Council seeks to partner with State for job-creating projects


July 3, 2020

Redland City Council is hoping to partner with the State Government to deliver more than $7 million of job creating projects thanks to two State grants.

Mayor Karen Williams said the one-off State grants came after years of lobbying for State funding in recognition of the regional challenges faced by parts of Redlands Coast.

“The COVID Works for Queensland and Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package grant programs gave Council officers the chance to look at our capital plan and see what projects could be prioritised or brought forward to deliver jobs and economic return for Redlands Coast,” Cr Williams said.

“While this one-off funding isn’t the permanent regional funding I have been advocating for, it is a good start and, on behalf of the community, I thank Minister Hinchliffe for making this funding available and I look forward to working with him to ensure it delivers for Redlands Coast.

“While the grants had very tight timeframes and strict criteria, Council officers worked with their State counterparts to find projects that will deliver local jobs and boost the local economy.”

Acting Redland City Council CEO John Oberhardt said Council officers had put forward a range of infrastructure projects under the two grants.

“These projects include infrastructure such as green sealing island roads and an important coastal pedestrian link on North Stradbroke Island to drive tourism opportunities,” Mr Oberhardt said.

“We have also applied for recreation projects such as maintenance on our Cleveland Aquatic Centre and a mountain biking and recreational trail in the south of the city we have been working on for a number of years.

“Officers also identified the installation of internet fibre in key areas of the city as a worthy project due to its potential to deliver better connectivity and business opportunities.”

Cr Williams said she would continue to work with Minister Hinchliffe to ensure this funding was not a one-off.

“While we welcome this one-off funding to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we need the State Government to make this funding permanent like it is for other areas of the State,” Cr Williams said.

“This would allow Council to plan our projects knowing this funding was available, giving us greater confidence so we can deliver the projects and associated jobs sooner.”

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Council to remove establishment fee for green waste bins


July 1, 2020

Redland City Council is making it easier for mainland residents to help keep a lid on the amount of green waste that ends up in landfill, with the $30 establishment fee for household green waste bins to be removed from 1 July 2020.

Mayor Karen Williams said the move would save residents both time and money.

“From 1 July there will be no set up costs for green waste bins, and people who have one could spend less time taking this type of waste to our Redlands Coast’s recycling and waste centres,” she said.

“These lime green-lidded bins are collected every two weeks on the mainland, further helping residents protect their property from potential storm damage through regular garden clean ups.

“Council audits show almost one third of our general waste wheelie bin is green waste, which ends up in landfill; so the more households that have a green waste bin, the more that can be recycled into mulch and other landscaping products.

“We are always looking for ways to reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill and this is a great incentive for mainland residents to play their part in a convenient way.”

Cr Williams said an annual fee of $64 for the green waste collection service would be applied on the rates bill for properties that had a green waste bin.

“This equates to $1.23 per week for this opt-in service,” she said.

“The fee covers the cost of collection, transport and composting of the green waste.

“More than 16,000 mainland households are taking advantage of Council’s green waste collection service, and we want to see a lot more take it up, especially with the cooler months being a great time for a garden clean up.”

Council’s household green waste bin collection service is available only to mainland residents at this time, with green waste bins collected on the alternate week to recycle bins.

For more information or to order a green waste bin, visit redland.qld.gov.au/greenwaste or contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 3829 8999.

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Works for Queensland Grant sought for Cleveland Aquatic Centre renewal


July 1, 2020

Cleveland Aquatic Centre will be closed until October 2020 for essential maintenance work under plans agreed by Council and centre operator Belgravia Leisure. 

A Redland City Council spokesperson said the mandated COVID-19 closure of the Aquatic Centre in March had been an opportunity for more detailed centre revitalisation and maintenance investigation.

Council has since applied for Works for Queensland grant funding to support the works identified for the Centre.

“Work had already commenced at the centre to trace and repair a suspected leak in the 50-metre pool as COVID-19 restrictions first began,” the spokesperson said.

“Council and Belgravia Leisure have since been working on planning an expanded centre maintenance, renewal, upgrade and repair program for completion by October 2020.”

The proposed operational and amenity work includes pipe repair, joint, lighting and tiling repairs, major electrical upgrades, sand filter replacement, concourse painting, timber decking, and shade sail replacement.

“Council believes this project ticks all the boxes for the Works for Queensland grant funding including the upgrading and maintenance of public pools,” the spokesperson said. 

“Cleveland Aquatic Centre supports local jobs and vital community activities ranging from recreational swimming, learn to swim, health and occupational classes, to carnivals and events.

“As well as supporting a vital community asset, Works for Queensland grant funding would go to support local jobs and local businesses.

