Monthly Archives: September 2012

Temporary closure – Raby Bay Pontoon in the Endeavour Canal


September 27, 2012

The public Raby Bay Pontoon in the Endeavour Canal, accessed from Raby Bay Park, Shore St West, has been temporarily closed by Redland City Council for repairs.

Council inspection has identified cracked hinges at the top of the gangway and it has been deemed unsafe until repairs can be made.

The repair work has been given high priority by Council which expects repairs to be completed in the next two to three weeks.

There are no alternative public pontoon facilities in Raby Bay.

Commercial and recreational users are being advised to find alternative facilities outside the area until the repairs can be completed.

Redland Art Awards 2012 – shortlisted entries announced


September 26, 2012

Entries for Redland Art Awards 2012 closed on 14 August 2012 with 390 entries received from artists across the country representing 251 artists all vying for a share of the non-acquisitive prize pool of $17,000 including:
158 artists from QLD (including 24 artists from Redlands)

  • 42 artists from NSW
  • 33 artists from VIC
  • Seven artists from WA
  • Four artists from ACT
  • Three artists from TAS
  • Two artists from SA
  • Two artists from NT

The judging panel, consisting of David Burnett (Curator, International Art, Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art), Dr Laini Burton (Lecturer, Digital Media, Queensland College of Art, Griffith University) and Emma Bain (Director, Redland Art Gallery), met on 6 September to select works for inclusion in the Redland Art Awards 2012 exhibition of finalists and had the difficult job of shortlisting to 45 entries. To see the list of finalist please visit the Redland Art Awards website: http://www.redlandartawards.org.au/shortlisted_entries.html

Members of the public are invited to view the exhibition of finalists on display at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland from Sunday 4 November until Sunday 2 December 2012. There will also be a free public floor talk with the judges at 12 noon, Monday 5 November at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland.

Exhibition goers are also encouraged to nominate their choice for the Meredith Foxton People’s Choice Award which will be announced at the end of the exhibition.

Redland Yurara Art Society and Redland Art Gallery are pleased to present this locally established biennial national contemporary painting competition. Hosted by Redland Art Gallery since 2006, Redland Art Awards is now celebrating its 28th year.

It is generously supported in 2012 by corporate sponsors Redland City Council, Bayside Bulletin, Golden Cockerel, International Art Services and Stark Creations, along with our event sponsors Art Shed Brisbane, Brown’s Bakery Cafe, Cleveland Picture Framing, Sirromet Winery and Willow & Fox.

More than social butterflies


September 26, 2012

Redland City Council and 70 volunteers this week expanded local habitat for the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly.

Students from Griffith University, conservation volunteers and staff from Kindilan Outdoor Education and Conference Centre joined Council to plant 70 butterfly host vines, native plants including koala habitat trees, and to remove weeds in bushland at Days Road, Redland Bay.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly was the largest butterfly in South East Queensland and was listed as a vulnerable species.

“Council is improving habitat for this spectacular butterfly, ensuring vital food plant vines are established for their survival,” Cr Williams said.

“The vines contain pheromones that are attractants and can be detected by the butterfly from kilometres away.

“Weed removal is also essential to their survival with introduced weeds containing poisons for caterpillars, preventing them from turning into butterflies.”

The male butterfly can be identified by its brilliant green and black wings and bright red splash below its head, while the female is less colourful with a light grey top and yellow underside.

The Richmond Birdwing Butterfly adult lives for about four to six weeks and has a wingspan of between 12 to 16 centimetres.

For more information on how you can get involved in Council programs and what to plant in your backyard to assist these butterflies phone IndigiScapes on 3824 8611.

Male Richmond Birdwing Butterfly

butterfly-1

Volunteers attending the planting day

Swap weeds for free trees in October


September 25, 2012

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams is inviting residents to swap shopping bags of weeds for native plants at Trees for Weeds Days held in three locations across the city in October.

“Now in its 12th year, Trees for Weeds is a fantastic community initiative that has attracted more than 300 residents each year and has swapped more than 10,000 bags of weeds in the last decade,” Cr Williams said.

“Trees for Weeds Days are an opportunity for residents to replant their gardens with up to five free local native plants that are available per person. The events are being held at IndigiScapes, Coochiemudlo and Macleay Islands.

