Monthly Archives: July 2012

Exhibitions put Redlands artists in focus


July 31, 2012

Two new exhibitions at Redland Art Gallery put the spotlight on Redlands’ talented artists.

In Focus 2012 and Linkages: A Redlands Creative Alliance showcase, both showcase local artists’ works and are on display until 26 August at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland.

In Focus 2012 is also being presented simultaneously at Redland Art Gallery, Capalaba until Wednesday 3 October.

In Focus 2012 celebrates the wealth of artists living and working in the Redlands, with this year’s artists creating postcard size artworks in response to the theme ‘Art in life’. Works include painting, drawing, mixed media, photography and sculpture.

In Focus 2012 will include works by The Fundamentalists Art Group, Macleay Island Art Complex,
Redland Yurara Art Society, Russell Island Community Arts, Salt Water Murris Quandamooka Art Group, Smart Arts and The Old Schoolhouse Gallery.

Linkages: A Redland Creative Alliance showcase includes artwork by Redlands Creative Alliance members, who express their creativity through a variety of mediums.

The Alliance promotes collaboration and communication between the Redlands’ arts and business communities, serving to broaden public awareness of arts and culture in the area.

Live performances will also be held in conjunction with the Linkages exhibit during August:

Sunday 5 August 2012
Blue Moon Theatre Company – Poetry readings
10am in the mall at the Cleveland Village Farmers Markets
11am Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland

Sunday 12 August 2012
Folk Redlands performance
10am In the mall at the Cleveland Village Farmers Markets
11am Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland

Public performances presented in partnership with Redlands Arts Council.

Apply for a grant today and help invest in your community tomorrow


July 24, 2012

Applications are now open for 2012-13 Community Grants Program and Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) to help fund community and not-for-profit projects and programs.

There are two rounds held in the 2012-13 financial year, with applications for this first round closing 31 August 2012.

A wide range of groups and individuals can benefit from the grants. Past recipients include the Volunteer Marine Rescue to hold marine rescue workshops and the Redlands PCYC “Deep Blue Line” project to provide positive life skills through practical activities and lectures for young males without a role model.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the grants were a wonderful opportunity for people to invest in their own community.

“The grants scheme covers many community projects, from building and conservation projects, to arts and cultural activities,” Mayor Williams said.

“I encourage groups and individuals to find out which grant categories they may be eligible for, and Council will support them through the application process.”

Grants categories are:

  • Organisation Support – to help organisations become more sustainable and improve their capacity to deliver services (up to $3,000).
  • Project Support – for organisations to provide specific projects or activities that deliver long-term positive outcomes for the community (up to $10,000).
  • Conservation Grants – to support individuals and organisations to undertake projects for the benefit of the environment and wildlife (up to $10,000)
  • Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) – to support professional, emerging artists and arts practitioners in the Redlands. The Regional Arts Development Fund is a Queensland Government and Redland City Council partnership to support local art and culture. Go to www.arts.qld.gov.au for more information.
  • Capital Infrastructure – to assist eligible organisations build, renovate or refurbish facilities, including hard-wired technology upgrades (Small Capital up to $10,000 and Major Capital up to $50,000)

To be eligible to apply, you must be an incorporated not-for-profit organisation or sponsored by an incorporated not-for-profit organisation.

Program guidelines and application forms have been recently updated, so ensure you have the latest versions by going to the grants webpage at www.redland.qld.gov.au/CommunitySupport/Grants.

Council hosts free grant application writing workshops to provide advice on how to
complete submissions. The workshops will run from mid July-early August. Bookings are
essential.

For more information on workshop dates and locations, the funding categories or to
request an application kit go to the grants webpage or call the Grants Team on
(07) 3829 8911.

Winners announced: 2012 Moreton Bay & Islands Tourism Awards


July 20, 2012

Redland City tourism operators took out almost half of the awards on offer at the 2012 Moreton Bay & Island Tourism Awards last night.

The awards were announced at The Landing, Dockside, at Kangaroo Point, with local businesses winning eight of the 18 categories.

Iconic tourism products on North Stradbroke Island and the Redlands mainland vied for titles alongside other regional operators from Brisbane City and Moreton Bay Regional Council areas.

Redlands Kayak Tours won the Tourist Attraction category for Katrina and Tony Beutel’s fun water-based tours that provide a unique and sustainable way to experience the bay.

Mount Cotton Guesthouse won the Deluxe Accommodation category, recognising owners Sue Panuccio and Trevor Penson’s focus on hospitality, fine food, quality accommodation and beautiful surrounds. Across the bay, Macleay Island Accommodation won the Standard Accommodation category, for the range and quality of accommodation and continual business improvements delivered by Belinda Greenway.