“Grant funding announcements are expected by July 6 and Council looks forward to the project receiving State approval. 

“The closure of the Cleveland Aquatic Centre until October will understandably be frustrating for many keen users.

“But it is also probably the best opportunity to complete major revitalisation work with the least impact before the return of peak season and further easing of COVID-19 restrictions. 

“Despite COVID-19 restrictions being gradually eased, many aquatic facilities across the south-east have remained closed due to the limited viability of allowed user numbers. 

“Others have also taken the shutdown as an opportunity to work on facilities.”

 

 

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Redland Bay SES Group one step closer to a new home


July 1, 2020

Redland Bay SES Group will soon have a new, fit for purpose space for its operations following Council’s recent purchase of a building at Redlands Business Park in Redland Bay.

Mayor Karen Williams said the building would support the group’s diverse range of functions in response to local, state and national disasters and emergencies.

“Our Redlands Coast SES volunteers are a hard-working, community minded and multi award-winning team, and their new home at Redlands Business Park will support their efforts for long into the future,” Cr Williams said.

“This team has supported our community in times of bushfire, flood and now pandemic, working hard to empower the community to help themselves and others.

“Council, with the assistance of QFES, will be fitting out the new building at Redland Bay to ensure the space accommodates and supports the broad range of work the team undertakes.”

Division 6 Councillor Julie Talty said the proposed layout for the building would include operational space for 60 volunteers, with training rooms, bathrooms, kitchen facilities, a mezzanine level for offices that could also be used for running incident management teams, and storage space for vehicle and marine assets.

“The Redland Bay SES Group is part of the overall Redland City SES Unit, which is one of the best in Australia, regularly demonstrating a breadth of skill, knowledge and professionalism in real emergencies and disasters as well as in competitions,” she said.

“The team is committed to ensuring the safety of everyone on Redlands Coast, and is excited about the opportunities for providing an even more cohesive service from the new base at Redland Bay.

“We are hopeful that by working in partnership with QFES, the building will be operationally ready by this December.”

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Redlands Coast park improvements opening soon


June 26, 2020

Mayor Karen Williams said there would be exciting new play spaces and equipment at Thornlands Community Park, Apex Park in Wellington Point and Raby Esplanade Park in Ormiston.

“The $2.1 million addition to Thornlands Community Park will open for the first day of school holidays, this Saturday 27 June,” Cr Williams said.

“The $770,000 upgrade to Raby Esplanade Park will follow mid-next week (approximately 1 July), weather permitting.

“Disappointingly, the opening of the $720,000 Apex Park upgrade has been pushed back due to vandalism, but we hope it won’t be too delayed.

“All of these upgrades are part of larger staged park projects that will see improvements to facilities for a cross section of visitors.”

Division 3 Councillor Paul Golle said he had watched with excitement as Thornlands Community Park, at the corner for Cleveland-Redland Bay Road and Waterline Boulevard, had emerged from what was just a grassy patch in April 2018.

“The new all abilities play space will feature a double flying fox, water auger and mud pit; and incorporate additional picnic settings, barbeques, shade, and seating all within a fully fenced area,” Cr Golle said.

“This coming financial year (2020/21) will see the inclusion of an extra agricultural themed mounded play area for climbing, sliding and tunnelling within the fenced play area and fitness equipment outside.”

Division 1 Councillor Wendy Boglary said she was looking forward to the upcoming openings of the revamped play areas at both Apex Park and Raby Esplanade Park.

“In a first for Redlands Coast parks, Apex Park at Starkey Street, Wellington Point will include an in-ground trampoline,” she said.

“Along with the addition of a climbing unit and fairy play space, the much loved flying fox will be renewed.

“Raby Esplanade Park, Ormiston will reopen with a nautical themed play space, a shipping container stacked play tower and a created creek bed featuring water pumps and sluice gates.

“The exciting new hamster wheel will be another first for the Redlands Coast children to enjoy.”

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Record $327m budget investment in Redlands Coast


June 25, 2020

Restarting Redlands Coast is at the heart of Council’s record $327 million COVID-affected budget for 2020-21 which provides a $3 million safety net for those most impacted by the pandemic.

The budget includes an expanded $80 million capital investment in the city aimed at generating and preserving local jobs and adding to and sustaining vital community infrastructure and services.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said it was expected Council’s finances would take a multi-million-dollar hit from COVID, including $3 million in COVID recovery funding that had been allocated to help the city recover from the pandemic.

“Right now we need money spent in our city and, with Council being one of Redland Coast’s largest employers, we are taking up the challenge by ensuring local money creates local jobs,” Cr Williams said.

