Monthly Archives: August 2013

Disability Action Week


August 30, 2013

Breaking down the barriers to employment for those suffering a disability will be a central theme during Disability Action Week 2013.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said a number of events would be held during the week, which commences on 8 September.

“This statewide event holds special significance for the Redlands, as one in five residents has a disability of some kind,” she said.

“The Exploring Inclusion through Employment and the arts session is a key activity to explore how people with disabilities can be included in their communities through employment and creative activities.”

Cr Williams said the half-day session on Tuesday 10 September would be addressed by Arts Access Australia CEO Emma Bennison, who will present the latest research on employment of people with a disability in the arts.

“It’s an ideal time to think about the positive effect a small change could make for people with disabilities in our communities. We can all make changes to create welcoming communities, accessible environments and a future full of possibilities,” Cr Williams said.

Held at the Redland Performing Arts Centre Gallery foyer, the morning event will also include the President of Raise the Bar Mike Quinn discussing how to run a disability arts venture, practical workshops, and a performance by Blue Roo Theatre Company.

The week’s events are run in association with the Redlands Disability Network.

Other local events include:

  • an art exhibition and open day at Cerebral Palsy League Support in Community Capalaba Centre on Monday 9 September;
  • a Disability Awareness and Opportunity Expo at Mount Gravatt Showgrounds on 11 September; Calisto Park Equestrian Centre’s open day at Thornlands on 12 September;
  • a Big Night Out Glow Party at RPAC on Friday night on 13 September;
  • a focus group session on coping with a hearing loss in the Donald Simpson Community Centre, Cleveland on the September 14th;and
  • a Family Fun Day in the Oakland Street Community Garden at Alexandra Hills on Sunday 15th.

Activities wrap up in fine style with the Raise the Bar National Song Launch at Ormiston College on Saturday 20 September.

For full details of these events, and other Disability Action Week happenings across Queensland, visit our website.

Blue Roo Theatre Company will perform Capitano Performs Again as part of Disability Action Week 2013.

Blue Roo Theatre Company will perform Capitano Performs Again as part of Disability Action Week 2013.

Major Day Out for Redlanders


August 30, 2013

Redlanders who care about our natural bush and its inhabitants should set aside Sunday 8 September for a special free family event.

It’s Bushcare’s Major Day Out, where you can learn more about the City’s wonderful natural environment and how to protect it.

The event, a new feature on the City’s environmental calendar, is on from 9am–12pm at Fellmonger Park on Sturgeon St, Wellington Point.

Redland City Council environment spokesman Cr Paul Gleeson said it was a great opportunity for Redlanders to learn more about their City’s wild side while having a great day out.

“Our natural bush is part of the Redlands’ character and lifestyle and helps make our City such a great place to live,’’ Cr Gleeson said.

“We are proud of the many Bushcare volunteers and Council’s IndigiScapes environmental teams who work to ensure our bushland and wildlife thrives for generations to come.’’

One local family, the Briggs, are especially looking forward to Major Day Out at Wellington Point’s Fellmonger Park.

The Bushcare regulars – Fredelle and Mark Briggs and their children Lauder, 6, and Andrea, 3 – said that helping the local environment through Bushcare gave them a great sense of achievement and satisfaction.

“We all get excited if it’s a Bushcare weekend. Our group is awesome, it is very relaxed,’’ Fredelle says.

“We laugh and have so much fun, then have a cuppa and cake afterwards.

“We look at what we have done and feel a sense of pride that ‘yes’ we do make a huge difference … that feeling is worth bottling!”

Fredelle said it was important that children were encouraged to learn about and love the fauna and flora around us. 

“We believe it’s this generation that will lead the way in conserving and respecting our environment,’’ she said.

“Our girls have always shown a passion and enthusiasm for all of the Bushcare events. They learn something new each time.”

Redland City Council supports Bushcare through the provision of tools, equipment and the expertise of its IndigiScapes environmental education teams.

Cr Wendy Boglary, whose Division 1 includes Wellington Point, said she was proud to host Major Day Out as part of a national celebration of the contribution of Bushcarers.

“Bushcare is a great way to protect our natural environment and this event will help you learn more about what you can do to nurture the plants and animals that call them home,’’ Cr Boglary said.

“There will be displays, activities and workshops and bring your camera for our photography sessions.

“There’ll also be a free sausage sizzle and a chance to win prizes.’’

Visitors to the event need to wear enclosed shoes and take sun protection and drinking water.

