Tag Archives: Russell Island

For Broadcast: Russell Island controlled burns Thursday 4 September 2014


September 3, 2014

Redland City Council will be conducting a hazard reduction burn on Russell Island tomorrow Thursday 4 September 2014.

The planned burn will take place in the Whistling Kite Conservation Area, off Centre Road from 9am (weather permitting).

The planned burn is necessary to lessen the potential for fire by reducing fuel loads and to allow for the regeneration of native plant species.

The planned burn will only be undertaken if weather conditions are favourable and all attempts will be made to limit any smoke hazards from the work.

Anyone suffering from asthma or other respiratory conditions is encouraged to keep doors and windows closed and minimise their time outdoors.

Council is also reinforcing its message for residents to be bushfire ready with the State Disaster Coordination Centre issuing a fire warning for South East Queensland recently.

More information on how to prepare for bushfires is available at www.redland.qld.gov.au or www.fire.qld.gov.au.

Snapshot – Tuesday 15 April 2014


April 15, 2014

Russell Island Event

Free digital marketing workshop

Council invites you to come along to a free business workshop ‘Practical Ways to Build Your Digital Marketing’. The digital economy is changing the way we do business. This interactive workshop gives practical steps you can take to:

  • build a robust digital marketing strategy
  • improve the performance of your website
  • use social media to build your brand.

When: Wednesday 16 April 2014
Where: Russell Island Community Hall,
Russell Island
Time: 5pm – 6.30pm
RSVP: karen.brown@redland.qld.gov.au 3829 8507

Places are limited. A light buffet and refreshments will be served.

 

Leslie Harrison Dam

Information display Thursday 17 April

You may notice Leslie Harrison Dam at Capalaba receding over the next couple of months.
Seqwater has advised it is reducing dam levels from 80% to 42% to undertake important works. Seqwater is holding an information display with staff members available to answer questions.

When: Thursday 17 April 2014, 10am – 1pm
Where: Capalaba Library, Noeleen Street, Capalaba
To view details of the works, visit the Seqwater website or contact 1800 771 497.

 

Public holiday closures

Easter and ANZAC Day

Council facilities will be affected by the Easter and ANZAC Day public holidays as follows. Unless indicated below, normal operating hours apply:

  • Council offices and mainland libraries, as well as the Redland Performing Arts Centre, closed from Good Friday 18 April, reopening Tuesday 22 April. They will also be closed Friday 25 April for the ANZAC Day public holiday.
  • Animal Shelter: open 9am to 12pm only on Good Friday (18 April), Easter Monday (21 April) and ANZAC Day (25 April).
  • IndigiScapes Centre and Visitor information Centre: closed Good Friday (18 April) and open 12pm to 4pm only ANZAC Day (25 April)
  • Redland Art Gallery: closed Good Friday (18 April), Easter Monday (21 April) and ANZAC Day (25 April)
  • All waste transfer stations: closed Good Friday (18 April) – please note kerbside bin collections will continue as normal.

For more information, contact 3829 8999.

 

Hazard reduction burns at Sheldon

Tuesday 15 and Tuesday 29 April

Council advises it will be conducting hazard reduction burns at Don & Christine Burnett
Conservation Area, Sheldon on Tuesday 15 and Tuesday 29 April (weather permitting).

Planned burns are necessary to reduce the volume of forest litter fuel and reduce potential wildfire hazards. They also provide conditions essential for native plant species regeneration. All attempts are made to limit any smoke hazards. For information, please view the fire management page on our website or call 3829 8456.

 

Water meter readings

It’s time to prune to prickly pear! We are reading water meters in Capalaba and on North Stradbroke, Macleay, Perulpa, Karragarra and Lamb islands this week. Please make sure meter readers have clear access to your water meter.

 

Open meetings

Wednesday 23 April, General Meeting – 9.30am

City of islands to host unique forum


February 14, 2014

The benefits of living in an island community will be discussed when the Redlands hosts the first South East Queensland Island Forum next week.

Redland City Councillor for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (Division 5) Mark Edwards said the unique forum would focus on topics specific to island communities.

“This forum is an opportunity for locals who live, work or play on any of our islands to discuss issues that affect them and ways to benefit from belonging to an island community,” he said.

“Topics to be discussed include tourism, transport and local economies, which are all subjects that are critical to the success of island communities.

“The Redlands is known as a city of islands so what better place for the first forum of this kind to be hosted?”

Being held from Monday 24 February to Wednesday 26 February, the forum will be on North Stradbroke, Russell and Macleay Islands.

Division 2 Councillor for North Stradbroke Island Cr Craig Ogilvie said it was a privilege for the Redlands to host the inaugural forum.

“Guest speakers at the forum will include representatives from Kangaroo Island and Magnetic Island as well as tourism and cultural specialists from the Redlands; so there will be a wealth of knowledge on hand,” he said.