“Council has been diligent in maintaining low levels of debt and a strong balance sheet over the years in preparation for a rainy day and the rain has arrived, so with local businesses struggling we are going to spend local to keep locals employed.

“A significant part of this record spend is thanks to the strong financial reserves that we built for a situation such as this.

“We are also topping up our COVID recovery fund by a further $1 million, providing a total of $3 million safety net to be used by those most impacted by the pandemic.

“While some Councils have chosen to spread rate relief broadly, we have adopted a deliberate strategy of supporting those who need it most by keeping money aside to provide relief when that need is better understood,” Cr Williams said.

“We know the full impacts of the COVID pandemic won’t be known until later this year when support like the Federal Government’s Job Keeper program have ended and this funding will allow us to do that.

“This may be through rates relief, business support or grants to the community; we will keep an eye on the impacts and have that money on hand to respond when and where it is needed most.”

Cr Williams said Council would absorb as much of the COVID impacts as possible, without passing on the impact to residents.

“We will do this by adopting an operating deficit budget and keeping the increase in general rates revenue to 2.99 percent taking in all rating categories – or about 62 cents a week for a typical category 1a, owner-occupied household, excluding separate charges, utilities and State Government charges.

“The extra money collected in rates through this year’s increase will contribute towards further COVID-19 recovery measures to help areas hardest hit by the pandemic response.

“We have also reduced other charges, with the environment separate charge down 4.7 percent and the landfill remediate charge down almost 26 percent.”

Cr Williams said as part of its COVID response Council had strengthened its focus on spending locally to help stimulate the economy.

“It is about getting people out an about again, getting the economy moving, supporting residents, backing businesses, restoring the climate for local employment and creating opportunity.

“It has allowed us to offer total pensioner rates and utilities rebates of almost $3.5 million, with rates rebates of $335 a year for a full pensioner or $167.50 for a part-pensioner.”

Cr Williams said it was disappointing the State Government had increased bulk water costs by a further 6.4 per cent, meaning the city’s total bulk water costs were now $43.4 million.

“This increase is on top of hefty increases over the last three years and comes despite us asking the State to hold bulk water costs to help residents respond to the COVID pandemic.

“To put this in perspective, the city’s bulk water bill is more than half of what we will spend in our capital expenditure program to provide vital community infrastructure.

“Despite this increase Council has kept its retail water consumption increase to just 2.13 percent.”

The 2020-21 budget at a glance:

  • Record $327 million investment in Redlands Coast.
  • An increase in general rates revenue of 2.99 percent taking in all rating categories – or about 62 cents a week for a typical category 1a, owner-occupied household, excluding separate charges, utilities and State Government charges.
  • Capital expenditure of almost $80 million.
  • The State Government’s bulk water charge, over which Council has no control, increases by about $36 for the average ratepayer to fund a total cost of almost $43.4 million this year.
  • Environment separate charge down 4.7 percent and the landfill remediation charge down almost 26 percent – a reduction of $16 on last year for both charges.
  • Council’s retail water consumption charge up by about 2.13 percent.
  • Total pensioner rebates rises to almost $3 million, with rates rebates of $335 a year for a full pensioner or $167.50 for a part-pensioner and other utility charge remissions and rebates totaling $467,000.

Capital expenditure program at a glance:

  • $30 million for transport, roads and traffic projects.
  • $3.2 million for other infrastructure projects.
  • $10.2 million for marine and foreshore projects, including canal and breakwater works.
  • $12.7 million for water, waste and wastewater projects.
  • $13.8 million for parks, open space and conservation.
  • $2 million for community and cultural development.

Go to our website at redland.qld.gov.au/budget for full budget information.

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Investment keeps Redlands Coast naturally wonderful


June 25, 2020

Redland City Council will spend more than $31 million enhancing and maintaining the city’s naturally wonderful parks, conservation areas and sports areas in 2020-21.

It builds on a multi-million-dollar program of park and playground upgrades across the city in recent years and follows the acquisition of key strategic land for community use, including the former Commonwealth land at Birkdale, historic Willard’s Farm, the Redlands Coast Regional Sport and Recreation Precinct at Mt Cotton and the former Department of Primary Industries land at Alexandra Hills.

Mayor Karen Williams said the Redland City budget, delivered today, includes $13.8 million for improving popular community parks and sports fields alone.

“There is $1.6 million for the Hanover Drive Park upgrade at Alexandra Hills, $1.3 million for
Apex Park at Wellington Point, $1.1 million for Headland Park at Point Lookout and close to another $1 million for the next stage of Thornlands Community Park,” Cr Williams said.