More Information: IndigiScapes on 3824 8611, www.indigiscapes.com.au or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/redlandsbushcare.

Lauder, 6, and Andrea, 3, at this year’s National Tree Day event in the Redlands.

Lauder, 6, and Andrea, 3, at this year’s National Tree Day event in the Redlands.

Pulse Community eNewsletter – August 2013


August 29, 2013

Message from the Mayor
Good consultation on priority development areas
Coochie Jetty – Have your say
Recycle clutter for a good cause
More accolades for IndigiScapes
New vandalism-busting phone app
More fun in the Redlands
Step up with a Redland City Council traineeship
Date claimer: 2013 koala count

Message from the Mayor

Redland City has entered an exciting new era that provides great opportunities for our city.
For more than a year we have been spreading the message that we are open for business and investment.

We have early runs on the board with the declaration of Priority Development Areas (PDAs) at Toondah Harbour in Cleveland and Weinam Creek at Redland Bay (two of the first three PDAs declared by the State Government), interest in the Cleveland CBD revitalisation and a number of major developments being considered for our city.

But we need investment to make it happen. With this in mind, I will be taking the Redlands–Open for Business and Investment message to Asia.

Increasing business and tourism opportunities and attracting foreign students and investment will be top of my agenda during a trade mission to Taiwan, China and Japan.

I will be attending the 8th Asia Pacific Cities Summit (APCS) in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, from 9-11 September with other South East Queensland Mayors and businesses. The summit involves more than 100 cities and provides a fantastic opportunity for us in the growing Asia Pacific markets. Its focus is business growth, trade, investment and economics.

Redland City will gain access to a wide range of international business and civic leaders, which will enable us to forge strategic relationships with other cities to stimulate economic growth and create new business and trading opportunities.

I will then join Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk on a business mission to China to support the Council of Mayors South East Queensland (COMSEQ) companies conducting business in these regions.

While in China, I will visit Redlands’ sister city, Qinhuangdao, as part of Council’s goal to foster economic development, education, culture and staff exchanges. I am keen to develop a mutually rewarding relationship that goes beyond just a cultural exchange.

The China visit is a vital opportunity to explore and develop much-needed trade and investment opportunities.

Redland City is base to businesses that offer innovative products and services in areas such as sustainable energy, mining technology and professional services – all of which will be in demand by the rapidly changing Chinese market. It will encourage Chinese companies to access the high value-added goods and services provided by enterprises in the Redlands.

Our City also boasts high-standard schools that will be highly attractive to Asian families.
Education and training is an area where we have a distinct competitive advantage. I have written to local schools offering to lay the foundation for new relationships for them in Asia and have been pleased with the response from them.

The mission concludes with a visit to Japan, where I plan to visit Kani City and hope to join Premier of Queensland Campbell Newman for a trade function in Tokyo.
I believe the mission will open a gateway into new markets and opportunities while enhancing Redland City’s reputation as a great place to do business and to invest.

Good consultation on priority development areas

Great progress has been made gathering community and stakeholder views and information for Redlands’ two special interest areas.

The Weinam Creek and Toondah Harbour Priority Development Area (PDA) projects are a partnership between Council and the Queensland Government to create local jobs and economic growth.

Recent community engagement meetings, forums and surveys have produced a wealth of good ideas for both of these prime waterfront areas.

Possible suggestions for busy Weinam Creek include improved parking and traffic control, ‘drop in’ facilities for cruising boaties, shopping and eating precincts, adjacent health hub and an artificial beach.

At Toondah Harbour, our gateway to North Stradbroke Island, feedback has suggested that facilities such as boating facilities, and a mix of entertainment and hospitality facilities, must fit with the local environment while allowing residents to continue to enjoy cooling bay breezes.

This information is now being turned into practical planning options, from which two proposed development schemes will be released for public comment early next year. 

Read more about the PDAs.

Toondah Harbour

Toondah Harbour

 

Coochie Jetty – Have your say

This Saturday is the day for Coochiemudlo Islanders to see and provide feedback on the proposed design of their new all-weather jetty.

Council and the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads planners will be on hand at the Kiosk, 22 Victoria Parade on Saturday 31 August from 1pm-3pm to talk about the design and hear what islanders think.

As requested, the proposed design will be a safe, covered well-lit jetty for passengers and island visitors, including disabled access. Designed for all weather and tidal conditions, the new jetty has been styled on the unique natural character and lifestyle of the island.
If you can’t make it on Saturday, we’d still like your comments and suggestions. Check out the design online and send us your comments by Monday 9 September.

