Monthly Archives: February 2014

Community survey supports redevelopment of water-front precincts


February 28, 2014

A community survey on the Redlands’ two waterfront redevelopment projects has shown overwhelming support for development at Weinam Creek and Toondah Harbour and for government to work with commercial partners to fund the critical infrastructure.

The full survey can be found on Council’s website >>

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the survey also supported more foreshore parks, boating facilities, bike and pedestrian walkways and small businesses.

“One of the key findings from the survey of 300 residents was that something needs to be done at the two sites, with people preferring the projects be funded through private partnerships,” she said.

“More than 76 per cent of respondents said they wanted Council and the State Government to look at opportunities for commercial partnerships to pay for the projects rather than ratepayers having to foot the bill.

“Council has already started looking for these commercial partnerships with several potential investors visiting the Redlands and this will continue during the Expression of Interest phase.

“Another key finding is that people support more foreshore parks (82%), and I am pleased that the draft planning schemes recognise existing green space and plans to improve access to the bay for residents.

“The majority of survey respondents wanted both Priority Development Area (PDA) sites to include better boardwalks along the waterfront, cafes and restaurants and a pier or promenade.

“A key point to take from the survey is that overwhelmingly people want to see something happen at these areas, with only 10 per cent of people wanting Toondah Harbour left ‘as is’ and 11 per cent not wanting any improvements at Weinam Creek.

“This sentiment has also been clearly expressed throughout the rest of Council’s engagement on these projects, which has included speaking with more than 2000 people at 10 community sessions since May last year.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the survey also showed one of the key considerations for the Weinam Creek project was parking.

“It is obvious car parking is considered critical to the future of the Weinam Creek area. We also want car parking to be considered and this has been included in the draft planning scheme,” he said.

“The aim has always been to achieve a sustainable, long-term solution through a mix of parking options and to deliver a project at Weinam Creek that will be of benefit to the whole community.”

Fire debrief outlines lessons learnt from Straddie fire


February 28, 2014

As North Stradbroke Island continues to heal from the bushfires that ravaged it over the New Year period, the response to the fire by emergency services was discussed during a multi-agency debrief today.

Redland City Deputy Mayor Alan Beard, who led Council’s Local Disaster Management Group during the fire, said a key finding from the debrief was the importance for all agencies and the community to work together during disasters.

“A consistent theme that came across during the day was the fantastic way all emergency agencies, local businesses and residents worked together during the fire,” he said.

“In particular the local knowledge of residents including the island’s Quandamooka community was critical in fighting the fire and cannot be understated.

Cr Beard said today’s multiagency debrief would ensue continuous improvement and was another example of all agencies and the community working together.

“During the event there is a great deal of action and everyone is focused on the task at hand, so it is important that we now take a step back and look at what worked and what we need to improve on for future events.

During the day the ferocity of the fire was highlighted, with it described as a battle from the start to the end of the 12-day event.

The debrief also included a presentation from Quandamooka Yoolooburabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) about what the fire meant to the island’s traditional owners.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Assistant Commissioner John Watson said there had been some very positive feedback following the fire and the debrief was an opportunity to build on these positives.

“We are pleased there has been positive feedback and congratulations, but we also need to realise that there is always room for improvement,” he said.

“Disasters are unpredictable, so it is important we look for ways to continually improve and the information gathered through this debrief will help us do that.”

Redland City Council’s Service Manager Disaster Plan and Operations Mike Lollback said the debrief included the prevention, preparation, response and recovery phases of the fire.

“It is important to recognise that it is not only what is done during the fire, but also how we prepare and recover from the event, including the prior planning that was done to design the Redlands Disaster Management Plan,” he said.

“Part two of this plan provides a strategy specific to our island communities, which provided island specific strategies to help prepare for and respond to the Straddie fires.

“This plan empowers the community as a partner in the process, showing that a united front is needed to respond to disasters.

“Parts three and four of this plan will be released in the coming months and will continue to build on these relationships.”

Council chases public service jobs


February 28, 2014

Redland City Council is building a strong case to secure the relocation of key government services ahead of an official review of State office requirements later this month.

Mayor Karen Williams first wrote to Premier Campbell Newman last year pushing the city’s credentials as a centre of strategic significance.