“We have also seen substantial works either completed or underway in Raby Esplanade Park and at Pt Lookout Oval.

“These are just some of the parks across the city to benefit from major makeovers, as we know Redlanders love their outdoors spaces and we want them to be the best they can be.

“Simply maintaining our parks – mowing and cleaning to keep them in tip top shape and safe – will take the total investment to $30.2 million in 2020-21, while fire mitigation alone costs almost $2 million.”

Cr Williams said she was excited by the potential of the former Commonwealth land at 362-388 Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale, which was acquired last December.

“Council has backed heritage protection for key features of the site, including the former US Army Radio Receiving Station used in World War II,” she said.

“We worked hard over several years to purchase this land to ensure it becomes a great community asset for Redlands Coast.”

Cr Williams said the commitment in this year’s Budget followed more than $3.5 million in park upgrades set to open in the coming week.

“I know Redlanders love their parks and they will have a whole lot more reason to love them with upgraded parks including Thornlands Community Park, which opens this Saturday; Raby Esplanade Park in Ormiston that opens mid next week; and Apex Park at Wellington Point,” Cr Williams said.

“As part of this year’s Budget we will continue that investment, providing plenty of exciting new parks for local families to enjoy.”

Cr Williams said Council was also committed to supporting sports groups, with major renewal projects planned for Thorneside’s William Taylor Memorial Sportsfield and Redland Bay’s Charlie Buckler Sportsfield.

“We also have earmarked $612,000 to progress the Redlands Coast Regional Sport and Recreation Precinct proposal for Heinemann Road, Mount Cotton,” Cr Williams said.

“The masterplan for this new multi-million-dollar regional sport and recreation precinct has been approved, with the project implemented in stages to provide exciting new sporting facilities.

“With our sports group particularly hard hit by measures to keep COVID-19 at bay, we have already moved quickly to provide them with access to a $50,000 operational funding pool from last year’s budget to help them continue supporting the local community.

“Council is also continuing to work with any clubs suffering financial hardship to ensure they are supported through COVID-19.”


Major parks and sportsground projects

Hanover Drive Park upgrade, Alexandra Hills, $1.6 million

Apex Park renewal, Wellington Point $1.3 million

Headland Park upgrade, Point Lookout $1.1 million

Thornlands Community Park stage 2B $996,000

William Taylor Memorial Sportsfield renewal, Thorneside $827,000

Charlie Buckler Sportsfield carpark renewal and expansion $800,000

Raby Esplanade Park stage 2 $777,000

Redlands Coast Regional Sport and Recreation Precinct $612,000

Go to our website at redland.qld.gov.au/budget for full budget information.

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Redlands Coast island infrastructure boost


June 25, 2020

Redlands Coast island communities will benefit from more than $11.1 million in major infrastructure and roads spending in the 2020-21 Redland City Council budget.

Mayor Karen Williams said the allocations to projects across the Southern Moreton Bay, North Stradbroke and Coochiemudlo islands underscored Council commitment to improving island infrastructure.

“And we hope this is just the start of the post-COVID investment, with Council continue to push hard for state and federal government funding assistance to bring forward shovel-ready projects for island communities,” Cr Williams said.

“We see projects such as the Glendale Road emergency access road on Russell Island and a range of footpath projects and road improvements as vital to the islands’ futures.”

Council’s 2021 budget, adopted today, includes multi-million-dollar investments in the Southern Moreton Bay Islands as part of a total of a $21.6 million to be spent directly on caring for Redlands Coast island communities – up $1.7 million on last financial year.

“Big ticket projects such as the Russell Island pontoon upgrade, which will cost $3.5 million this financial year, the Weinam Creek car park, which will cost $3.4 million, and another $1.5 million for the islands’ Green Seal program will help to significantly improve conditions for islanders,” Cr Williams said.

“These three key projects are critical to improving access to and around the Southern Moreton Bay islands, with the Russell Island pontoon the start of major marine transport infrastructure renewal program which will now to be accelerated to include upgrades to the jetties, gangways and pontoons at Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra islands over three years.

“One of Redlands Coast’s largest-ever marine projects, this partnership with the Department of Transport and Main Roads will have significant transport, tourism and recreational benefits for the region.

“Another $795,000 will be spent on the Canaipa Point Drive off-road footpath on Russell Island, with $259,000 allocated to upgrade Macleay Island Community Park.

“Island waiting sheds and bus shelters will be upgraded at a cost of $404,000.”

Other major island projects include the upgrade of Point Lookout’s Headland Park on North Stradbroke Island ($1.1 million) and park and streetscape asset renewal on Coochiemudlo Island ($270,000).