Read more about the Coochiemudlo Jetty Project.

Coochiemudlo jetty plans

Coochiemudlo jetty plans

 

Recycle clutter for a good cause

With Spring on the doorstep, here’s the perfect opportunity to clear the cobwebs and get rid of unwanted clutter.

For the first time, Redland City Council is joining more than 110 other councils for the national Garage Sale Trail on Saturday 26 October and is encouraging as many local households and community groups as possible to join in.

One person’s trash is another’s treasure. This is a fun way of bringing people together, and reducing waste and relieving pressure on landfill, while raising money for a special family treat or favourite charity.

The initiative started four years ago in Bondi and last year each garage sale made about $400. Get together with your friends, hunt out all the things you can’t find a use for, and be part of one big day when everything must go and the social networking is free.

To sign up, register your details at the Garage Sale Trail website.

Garage Sale Trail

Garage Sale Trail

 

More accolades for IndigiScapes

Three cheers for the team at IndigiScapes. Redlands’ environmental education powerhouse has picked up two new awards as part of Keep Queensland Beautiful’s annual Sustainable Cities competition.

For the second year in a row, we have won the Environmental Innovation and Protection Award, recognising IndigiScapes’ valuable work on wildlife surveys, community awareness and public education.

The centre’s work on its kid’s club, fostering environmental and sustainability leadership in young people, also shared the gong for the 2013 Young Legends Award with Redland schools, RedWaste and young people’s library services.

It’s nice to be acknowledged for the care we put into our natural environment to help make the Redlands the best place to live, work and do business.

Visit the IndigiScapes website.

indigi

Redlands IndigiScapes Centre

 

New vandalism-busting phone app

Helping keep the Redlands clean of graffiti is now easier with a new vandalism tracking system that locals can access from their phones.

The smart phone app can be downloaded from www.vandaltrak.com.au to photograph graffiti and report the location and time it was found. Council can then quickly remove it, to let vandals know their scribbles are not welcome in the Redlands.

Even if you don’t have a smart phone, you can still quickly report new tags around the city by calling Graffiti Stop on 1300 472 334 or emailing location details to graffiti@redland.qld.gov.au.

Council also cleans graffiti from private property along main roads and fences adjoining parks where the graffiti is able to be reached from public land. Find out more about Council’s graffiti management.

grafitti-sotry

From left to right: Anthony Krkac from ‘VandalTrak’, Cr Paul Gleeson and Peter Grieve from ‘The Cage’ trialling the new graffiti management system.

 

More fun in Redland parks

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure this weekend, seven parks across the city are winking at you.

Our network of open spaces are wonderful social hubs for people to meet and be active outdoors. Council has recently invested $180,000 to upgrade parklands and install safe but stimulating play equipment for residents, and particularly young families, to enjoy.

The makeovers include: Bailey Road, Birkdale ($47,000); Goodall Street Park, Wellington Point ($18,000); W.H. Yeo Park, Victoria Point ($36,000); Corroboree Park, Macleay Island ($29,000); as well as Pioneer Memorial Park ($18,000); High Street Park ($20,000) and Lions Boulevard Park ($12,000) on Russell Island.

Find out more about Redland City’s parks and facilities.

Amber Rylance, 2, enjoys the specially selected play equipment at Redland City Council's Gundagai St park at Capalaba

Amber Rylance, 2, enjoys the specially selected play equipment at Redland City Council’s Gundagai St Park at Capalaba

 

Step up with a Redland City Council traineeship

Each year, Redland City Council offers a number of full-time traineeships to positive and enthusiastic team players who are keen to learn.

Details will be available mid-September, with applications accepted until Friday 4 October for traineeships starting across varying departments including business administration, horticulture and water operations.

Co-funded by the Queensland Government, the program allows you to be paid while learning a trade or new skills. It’s an opportunity for people with no vocational or tertiary tickets to gain a nationally recognised qualification by combining practical work with on-the-job training.

From Monday 17 September there will be information available online on how to apply, as well as in our local newspapers, or by ringing Council’s Workplace Development team on 3829 8402. 

Some of Redland City Council's trainees

Some of Redland City Council’s trainees

Date claimer: 2013 koala count

A heads up that the annual Redlands koala count will take place on the weekend of 19-20 October.

Run by the Koala Action Group, the census keeps a close eye on the health of known populations around the city and is strongly supported by Council.

