Popular Point Lookout park planned to be upgraded in 2022


November 26, 2021

Redland City Council is planning an exciting upgrade for the popular Headland Park at Point Lookout (Mulumba).

Mayor Karen Williams said the upgrade would bring a new lease of life to the popular park.

“Next year will see some fabulous improvements in this wonderful park,” she said.

“A new play space with a dual-slide climbing unit, nest swing, spring rocker and shell cubby, themed to reflect local cultural connections and Minjerribah’s spectacular marine environment will be built on the larger clearing, closer to the amenities block.

“In the new play space we’ll also see picnic facilities including a shelter, table, seating and a barbecue, with connecting paths helping ensure this beautiful new community space is accessible for all.”

To make way for another shelter with a table and seating nearer the bus stop, ageing play equipment will soon be removed.

“Importantly, the 2022 upgrade will also include the sealing of the adjacent carpark to provide more formalised parking spaces and additional protection for environmental values,” Cr Williams said.

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said the upgrade would provide a community space for everyone.

“Headland Park is central to many of the activities locals and visitors to Minjerribah enjoy,” he said.

“It provides access to the recently reopened Gorge Walk and pedestrian connectivity to two of the island’s most popular beaches.

“The large, grassy, space has long been a go-to spot for picnickers and people enjoying gelati or fish and chips from the nearby cafes.

“The improvements next year will make the park an even more attractive recreation space now and into the future.”

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Posted in Parks and tagged .

Point Lookout Gorge Walk reopens after restoration


November 25, 2021

The popular Point Lookout Gorge Walk on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) has fully reopened to visitors ahead of the busy Christmas holiday period.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said restoration work was now complete on a 25 metre section of the boardwalk which was damaged earlier this year following heavy rain.

“Minjerribah is one of Queensland’s most beautiful naturally wonderful attractions and the Gorge Walk has always been a ‘must do’ for visitors to the island,” she said.

“Unfortunately the walk had to be closed earlier this year to ensure the safety of the public after heavy rain washed away some of the footings.

“Now I am pleased to announce that residents and visitors are once again able to complete the full 1.2 kilometre circuit uninterrupted.

“The walk offers multiple vantage points to view local flora and fauna against the stunning backdrop of the headlands and Pacific Ocean.

“The reopening of the entire Gorge Walk will be very welcome news to residents and businesses on Minjerribah, especially with the influx of visitors expected for the upcoming summer holidays.”

The Point Lookout Gorge Walk has fully reopened following repairs to a damaged section.

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said reconstruction of the damaged section of the walk involved the installation of seven new footings into the underlying rock.

“This was a difficult area in which to undertake works and, at the same time, protect its beautiful surrounds,” he said.

“The contractors worked off the existing decking to bore down 2.8 metres into rock to ensure the stability of the footings.

“They were then harnessed from the walk to add pile caps, using concrete pumped all the way from the main carpark.

“Care was taken at all stages of the restoration to ensure minimal damage to vegetation and the surrounding gorge.

“I am very excited that the boardwalk has reopened so residents and visitors can once again walk the circuit and experience the natural beauty of Minjerribah.”

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Redlands Coast holding steady on environmental health


November 25, 2021

The water quality in Moreton Bay is excellent and an expansion of seagrass meadows in the bay signifies a healthier ecosystem, according to the 2021 Healthy Land and Water Report Card.

The 2021 Healthy Land and Water Report Card found that water quality in Southern Moreton Bay remained excellent with a rating of B+.

The annual report into the environmental condition of South East Queensland waterways showed that the catchment waterways of Redlands Coast have remained in “fair condition”, consistent with findings in last year’s report.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the consistent Catchment Environmental Condition score of C+ and a Waterway Benefit Rating of 3 stars (out of 5) were positive signs that work being done in the city was continuing to be effective.

Cr Williams said the report, prepared by Healthy Land and Water, showed there had been a slight improvement in the environmental condition of Southern Moreton Bay with a score of B+; with Central Moreton Bay also improving, up to an A from last year’s A-; while Eastern Moreton Bay maintained its A rating and Western Moreton Bay stayed on an A-.