Go to our website at redland.qld.gov.au/budget for full budget information.

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Massive boost to make it easier to get around Redlands Coast


June 25, 2020

More than half of Redland City Council’s projected record capital spend for 2020-21 will go towards transport and traffic solutions, with a dozen big-ticket projects and programs alone costing more than $30 million.

The capital outlay in today’s budget also has a strong focus on active transport options, with more than $5.8 million directed at footpaths and cycleways alone to make it easier for our community to leave the car at home and get on their bikes or head out for walks.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council would continue to work with the state and federal governments to bring forward further funding for a multi-million-dollar catalogue of other shovel-ready road and transport infrastructure projects.

“The $80 million in budgeted capital expenditure is expected to hit a record more than $90 million once carry-over funds and anticipated state and federal assistance is factored in,” Cr Williams said.

“More than $9 million will be injected into the city’s Road Renewal Program, with $1.8 million going to Regional Road Alliance Program projects and another $1.7 million to the Roads to Recovery Program.

“Another $1.5 million will go towards our bus shelter and seat renewal program and $525,000 for the Cleveland Rail bus station. We want to encourage more residents to use public transport than just have machines laying bitumen.

“Our island communities will benefit from the start of a $28.6 million two-year project to upgrade the jetties, gangways and pontoons at Russell, Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra islands, with $3.5 million for the Russell island project.

“At Weinam Creek, the gateway to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, we have dedicated $3.4 million for the carpark development, and we have committed another $1.5 million to the sealing of island roads.

“All this is not only vital to our island residents but also to the development of a sustainable tourism industry to support local jobs creation.”

Cr Williams said Redlands Coast’s great attraction – its waterways and foreshores – came with a substantial cost.

“With more than 335km of coastline, our operating maintenance costs for marine infrastructure, including boat ramps and jetties, foreshore work and canals will total $8.5 million over and above the $10.2 million earmarked for capital works this financial year,” she said.

Cr Williams said Council was also seeking vital infrastructure commitments from the State Government under its Works for Queensland program and the Federal Government under its Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program and Financial Assistance Grants to add impetus to its infrastructure investment.

“We already have 64 projects worth almost $83 million that are shovel-ready and which, if funded, will support jobs growth and deliver improvements for our community,” Cr Williams said.

“These include community disaster resilience and infrastructure improvements worth
$10.4 million for North Stradbroke Island and $8.6 million for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, communities which have been particularly hard hit.

“It also includes millions of dollars’ worth of upgrades to the Redlands Coast transport network, including 6.2km of footpaths, 26km of resurfacing mainland roads and 3.7km of green seal for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands in the next financial year alone to help residents and visitors move around the city faster and safer.”

Major road, traffic and transport projects and programs

Road Renewal Program $9 million

Russell Island pontoon upgrade $3.5 million

Raby Bay revetment walls and groynes $3.7 million

Weinam Creek development carpark $3.4 million

Wellington Street and Panorama Drive road upgrade $3.3 million

Southern Redland Bay boat ramp $1.8 million

Regional Road Alliance Program $1.8 million

Roads to Recovery Program $1.7 million

Southern Moreton Bay Green Seal program $1.5 million

Bus shelter and seat renewal program $1.5 million

Canaipa Point Drive off-road footpath (Oasis Drive – Keats Street) Russell Island $795,000

Kinross Road upgrade, Thornlands $700,000

Main Road, Wellington Point, footpath and retaining wall upgrade $650,000

Cleveland Rail bus station $525,000

Moreton Bay Cycleway, Victoria Point (School Road – Pt O’Halloran Road) $500,000

Go to our website at redland.qld.gov.au/budget for full budget information.

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Councillors and senior officers forgo pay rise


June 25, 2020

Redland City Councillors have forgone a pay rise at the Special Budget Meeting today, saving the City $25,137.

Mayor Karen Williams said Councillors unanimously voted to not accept the remuneration set out for Councillors by the Local Government Remuneration Commission for the 2020/21 financial year.

“Considering the hardship being experience by some of our residents and business community, we could not in good conscience accept a pay rise,” she said.

Cr Williams said the decision by Councillors had been further supported by Council’s senior and executive officers who had also proactively agreed to not accept a pay increase.

“The combined impact of Councillors and Council’s 22 senior officers not accepting a pay increase will save residents about $150,000, which in the current economic environment will be welcome news for the community,” she said.

“Council has worked hard to deliver stimulus packages to ease the burden of locals where possible.

“While our salary savings may not seem a lot in the grand scheme of things, it is a statement of our solidarity with the Redlands Coast community.”

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