Monthly Archives: July 2015

Council to investigate solar farms


July 29, 2015

Redland City Council today voted to investigate creating and managing local solar farms to create alternative revenue streams and green energy.

The decision was made after Councillors supported a Notice of Motion from Division 9 Councillor Paul Gleeson tabled at today’s General Meeting.

“Today’s decision is really about exploring any and all options and bringing those options back to Council for consideration,” he said.

“The price of solar has come down so much over the last few years that I think now is the time to look at whether the cost stacks up for residents.

“This is about getting clean and green energy that has environmental benefits, as well as finding an alternative source of revenue to reduce the cost of living pressure for residents.”

Cr Gleeson said Council investigations would include possible partnerships with other levels of government, private joint ventures and accessing Commonwealth Government grants to fund the project.

“There are a number of private solar companies out there, as well as Federal Government funding options and we will look at all of these possibilities,” he said.

“There are also other Councils across Australia looking at similar projects and we will speak with them and learn from what they have done.

“At this stage we are only investigating options, we aren’t committing to anything but I think we have to start somewhere and be open to the possibilities such projects can bring to the community.”

A report will be brought to Council for consideration by the end of November this year.

Boaties to benefit from Council planning


July 29, 2015

The Redlands’ reputation as a boaties’ paradise is set to continue with Councillors today supporting a request from Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards for a report identifying potential boat ramp locations in the Redlands.

Cr Edwards said his Notice of Motion, presented at today’s General Meeting, provided boaties with confidence they were being considered in the city’s future planning.

“The Redlands has one of the highest rates of boat registrations in the state, so it is important they are considered in the growth of the city,” he said.

“This report will identify where boat ramps can be located in the city to accommodate not only our current passionate boaties but also those who are expected to call the Redlands home in the future.

“The aim is for these locations to be dedicated to boaties, with all-tide ramp facilities and room for boat-trailer parking.

“Once we have completed the report we will present it to the State Government, which is ultimately responsible for constructing the boat ramps, and we will look for a commitment from them in terms of planning.

“Council has always strongly lobbied the State Government for improved local boating facilities and this report is another example of our commitment to providing quality facilities now and in the future.”

Cr Edwards said work had already started in identifying potential boat ramp sites in the Southern Redlands which was an ideal location for future boat ramps due to it not being as developed as other areas of the city.

“There is still an opportunity in the southern Redlands to identify areas for recreational boat users that don’t impact on residential or community uses,” he said.

“This would then benefit the entire city with most boaties willing to drive the 15 minutes or so if they know they will be able to launch their boat.

“Boating is more than a hobby in the Redlands, it is a pastime that fits with our coastal location and has been loved by generations of Redlanders and so it makes sense for it to be on our radar.”

Council says no to Government Road Service Station


July 29, 2015

Redland City Council today voted to refuse a development application for a service station on Government Road.

Divisional Councillor Mark Edwards said today’s decision was a win for nearby residents who had voiced their concern about the potential impact of the proposed 24-hour service station.

“Residents in surrounding streets told us they were worried the service station would impact on the residential area and Council has listened and today refused the application,” he said.

“I have spent a great deal of time speaking with residents over the past couple of months and listening to their concerns and today shows Council’s commitment to responding to the community’s needs.

“There were 22 individual submissions and two petitions with a total of 334 signatures in response to the development application, with the main concerns raised including noise and amenity from the service station operating 24/7, as well as traffic impacts.

“While Council’s decision was ultimately made based on the necessary planning regulations, we also took into consideration the feedback from residents.”

Cr Edwards said while Council’s assessment of the application showed another service station may be needed in Redland Bay in the future, the proposed location was considered not suitable due to the potential impact on nearby residents.

“There’s no doubt we need more service stations in Redland Bay, but they need to be in locations that don’t impact residents,” he said.

“The proposed location of this service station would not only have impacted the area’s amenity due to noise, it would also have potentially pushed traffic into surrounding residential streets, resulting in safety concerns for residents.

Council planning and development spokesperson and neighbouring Division 6 Councillor Julie Talty attended a number of public meetings with Cr Edwards in the lead-up to today’s decision and congratulated residents for their proactive approach to the proposal.

“I am pleased to see the concerns raised by residents are reflected by Council’s decision today,” she said.

Council looks at new events spaces


July 29, 2015

Redland City Councillors today supported a request from Mayor Karen Williams to investigate establishing dedicated spaces to support existing events and help attract new events to the city.

Cr Williams said the Redlands was fast becoming an events hot-spot and so it made sense to look at whether new venues and facilities were needed to support the city’s newfound reputation.

“Events bring considerable economic and social benefits to the community and today’s decision is designed to look at how we can maximise these benefits for the community,” she said.

“The Redlands has successfully attracted a number of new events recently so the time is right to look at how we can take advantage of this influx.

“For example the recent Bikes and Bulls attracted more than 3000 people to the city, last year we hosted the first Bayside Blues Festival and later this year Straddie will host the high-profile Australia Junior Surfing Titles.

“It is estimated the new events attracted to the city over the next 12 months will be attended by around 50,000 people and generate about $6.5 million into the Redlands’ economy.

“While new events coming to our city are a positive, community groups have also told me that space is becoming a premium due to some community spaces becoming very popular with local sporting and community groups.

“Today’s decision will look at what is the best fit to ensure our great local community activities and events can thrive while at the same time attracting new events.”

Cr Williams said the Council report would also include a sports field demand study to look at the utilisation of local sports fields.