“When people mention island communities we generally think of the picturesque coast lines and holiday locations.

“While this is a key part of island communities there are other characteristics including cultural and environmental that create a unique community on many islands.”

The forum is being supported by Council along with Southern Cross University, Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, Straddie Chamber of Commerce and Straddie Camping

Topics include:

  • Sustainable islands tourism.
  • Transport – Crossing that crucial gap.
  • Cultural tourism.
  • How much buy-in does tourism need from the community beyond those in tourism, and how to get it.
  • The economics of autonomous islands – Can you make it alone?
  • The rents of paradise – What to do with Island economies?
  • Islands and indigenous business opportunities.

Speakers include:

  • Jayne Bates, Mayor of Kangaroo Island
  • David Thomson, general manager, Transit Systems and chairman of Straddie Chamber of Commerce.
  • Dr Michael Kortt, Southern Cross University Economist specialising in local government economics.
  • Karen Williams, Mayor of Redland City.
  • Cameron Costello, CEO of Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation.
  • Lorna Hempstead, Magnetic Island Community Development Association Inc.
  • Dr Howard Guille, Stradbroke Centre for Island Learning.

Hazard reduction burns on Russell Island: Tuesday 30 July to Thursday 1 August


July 29, 2013

Our Conservation Fire Management Team in conjunction with Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) Urban and Rural will be undertaking a series of hazard reduction burns this week on Russell Island.

The planned burns will take place from Tuesday 30 July to Thursday 1 August 2013 at the following locations: 

  • Melomy’s Wetlands (see first map below) corner of Centre and Glendale Roads, Russell Island. 
  • Turtle Swamp Wetlands (see second map below) corner of Coveden Crescent and Boeing Ridge Road, Russell Island.

russellisland02 russellisland01

Planned burns are necessary to reduce the volume of forest litter fuel to assist with hazard reduction and provide conditions essential for native plant species regeneration. It is appreciated that these burns may cause some inconvenience, however all attempts are made to limit any smoke hazards from the work.

The Queensland Fire & Rescue Service (QFRS) communications centre have been notified of the planned burns. 

The burn will be completed by Friday afternoon with mopping up of the fire site occurring until the area is safe.

For further information, please view the Fire management page on our website or phone our fire conservation officer on 3829 8456 or mobile 0418 874 104.

Council Budget delivers for SMBI residents


June 27, 2013

Redland City Council will effectively neutralise the financial impact of new TransLink services for the majority Southern Moreton Bay Island residents as part of its 2013-14 Budget.

Mayor Karen Williams said a reduction in the infrastructure component of general rates would offset the cost of extending the transport network from July 1.

“I am happy to announce that the extension of the TransLink network to the SMBI – and its subsequent boost to property values and connectivity – will come without an additional cost impact for the majority of islanders,” Cr Williams said.

“The extension of the TransLink network to the SMBI is the best thing that has happened to the islands, and islanders, for years.

“To make this happen after years of lobbying without success, we had to make a contribution to the Government, via a special charge.

“This is a win-win for islanders – they get the enormous advantages of cheaper travel via TransLink and accessibility to and from the SMBI and we have found a way to absorb the cost.

“The Budget offsets the levy cost of $85.46 on island properties by reducing the infrastructure component of rates by a similar amount.”

Cr Williams made the announcement when handing down Council’s 2013-14 Budget on Thursday 27 June, which included the lowest rates rise in South East Queensland.

“By absorbing many external costs rather than passing them on to ratepayers, we are able to hand down a Budget that includes a modest headline rates increase of only 1.43 per cent increase,” she said.

“For the average Redlands property this equates to 66 cents per week or about the price of a postage stamp.”

Cr Williams said it was a 3Rs Budget:

  • It is responsive to the needs of residents and the cost of living pressures they are facing.
  • It is realistic in its objectives, balancing the needs of the community with the ability to pay for projects to set the foundations for the future
  • It is responsible in its fiscal commitments, planning for the future of the city by keeping debt down.

“We are again focusing on the basics – putting our residents first and delivering the services they want,” she said.

Division Five Councillor Mark Edwards said SMBI residents would benefit from several key projects included in this year’s Budget.

“This includes all-ability access to the Lamb Island public toilets, which will include a new pathway to and around the public toilet, as well as infrastructure upgrades and improved lighting,” he said.

“Temporary pedestrian access will be provided to the jetty terminal and temporary toilets will be provided for the duration of the project, which is expected to be complete by the end of July, weather permitting.

“Other Budget items for SMBI include almost $760,000 to upgrade the Macleay Island Ramp Park, car park and boat ramp.

“Pontoons on Macleay and Russell islands will also be upgraded and $2 million has been set aside for future SMBI road projects.”