She said the Premier had since indicated he was keen to hear more about the Redlands’ “open for business” initiatives and would send a Government representative to formally investigate the options.

“Redland City is entering an exciting new era and we believe there are great opportunities to stimulate our local economy and create jobs,” said Cr Williams.

“Here is a chance to achieve all that and, at the same time, help save the State Government money on its accommodation needs.”

Cr Williams said work was well underway on potential development options right throughout the Redlands, one of them being the creation of a government precinct on land home to the current Council administration centre in Cleveland.

“This is part of our vision to breathe new life into the Cleveland CBD,” she said.

“The preliminary options on this project were presented in November and they identified millions of dollars in potential cost-savings to Council – this in turn would deliver significant benefits for ratepayers.”

Division 2 councillor Craig Ogilvie said a new government precinct could include the provision of residential and commercial space.

“All options under review have significant benefits for the community,” he said.

Division 9 councillor Paul Gleeson said there were also opportunities for relocated services at Capalaba which would particularly suit the State Government’s commercial interests.

“Capalaba is a thriving commercial and retail centre and there are obvious opportunities for State Government services to go where the people are,” he said.

Cr Williams said the Redlands was well-placed to welcome public servants and public service commuters on trains and buses would quickly recognise that the Redlands also is the “best place for their families to live, shop and go to school”.

“Among the spin-offs would be the generation of more local service industry jobs … so we can help stem the daily tide of workers commuting to Brisbane for work.’’

New dog off-leash spot for Amity and Raby Bay


February 28, 2014

Redland City Council is seeking community input on a proposed new dog off-leash area for Amity Point on North Stradbroke Island.

Division two Councillor Craig Ogilvie said residents could have their say from Monday 3 March to Friday 28 March on two possible locations and whether the area should be fenced.

 “The new off-leash area responds to community feedback following the closure of the Flinders Beach dog off-leash area in December 2011 when the State Government declared the Minjerribah Recreation Area (which includes Flinders Beach),” Cr Ogilvie said.

“As a result Council had to close Flinders Beach dog-off leash area and has since been working with key stakeholders to identify possible new dog off-leash locations outside the Minjerribah Recreation Area.”

Comments or suggestions regarding the location and fencing of the proposed dog off-leash area can be received by:

• completing the online survey at ww.redland.qld.gov.au/DogOffLeashAreas
• emailing: CorporateMailBox@redland.qld.gov.au
• telephoning: 3829 8999, or
• mailing: Public Place Projects Unit, Redland City Council, PO Box 21, Cleveland Qld 4163.

Council’s animal management spokesperson Cr Wendy Boglary said Council had also recently extended the Raby Bay dog off leash area.

“Last year Council ran a three-month trial extension to the Dog off-leash beach area at Raby Bay. This was in response to resident feedback that the beach area was underwater at high tide so not accessible,” she said.

“After considering public feedback, Council has amended the dog off leash area slightly to include the parkland between the beach and closest pedestrian pathway, but stopping the dog off leash area at the pathway.

“This area has been chosen to ensure pedestrian safety by providing a pathway outside the dog off leash area.

“Dog owners must still keep their dogs under control including keeping them on a leash outside the off-leash area and not allowing them to run free from the roadside.”

Snapshot – 25 February


February 25, 2014

Bin day/week changes

Waste, recycling and green waste collection

Residential bin collection days and/or weeks are set to change for about 1400 Redlands households, starting from Monday 10 March 2014.

This may affect you if you live in Alexandra Hills, Capalaba, Birkdale, Wellington Point or
Victoria Point.

Collection changes and the dates they take effect will vary. Affected households should
have received a letter with all the details over the weekend, so check your letterbox. Another letter will be delivered next weekend (1-2 March).

Visit our website to check if this will affect you.

Extra recycling collection services will be provided for some properties and details will be in the letter. If your bin has been missed and you can’t wait till the next collection day, call 3829 8999.

 

Council Sponsorship

Applications now open

Council’s latest round of Sponsorship funding is now open. We will be accepting applications
until Friday 28 March 2014. The program provides financial and in-kind support for eligible events,
projects, services or activities that benefit the Redlands.