Council’s own Redlands IndigiScapes Centre was again a winner, taking out the Eco Tourism category for its environmentally-based programs and the popular bush experience staff provide for local and international visitors.

Four North Stradbroke Island operators were honoured in the awards, including Stradbroke Island Events, which took out the Specialised Tourism Services category. The award recognised the exceptional services provided by Donna Shannon for functions and celebrations on the island.
Straddie Kingfisher Tours won the Tour and/or Transport Operator category, acknowledging the contribution of Barefoot Dave (Thelander) to the island’s tourism economy; and the Big Red Cat won Major Tour and/or Transport Operator for its continued commitment to excellence.

Fishes at the Point (Point Lookout) has been working hard in recent years to become more sustainable, and the efforts of Colin Battersby and his team were rewarded with the Excellence in Sustainable Tourism category.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said she was delighted to see so many local businesses recognised at a regional level.

“Here in the Redlands we offer a great range of quality products and services to our visitors. Congratulation to all our winners,” the Mayor said.

2012 Moreton Bay & Island Tourism Awards – the winners:

tourism-winners

Hall of Fame trophies were awarded to winners from the past three years in the same category: Abbey Medieval Festival Redlands Indigiscapes Centre Moreton Bay Region Visitor Information Centre Big Red Cat – Sea Stradbroke Straddie Kingfisher Tours Sails Restaurant & Function Centre

The Awards are a joint partnership with Brisbane City Council administering this year’s awards and being supported by the Moreton Bay Task Force, which represents the local governments of the Moreton Bay and Islands region: Brisbane City Council, Redland City Council, and Moreton Bay Regional Council.

Pinklands a safer place for our kids


July 17, 2012

Things are looking rosy for users of the Pinklands sports and community precinct in Thornlands, with Council work starting on a $1.35 million upgrade.

Work slated in Council’s 2012-13 budget has been expedited for this long awaited project, which will include a new entrance, carpark upgrade and three new hard-court netball courts. Works will be staged to minimise disruption.

On Friday Mayor Karen Williams met with representatives of clubs and groups based at Pinklands to survey the works. She said Pinklands was an important hub of activity for Redlands residents, including many children who played sports there on a regular basis.

“It is home to netball, rugby league, bridge and pony clubs, not to mention country music and arts groups. And with the increasing traffic volumes along Cleveland – Redland Bay Road, many of these users have voiced safety concerns about the entry and car park.

“Council has listened to community concerns and I believe it is important to provide safe places for our young people to be active and connect,” the Mayor said.

The Pinklands works follow the upgrade and installation of traffic lights at three intersections along Cleveland – Redland Bay Road.

“Council worked with the Department of Main Roads to ensure the new Dinwoodie Road intersection would integrate with a new signalised entrance to Pinklands,” Mayor Williams said

The new Dinwoodie Road entrance will be linked via service access to the existing Pinklands entrance, which will be become a secondary left-in, left-out access to the precinct.

A 190-bay sealed car park, including five bays for persons with disabilities, will extend and replace the current informal graded car park.

Three new hard-court netball courts will be added to the existing six, making Pinklands a more attractive venue for a range of events including Netball Queensland endorsed events.

Back row: Tim Goward, Cr Lance Hewlett, Cr Kim-Maree Hardman, Mayor Karen Williams, Kristina Dickson, Cath Smeeton.Front row: Tahlia Payne (Pink Magic Netball Club), Chloe Turner (Lorikeets), Prinella Van Hasten (Raiders) and Tarryn Jaffrays (Thunderbolts).

Back row: Tim Goward, Cr Lance Hewlett, Cr Kim-Maree Hardman, Mayor Karen Williams, Kristina Dickson, Cath Smeeton.
Front row: Tahlia Payne (Pink Magic Netball Club), Chloe Turner (Lorikeets), Prinella Van Hasten (Raiders) and Tarryn Jaffrays (Thunderbolts).

Back row: Division 4 Councillor Lance Hewlett, Cath Smeeton (Netball Association), Tony O’Regan (Pony Club), Gloria Dietz-Kiebron (Yurara Arts), Dennis O’Connell (Pony Club), Mayor Karen Williams, Dehlia Brown (Modern Country Music Association), Steve Gibson (Rugby League), Ros Putland (Bridge Club), Tim Goward (Council Sport and Recreation Officer) and Division 3 Councillor Kim-Maree Hardman.Front row: Chloe Turner (Lorikeets Netball Club), Tahlia Payne (Pink Magic), Tarryn Jaffrays (Thunderbolts) and Prinella Van Hasten (Raiders).