“The report found the water quality in all four sectors of Moreton Bay remained excellent, with an improvement in all indicators in several areas,” she said.

“One of the encouraging findings is the continuing spread of seagrass meadows in various areas of Moreton Bay.

“Expanding seagrass habitat signifies a healthier ecosystem. They are home to dugongs and provide protection for a rich biodiversity of marine life.”

Cr Williams said the report showed Redlands Coast residents highly valued their local waterways and were actively using them.

Kayaking in Tingalpa Creek near Birkdale Community Precinct.

“The report showed residents placed a high value on their local waterways for recreation, with more than half of those surveyed saying they used them for recreational activities at least monthly.”

Cr Williams said encouraging and maintaining the community’s connection with their local creeks and the Bay was important.

“To keep Redlands Coast naturally wonderful for generations to come we all need to continue working together to improve the health of our waterways,” she said.

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Council urges residents to shop local this Christmas


November 25, 2021

Redland City Council is encouraging residents to buy local this Christmas through a festive ‘Making Business Bright’ campaign.

Mayor Karen Williams said buying local would provide a much-needed boost for businesses who had experienced another challenging year due to COVID-19.

“With so many fabulous businesses on Redlands Coast it is very easy to support our locals,” she said.

“It will do much to help ensure a bright start to 2022 for our community by supporting local employment and the economy.

“Our retailers offer great value and exceptional service to shoppers, and not just with a wide range of traditional gift ideas.

“This festive season is also the perfect opportunity to support our tourism operators by giving the gift of travel, which will showcase our naturally wonderful Redlands Coast.

“There are plenty of choices for a special gift which will create long-lasting memories as our backyard encompasses everything from bushland, bay and islands.

“I encourage everyone to buy local wherever possible this festive season and help make Christmas brighter for our businesses.”

Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce president Rebecca Young welcomed the campaign as she said local businesses are still feeling the effects of COVID, particularly in the tourism, retail and hospitality sectors.

“While masks are now not required and the per sqm rule has eased, businesses will be expected to implement the proposed no jab no entry State Government directive from 17 December,” Ms Young said.

“This puts additional strain on them with staffing and a lack of confidence for people to get out and about at a time that businesses really rely on holiday trade.

“I would encourage all locals to book their Christmas parties locally, buy Christmas gifts locally and think about how you can give a gift in a different way like a gift voucher to a local beauty salon or to experience one of our local restaurants.

“Consumers may opt to shop online rather than getting out into our local economy, but you can still choose local as many of our businesses have adapted in a COVID economy and updated their websites to include a virtual store.

“Keeping our money here helps our small businesses grow, meaning more job opportunities so we can all live, work and play here on Redlands Coast.”

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

IndigiScapes Centre maintenance closure extended


November 25, 2021

Redlands IndigiScapes Centre is currently closed for scheduled maintenance. Due to rain, the planned closure has extended to Friday 26 November.

IndigiScapes is now expected to reopen on Saturday 27 November. 

The following facilities are currently closed:

  • the Discovery Centre,
  • café,
  • native botanic garden,
  • playground and
  • walking tracks.

The native nursery will remain open.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Redland City Council opens sandbagging stations.


November 24, 2021

Redland City Council has opened sandbagging stations for the community in anticipation of further rain this week.

When visiting sandbagging stations please wear enclosed shoes, bring a buddy to help carry heavy loads and remember to bend your knees when lifting.

Cleveland – Open until 6pm tonight; then 7am – 6pm daily
Redland City Council South Street Depot – Click the link for directions: https://goo.gl/maps/Y2SAjo5u4Y7fbS3D9
Council staff will be onsite to assist. Sand, bags and shovels are supplied.

Self-service sandbagging stations with sand and bags will be available at:
North Stradbroke Island – Open 24 Hours
Outside the Redland City Council Depot, 11-37 Mitchell Crescent, Dunwich
Click the link for directions: https://goo.gl/maps/tZUphUxjjtMM92w99

Russell Island – Open 24 Hours
Outside the Council Depot on Cambridge Road.