“Using native plants in your own backyard offers lower maintenance gardening, water saving and helps expand habitat for our wildlife.

“Weed experts will be on hand to help residents learn more about weeds including how to identify and manage them and to help find suitable native plants as replacements.

“Council is especially encouraging residents to look out for Climbing Nightshade, Coral Berry, Dutchman’s Pipe and Duranta sp. on the mainland and Fishbone Fern and Mother of Millions on Coochiemudlo and Macleay Islands.

Residents will also be able to participate in a ‘weed weaving’ workshop to be held at IndigiScapes Trees for Weeds Day on 6 October, between 10am and 4pm.

Cr Williams said the Redlands’ subtropical weather conditions provided an ideal environment for the rapid spread of weeds.

“We hope to equip residents with information to prevent new weeds from establishing and stop the spread of those already in existence,” Cr Williams said.

“Managing weeds is an important environmental issue and Trees for Weeds Days complement Council’s own weed management program.”

Weeds can have a number of negative impacts including:

  • damage to our natural, agricultural, water and coastal systems;
  • impact on agriculture and the poisoning of animals;
  • changing our biodiversity by out-competing native plants and degrading wildlife habitat;
  • impact on recreational activities and our gardens; and
  • promote fire in bushland areas.

Trees for Weeds Days will be held on the following dates and locations across the city:

Mainland Event
When: 10am to 4 pm, Saturday 6 October 2012
Where: Redlands IndigiScapes Centre, 17 Runnymede Road, Capalaba

Bay Island Events
When: 8.30am – 10.30am, Saturday 20 October 2012
Where: Coochiemudlo Island Jetty, Coochiemudlo Island; and
Macleay Island Progress Hall, 2 Russell Terrace, Macleay Island

For further information about Trees for Weeds contact 3824 8611 or visit www.indigiscapes.com.au.

Mother of Millions

Mother of Millions

Climbing Nightshade

Climbing Nightshade

Coral Berry

Coral Berry

Duranta sp.

Duranta sp.

Dutchman's Pipe

Dutchman’s Pipe

Fishbone Fern

Fishbone Fern

Have your say on smart new bins in the Redlands


September 24, 2012

Have your say on smart new bins in the Redlands.

Redland City Council is installing new and larger public bin enclosures near busy shops and in parks across the city, designed for both general and recyclable waste.

“The smart new 240L capacity bin enclosures are located in popular pedestrian areas of the city, replacing smaller 70L bins and helping you continue good recycling habits away from home” says Mayor Karen Williams.

The National Packaging Covenant Industry Association and the State Department of Environment and Heritage Protection have contributed funds for this Council program.

“Recycling in public places is particularly important where people eat and drink,” Mayor Karen Williams said.

“The larger size also means fewer bins on the street saving money while delivering an effective service.

“Putting recyclable materials, including newspapers and plastic drink bottles in the recycling bin diverts this waste from landfill and ultimately saves on the costs to Council and ratepayers.

“Instead this waste is made into new products” the Mayor said.

“Council is seeking community feedback to make sure these bins are in the right place and do not get in the way of local businesses and residents.”

To have your say on proposed bin enclosures or to nominate a busy area needing a bin, visit Council’s website at http://www.redland.qld.gov.au/Haveyoursay/Engagements/

Upgraded bin enclosures are scheduled for these sites

  •  Judy Holt Recreation Reserve, Birkdale
  •  Charlie Buckler Sportsfield, Redland Bay
  •  William Stuart Park, Thornlands
  •  Les Moore Park, Victoria Point
  •  Wellington Point Village, Wellington Point
  •  Coochiemudlo Island foreshore – East
  •  Apex Park, Wellington Point
  •  Frenchman’s Lookout, North Stradbroke Island
  •  Cylinder Beach picnic area, North Stradbroke Island.
  •  Hanover Park, Alexandra Hills

Council seeks fresh approach to sporting partnerships


September 21, 2012

Redland City Council will look for partners to deliver better sports infrastructure and facilities in the Redlands.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council would seek to forge innovative partnerships to address the growing demand for sports fields and facilities.

“Rather than embark on costly land searches and acquisitions and then starting sporting projects from scratch, it made good sense for us to consider how we could enhance our existing sporting assets,” Councillor Williams said.