Back row: Division 4 Councillor Lance Hewlett, Cath Smeeton (Netball Association), Tony O’Regan (Pony Club), Gloria Dietz-Kiebron (Yurara Arts), Dennis O’Connell (Pony Club), Mayor Karen Williams, Dehlia Brown (Modern Country Music Association), Steve Gibson (Rugby League), Ros Putland (Bridge Club), Tim Goward (Council Sport and Recreation Officer) and Division 3 Councillor Kim-Maree Hardman.
Front row: Chloe Turner (Lorikeets Netball Club), Tahlia Payne (Pink Magic), Tarryn Jaffrays (Thunderbolts) and Prinella Van Hasten (Raiders).

(Left to right) Cr Kim-Maree Hardman, Dehlia Brown, Gloria Dietz-Kiebron, Cr Lance Hewlett, Mayor Karen Williams, Cath Smeeton, Tony O’Regan, Ros Putland, Dennis O’Connell and Steve Gibson.

(Left to right) Cr Kim-Maree Hardman, Dehlia Brown, Gloria Dietz-Kiebron, Cr Lance Hewlett, Mayor Karen Williams, Cath Smeeton, Tony O’Regan, Ros Putland, Dennis O’Connell and Steve Gibson.

Lowest rates increase in SE Queensland


July 12, 2012

Redland City Council has announced the lowest rate rise of any comparable Council in South East Queensland and delivered an effective freeze on general rates revenue, once carbon tax is taken into account.

Redland City Council Mayor, Karen Williams, said that the 2012-13 Back to Basics budget delivered on her election promise of reigning in rates rises to CPI levels.

“I am delighted with the result for residential and commercial ratepayers. I want to be able to provide some relief from the increasing cost of living,” the Mayor said.

“The pressures are also increasing for Council, with higher operational costs, and the significant cost of the carbon tax means we will be making sure we are as efficient and streamlined as possible.

“This is why we are getting back to basics and making sure Council’s traditional work is our priority.”
Council’s overall rate revenue is predicted to increase by $1,942,838, with a carbon tax impost of up to $2 million. The revenue rise includes rates collected from normal growth in new properties/ratepayers.

“We have abolished tip fees, reduced the environmental levy, absorbed around $325,000 in lost revenue to reduce extremely high rates bills, and frozen commercial rates,” the Mayor said.

“The result of 1.91% is the best of any comparable South-East Queensland Council, with other headline rate rises of between 3.5% (Gold Coast) – 9.4% (Ipswich) and is well under the predicted rise in the previous Redland Council Financial Strategy,” she said.

“Land valuations, set by the Queensland Government, affect the rates individual residents and businesses pay. This makes predicting the outcome of this budget on individuals difficult.

“While some rate payers will pay slightly more and some slightly less, the average increase in general rates for residential, owner-occupied properties is 0.3% or $3.39 per year. The minimum cost to each ratepayer for the carbon tax on our waste is $17.51 per annum.

Under legislation, RedWaste must recover its costs for all its services. For this reason, the residential tip fees which were abolished on 1 July this year have been added into the Waste Utility Charges – around $10 per resident. The Environmental Levy has been reduced by $10 to balance out these costs.”

The Mayor said the return of Redland Water to Redland City Council on 1 July 2012 would generate around $88 million in gross revenue.

“While we have kept water consumption, waste and waste water utility cost increases to the legislated 1.3%, the State Government has hiked its wholesale water charges by 22% this year. This will be a shock to residents when they get their rates bill in September,” she said.

“This price hike was utterly out of our control, just like the carbon tax, and we call on other levels of government to consider the pressures of rising prices on residents.

“My aim was to put money back in our residents pockets and provide real value for money on Council services. That’s why we are making changes internally and absorbing costs as much as possible, rather than asking ratepayers to keep forking out money.”

Overall Rates Revenue:

overall-rates-revenue1

 

Total Revenue from all Sources for 2012 – 2013:
Total Revenue from all sources including rates, fees, charges, grants, subsidies, interest and sale of property, plant and equipment is $259 million.

Project Highlights for 2012 – 2013 (Top Five):

overall-rates-revenue2

Water overflows into Council budget


July 12, 2012

The return of Redland Water to Council on 1 July this year is expected to bring in $88 million from water and wastewater utility charges over 2012-13, providing a welcome boost to cash flow and profitability.

Redland City Council Mayor Karen Williams said the reintegration of the Water business has a significant impact on available cash funding and the higher dividend received will help minimise increases to general rates.

“Thanks to Redland Water this year’s utility charges will contribute 45% of cash funding compared to 15% last year. This will enable Council to kick start many essential projects planned for the 2012-13 financial year,” Mayor Williams said.

Council will maintain retail water pricing set by State Government legislation, but we will have no choice but to pass on increases to bulk water (wholesale water) charges imposed by State Government.