Macleay Island – Open 24 Hours
Outside the Council Depot on Scarborough Terrace.

Please take your own shovel. Residents will need to collect their own sandbags. If this is not possible, please contact the Redland SES Unit on phone 132 500.

For more info on sandbagging click here https://redlnd.cc/32jU4M4
And please remember – If it’s flooded forget it!

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Redlands Coast businesses connect with New Zealand


November 24, 2021

Stronger trade connections and new opportunities between Redlands Coast businesses and the New Zealand market were explored at a recent Redland City Council-organised business event.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams addresses participants at the Business Breakfast: Redlands Coast & New Zealand event.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the Business Breakfast: Redlands Coast & New Zealand event held in partnership with Trade & Investment Queensland (TIQ) on 18 November, presented the opportunities available and the ways to leverage and connect NZ and Redlands Coast trade and investment.

“This event was about identifying these opportunities and discuss a way forward for the strengthening of these ties in the coming year,” Cr Williams said.

“Having a strong bilateral trade and investment connection is a great way to form strategic trans-Tasman ties.

“Immediate opportunities for enhanced ties between Redlands and New Zealand could be in health care, maritime industries, food, ag-tech and emerging technology industries.”

Cr Williams said the event was one of several ways that Council supported local businesses including the highly successful Redlands Coast Business and Jobs Expo earlier this month.

“Council is coordinating our approach across the levels of government to provide seamless support for business in making the most of NZ trade and investment,” she said.

“In this way businesses can get access to resources they need regardless of their initial point of contact.

“This event was the start of Council working collaboratively with industry and government to explore trade and investment opportunities with a range of global markets.

“Many businesses just aren’t aware of the fantastic resources available to them in these endeavours. They can reach out to Council for personalised consultations so they can get the support they need to expand and grow their business.”

Participants at the Business Breakfast: Redlands Coast & New Zealand event held in Alexandra Hills.

Cr Williams said the event attracted representatives from a broad range of industries including food production, renewable energy, ag-tech, retailers, manufacturers and creative industries, including local and Indigenous-owned businesses. Key organisations represented included Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce, Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ), Export and Council of Australia and Trade & Investment Queensland.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Council requests funding deal to secure delivery of State’s North Stradbroke Island public transport strategy


November 22, 2021

Redland City Council will soon submit its feedback on the Queensland Government Draft Minjerribah Public Transport Strategy (Draft Strategy) after endorsing the submission at the General Meeting on Wednesday 17 November 2021.

The State’s Draft Strategy recommends a suite of priorities and actions to improve the public transport system on and to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah).

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council was pleased with the opportunity to review the State’s Draft Strategy that aims to support the Redlands Coast community, economy, and environment.

“With the Queensland Government proposing different ways to enhance the island’s passenger transport network, there are several infrastructure projects that need to be delivered to achieve these goals,” Cr Williams said.

“Council noticed during its review of the Draft Strategy it had been nominated to lead many of these projects, such as new bus stops and parking facilities and, for Council that is simply financially impractical.

“Our island communities know that Council continually advocates for improvements to the public transport network across our islands, but the reality is Council needs funding commitment from the Queensland Government to help deliver the work.

“Thankfully, Council was able to provide feedback on the Draft Strategy.

“Our feedback outlines these concerns and requests for the development of an implementation plan, detailing lead and partner agency responsibilities, indicative costings, funding sources and delivery timeframes.

“I am hopeful that Council’s feedback on the Draft Strategy leads to future conversations between Council and the Queensland Government so that we can arrive at a mutually beneficial agreement and provide our community with better and easier ways to travel.”

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said he was optimistic about the Draft Strategy and hoped it would kick-start future development of public transport infrastructure on North Stradbroke Island.

“While the island has a permanent population of about 2,000 people, it can swell to over 10,000 during peak tourism season, making transport to, from and around the island critical for residents and the local tourism economy,” Cr Mitchell said.

“Advances to bus stops, bus operations, active transport access and bicycle parking, a review of parking services and lighting and security enhancements are just some of the facilities and features that I know would be welcomed by residents and visitors.