Some of the SMBI projects included in the 2013-14 Budget:

• Russell Island boat ramp upgrade: $370,000
• Russell Island pontoon upgrade: $40,000
• Russell Island Hall redevelopment: $50,000
• Macleay Island boat ramp upgrade: $412,500
• Macleay Island Bowls Club beach access ramp: $7500
• Macleay Island Bowls Club seawall: $20,000
• Macleay Island ramp park: $499,999.50
• Macleay Island ramp car park: $200,000
• Macleay Island boat ramp: $60,000
• Macleay Island pontoon upgrade: $50,000
• Macleay Island barge ramp (facility renewal): $40,000
• Karragarra Island beach access ramp: $7500
• Bay Islands capital Infrastructure Fund: $67,900
• Future SMBI road projects: $1,000,000
• SMBI road upgrade program: $1,000,000

 

New trial Russell Island camping facility gets go ahead


June 6, 2013

A new camping facility at Lions Boulevard Park Russell Island could put the destination on the map as a unique camping facility for kayakers, canoeists, cyclists and hikers.

Redland City Councillor Mark Edwards said Council’s agreement to a 12 month trial of two camp sites hosting a maximum of four people each for up to three nights, would provide a valuable addition to the tourist amenities on the islands.

“There are limited camping opportunities on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) and the addition of this camping ground at Lions Boulevard Park at Sandy Beach on the south-eastern tip of Russell Island will provide a unique facility for outdoor recreation enthusiast and SMBI visitors.

“In addition to island heritage walking trails, fabulous foreshore parks and visitor accommodation; the Southern Moreton Bay Islands offer unique Moreton Bay water experiences for kayakers and canoeists.

“The provision of these camping facilities will encourage more visitors to take their time when they explore the islands.

“Lions Boulevard Park is already popular with local fisherman and picnickers, is well maintained and ideal for low key camping. It has good access from the bay, together with toilet, BBQ, power, lighting, water, bins and picnic facilities already in place.”

Cr Edwards said the idea of camping in a popular neighbourhood park had been carefully considered and the trial would allow thorough assessment of the camp sites, the length of stay and the time and frequency of camp site bookings and opportunity for consultation with the community.

Mayor Karen Williams said camping on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) would support tourism and small business opportunities on SMBI.

“This is an example of the potential opportunities for SMBI business and economic growth,” Cr Williams said.

“Council is keen to encourage these opportunities in discussion with residents at the upcoming SMBI Economic Development Forums being held on Macleay Island on 14 June and Russell Island on 15 June.”

$500,000 RDA funding announced for Russell Island Sport Clubhouse and Resilience Centre


May 17, 2013

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams has expressed delight at today’s announcement of $500,000 funding towards the Russell Island Sports Clubhouse and Resilience Centre from the Commonwealth’s Regional Development Australia Fund.

“Our business plan for regional funding highlighted the strong national and regional importance of the Sport and Resilience Hub,” Cr Williams said.

“Estimated to cost $670,000, this facility will not only accommodate sporting and community groups, it will also serve as a disaster resilience centre for the prevention, preparation, response and recovery phases of a disaster event.

“This need was well highlighted to Redland City Council by the Ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald storm event that greatly impacted the Southern Moreton Bay Island (SMBI) community over the Australia Day long weekend.

“We are extremely grateful for the funding support of the Australian Government and the strong application support provided by RDA Logan and Redlands Inc in supporting our funding bid.”

Mariae Crawshaw, Chief Executive of Regional Development Australia Logan and Redlands Inc, said that the application was assessed as a high regional priority and was strongly endorsed for consideration for Federal funding.

Concept-Drawing-Russell-Is-Sports-Clubhouse-and-Resilience-Centre

“We share the Mayor’s delight in celebrating this funding as a wonderful achievement for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and the wider regional community.”

Redland City Council Division 5 Councillor, Mark Edwards said the funding announcement was great news not just for Russell Island but for all the Southern Moreton Bay islands.

“This multi-purpose facility will serve the demonstrated sport, recreation, social and community needs of the Southern Moreton Bay Island communities of Karragarra, Lamb, Macleay and Russell Islands and those of neighbouring communities in Redlands, Logan and Southeast Queensland,” Cr Edwards said

“The SMBI will have a sporting complex they can call their own, their own clubhouse and the added advantage of its use as a resilience centre in times of need.

“The need for such a community centre was driven home to us during recent the resilience forums held on Russell and Macleay islands and, thanks to the stage one and two partnership between the three tiers of government, we will deliver facilities and a multi-purpose centre residents can be proud of.”

Cr Edwards said the proposed 543m² clubhouse would form the hub of the Russell Island Sport and Recreation Park.

“It has been innovatively designed to include a commercial kitchen and first-aid room and for dual use as a resilience training and evacuation centre, which maximises the output of the building,” he said.

