Monthly Archives: April 2015

Get ready Redlands: heavy rainfall expected over the next 48 hours


April 30, 2015

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has predicted rainfall totals of up to 400mm over coastal areas in south east Queensland from today until early Saturday.

Redland City is not expected to see considerable flooding as a result of the rain, but there may be some isolated road closures.

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* Read the BOM prediction in full: http://redlnd.cc/1FyPSnN
* Stay up to date with the latest weather information on the BOM website and by listening to 612 ABC.
* Stay up to date with the latest road closure information on our website, Facebook and Twitter.
* If it is safe to do so, send us your images of how severe weather is affecting the Redlands ‪#‎readyredlands‬
* Drive carefully and to the conditions.
* Never drive or walk through flood waters: if it’s flooded, forget it!
* In life-threatening situations, always call 000.
* For flood or storm emergencies, call the SES on 132 500.

SANDBAGS

A self-service sandbagging station will be open at Cleveland Showgrounds from midday until 10pm tonight. Residents can fill their own sand bags and volunteers are welcome. Anyone unable to fill their own sand bags should contact the SES on 132500.

Snapshot – 29 April 2015


April 29, 2015

Plant a tree and help local koalas

Free sausage sizzle and plant to take home!

Join us for our annual Koala Community Planting as we put 1500 plants in the ground to expand a creek corridor.

  • When: Sunday 3 May, 9-11am
  • Where: Three Paddocks Park, Thomas St, Birkdale (UBD Ref. Map 164 p19)
  • Bring: Enclosed shoes, sun protection and drinking water
  • Provided: Plants, equipment, sunscreen and gloves

For more information contact Bushcare: ph 3824 8611.

 

Are you wild for wallabies, crazy for koalas or excited about echidnas?

Volunteer for the Redlands Afterhours Wildlife Ambulance (RAWA) and put your passion of wildlife to good use! We are urgently seeking volunteers to provide emergency rescue and transport for sick and injured wildlife in the Redlands and adjoining areas of the Koala Coast. You need to live in the Redlands, be 18 years or older and hold an open or probationary driver’s licence.

Hours are from 5pm to 8am daily, with volunteers rostered on for one week in every five to six weeks. Training is provided, with the next full day induction session set for Saturday 9 May.

For more information or to book in for induction training, IndigiScapes on 3824 8611 or email lisa.bailey@redland.qld.gov.au

 

Meet Mal Leyland

Intrepid explorer and author

  • When: Friday 8 May, 10 – 11am
  • Where: Victoria Point Library
  • Bookings: 3884 4011

Ever the adventurer, Mal Leyland has continued to explore our beautiful and dangerous country. Still Travelling is his compelling account of a life lived to the full.

This free event is brought to you in partnership with Angus and Robertson, Victoria Point.

 

Check out Council’s What’s On calendar!

A great way to find out about upcoming events and activities in the Redlands

From markets and festivals to exhibitions and school holiday fun, What’s On showcases lots of new and interesting Council-run and community events to liven up your social calendar.

Organising something in the Redlands?

You can also advertise your event on What’s On! Go to our What’s On site above and click on Submit a new event. Council can also assist you with your community event in the Redlands including with application procedures and providing expert advice on producing your event in the City.

For more information email communityevents@redland.qld.gov.au or phone 3829 8999.

 

Water meter readings

We are reading water meters in Capalaba and Ormiston this week. Please make sure our meter readers have clear access to your water meter.

 

Open meetings

General meeting: Wednesday 6 May 9.30am

Community call for koala tree planters


April 28, 2015

Redland City Council Bushcare is calling on residents to come out in force to help plant 1500 koala food and habitat trees this Sunday 3 May.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said a koala community planting would be held at Three Paddocks Park in Birkdale with the aim of enhancing wildlife refuge areas.

“This event is an important part of our annual tree plantings and a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors while helping our local koalas and other wildlife,” Cr Williams said.

“I encourage residents to roll up their sleeves and take part because it will make a really positive impact on our local environment.

“As you drive around the Redlands you can see the results of Council’s previous community plantings, including the first planting site, done in 2003 at Fielding Park, Redland Bay, which is now heavily vegetated and used by local wildlife.

“The plantings are so successful that people may not even realise that many areas of local bushland are there because Council and community volunteers have worked together to restore and enhance habitats.”

Other previously planted areas include Ziegenfusz Park, Cleveland planted 2009; Smith Street, Cleveland planted in 2012; and Main Street, Redland Bay in 2014.

Redland City Council’s environmental spokesperson Cr Lance Hewlett said Council would work with the community to plant thousands of koala habitat and food trees this year.

“On average Council’s Bushcare Program plants approximately 15,000 trees each year, providing homes for the Redlands’ precious wildlife,” he said.

“We are also working with SEQ Catchments and community groups on the Australian Government’s 20 Million Trees initiative, which will see 14,200 trees planted along the Koala Coast.

“This is in addition to the 38,000 koala food trees Council has planted in the last five years.

