Monthly Archives: May 2014

Start planned for vital Toondah Harbour dredging


May 30, 2014

Equipment is expected to be moved into place at Toondah Harbour next week in preparation for the commencement of dredging work.

Mayor Karen Williams said the work, due for completion by 30 August (weather permitting), involved maintenance and capital dredging of a section of the Fison Channel and widening of the ‘swing basin’, allowing vessels to more easily manoeuvre and pass in the harbour and channel.

“The dredging will benefit public and commercial users of Toondah Harbour,” Cr Williams said.

“Toondah Harbour is a vital access point for residents and visitors to North Stradbroke Island and an important part of our city’s economy.

“I am delighted that these long-awaited dredging projects are finally happening. In the past we have had times when ferries grounded and could not use Toondah at low tide and had to operate from Raby Bay. The dredge will remove this problem.

“Council has worked closely with the Queensland Transport and Main Roads, Brisbane Harbourmaster, commercial ferry operators, and the dredging contractor to ensure the work is managed to minimise disruption and achieves the best outcome for the community.”

The State Government provided $6 million in 2011 for three dredging projects across the city.

Funding included dredging at Coochiemudlo Island, completed in 2013, and at both Victoria Point and Toondah Harbour, scheduled for completion this year.

“The State Government’s assistance has been invaluable to ensuring both the necessary funding and permits are available for this work to begin,” Cr Williams said.

“Dredging equipment is in high demand up and down the east coast of Australia so we are very pleased that we are now able to make a start on this important work.

“Once the Toondah Harbour dredging is complete, the contractor will return to complete work already begun at Victoria Point in preparation for the planned improvements to the Victoria Point jetty and the construction of the new Coochiemudlo Island jetty.”

Redland City Council is managing the contract for both the Victoria Point and Toondah Harbour dredging work

Council seeks history of indigenous servicewomen and men


May 29, 2014

Redland City Council is calling for contributions to a display honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicewomen and men.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said she hoped the display, to be exhibited during NAIDOC Week from 7 – 12 July, would unearth untold stories about the roles Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People played during wars.

“As we approach the centenary of World War I, we want to celebrate the well-known tales of sacrifice and bravery, but we also want to educate our community about unknown ones,” Mayor Williams said.

“The theme of NAIDOC Week 2014 is Serving Country: Centenary and Beyond and it is a unique opportunity to highlight to contributions of Traditional Owners.

“We are after photographs and small artefacts that relate to all wars in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders from Redlands served and also local stories about what life was like serving with the armed forces.

“We also hope to create a Redlands ‘Honour Roll’ poster, listing the names of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People who have served during all wars.

“We need help with this, as many servicemen enlisted through Brisbane battalions, or were unable to list themselves as of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent when signing up.

“We want families to share with us the names that until now, historical records may have forgotten.

“I think the display will be an emotional one for all Redlands residents, particularly the families of servicemen and women, but also the general public wanting to thank those who so selflessly contributed to the war effort.”

All material will be returned to families after the display closes.

To contribute to the NAIDOC display or add a name to the NAIDOC Week Redlands Honour Roll, please contact Di Andrews:

Email:  di.andrews@redland.qld.gov.au
Phone: 3829 8914

Emergency responders combine training efforts ahead of bushfire season


May 27, 2014

Redland City Council is participating in a disaster management training event alongside the State Emergency Services, Rural Fire Service Queensland, Queensland Police Service, Queensland Ambulance Service, Brisbane City Council and Moreton Bay Regional Council. For more information, see the release below from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.

 

Brisbane emergency service providers will combine forces with local councils for a major training exercise this weekend to get ready for the upcoming bushfire season.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) will be holding a tactical training day on Saturday to expose fellow emergency response agencies to scenarios that they could come across during a bushfire emergency.

Approximately 250 staff and volunteers from agencies such as the State Emergency Service (SES), Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ), Queensland Police Service (QPS), Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), Redland City Council (RCC), Brisbane City Council (BCC) and Moreton Bay Regional Council (MBRC) will participate in the training.

Exercise Director Michael Dwyer said the day would be designed to provide attendees with an awareness and understanding of how QFES operates at different scenarios as well as give an insight into how these agencies could assist with these emergencies.