Watch this space for more information.

koala 10 SMALL

Koala

Good gardening: Soils good enough to eat


August 28, 2013

Experienced horticulturalist Linda Brennan from EcoBotanica has listed her top 5 tips for soils good enough to eat.

In the Redlands gardeners have a range of soils to contend with. If you are on acreage, the soil in your front garden may be different to that in the back. It pays to have a dig and a close look at what you’ve got before planting.

soilsgoodenoughtoeat

Through our food plants, we are actually eating the produce that reflects soil health. If our soils are deficient in minerals our food may well be low in those minerals too, and so it flows on to our bodies and deficiencies there. So, my suggestion is to create mineral rich, fertile organic soil especially if you are growing veggies. And remember soil improvement doesn’t just happen overnight like on the TV garden shows. It’s a long term fix that can take many years of regular attention.

My 5 Top tips for creating soils good enough to eat:

  1. Aim to grow mineral and micro-organism rich soils. Soils are living entities. Each teaspoon of soil teems with billions of beneficial bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes. These are the unseen workers that convert compost to fertiliser, minerals to plant available forms and that help to create gorgeous soils.
  2. To grow lots of those willing workers you need to give them air. Aerate your soil with a fork or by digging if your soil is hard and compact. Try working your soil now for ease of digging before it sets like rock. Gypsum is known as a soil conditioner for clay soils. Apply after forking over then water in.
  3. Give your soil a mulch layer. It’s like a protective blanket that regulates soil temperature and moisture and in time becomes soil humus and micro-organism food. Worms love a moist mulched soil too.
  4. When adding mulch, if you add forest mulch or chips, always sprinkle some manure or fertiliser on the soil before mulching to reduce nitrogen draw down. This condition is where the bacteria breaking down a mulch rob the soil of its nitrogen for their energy source. This means plants will yellow too as they need protein from nitrogen as well. Adding some fertiliser provides nitrogen for plants and bacteria.
  5. Create your own compost for use in the soil. Compost acts like a sponge in the soil, opening the tiny particles, allowing air in, holding water and nutrients and providing food and rich humus.

Linda Brennan from EcoBotanica is an experienced horticulturalist located in the Redlands who recently ran a series of organic and native gardening workshops in partnership with the Redlands IndigiScapes Centre. Thanks to Linda for writing this article and for the use of the featured photo.

An emotional journey comes to an end


August 28, 2013

Nick Clarke met and spoke with many people during his epic 17-day fundraising journey around Queensland including Mayors and local dignitaries, but it was a two-year old girl from outback Queensland that made the biggest impact.

The Redland City Council Organisational Services General Manager landed back in the Redlands today, bringing to an end a fundraising flight that saw him visit 42 towns across Queensland to raise awareness and money for the charity Angel Flight.

“We have met several of the patients who have been assisted by Angel Flight during our journey, including a two-year old girl who has taken no less than 16 Angel Flight trips to Brisbane from her home in Thargomindah,” he said.

“These stories are very touching and show the real difference Angel Flight makes in the lives of remote Australians in overcoming the tyranny of distance when they find themselves in need of access to major hospital and treatment centres.”

Nick and co-pilot and University of Queensland professor, Mike Levy touched down at Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island today (Wed 28 Aug) after visiting 42 cities and towns raising more than $30,000 for the cause.

“We received a fantastic welcome and people were very supportive,” he said.

“The journey was not only about raising funds, just as importantly we spread the word about the fantastic work Angel Flight does in these remote areas.”

Nick and Mike were welcomed home at a special event at Dunwich where Redland City Mayor Karen Williams presented Nick with a cheque for $1500 from Redland City Council.

While he has been involved in fundraising for Angel Flight for a number of years, Nick said his journey has strengthened his resolve.

“What really inspired me to take on this project was understanding that very sick men, women and children living in remote communities have to deal with travelling long distances to major centres and when you’re not feeling well, that’s the last thing you want to do,” he said.

“But what hit me emotionally on this trip was meeting families who Angel Flight has helped keep together during treatment.  It is this emotional assistance that many value most.”

People can still donate for Nick’s cause at www.angelflight.org.au.

cheque-presentation2-WEB Group-shot-WEB

Boost for Redlands Parks


August 27, 2013

Redland families have been having fun times thanks to recent makeovers of parks throughout the City.

It is part of Redland City Council’s continuing commitment to ensuring residents, particularly those with young families, have well-maintained open spaces and appropriate equipment where they can play and socialise.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council had recently invested $180,000 in upgrading parks in recognition that play areas were valuable in creating stronger communities.