“Potential partnerships could include those with organisations looking to undertake infrastructure projects on community, private sector and school land, or shared arrangements with neighbouring local Councils.

“I have discussed the potential of adopting the partnership approach with Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek, who was impressed by the schools model.

“Our schools already have publicly-owned fields and facilities and it makes good financial sense to use what is currently available and to enhance the assets according to demand.

“We also need to look at red-tape reduction and new approaches to assist clubs with the development of existing club facilities.”

Councillor Williams said Council would discontinue the proposed land acquisition for the Southern Redland Regional Sport Facility and focus efforts on building partnerships.

“The regional sport and recreation project was complicated by issues including Court appeals, government election cycles, cost escalations, uncertain land valuations and time delays – all of which had made the land acquisition not financially viable for Council at this stage,” she said.

“Indicative land acquisition costs could have potentially ballooned from around $17 million to more than $80 million, so we needed to look at new innovative options for more sporting land, including a partnership approach.”

Councillor Williams said to ensure Redlands residents had access to sporting facilities, Council’s City Spaces Group was progressing a range of short and medium term actions.

“In the short term Council will continue to liaise with schools with the best opportunities to meet the sporting needs of clubs,” she said.

“We will be looking at school location, size of fields, number of indoor and outdoor courts, access to change and toilet facilities, access to car parking and willingness to be involved.

“We have already had discussions with some school principals to encourage innovative partnerships.

“Councillor of Division 4, Lance Hewlett is highly supportive of the Sports Reference Group which is
headed by Raymond Adams, Head of Department, Victoria Point State High School and the model
sports program being developed for that school.

“We are also developing a sports field lighting program to light Council’s own sports fields and partner with schools to light the most suitable ones for community and club use.”

The decision not to proceed with the acquisition of the identified properties for the regional sports facility will be communicated to the relevant property owners.

 

Posted in Parks and tagged .

Environment grant up for grabs


September 21, 2012

Redland community groups are encouraged to apply for a State Government grant to help support the protection of our local environment.

The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection is making up to $100,000 funding available through the Everyone’s Environment grants program with applications due 28 September 2012.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said while Council could not apply for a grant, community groups should take advantage of the grant program.

“By accessing the State Government grant, community groups can connect with our environment and make a direct contribution to enhance the natural beauty of Redland City.

“Redland City Council already provides a range of grants and sponsorships with over $760,000 contributed to the community last financial year and I encourage our groups to apply for all grants available to us in the Redlands.

“We offer two rounds of grant opportunities each year. The next round will open late January 2013, while sponsorship applications are open all year round,” Cr Williams said.

For further information about eligibility and how to apply for the State Government grant please visit http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/funding/everyones-environment/index.html. Visit www.redland.qld.gov.au/communitysupport/grants for Redland City Council grants.

Council seeks fresh approach to sporting partnerships


September 20, 2012

Redland City Council will look for partners to deliver better sports infrastructure and facilities in the Redlands.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council would seek to forge innovative partnerships to address the growing demand for sports fields and facilities.

“Rather than embark on costly land searches and acquisitions and then starting sporting projects from scratch, it made good sense for us to consider how we could enhance our existing sporting assets,” Councillor Williams said.

“Potential partnerships could include those with organisations looking to undertake infrastructure projects on community, private sector and school land, or shared arrangements with neighbouring local Councils.

“I have discussed the potential of adopting the partnership approach with Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek, who was impressed by the schools model.

“Our schools already have publicly-owned fields and facilities and it makes good financial sense to use what is currently available and to enhance the assets according to demand.\

“We also need to look at red-tape reduction and new approaches to assist clubs with the development of existing club facilities.”

Councillor Williams said Council would discontinue the proposed land acquisition for the Southern Redland Regional Sport Facility and focus efforts on building partnerships.

“The regional sport and recreation project was complicated by issues including Court appeals, government election cycles, cost escalations, uncertain land valuations and time delays – all of which had made the land acquisition not financially viable for Council at this stage,” she said.

“Indicative land acquisition costs could have potentially ballooned from around $17 million to more than $80 million, so we needed to look at new innovative options for more sporting land, including a partnership approach.”

Councillor Williams said to ensure Redlands residents had access to sporting facilities, Council’s City Spaces Group was progressing a range of short and medium term actions.

