlands community during this difficult period.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the final detailed design and tender process brought delivery of the upgraded ferry terminals one step closer.

“This is great news for our island communities,” he said.

“As we know, the community has waited a long time to see the islands’ primary transportation hubs receive the upgrades they need, and it’s good to see the project moving forward.”

Companies interested to tender can view or download project documents via this link: https://etender.hpw.qld.gov.au/

For more information about the project, visit the project page at yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/upgrade-of-smbi-ferry-terminals

Redland City Council has approved funding for the first stage of the $90 million Wellington Street duplication at Thornlands.

Mayor Karen Williams said the project would upgrade a major Redlands Coast north-south arterial link and be delivered as part of the Local Government Infrastructure Plan to accommodate increased demand in the area.

“Stage one will duplicate Panorama Drive/Wellington Street into four lanes between Boundary Road and South Street,” Cr Williams said.

“Having four lanes along that stretch of road will make a difference to people’s daily lives by alleviating peak-hour congestion, improving work commute times and increasing safety at intersections.

“The project will be partly funded through developer contributions collected for infrastructure works and held in reserve.”

Cr Williams said the project would also benefit from Federal Government funding for intersection upgrades at Ziegenfusz Road/Panorama Drive, Panorama Drive/Wellington Street and Wellington Street/Weippin Street.

“Construction of the first stage is expected to start in 2021 and be completed in 2023 and create upwards of 140 jobs.

“While subject to further Council approvals, subsequent stages are expected to occur over the next decade and duplicate Wellington Street all the way to Russell Street in Cleveland.

“Stage two is likely to see duplication of Wellington Street between South and Bay streets take place from 2024 to 2027, with stage three through to Russell Street then expected between 2027 and 2030.”

Cr Williams said traffic disruptions during the work were expected to be minimal.

“Fortunately, much of the work will allow for the existing road to continue to carry traffic, while the new lanes are constructed on the adjacent road reserve,” she said.

For more information and to watch a project animation, visit the project page on Council’s Your Say site: yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/wellingtonstreet

Redland City Council has adopted an advocacy plan aimed at partnering with the State Government ahead of next month’s State election.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the 2020 State Election Advocacy Plan provided a foundation to build strong relationships with the State beyond the October poll.

“This plan is about advocating on behalf of our community for the projects and initiatives they need and to deliver them in partnership with the State Government,” Cr Williams said.

“Key amongst these initiatives are the transport projects needed to help our community get around the city safer and faster, including the duplication of the Cleveland rail line and delivery of the full Eastern Busway from Capalaba to Carindale.

“We are also looking for the State Government to deliver an upgrade to their Cleveland Redland Bay Road, which delivers traffic to and from areas of the city they have identified as key growth areas under their SEQ Regional Plan.

“Council recognises there are existing commitments to upgrade parts of this road and we remain committed to working with the State Government to help deliver the full duplication for our community.”

Cr Williams said the Council advocacy document also sought a State Government commitment to exploring resource security for our islands.

“This is particularly timely given the fact that again our Southern Moreton Bay Islands lost water, which comes on top of consistent power outages to our islands,” Cr Williams said.

“We are also again repeating our call for our islands to be classified as regional under State Government grant opportunities in recognition of their regional challenges.”
Cr Williams said the advocacy plan also included key projects to deliver economic recovery in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Council is already working on a number of exciting projects, including a white water rafting and adventure sports precinct, regional sporting facility and hydrogen project, that have the potential to deliver some exciting outcomes and jobs for locals,” she said.

“These projects have the potential to deliver regional and even state-wide benefits and so we are looking to partner with the State to deliver them for our community.

“As part of our advocacy plan, Council is also looking for the State Government to support our local tourism sector, including developing a Moreton Bay Tourism Strategy and delivering infrastructure to help residents and visitors access the bay.

“Our advocacy plan also includes some important social and environmental opportunities we are asking the State Government to partner with us to deliver.”

Cr Williams said Council was also again advocating for better planning laws to meet community expectation – a point that had been made a number of times to the State Government.

“The community has told us they need clearer planning legislation and infrastructure that meets State Government growth and this advocacy plan makes this request on behalf of the community,” she said.

Cr Williams said Council would send the advocacy plan to all candidates contesting the October State poll to request their support for each project and initiative.

“Advocacy is a key part of Council’s role and partnering with other levels of government is critical to delivering for our community, so we will publish the responses of each candidate so the community knows which candidates support these projects,” she said.

To view Council’s advocacy plan, visit redland.qld.gov.au/StateElectionAdvocacyPlan

Redland City Council has asked for an explanation from the State Government as to why they included a Redland Bay area in the urban footprint of the SEQ Regional Plan, before Councillors decide if they will support structure planning to consider future urban development in the area.

Deputy Mayor Cr Julie Talty said Council passed an urgent item at this week’s Council meeting calling for the explanation following a request for a structure plan to be developed for the Southern Redland Bay Expansion Area.

“Councillors have been asked if they support developers progressing a structure plan for the Southern Redland Bay Expansion Area, which is bounded by Kidd Street, Serpentine Creek Road and the Shoreline project,” she said.

“This area is zoned rural in our city plan, so Council wants to ensure the best outcomes for the area and would like to know why the State Government has decided it should be included in the urban footprint at this time; effectively nominating it for an urban use.

“We are frustrated by the State Government deciding parts of the city should be made available for residential growth without the necessary infrastructure to support it and, on behalf of the community, we are asking for an explanation.