“Residents will see an annual increase of $80 to their water bill, which is largely attributable to a 22% increase in what the State charge Councils for bulk water,” the Mayor said.

“The water consumption charge will increase by 1.3% and once the water price cap imposed by the State ends on 30 June 2013 Council will continue to work to keep the price of water as low as possible for all households.”

Water and wastewater make up $12.8 million of the total expenditure of $69.9 million forecast for 2012-13 capital works program. Major projects include:

• Southeast Thornlands trunk sewer system
• Point Lookout wastewater treatment plant upgrade
• Cleveland wastewater treatment plant inlet screen
• Wastewater reticulation and treatment plant maintenance and inspections
• Mainland and SMBI water reticulation repairs and maintenance
• Biosolid treatment projects

Celebrate National Tree Day and benefit from ‘green time’


July 11, 2012

Redland City Council is urging residents to support National Tree Day by coming along to a community tree planting on Sunday 29 July from 9am – 11am at Doug Tiller Reserve, Montgomery Drive, Wellington Point.

National Tree Day is Australia’s biggest community tree-planting event coordinated nationally by Planet Ark.

The event aims to plant one million trees across Australia and is designed to encourage schools, community groups and individuals to actively care for our unique land and improve the environment in which they live.

The Redlands local event is hosted by Council’s Community Bushcare Program. It aims to plant over 4,000 plants, including 200 koala food tress, to improve habitat along Hilliard’s Creek wildlife corridor.

National Tree Day is perfect for all ages of the community, with volunteers only needing to spend a couple of hours to expand green areas in the Redlands.

Mayor Karen Williams said, “Council is encouraging residents to connect with the community and get involved in National Tree Day. It’s easy, fun and is only a small investment of time for great environmental, community and health benefits.”

“We can help make a difference within our community by understanding the benefits of tree planting to address important environmental issues such as the loss of habitat for native wildlife, especially our vulnerable koala population, and climate change.

“Council is proud to be hosting an active community event where residents can get outside amongst trees and nature and enjoy our great outdoors,” Mayor Karen Williams said.

Participants are asked to wear closed-in shoes and sun-protective clothing and bring their own drinking water. Council will provide all other requirements including plants, equipment, gardening gloves, sunscreen and insect repellent.

After the planting, a free sausage sizzle will be on offer for all who participate, as well as certificates for children who help plant on the day.

Wildlife and environment displays and a lucky door prize draw will also add to the festivities of the morning.

Celebrating its 17th year in 2012, National Tree Day has resulted in the planting of more than 17 million native trees and shrubs since its inception.

For more information about the National Tree Day community planting, contact Redlands IndigiScapes Centre on 3824 8611 or visit www.indigiscapes.com.au.

QTC review identifies financial uncertainty in previous Council forecasts


July 9, 2012

A Queensland Treasury Corporation review of Redland City’s long- term financial strategy has re-confirmed concerns previously raised, Mayor Karen Williams says.

Councillor Williams said the QTC had vindicated her decision to commission the review to test the robustness of parameters adopted in the previous Council’s Financial Strategy.

“While the review found council had a sound balance sheet with a low level of debt, the QTC said projected rate increases were well above the Reserve Bank’s target CPI,” Cr Williams said.

“The QTC also told us that the plan to deliver an operating surplus was dependent on achieving undefined operating efficiencies.

“It found that key observations noted in the credit review provided by QTC in November 2011 as areas of concern were found to have continued significance for council today.

“The concerns were that a return to surplus was highly dependent on achieving high operational efficiencies, increases in net rates and utilities charges of at least 5 per cent per annum, successful reintegration of council’s water business and the impact of the carbon tax.”

Mayor Karen Williams said the review raised questions about operational efficiencies relied on by the former council to drive savings, noting that Council was not able to provide the QTC with information on where these previously proposed efficiency gains were expected to arise.

“I promised to make council more effective and efficient in delivering its services, to keep rate rises at or below the inflation rate and to slash red tape,” she said.

“I have never accepted the need for a continuation of high rate rises we have seen in recent years.

“As Mayor of the new council, I am committed to delivering on my promise of helping ratepayers with the escalating costs of living and to create an environment to help business generate more jobs for the people of Redlands now and into the future.

“I want everyone to know that Redland City is the best place in Queensland to live, work and play and that we are again open for business.”

Councillor Williams said the review highlighted the difficulties that would be faced in future years keeping council rates, fees and charges to a minimum.

“The review found the financial strategy’s key assumptions appeared reasonable when compared to historical trends and market observations and this helps provide a platform to take us forward,” she said.

“Significant savings will be generated this financial year with the reintegration of water business to the council and this will be returned to residents via their rates notices.”