Monthly Archives: December 2014

Toondah plans on course


December 24, 2014

A headline in the Redland City Bulletin relating to progress on the master plan for Cleveland’s Toondah Harbour Priority Development Area project (Page 4, Wednesday 24 December) is incorrect. The Toondah Harbour project has not been delayed as the headline infers.

The final concept plans being prepared by the preferred developer, Walker Group, for this important job-creation project are tracking as planned.

The Walker Group has been given an extra year to develop its proposals for Redland Bay’s Weinam Creek Priority Development Area project.

Negotiations for the Weinam Creek Priority Development Area will continue, with the aim of achieving a master plan in 2015 that meets Council and community expectations.

The master plan for Toondah Harbour still requires further design development and will be subject to a range of planning approvals and public notification. This is expected in the first half of 2015.

Bay Island Pool now open: Monday 22 December


December 22, 2014

The Bay Island Pool has now reopened.

It was closed on Friday 19 December due to unforeseen circumstances so we could carry out essential maintenance.

If you have any queries regarding the closure please contact 3829 8999.

Stay chilled at the tip this summer


December 19, 2014

Here’s some pointers for an easier trip to the tip this summer:

  • Boxing Day and New Year’s Day are especially busy times for Redland Bay and Birkdale Waste Transfer Stations, so there may be some delays. Please be patient and know that our staff are doing their best to keep the queue moving.
  • Get sorted before you go- separate the different waste types so it’s easier for staff to inspect your load and for you to recycle your waste.
  • Have your proof of residency ready for the gatehouse.
  • Declare your load.
  • Follow staff instructions.
  • Drop loads in the right spot.
  • Waste transfer stations are not safe places for children or your pets.

Waste transfer stations will be closed on Christmas day but will otherwise operate as normal. For more information on waste disposal visit Council’s website or call 3829 8999.

Christmas Closures – Direct Debits


December 19, 2014

Due to Christmas period closures we would like to advise rate payers using direct debit that the draw dates will change:

Direct Debits  due for:

  • Thursday 25/12/14  –  will be deducted on Monday 29/12/14
  • Thursday 01/01/15 – will be deducted on Friday 02/01/15

Redlands gets a radar


December 19, 2014

Redland City’s the BOM…or will at least get a real-time Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) observation station late next year.

The weather station will be funded through a $150,000 grant from the State Government’s Natural Disaster Mitigation Program after Redland City Mayor Karen Williams lobbied for the funding.

At the moment real-time weather information to Redland City is not available with data delivered from the Brisbane Airport and ‘approximated’ for Redlands. Having local real-time information will be an invaluable resource to Redlands Local Disaster Management Group, as well as residents and visitors to the City.

Council will provide suitable land for the station for BOM to build the station, expected to be fully operational in time for next summer.

You can access Redlands local disaster planning information on the Redlands Disaster Plan website.

CANCELLATION SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING – SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND: Thursday, 18 December 2014 7:34 pm


December 18, 2014

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a cancellation to the severe thunderstorm warning for South East Queensland.

Read the cancellation in full: http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20038.html

Severe thunderstorms are no longer affecting the Southeast Queensland area (east of Dalby from Rainbow Beach to Stanthorpe). The immediate threat of severe thunderstorms has passed, but the situation will continue to be monitored and further warnings will be issued if necessary.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
* Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

Green light for Walker Group to continue Toondah masterplan negotiations, extension for Weinam Creek plans


December 18, 2014

Redland City Council yesterday gave the green light to the Walker Group to continue work on its preliminary masterplan for the redevelopment of Toondah Harbour that will create thousands of jobs in the Redlands.

An extension was also granted to Walker Group to continue work on a master plan for Weinam Creek that delivers Council and community requirements, while also being economically viable for the developer.

Council would also like to see the preliminary masterplan, together with supporting background studies, made available to the public once they have been completed to the satisfaction of Council and the State Government.

Yesterday’s s decision confirms Council’s decision to appoint the Walker Group as Preferred Developer for the Toondah Harbour project.

Mayor Karen Williams said next year would be an exciting time for the Redlands as the preliminary masterplan for Toondah Harbour would be released.

“The design will transform this important gateway into a regionally significant tourism destination in its own right and provide employment opportunities to thousands of Redlanders over many years,” she said.

“I am committed to creating local jobs and stimulating the economy and this significant project has the potential to create thousands of jobs.

“Importantly, Toondah Harbour will also continue to operate as a transport hub for North Stradbroke Island residents and visitors and will include recreational areas, as reflected by the community’s feedback to Council.

“Negotiations for the Weinam Creek Priority Development Area will continue, with the aim of achieving a masterplan in 2015 that meets Council and community expectations and stacks up economically for the Walker Group.”

The masterplan for Toondah Harbour still requires further design development and will  require a range of planning approvals. Walker Group will be responsible for obtaining those approvals, which will public notification and are expected to be available to the public in the first half of 2015.

Have your say on our Corporate Plan


December 17, 2014

Redland City Council is reviewing its corporate plan, an important strategic document that will shape Council’s priorities for the next five years.

Have your say on key issues facing our community and Council by completing one or more of our online surveys.

Each survey mirrors an outcome area of our community plan, and will take five to ten minutes to complete. The surveys close on 5 January 2015.

Council’s back to basics strategy set to deliver long-term operating surpluses


December 17, 2014

Redland City Council’s back to basics strategy is set to deliver operating surpluses each year from 2015-2025 and reduce debt, according to its revised Financial Strategy released today.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the Financial Strategy was evidence that Council’s back to basics approach had paid off, placing the organisation in a strong financial position.

“Redland City Council’s Financial Strategy 2015-25 demonstrates Council’s sustainability,” Cr Williams said.

“Significantly, it forecasts operating surpluses for the life of the strategy, which is good news for our community.
 
“The strategy also forecasts that Council’s debt will decrease over the same period.

“There are several contributing factors to the results including commercial opportunities to raise revenue, reaping the benefits of well managed landfill that will reduce costs into the future, and efficiencies across Council.”

Council’s Financial spokesperson Cr Mark Edwards said the strategy showed that Council was meeting or exceeding nearly all its key financial performance indicators and would set a clear plan to ensure Council’s continued success.

“This strategy draws on Council’s key financial policies including debt, investment, revenue, assets, procurement capital works and constrained cash reserves,” Cr Edwards said.

“As with prudent financial management, this document is reviewed annually to ensure it reflects the economic environment and gives an accurate assessment of Council’s long-term financial forecast.

“Other key highlights of the reviewed policy include an upcoming review of our Portfolio Management Office and the introduction of lean business methodology to provide further efficiencies in the way we do business.”