“In their SEQ Regional Plan submission report the State Government claims the area was included in the urban footprint because Council nominated it for investigation in our draft city plan; but what they fail to point out is that this investigation was a Ministerial Direction from the State Government, which they then followed by including it in the urban footprint.”

This week’s decision was made after Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell moved an urgent item without notice to write to the State Government, which focussed on ensuring State infrastructure matched the growth required by the State Government.

“Council is tired of being forced to accept growth by the State without the necessary State infrastructure to support it and today’s decision is about taking a stand on behalf of our community,” Cr Mitchell said.

“The State made the decision to include this area in the urban footprint so it is incumbent on them to explain why to the community and how they intend to provide the infrastructure needed to support it.

“Following their response we will then consider whether we support a structure plan in the area, focussing on ensuring infrastructure supports the area.”

Redland City Council will call for feedback on the benefits of low-key recreational use and the environmental values of Geoff Skinner Wetlands Reserve at Wellington Point.

Deputy Mayor Julie Talty said the decision made at this week’s General Meeting also included confirming with the State Government that they had no plans to upgrade the end of Bligh Street to a designated boat ramp.

“We know some people have been using the area to launch kayaks and some small motorised boats, but at the end of the day the Department of Transport and Main Roads do not consider this location as a boat ramp, so we will write to them to confirm their position,” Cr Talty said.

“This response, together with feedback from the community will then help Council decide how the road is managed moving forward.”

Division 1 Councillor Wendy Boglary said the Geoff Skinner Wetlands Reserve was a significant conservation corridor with high biodiversity.

“This area was purchased through Council’s environmental levy and will continue to be enhanced through rehabilitation and maintenance,” Cr Boglary said.

“An 18-month trial closure of Bligh Street has provided an opportunity to enhance the area’s natural values, improving the space for nature enthusiasts, walkers and cyclists.

“Since the trial road closure commenced in December, 2018, there has also been a notable reduction in hooning and antisocial behaviour in the wetlands, which supports why Council bought the land in the first place.

“With this information, and the additional engagement approved by Council, we will be able to decide the longer-term options for the road and wider conservation area.”

Cr Boglary said that since development of the Geoff Skinner Wetlands Concept Plan, Council had undertaken weed and rubbish removal, plus revegetation works.

“With these improvements, along with tree plantings by the Koala Action Group, locals have seen several bird species return,” Cr Boglary said.

“Many residents are now following our local koala population which frequents the area.

“The environmental significance of this area is evident with valuable saltpans, internationally recognised wetlands for migratory birds and habitat for koalas, along with other bird and animal species.

“Swamp wallabies are also regularly seen in the area.”

Cr Boglary said renewed environmental interest in the wetlands had also helped local businesses.

“With the Wellington Point Village a short stroll from the area, the increase in visitations by bird watching enthusiasts and walkers has also been a local economic benefit,” Cr Boglary said.

Redland City Council’s Birkdale Recycling and Waste Centre has re-opened after a $1.8 million upgrade.

Mayor Karen Williams said the work would significantly improve the stormwater quality leaving the site, while also improving traffic flow and functionality for the thousands of residents who used the centre every year.

“Redlands Coast recycling and waste centres are a place for residents to drop off their unwanted items, which are then taken to various facilities across south-east Queensland for recycling or disposal,” Cr Williams said.

“Birkdale Recycling and Waste Centre processed more than 220,000 transactions last year and the upgrade works have been designed to improve customer experience and safety, while delivering on our environmental management commitments.”

Cr Williams said that in the 2019/20 year Council recycled more than 66 per cent of the 51,156 tonnes of total household waste dropped off by customers at all eight recycling and waste centres.

Birkdale Recycling and Waste Centre recycles a large number of products, including: bricks and concrete, car batteries, cardboard, clothing and textiles, electronic waste, fridges and freezers, gas bottles, green waste and timber, motor oil, polystyrene, scrap metal, tyres and cooking oil.

“There is also a drop-off area for items that can be re-sold at RecycleWorld and re-used within the community,” Cr Williams said.

“Upgrade works included creating dedicated drop-off lanes for RecycleWorld items and waste oil, while the resource recovery area in the lower part of the centre was extended so that customers can temporarily park and drop off cardboard.”

Cr Williams said the gravel area on top of the hill was bitumen sealed with an innovative process that used recycled tyres.

“Council worked with road construction company RPQ Group to use crumbed rubber blended bitumen to resurface the 22,000sq m upper level of the centre,” Cr Williams said.

“The process recycled the equivalent of approximately 550 used passenger tyres.”

Division 8 Councillor Tracey Huges said the resurfacing was also designed to improve the facility’s stormwater quality entering Tarradarrapin Creek, and reduce maintenance costs.

“The bitumen surface means there is no longer a requirement for dust suppression using a water truck,” Cr Huges said.

“The previous gravel surface also required maintenance at least twice each year.”

Cr Huges said work on the upper level included a new layout and line marking.

“This area is used to temporarily store green waste, timber, scrap metal and other resources before they are further processed,” Cr Huges said.

“There are now clearer traffic flow paths and more defined lanes to each of the recycling stockpile drop-offs, which will improve vehicle queuing and safety for customers.”

Birkdale Recycling and Waste Centre, at 555-607 Old Cleveland Road East, is open seven days from 7am, closing at 5pm in winter and 5.30pm from September 1. Vehicles must arrive 15 minutes before closing time.