“We’d love to see the community out in force on 3 May to help with the planting, enjoy the free sausage sizzle and even take home a free native seedling for their efforts.”

EVENT DETAILS
When: Sunday May 3 2015, 9 – 11am
Where: Three Paddocks Park, Thomas St, Birkdale
Bring: Enclosed shoes, sun protection and drinking water
Provided: Plants, equipment, sunscreen, gloves and sausage sizzle

For more information contact Bushcare on 3824 8611.

Geometricks II celebrates the pattern of life


April 27, 2015

A new exhibition at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland focuses on the order that can be found behind the chaos of daily life.

Redland City Council cultural spokesperson Cr Lance Hewlett said the exhibition Geometricks II: Lyndal Hargrave, on display from Sunday 17 May – Sunday 28 June 2015, encouraged viewers to immerse themselves in the patterns and forms around them.

“Patterns surround us and affect our lives without us even realising it. This exhibition gives us the opportunity to stop and reflect on this,” Cr Hewlett said.

“Redlands-based artist Lyndal Hargrave has brought the art in geometry to life.”

Artist Lyndal Hargrave said she had been inspired by how geometry is used to measure and analyse so many components of our lives.

“I have long been fascinated by the underlying order of things, the sense of pattern that lies beneath the chaos of life and a belief that everything is somehow connected within that pattern,” Lyndal said.

“Geometry is at the heart of my investigation just as it is at the heart of our understanding of the universe, from the patterns of spider webs to the movement of the planets.”

To celebrate Geometricks II: Lyndal Hargrave an exhibition opening will be held at 6pm on Friday 15 May 2015.

To attend the opening, RSVP by Wednesday 13 May 2015, phone (07) 3030 4163 or email: gallery@redland.qld.gov.au.

A morning tea and floor talk with the artist will be held from 11.30am on Sunday 24 May 2015.

Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland is located at Cnr of Middle and Bloomfield Streets, Cleveland.

For more information on this and other Redland Art Gallery exhibitions visit http://artgallery.redland.qld.gov.au.

More award recognition for PDA projects


April 27, 2015

Redland City Council has received its fourth commendation in less than six months for work on its two Priority Development Area projects.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the team was thrilled to receive the 2015 Excellence in Collaboration gong at the Local Government Managers Australia Awards in Brisbane last night.

“This is yet another major coup for these two exciting projects, at Toondah Harbour and Weinam Creek, and highlights Council’s commitment to engaging the community during every phase of these billion-dollar developments,” Cr Williams said.

“The award also recognises our extensive collaboration with the State Government to address the future needs of the Redlands’ community, and ensure these projects supercharge the local economy within designated timeframes.

”This collaboration has been integral in advancing what are the most exciting projects in this city for half a century.”

Cr Williams said this latest achievement followed a win at the Urban Development Institute of Australia awards, a commendation from the Planning Institute of Australia and a highly commended in collaboration with Economic Development Queensland from the Premier’s Awards for Excellence.

“This is a project for the community, by the community, which is why our team has gone to incredible lengths to make this process as transparent and collaborative as possible,” Cr Williams said.

“During the community consultation process, over 2000 people provided feedback which shaped the final planning schemes for the projects.

“Council also spearheaded Australian-first community engagement exercises, including the use of 3D visualization technology through a downloadable app to give locals an insight into the scale, design and overall vision for both waterfront precincts.

“These projects are about creating a world-class legacy for our community to enjoy for generations to come.

“To be recognised again on a state-wide arena is a real buzz that I’m sure will only be surpassed by the completion of the project itself.”

Join Redlands’ wildlife-saving ambulance team


April 27, 2015

Volunteer Induction Day: 9am Saturday 9 May at Redlands IndigiScapes Centre, register to attend on 3824 8611.

The Redlands Afterhours Wildlife Ambulance (RAWA) urgently needs more helping hands, currently running at only around 50% of its ideal volunteer numbers.

The RAWA service provides emergency rescue and transport for sick, injured and orphaned native animals in Redland City.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said that while Council coordinates and funds the service, it relied on a dedicated base of volunteers to operate effectively.

“This service saves the lives of hundreds of injured and orphaned wildlife each year but its volunteer numbers are getting lower than what we’d like to see,” Cr Williams said.

“RAWA currently has 15 dedicated volunteers but it’s a big city for such a small number of volunteers to cover, so ideally the service needs 25 – 30 people on its roster.

Redland City Council’s environmental spokesperson Cr Lance Hewlett said the service averaged between five and 10 calls per night, with more than half of those calls requiring the wildlife ambulance to attend.

“It’s important that this workload is shared to ensure the program’s ongoing success,” he said.

“RAWA does an excellent job of helping wildlife in our community and it is having its next volunteer induction 9am on Saturday 9 May at Redlands IndigiScapes Centre.

“If you’ve ever wanted to volunteer in your community and with wildlife, this is a great way to make a difference and I encourage you to attend.”

RAWA is a volunteer-based, Council-operated service.  Volunteers work in teams of three, on call from 5pm – 8am one week in every five-six weeks.