“We will be running three different scenarios on the day; a simulated car crash, a structural fire and a search and rescue situation which could all happen if the Brisbane, Moreton Bay Region or the Redlands were affected by a bushfire emergency,” he said.

“There will be three taskforces made up of representatives from each agency who will attend these simulated incidents and respond to them as if they were real emergencies for 90 minutes each.

“We want to provide staff and volunteers from support agencies with an awareness of what they could be faced with so they can apply their skills to assist with the overall response.”

Media are invited to attend the training day and observe the response to the simulated scenarios.

Snapshot – 27 May 2014


May 27, 2014

Indigi Day Out

Saturday 7 June, 10am – 9pm

Indigi Day Out takes on a new format this year with one big day of fun, food and music. The popular annual event at Redlands IndigiScapes Centre, Runnymede Road, Capalaba is run in conjunction with Folk Redlands Festival of Music.

There’ll be environmental workshops, stalls, kids’ activities, crafts, food and folk music, rides, animal encounters and face painting. Take your own picnic or buy food from one of the stalls. New night time activities include a bush dance, twilight markets and a barbecue. The folk festival continues on Sunday.

For details visit IndigiScapes or call 3824 8611.

 

National Reconciliation Week

Short Film Festival at Cleveland Library

National Reconciliation Week starts today (27 May – 3 June) and is a time to reflect on working together to celebrate our diversity, our cultural differences and our shared values.

Council is hosting a free short film festival during National Reconciliation Week in Cleveland Library with daily sessions at 10am, 12pm and 2pm. Come along and enjoy Ace of Spades, The Caretaker, Who Paintin’ dis Wandjina, Yolngu Guya Djamamirr, Blackbuster and Aunty Maggie and the Womba Wakgun as they make you make you laugh, think and learn more about issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

 

Free business workshop

‘How to network’

Council is hosting a free ‘How to Network’ workshop for local business. This hands-on workshop will discuss the importance of business networking and give you practical steps to do it successfully. A light snack and refreshments will be served.

When: Wednesday 11 June 2014
Time: 4.30 – 6.30pm
Where: The Red Place, Shop 14a, 99 Bloomfield Street, Cleveland
RSVP: Friday 6 June 2014, karen.brown@redland.qld.gov.au or 3829 8507 (places are limited)
Light refreshments will be served.

 

Library activity

Join the Adventurer’s Book Club

Calling all kids! Come and join the fun at the Adventurer’s Book Club, held monthly at Capalaba Library for children over eight years old. It’s a free afternoon of activities and book discussion, with all members also receiving a Reading Passport! The next session is 3.30pm – 4.15pm, Thursday 29 May. No bookings needed.

For more information on the great range of free library activities available, visit www.redland.qld.gov.au/Library

 

Water meter readings

Time to clip back the cacti! We are reading water meters in Mount Cotton this week. Please make sure our water meter readers have clear access to your water meter.

 

Open meetings

Wednesday 4 June – General Meeting, 9.30am

Indigi Day Out – markets, food, free fun and music!


May 26, 2014

Forget your ‘first week of winter’ blues with a day of markets, food and free music at Indigi Day Out on Saturday 7 June.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Indigi Day Out was held annually as part of World Environment Day activities and celebrated the rich environmental and cultural values in the Redlands.

“This popular local event delivers important environmental messages through fun, family-friendly activities,” Cr Williams said.

“Held in conjunction with Folk Redlands Festival of Music, the popular event will offer environmental workshops, market stalls, kids’ activities, crafts, food and folk music, along with animal encounters and face painting.

“Indigi Day Out is a great day of entertainment for all ages with delicious food and market stalls open on the day, or people can also bring a picnic basket and blanket and enjoy the great location.”

Council’s environmental spokesperson Cr Paul Gleeson said this year’s Folk Redlands Festival boasts a fantastic musical line-up, including the high energy blue grass and rock band The Round Mountain Girls as its headline act.

“For those ready for some toe-tapping, there’ll also be a freebush dance in the evening with a bar and barbeque, all set in the spectacular surrounds of our award-winning Redland IndigiScapes Centre,” he said.

Entry to Indigi Day Out is free.