Construction of the new facility is expected to begin in January next year and be completed by December 2014 offering employment opportunities to local people during construction and through the establishment phases of the project.

The funding is in addition to state government funding commitment of $750,000 announced in 2010 and Council funding commitment of $1,307,554 towards the development of a large sportsfield and multi-purpose courts as part of stage one of the project.

Redland City islands to get disaster plans


March 15, 2013

Each Redland City island is to get its own disaster management plan, Mayor Karen Williams said today.

Cr Williams said the Southern Moreton Bay Islands would be priorities, with North Stradbroke and Coochiemudlo islands to follow.

“The recent Australia Day weekend storms and their aftermath, and fires on North Stradbroke Island, drove home to us the need to be prepared for such events,” she said.

“We were able to take the first steps to ensuring our island communities are better prepared for events with successful resilient forums on Macleay and Russell islands yesterday (Thursday, 14 March).

“The necessary next steps are to prepare plans for each of the islands, and then to have those plans in place before October, the traditional start of the fire and storm seasons.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards, who proposed the forums, said the message was simple: be prepared for the likelihood of up to five days’ isolation on the islands.

“We had hundreds of people on the islands who were without power for up to five days, after an initial period of isolation from the mainland because of the weather,” he said.

“The reality is we all tend to take things for granted, and to be complacent at times.

“There is a particular need for our isolated island communities to prepare themselves and it was important that we followed up the lessons of the storms quickly, while the impact was fresh in people’s minds.

“I think the exercise on the islands was very worthwhile, and the informal format worked tremendously well. I have no doubt it can be the model for discussions/planning on other islands.

“The fact Council officers were joined by representatives from Police, Ambulance, SES, QFRS, Emergency Management Queensland, the Department of Communities, Red Cross and Energex lent to the credibility of the occasion.”

Cr Williams said the information/education forums were especially designed for islanders.

“We had a steady flow of residents through each forum. It was pleasing to see a number of visitors from neighbouring Lamb and Karragarra islands, and particularly pleasing to see the number of people who completed household emergency plans at the forums,” she said.

“I am confident we got the message about the need to be prepared though to those who attended. I know one woman was going to ensure her whole street was prepared.”Resilience

People can still have their say by completing the online survey on Council’s website until 1 April 2013. Link is: www.redland.qld.gov.au/Haveyoursay/Engagements

 

Council urges residents to have a 3-5 day emergency plan


March 12, 2013

In light of the Australia Day weekend’s Ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald and in preparation for future severe weather events, Redland City Council urges residents to plan for emergency situations.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council was encouraging residents and businesses to have a 3-5 day emergency plan in place for their homes, families and work premises.

“It is extremely important for community members to be prepared for severe weather events and emergencies in case they become isolated or are without power for an extended time,” Cr Williams said.

“The standard recommendation is a three-day plan, but given the isolation of our islands, we strongly encourage people in these communities to have a complete five-day emergency plan.”

Precautions include making an emergency kit containing your emergency plan; non-perishable food; bottled water; first aid and toiletries; battery operated torches and radios; spare clothing; knives and other tools; pet needs and original or certified copies of important documents.

Cr Williams said emergency events unfolded rapidly and it was often too late to make safety preparations once a storm, flood or fire was on its way.

“Council has information on its website to help people create an emergency plan and I strongly encourage residents to take advantage of this resource,” Cr Williams said.

For more information on preparing an emergency plan visit our Redland Disaster Hub website.

To support community preparedness, Council will host two face-to-face community forums this Thursday (14 March) to discuss the unique challenges that island communities face during emergencies.

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the Southern Moreton Bay Islands’ (SMBI) Emergency Planning and Resilience Community Forums would be a great opportunity for residents and businesses to discuss how residents, Council, emergency services, residents and businesses can be best prepared.”

“The community forums will also provide residents with an opportunity to speak with government and community services; create household emergency plans; and participate in island map plotting activities,” Cr Edwards said.

“Council is pleased to host these forums in partnership with Queensland Police, Queensland Fire and Rescue, Queensland Ambulance, Department of Transport and Main Roads, Emergency Management Queensland, Department of Communities, Red Cross, Energex and Telstra.

“I encourage our island community members to come along to one of the community forums or have their say at Council’s website www.redland.qld.gov.au until 1 April 2013.”

SMBI Emergency Planning and Resilience Community Forums

Macleay Island
12:30pm – 3:30 pm
Macleay Island Community Centre Hall
Corner of Southsea Terrace and High Central Road, Macleay Island

and

Russell Island
5:30pm – 8:30pm
Russell Island Recreation Hall
1 Alison Crescent, Russell Island

RSVPs are not required.

If you can’t make it to a community forum, you can complete an online survey on our website, or call 3829 8874 and ask for a copy of the survey until 1 April 2013.