To help, you need to be over 18, live in Redlands and have a current open or probationary driver’s licence.

To join this passionate team of wildlife rescuers, register for the induction through IndigiScapes on 3824 8611.

Council calling for volunteers to help abandoned pets


April 27, 2015

Redland City Council is hoping to harness the well-known Redlands’ spirit to assist local abandoned animals.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said she had been inundated with offers of help after Council last week announced it would take on the task of re-homing animals due to the RSPCA being unable to continue the long-standing arrangement.

“It has only been a few days since Council had to take on the task of re-homing animals and already we have been contacted by numerous locals wanting to know how they can help,” she said.

“This says a lot about our residents and the tremendous sense of community that exists, and prompted me to look at how we can use the fantastic community spirit to help our abandoned animals.

“After speaking with Council officers I am today launching an animal shelter volunteer program, calling for residents, community groups and local businesses who love animals to assist our animal shelter in caring for abandoned animals.”

Cr Williams said anyone who was interested in helping could visit Council’s website and register as an animal shelter volunteer.

“We are looking for people to do a variety of things to care for these animals, including walking, feeding and grooming the animals while they wait to be adopted,” she said.

“Because we have had to move so quickly to find an alternative method of re-homing animals, we are still putting the mechanisms in place and we ask people to be patient while this is worked through.

“This also applies for the volunteer program, but while we are still looking at how this will work there is no doubt we need help and the Redlands’ community has the passion to provide that help.

“The plan is for all suitable animals to be advertised through Council’s website and a dedicated ‘Redlands Animal Shelter’ Facebook page along with details of the volunteer program and other ways the community can assist.

“While these pages are being set up people can sign up to volunteer on Council’s website at http://redlnd.cc/ShelterVolunteers

“We are also continuing conversations with animal welfare agencies to ensure the best possible outcomes for these animals.”

Get the facts: Reference group claims ‘false’


April 27, 2015

Redland City Council has refuted claims that that an industry reference group working with Council was “secret” and formed without the knowledge of councillors.

CEO Bill Lyon said the Development Industry Reference Group was established almost three years ago, was approved by councillors and had reported to Council on a number of occasions since 2012.

He said this fact was supported by public Council records.

“Imputations that the reference group was formed without the knowledge of councillors are false, as the records show,’’ Mr Lyon said.

“This reference group was included in the operational plan approved by councillors for 2012-13. All councillors were in attendance. There also have been quarterly updates to Council.

“Councillors were fully informed and had opportunities to raise questions or to amend any items should they have had concerns.

“There were also discussions about the group with councillors at workshops and it has been openly communicated in our ‘Redlands – Open for Business and Investment’ document on our website.’’

Mr Lyon said Council officers had operated with complete professionalism and integrity and any inference to the contrary was offensive.

“As CEO, I cannot stand by and allow the professionalism and integrity of dedicated Council officers to be impugned by suggestions this reference group operated in secret,’’ Mr Lyon said.

“The Development Industry Reference Group is a group of development industry professionals working with Council to improve our processes. Such groups are a means for local government to discuss and address City-wide issues.

“All councils must plan for growth and change, and reference groups are one of the standard mechanisms which help officers better understand and work with their communities.

“Council officers working with these groups operate under a whole-of-council direction.’’

Mr Lyon said the terms of reference for the groups ensured they could not be used as forums to lobby Council officers or councillors on behalf of specific projects.

 

Standing together in Reconciliation Week


April 27, 2015

In celebration of National Reconciliation Week 2015 (27 May – 3 June), Redland Libraries has engaged local Aboriginal artists-in-residence to work with community members to create artworks that symbolise reconciliation, rights and respect.

The project Standing Together: The Art of Reconciliation aims to create a visual display of what reconciliation means in our community. Final canvases will be unveiled during NAIDOC Week in July.

If you’d like to take part, artists will be seeking input into canvases from 10.30am to 2.30pm at Capalaba and Cleveland Libraries on Wednesday 27 May – Friday 29 May and again on Monday 1 June – Tuesday 2 June.

No bookings are required, and you don’t have to be an artist to contribute – just turn up and join in!

New local laws adopted


April 27, 2015

Council has adopted a new set of local laws following two rounds of stakeholder and public consultation.

The new laws include allowing Council to enforce the clean-up of unsightly properties, clearer requirements for temporary signs and provisions making it easier to run events.

A requirement for dog owners on properties 2000m2 or larger in koala areas to tether or confine their dog between sunset and sunrise has been retained as a direct response to community feedback.

You can view a list of noteworthy changes on Council’s website.

While based on the framework of model local laws drafted by the Queensland Government as a guide for all Queensland councils, the new laws have been informed by what the community told us during the extensive community consultation.

The new local laws will take effect on 1 July 2015 to allow public notification and operational areas to prepare for implementation, with the existing laws remaining in place until then.

All permits issued under the current local laws will remain valid until the permit expires or a new application is made after 1 July 2015.