“With the Draft Strategy developed and feedback submitted, I think the Queensland Government is moving in the right direction to provide the island community with the public transport improvements they need.”

Consultation on the Draft Strategy closed on Friday 19 November 2021, however the document can be viewed on the Queensland Government’s website.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Information sessions offer cyber security advice


November 22, 2021

Information sessions on how to protect yourself or your business from online security threats will be held in Redlands Coast this month(November).

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the cyber security information sessions at the Redland Performing Arts Centre on 29 November would be tailored to suit two areas of the community.

“The morning session will highlight the cyber threats facing individuals and older Redlands Coast residents, as well as offering tips on how to protect yourself online,” Cr Williams said.

“While the next session will be aimed at small and medium businesses and will explain how they can protect themselves from the most common cyber security threats.

“These events are part of the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) Small and Medium Enterprise Week and are run by the ACSC and proudly supported by Redland City Council.

“So much of what we do today is online. We rely on online systems to run our businesses and our lives.

“Criminals are always coming up with new ways to sneak into our systems and disrupt your business.

“The ACSC is the Australian Government’s lead operational agency for national cyber security. It provides free cyber security advice and support to Australian individuals, businesses, and organisations which can enhance your awareness and protect you online.”

For more information on the sessions, go to Council’s What’s On calendar.

CYBER THREATS – What you need to know right now

When: 10-11am, Monday 29 November

Where: Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland

Tickets: Available through Eventbrite

CYBER THREATS – Cyber Aware: It’s your business to care

When: noon-1pm, Monday 29 November,

Where: Redlands Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland

Tickets: Available through Eventbrite

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

IndigiScapes Eco Markets have a sustainable festive focus


November 22, 2021

Redlands Coast residents dreaming of a sustainable Christmas will find plenty of inspiration at the IndigiScapes Eco Markets on Saturday 4 December 2021.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the event would be held in the centre’s native botanic gardens and include live music, family-friendly activities, fresh produce, upcycled fashion and market stalls offering sustainable products.

“The IndigiScapes Eco Markets were launched this year and have been successful in fostering an appreciation of our natural environment and engaging with the community about sustainable lifestyle choices,” she said.

“The December event will be the last of four eco markets to be held this year and will have a festive focus on sustainable gifting and decorating leading into Christmas and the New Year.

“The markets offer the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts for family and friends while also supporting small local businesses.

“You can start the morning with breakfast at the IndigiCafe while enjoying a sustainable fashion parade and op shop styling presentation.

“Then wander through the markets and visit the suitcase rummage and rack sale where you might find the perfect outfit for Christmas.

“Make sure you say hi to Council’s community education adviser Ranger Stacey who will be very visible on the day, both on the main stage and throughout the markets.”

Division 7 Councillor Rowanne McKenzie said the Eco Markets would offer activities and entertainment for visitors of all ages from 8am to midday.

“There will be three areas set up for entertainment with musicians, singers, belly dancers and a demonstration of eco-friendly Christmas decorating ideas,” Cr McKenzie said.

“There is also an extensive list of stallholders selling everything from fresh produce, living picture frames and natural cleaning and skin care products to jewellery, pottery, arts and craft, and recycled timber homewares and gifts.

“Children are also catered for with outdoor nature play, eco craft, and native flora and fauna face painting.

“Patrons will be spoilt for food choices, with fresh local cuisine with a bush tucker twist available at IndigiCafe and stalls offering French pastries, donuts, potato twisters and coffee.

“The Native Nursery will also be open from 9am to midday for advice on native plants and sales.

“There really is no better way to spend a Saturday morning than exploring local markets in the natural environment and surrounds of IndigiScapes.”

The markets will operate under a State Government-approved COVID Management Plan, with digital check-in, social distancing, good hygiene and sanitising measures encouraged by use of signage throughout the site.

For more information, visit indigiscapes.redland.qld.gov.au, phone 3824 8611 or email indigiscapes@redland.qld.gov.au

Print Friendly, PDF & Email