“In the short term Council will continue to liaise with schools with the best opportunities to meet the sporting needs of clubs,” she said.

“We will be looking at school location, size of fields, number of indoor and outdoor courts, access to change and toilet facilities, access to car parking and willingness to be involved.

“We have already had discussions with some school principals to encourage innovative partnerships.

“Councillor of Division 4, Lance Hewlett is highly supportive of the Sports Reference Group which is headed by Raymond Adams, Head of Department, Victoria Point State High School and the model sports program being developed for that school.

“We are also developing a sports field lighting program to light Council’s own sports fields and partner with schools to light the most suitable ones for community and club use.”

The decision not to proceed with the acquisition of the identified properties for the regional sports facility will be communicated to the relevant property owners.

Authors talks a boon for literary lovers


September 20, 2012

Redland City Council’s Authors in Action October and November line-up looks sure to impress local book lovers.

Authors in Action are events hosted by Redland Libraries, where local, national and international authors discuss their new book releases and meet with fans.

Redland City Mayor Cr Karen Williams said the Authors in Action talks were highly popular and attracted well-known authors.

“It is a rare opportunity for people to meet famous Australian authors, as well as Redlands authors who are creating a buzz and making a name for themselves overseas,” Cr Williams said.

“From Peter Fitzsimmons historically-based novel, to more personal stories such as Dawn Johnson’s story of overcoming hardships, there is something for everyone in the Authors in Action series.”

All events are free, but bookings are essential as they fill up quickly. In the next two months, the following authors will feature:

11am-12pm, 12 October: Cecil Pellows, author of ‘For Some Unknown Reason’. Capalaba Library. Bookings to: 3843 8010

12-1pm, 18 October: Dawn Johnson, author of ‘Face Values’,  Victoria Point library. Booking to: 3884 4011

6-7pm, 25 October: Marianne Delacourt, author of ‘Stage Fright’, Victoria Point Library. Bookings to: 3884 4011

12-1pm, 1 November: Peter FitzSimons, media personality and author of ‘Eureka’, Victoria Point Library. Bookings to 3884 4011

12-1pm, 8 November: Kevin Crowe author of ‘Whistle up a Storm’, Victoria Point Library. Bookings to: 3884 4011

12.30 – 1.30pm, 16 November: Ian Walkley author of ‘No Remorse’ Victoria Point Library. Bookings to: 3884 4011

For more information, visit council’s website www.redland.qld.gov.au or drop into a Redlands Library.

Council commits to trials to tackle parking issues


September 19, 2012

Redland City Council resolved to trial new parking arrangements at two of the city’s busiest parking areas today.

The extension of hours for on-street parking in Cleveland Central Business district and limited shared parking at Wellington Point Reserve will both be trialled in coming months.

Redland City Mayor Cr Karen Williams said the trials would begin as soon as the research collection methods and signage had been finalised.

“The Cleveland parking spaces trial will last six months, extending the two hour on-street parking zones to three hours along Bloomfield, Middle and Doig Streets,” Cr Williams said

“The aim of the Cleveland trial was to provide another incentive for people to stop and do their shopping and business in Cleveland.

“Council is committed to supporting business in the Redlands, and we had received feedback that the current two-hour zones were having a negative impact.

“We hope the extended parking hours will encourage people to visit Cleveland and spend more time, and their money, in this central business hub.”

At Wellington Point Reserve there will be a three-month trial, allowing cars to park in 12 of the cars-with-trailers parking bays between the hours of 1pm-10pm each day.

The shared parking bays will be in the first row of car trailer parking adjacent to the toilet block and will be clearly signed.

The Wellington Point trial will also include two 15-minute drop-off zones, one located near the western playground, and one near the southern boat ramp.

Division 1 Councillor Wendy Boglary said the Wellington Point shared parking trial was a new approach in the ongoing challenge to meet the competing demands of park users.

“This trial is for a three-month period only, after which the merits of the shared parking arrangement and drop-off zones will be reviewed with further consultation,” Cr Boglary said.

Cr Williams said it was important that people did the right thing, followed parking signage and respected other park users so that everyone could make the most of the wonderful reserve.

Council will also increase its patrols of the Wellington Point Reserve and continue to enforce parking regulations.