Event details

2014 Indigi Day Out & Folk Redlands Festival of Music

When: Saturday 7 June, during the day 10am – 4.30pm and after dark 5.30pm – 9pm

Where: Redlands IndigiScapes Centre, 17 Runnymede Rd, Capalaba

For more information, or a program of events, phone IndigiScapes on 3824 8611 or visit www.indigiscapes.com.au

Council’s ‘buy local’ policy strengthened


May 21, 2014

It will now be even easier for local suppliers to do business with Redland City Council, following Council’s decision to strengthen its ‘buy local’ procurement policy today.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the changes strengthened the existing policy and showed Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses and economic prosperity.

“The existing procurement policy, which came into effect on 1 July 2013, gives primary status to suppliers with a Redland City business address,” she said.

“Today’s adopted changes strengthen this policy, giving a scaled benefit of up to 10% for local businesses and suppliers quoting on Redland City Council jobs.

“As one of the largest organisations in Redland City, Council has substantial buying power and we want that to benefit local businesses.

“Giving ratepayers’ value for money is essential, and if we can do that while supporting a local business and investing in the Redlands’ economy, it is the best outcome for everyone.

“Council spends around $40 million locally each year and we are confident the ‘buy local’ procurement policy will continue to have a positive impact for local businesses.

“Redlands’ businesses have so much to offer and the goal is to have strong local businesses who can also compete for work beyond the Redlands, so I encourage other organisations and individuals to join us in being local and buying local.

“We also welcome feedback from local businesses and will continue to adjust the policy to ensure the appropriate support of local businesses in delivering value for ratepayers.”

The revised procurement policy does not affect existing contracts and applies to future tenders in accordance with section 228 of the Local Government Act.

For more information on Council’s policies visit the website or contact Council on 3829 8999.

Council to create priority criteria for capital works


May 21, 2014

Redland City Council today adopted a Capital Works Prioritisation Policy which will ensure capital budget allocations align with the needs of the community.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the aim of the policy was to ensure better value for money while taking care of existing assetts the comunity owns first and foremost.

“While we already carefully scrutinise how our ratepayers’ dollars are spent, having an adopted policy further strengthens this process,” Cr Williams said.

“This policy will provide a system for assessing all capital works projects against set criteria to ensure we are not committing to an unsustainable financial future.

“It is about understanding the whole of life costs for any potential projects before we commit hard earned ratepayers dollars.

“This gives us added security that funds are allocated where they are most needed, providing a strong framework for building infrastructure across the city.

Infrastructure Portfolio Spokesperson Cr Murray Elliott said the new system would create a consistent way of allocating budget in future years.

“By having a standard priorisation criteria for projects, we will be able to give our residents the services they need most and better forecast our budget requirements,” he said.

“From our parks to our roads and footpaths, our capital works are a substantial allocation in Council’s annual budget and this policy will give our residents added peace of mind we are investing where we need to.”

Following the adoption of the policy, Council will create a set of criteria that can be applied across all capital works projects with the hope of these being in place in the near future.

The priorisation criteria supports a review of project delivery being undertaken by Council, which will improve the processes around project delivery.

Redlands on show at tourism summit


May 20, 2014

More than 100 Redlands’ tourism providers descended on North Stradbroke Island today (20 May) as part of the 2014 Tourism Summit.
 
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the event was an initiative of Redland City Council with support from Tourism and Events Queensland and provided an opportunity for tourism providers to hear from some very successful operators from across Australia and build stronger collaborative relationships.
 
“The Redlands has unique tourism offerings including nature based tourism, which is enhanced by the city’s strong environmental character as well as an emerging cultural tourism sector thanks to a vibrant Indigenous community and strong links with our history,” she said.
 
“The Redlands has some obvious advantages when it comes to tourism, namely our location as a city of islands with beautiful beaches.
 
“Our tourism offerings also extend to the mainland with lush hinterland featuring eco-tourism.
 
“But our strengths go beyond our location; we also have some fantastic businesses that have built strong tourism offerings and today was an opportunity to showcase these businesses while also hearing from industry leaders on how to strengthen our tourism sector.
 
The advantages of natural and cultural tourism were discussed by the first key note speaker Grant Hunt, founder of Anthology, a specialist nature and cultural tourism company providing experiences in remote and sensitive locations.
 