“The funds allowed for existing playground equipment to be upgraded at seven mainland and Southern Moreton Bay Islands parks,’’ Cr Williams said.

“Our parks are wonderful social hubs where families and children can meet to chat and play and are vital to our Redlands lifestyle.

“The playground equipment we provide helps children to keep active, as well as learn life lessons.

“Council values the city’s parks highly and has a continuing program to ensure they remain the urban sanctuaries local residents expect.’’

Parks upgraded in the latest program include: Bailey Road, Birkdale ($47,000); Goodall Street Park, Wellington Point ($18,000); W.H. Yeo Park, Victoria Point ($36,000); Corroboree Park, Macleay Island ($29,000); Pioneer Memorial Park, Russell Island ($18,000); High Street Park, Russell Island ($20,000); Lions Boulevard Park, Russell Island ($12,000).

Council spokesman for Open Space, Sport and Recreation Councillor Lance Hewlett said Council recognised the role of parks in helping people of all ages be active and healthy.

“I am particularly pleased with the upgrade at W.H. Yeo Park, where the safe swimming at Thompson’s Beach and new arrangements for on-leash dog walking make it a great family destination,’’ Cr Hewlett said.

He said the equipment in Redlands parks was selected because it was safe and stimulating, while providing a stage for imaginative play.

For a comprehensive list of Redland City’s park and facilities go to www.redland,qld.gov.au and click on “Recreation and Facilities”, then go to “Parks”.

More environmental gongs for Redlands


August 27, 2013

The Redlands has added two more significant awards to its environmental credentials.

The City was today unveiled as the winner of Keep Queensland Beautiful’s 2013 Environmental Innovation and Protection and Young Legends awards.

The honours are part of Keep Queensland Beautiful’s annual Sustainable Cities judging.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the awards were due recognition of Council’s environmental management and the excellence of its educational programs.

“The Environmental Innovation and Protection Award recognises our work on wildlife surveys and community awareness and education through the Redlands’ IndigiScapes Centre,’’ Cr Williams said.

“It is no coincidence that the Redlands also won this award last year, as we place high importance on enhancing our natural environment and ensuring the Redlands is the best place to live, work and do business.

“The Young Legends Award was for creating environmental and sustainability leadership among young people through our great schools, the IndigiScapes’ kids club, and the valuable educational work of the RedWaste Unit and Redland Library’s Young People Services.’’

Environment, Waterways and Foreshores spokesman Cr Paul Gleeson (Division 9) said the awards added to an impressive collection of recent environmental achievements.

“Redland City Council has hit its corporate greenhouse gas emissions target almost seven years ahead of schedule, resulting in significant environmental benefits and cost savings to ratepayers,’’ Cr Gleeson said.

“We also won the Sustainable Development category in this year’s prestigious Healthy Waterways Awards, while achieving a significant improvement on the Redland’s annual Health Waterways Report Card.

“And we are helping to improve our urban environment by becoming the first in Queensland council to use the new VandalTrak system, which allows residents to use a smart phone app to report graffiti.’’

Brisbane was named Queensland’s most sustainable city for 2013 and will represent the state in the national judging.

The awards recognise projects and activities that improve the sustainability of the state’s largest cities.

Keep Queensland Beautiful CEO Rick Burnett, said the judges looked for entries which featured projects that were innovative, original, engaging and incorporated a whole-of-council approach.

“We would like to see more ideas being generated in Queensland that could be adapted all over the world,” Mr Burnett said.

For more information on Council’s environmental programs, go to www.redland.qld.gov.au.

Help save our Glossy Black-cockatoos


August 23, 2013

Bird lovers have been invited to flock to a special event to help a rare bunch of Redlanders.

As part of Threatened Species Week 2013, they can join the 10th annual Glossy Black-cockatoo Planting from 9am-11am on Saturday 31 August at Russell Island.

Redland City’s Cr Mark Edwards, whose Division 5 includes the bay islands, said the event was particularly important as Glossy Black-cockatoos, which can live for 30 years, are a threatened species and currently listed as vulnerable in Queensland.
“This year is our 10th annual planting, with more than 6000 native plants having been planted in the past nine years to create new Glossy-Black cockatoo habitat,’’ Cr Edwards said.
“These cockatoos are very special Redlanders and Redland City Council is committed to ensuring they continue to have the habitat they need to thrive.

“To do this we need the help of volunteers to plant another 700 native food and nesting trees at this month’s event’’.