Other funding: don’t forget to get your applications in for Council’s current Grants round, closing this Friday 28 February 2012.

For information, or to obtain an application form, visit our website or call 3829 8911.

 

What’s on at your local library?

Redland Libraries offer a host of free activities each month. From ‘Authors in Action’ talks to computer classes and fun kids’ reading and language development activities, there’s something for everyone.

Visit our website to see what’s on, or come in for a visit and grab a monthly activities calendar.

 

Recycling near you

Public place recycling is here

Did you know Council has installed 34 recycling wheelie bin enclosures in public places around our city, with funding support from the National Packaging Covenant and Department of Environment and Heritage Protection?

So when you’re out and about, look for recycling signs and recycle what you would at home – aluminium, steel, paper and cardboard, glass and plastics with symbols numbering 1-6.

 

Water meter readings

Maintain your melaleucas! We are reading water meters in Mount Cotton this week. Please make sure meter readers have clear access to your water meter.

Work ramps up on Macleay Island skate park


February 24, 2014

Macleay Island will soon be home to a $500,000 community skate park with work starting on the project this week.

Division 5 Councillor for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) Mark Edwards said the project was exciting for all bay island residents.

“The facility will be somewhere the entire community can use and is an exciting outcome to years of engagement and planning,” he said.

“The skate park has been designed for beginner, intermediate and advanced users and features ramps, steps and grind walls for skaters, scooter and BMX riders.

“In addition there will be a performance stage, shelter, seating, drinking fountain and toilets, providing a facility the entire community can use.

“With free travel between the bay islands available through TransLink, all SMBI residents will be able to access the new skate park for free.”

New Image

The skate park will be located on the Corner of High Central Road and Scarborough Terrace.

Cr Edwards said Council had undertaken two community consultation processes, with feedback helping to guide the final skate park design.

“This engagement included workshops with the community to find out what they wanted to see in the skate park,” he said.

“The community should be proud of this project and the work done by locals and community groups who helped design the facility.”

Construction is expected to be completed by May weather permitting.

Enhanced park and public spaces for Toondah Harbour: Mayor


February 21, 2014

toondahRedland City Mayor Karen Williams wants the Toondah Harbour Priority Development Area project to improve the public amenity of GJ Walter Park.

Cr Williams said GJ Walter Park was a great city asset and she was determined to ensure it became an even better and more popular public space.

 “There has been confusion about the future for GJ Walter Park.  There is no way the park will be lost to the city and the people. Any good destination has improved public open space for the whole community and region to use and enjoy,” she said.

“Our vision is for better open space and any significant destination offers that, just as Toondah Harbour will.

“GJ Walter Park is not only recognised in the Toondah Harbour proposed development scheme, it is also included in Council’s Open Space Plan that was adopted last year, so the message is there will be open space at Toondah Harbour, end of story.

“In fact it is already in the proposed development scheme on page 13, which says that applications will need to allow for an appropriately sized recreation and open space area in GJ Walter Park providing formal and informal recreational activities and a dog park.”

“I want better open space so residents can not only continue to enjoy a dog park but can also make use of boardwalks, cycle ways and maybe even a water park.”

Cr Williams said other concerns associated with the development scheme, such as building heights, would be considered when Council made its recommendations to the State Government on the proposed development scheme.

“We currently have a proposed development scheme, not a plan. This is a draft only and the final scheme will take into account community feedback and commercial reality,” she said.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to put Redlands on the map.

“The Toondah Harbour redevelopment gives this city an opportunity to create a sought-after destination – an amazing location nestled right on Moreton Bay and just 30 minutes from Brisbane Airport.

“We want to make sure we get the balance right to allow development, better access and improvements in this critical area funded by investors rather than ratepayers, but we also want to ensure it remains first and foremost an effective gateway to North Stradbroke Island.

“As I walk about the city people tell me they want a brilliant foreshore like Suttons Beach at Redcliffe.

“The Toondah Harbour redevelopment has been mooted since the 1960s. It’s high time we delivered it to the people of the Redlands because they deserve to experience and enjoy what other regions now take for granted.

“Council, who will assess the private sector development applications, is listening to the local community and wants to make sure everyone has a chance to have their say. 