Other key note speakers on the day included Rob Pennicott from Tasmanian cruise company Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, marketing specialists Charlotte Prouse, from Destination Marketing Store (DMS) and Gary Bertwistle from Blue Moon Creative and Margie Ryder from the Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival.
 
Division 1 Councillor for North Stradbroke Island Cr Craig Ogilvie said while we have some fantastic experiences and strong local companies, there are always new ways to revitalise ourselves and reach new customers.
 
“Events like today are great for exploring those opportunities and networking as an industry,” he said.

Redland City Council appoints new Chief Financial Officer


May 20, 2014

Redland City Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Linnet Batz as Chief Financial Officer.

Ms Batz will take up her appointment on June 16.

Redland City Council Chief Executive Officer Bill Lyon said Ms Batz, a qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and CPA Australia, topped an impressive list of applicants.

“The City is fortunate is attract Linnet, who has a very strong and in-depth understanding of corporate governance and accounting backed by an impressive list of achievements in the public sector,’’ Mr Lyon said.

“She has held senior finance and executive roles with government in Queensland and the United Kingdom and joins Council from the Department of Housing and Public Works, where she has served as Executive Director, Governance and Operations, for the Procurement Transformation Program.

“Her track record of implementing significant projects and supporting sound financial strategies well qualifies her for the role of CFO at Redland City Council, which is entering a phase of consolidation after a period of rationalisation.

“Linnet’s appointment comes at an important time for Council as it strives to provide the best service and value for money possible while continuing to improve its financial position.’’

Ms Batz said that, as a Redlander, the position had been an attractive opportunity.

“Living at Cleveland, I have genuine passion for this City,’’ she said.

Ms Batz’s previous roles have also included: Director – Financial Analysis and Advice, Department of Education, Training and Employment; Director of Finance, National College for School leadership (UK); Deputy Director – Finance, UK Department of Education; Financial Controller, UK Ministry of Justice; and roles with the UK National Audit Office.

Redlands Snapshot – 20 May 2014


May 20, 2014

National Reconciliation Week

Short Film Festival at Cleveland Library

National Reconciliation Week from 27 May – 3 June is a time to reflect on working together to celebrate our diversity, our cultural differences and our shared values.

Council is hosting a free short film festival during National Reconciliation Week in Cleveland Library with daily sessions at 10am, 12pm and 2pm. Come along and enjoy films Ace of Spades, The Caretaker, Who Paintin’ dis Wandjina, Yolngu Guya Djamamirr, Blackbuster and Aunty Maggie and the Womba Wakgun as they make you make you laugh, think and learn more about issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

 

Free business workshop

‘People Matters’ Wednesday 28 May

Council is hosting ‘People Matters’ – a fun, free workshop providing tips and techniques for improving your people skills and ensuring ongoing business success.

  • When: Wednesday 28 May 2014, 7am – 9am
  • Where: Redlands Sporting Club, Anson Road, Wellington Point
  • RSVP: Wednesday 23 May 2014 to karen.brown@redland.qld.gov.au or 3829 8507 (places are limited)

Light refreshments will be served.

 

Library activity

Join the Adventurer’s Book Club

Calling all kids! Come and join the fun at the Adventurer’s Book Club, held monthly at Capalaba Library for children over eight years old. It’s a free afternoon of activities and book discussion, with all members also receiving a Reading Passport! The next session is 3.30pm – 4.15pm, Thursday 29 May. No bookings needed.

For more information on the great range of free library activities available, visit www.redland.qld.gov.au/Library

 

Indigi Day Out

Saturday 7 June, 10am – 9pm

Indigi Day Out takes on a new format this year with one big day of fun, food and music. The popular annual event at Redlands IndigiScapes Centre, Runneymede Road, Capalaba is run in conjunction with Folk Redlands Festival of Music.

There’ll be environmental workshops, stalls, kids’ activities, crafts, food and folk music, rides, animal encounters and face painting. Take your own picnic or buy food from one of the stalls. New night time activities include a bush dance, twilight markets and a barbecue. The folk festival continues on Sunday.

For details visit www.indigiscapes.com.au or call 3824 8611.

 

Water meter readings

Time to restrain the Rhododendrons! We are reading water meters in Redland Bay this week. Please make sure our water meter readers have clear access to your water meter.

 

Open meetings

Wednesday 21 May and 4 June

General Meeting – 9.30am