The Glossy Black-cockatoo’s only source of food is the seeds of the black she-oak and forest oak, with females only laying one egg every two years.

It has a longer nestling period than any other cockatoo (up to 90 days), with the young dependent on the parents for at least 12 months.
Trees with large hollows are needed for breeding, emphasising why remnant vegetation must be retained as much as food trees.
Cr Edwards said Glossy Black-cockatoo Community Plantings were always held on the bay islands as they already boasted strong habitat areas for the species.

The cockatoos also are regularly sighted on the mainland at Alexandra Hills, Thornlands, Mount Cotton, Victoria Point and Redland Bay.

“This event underlines the work Council does to protect our very special environment here in the Redlands and all those who call it home,’’ Cr Edwards said.
“Council does annual surveys to monitor our Glossy Black-cockatoo population and residents can help their survival not only by volunteering for the tree planting but reporting sightings to the Glossy Black Conservatory at www.glossyblack.org.au.’’
He said volunteers should meet at the corner of Bamboo Road and High Street, Russell Island.

“This is a great opportunity to help the endangered cockatoos and also enjoy a day out in the beautiful surrounds of Russell Island and jump on a ferry to visit neighbouring islands,’’ Cr Edwards said.
“Remember to bring sun protection and drinking water. You’ll also need enclosed shoes.

“We’ll provide tools and gloves as well as a sausage sizzle and refreshments in appreciation of your efforts.’’

Off-street parking will be available (UBD Ref. Map 248 K15) or you can catch the ferry from Weinam Creek Marina, Banana Street, Redland Bay, at 9am.

Register with IndigiScapes on 3824 8611 if you need a transfer to the planting site on Russell Island.

Glossies eating

Cleveland CBD offers great potential: report


August 21, 2013

Redland City Council has today tabled the first report designed to identify future opportunities to rejuvenate the Cleveland CBD.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the Commercial Investment Attraction Study phase one and two was part of a four phase project to breathe new life into the heart of Cleveland.

“The consultant’s report identified a number of strengths of the Cleveland CBD including a strong retail sector, proximity to public transport and visual amenity,” she said.

“It is these strengths that need to be highlighted to prospective investors to revitalise the CBD.

“The report also showed that employment in the CBD is dominated by the sectors of retail, accommodation and food services, public administration and health care and social assistance.”

Council spokesperson for tourism and CBD activation Cr Craig Ogilvie said the report also showed there is a large amount of potential for the commercial future of Cleveland.

“The strengths of the CBD open the door for a number of future developments,” he said.

“These include the potential for an expanded retail offering, including a new supermarket, development of an ‘eat street’ precinct and a GP super clinic to work in tandem with the existing hospital and health services such as the University of Queensland and MSIT.”

“The report also raises the possibility of targeting a younger demographic through retail offerings to attract young locals to shop in the Redlands.

Other opportunities identified by the report include the development potential in underutilised CBD sites, increased connectivity between the CBD and the wider transport network through the rail line, the consolidation of state and local government operations into the CBD area and development to increase residential population in the CBD.”

 

Council responds to need for greater flexibility in Weinam Creek mooring permits


August 21, 2013

Redland City Council has reinstated a 48-hour permit to the new mooring options for the Weinam Creek marina, offering users more flexibility.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council had adopted new flexible mooring permits in June following feedback from the community, which would now be complemented by the reinstatement of 48-hour option.

“Previously the only permit available to marina users was the 48-hour option, which allowed users to use the marina for 48 hours before having to vacate the marina for 48-hours,” she said.

“Council received feedback that the 48-hour mooring option did not provide the marina users with enough flexibility and did not suit people travelling to the mainland regularly,” she said.

“As such we changed the mooring options to include weekend, five day (Monday to Friday) and full week (seven day) permits, to provide greater flexibility for people travelling from the islands to the mainland regularly.”

“Feedback following this change has indicated that some residents still use the marine for short periods of time and as such the 48-hour mooring option will be reinstated.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said Council had listened to feedback from the community in making the decision.

“The new permits offer greater flexibility to both long and short term marina users,” Cr Edwards said.

“The new permits also allow for more sustainable cost recovery by Council which means the marina facilities are not being subsidised by all ratepayers.”

Cr Edwards said Council had extended all existing permits until the amended mooring options could be implemented.

“The next step will be for Council to write to all marina users advising them of the new permits and asking them to nominate what permit they will use, after this the new permits will be implemented,” he said.

“Council has extended all existing permits while this is occurring.”