“Currently feedback closes on 24 February 2014, although Council has requested an extension to the Toondah Harbour feedback period, but we are yet to receive a response from the State Government.”

Bin collection changes for 1400 properties


February 21, 2014

Efficiency improvements in Redland City waste services will result in changes to bin collection days for approximately 1400 properties from next month. View a complete list of affected properties.

Redland City commercial enterprises spokesperson Cr Kim-Maree Hardman said the changes were as a result of growth in the city leading to a review in waste collection routes.

“As the Redlands has grown, our waste contractor has had to add the new streets and suburbs onto the existing collection routes,” Cr Hardman said.

“This has prompted them to sit down and look at the waste collection routes and collection days to ensure bins are collected as efficiently as possible.

“This review will result in changes for about 1400 properties, ranging from new bin collection days to changes to the week recycling bins are collected.

“The affected properties are in Alexandra Hills, Capalaba, Birkdale, Wellington Point and Victoria Point”

Cr Hardman said Council had already advised affected properties of how the changes will specifically impact them.

“Affected properties were written to recently and advised of the changes and another letter will be delivered at the beginning of March advising of the specific changes,” she said.

The changes will take effect from Monday 10 March 2014.

Is your bin day/week changing? View the full list of properties affected


February 21, 2014

Efficiency improvements in Redland City waste services will result in changes to bin collection days for approximately 1400 properties from March 2014.

Is your property affected? You can view a full list of properties below.

Addresses affected by bin changes

How to search for your address:

  • Click on the PDF document below.
  • Press CTRL – F (PC) / Command – F (Mac) on your keyboard.
  • Start typing the name of your street.
  • If your street name appears in the document, you can scroll down to view all properties affected in your street.
  • Make sure you check the entire document, some addresses in the same street appear on different pages.
  • If there are no matches, your street is not affected.

Full list of addresses affected by waste, recycling and green waste bin collection changes [PDF 133kb]

Snapshot – 18 February 2014


February 18, 2014

Toondah Harbour and Weinam Creek draft plans

Submissions close next Monday

Council is encouraging residents and stakeholders to have their say on the proposed development schemes for Toondah Harbour at Cleveland and Weinam Creek at Redland Bay.

If you are not one of the 2000 people who have already attended one of 10 community engagement forums on the mainland or islands, or provided comments online, there is still time to have your say.

Draft plans for the transformation on these waterfront locations are available for public viewing and written submissions until Monday 24 February 2014.

To view the plans or make a submission online, visit Council’s website. Plans can also be viewed at
Council’s customer service centres and libraries, shopping centres and key community services on the bay islands.

 

Council Sponsorship

Applications now open

Council’s latest round of Sponsorship funding is now open. We will be accepting applications until Friday 28 March 2014. The program provides financial and in-kind support for eligible events, projects, services or activities that benefit the Redlands.

Applications will be assessed in two categories:

Category 1: Applications seeking $15,000 or less will be assessed by an internal assessment panel.
Category 2: Applications seeking more than $15,000 will be assessed by an internal assessment panel and recommendations made to Council for approval.
Other funding: Council’s grants program is accepting applications for its current round until Friday 28 February 2012.

For information, or to obtain an application form, visit our website or phone 3829 8911.

 

Redlands Wildlife Rescue

A wild way to volunteer

Redlands Wildlife Rescue (RWR) needs volunteers to help sick, injured and orphaned native animals in the Redlands. There are two different services:

The Redlands Wildlife Care Network (RWCN) needs phone roster volunteers to provide advice to callers. You work from home 8am – 5pm one week every six to eight weeks.

The Redlands After-hours Wildlife Ambulance (RAWA) needs volunteers to provide emergency
rescue and transport for wildlife. Volunteers work in teams of three 5pm – 8am one week every six weeks.

New volunteers are given training, with the next round of inductions being held in March 2014.

To join, phone Redlands IndigiScapes Centre on 3824 8611.

 

Water meter readings

Rake up the Rhododendrons! We are reading water meters in Redland Bay this week. Please make sure meter readers have clear access.

 

Open meetings

Wednesday 5 March, General Meeting – 9.30am