“This will include Council-owned sports fields, whether there is any potential for shared use of existing fields and the possibility of partnering with stakeholders to maximise the use of existing facilities,” she said.

“We will also look at the success of the Council and State Government pilot of shared school sites at Victoria Point State High School and Capalaba State College to see if this model should be expanded.”

Cr Williams said today’s decision continued Council’s commitment to fostering an active and vibrant local community.

“The Redlands is open for business and this doesn’t only apply to traditional business opportunities, it also applies to events that help attract tourists and put the city on the map,” she said.

“Today’s decision also follows Council’s decision last year to appoint a new position designed specifically to support community events and attract new and exciting events to the city.”

A report outlining all available options will come back to Council for their consideration by the end of November.

Council plan to help struggling families access sport


July 29, 2015

Junior sports could become more affordable for struggling local families after Redland City Council today voted to investigate a financial assistance program for children’s sports.

Division 9 Councillor Paul Gleeson, who is Council’s sport and recreation spokesperson and put forward the motion, said it followed a successful trial in his Capalaba division that saw local businesses and schools fundraise $4000 to provide grants to help keen eight to 12-year-olds play sport.

“The Capalaba pilot program was a big success, with 40 local kids benefitting from funds to cover out-of-pocket sporting expenses,” Cr Gleeson said.

“It proved that the extra support can make a real difference – one of the really good news stories was Capalaba Swimming Club, who had 15 children sign on through the pilot, 12 of whom had never swum before.

“The reality is that the costs of gear and fees can be hard to cover for struggling families and we’d like to see sports become affordable for all local children who want to access them.

“Today’s decision means we will now investigate extending the program as part of a grants workshop being held in September.

“We will now look into a program where Council could provide up to $50,000 funding each year and work with sporting organisations, schools and local business sponsors to set up an ongoing fund.

“To ensure the money goes where it’s needed most, eligibility would be restricted to children or parents and guardians of children who hold a Centrelink Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card.

“The idea is that youngsters could apply for $100 grants through their preferred sporting club. It will be a top up to State Government assistance of $150 through its Get in the Game program that opens up many more options for families.”

“This is about being an inclusive community where any child can join a club, feel part of a team, be healthy and enjoy all the fun that comes with sport.”

Following a grants workshop a Council report will come back to Council for a decision to then be made on funding the program.

Redland Snapshot – 29 July


July 29, 2015

Trees for Weeds Day

When: Saturday 1 August, 10am-4pm
Where: Indigiscapes, 17 Runnymede Road, Capalaba

Exchange unruly, invasive weeds for native plants at our mainland Trees for Weeds Day. Claim a free native plant for every plastic shopping bag of weeds you bring along (up to five plants per person). Council’s weed experts will be available for advice on managing weeds. The native plant nursery will be open for sales. All weeds are welcome, however, this year’s focus is Wild Tobacco, Chinese Burr, Morning Glory and Green Cestrum.

For more information call IndigiScapes on 3824 8611.

Wellington Point community meeting

When: Wednesday 29 July, 5-6.30pm
Where: Wellington Point Community Hall 347-371 Birkdale Rd, Wellington Point

A community meeting to discuss proposed street closures on the fourth Friday of the month for the new Wellington Point Retro Markets. The closures will affect a section of Main Rd and the Village Green carpark, Wellington Point.

For more information email wendy.boglary@redland.qld.gov.au.

Library talk

South Brisbane Storm Chasers

When: Saturday 1 August, 1-3.30pm
Where: Capalaba Library, Noeleen St, Capalaba

Discover the wild world of storm chasing from experienced weather enthusiasts.

Bookings essential. Call 3843 8010 ($5 per person).

Weed control – Russell Island

When: Wednesday 5 August, 2-3pm
Where: Russell Island Library, 22 High St, Russell Island

Learn how to eradicate obnoxious weeds from your backyard ahead of the Bay Islands Trees for Weeds Day on 15 August. Bring along weeds for identification.

Family Sunday at the Gallery

When: Sunday 2 August, 10am-1pm (drop-in session)
Where: Redland Art Gallery – corner Middle and Bloomfield Sts, Cleveland

Join us at Redland Art Gallery for fun family art activities suitable for all ages. No RSVP required. Parents must remain with children while participating.

Mayoral Prayer Breakfast

The annual Redland City Mayoral Prayer Breakfast will be held on Friday 28 August 2015 at Redlands Sporting Club. Tickets are now on sale from RPAC.

Visit www.rpac.com.au (Upcoming Events) or call 07 3829 8131.

Apply for a community grant today

Turn your ideas into reality with funding from Council’s Community Grants Program. Round 1 is now open with applications accepted until Friday 28 August 2015.

Visit www.redland.qld.gov.au/grants for information and application forms.

Open meetings

General meeting: Wednesday 29 July 9.30am

General meeting: Wednesday 12 August 9.30am

Retro markets coming to Wellington Point


July 24, 2015

Community meeting – Wed 29 July 2015

Dust off the flares and break out the Safari Suits for the inaugural Wellington Point Retro Markets Friday 28 August.

A community meeting will be held on Wednesday 29 July to provide more details on the markets, including a partial road closure of Main Road for the event. The Wellington Point Retro Markets community meeting [PDF 774KB] is at the Wellington Point Community Hall, 347-371 Birkdale Road, Wellington Point, from 5pm to 6.30pm. It follows an earlier meeting with traders in May 2015.

The markets are set to bring a sense of excitement along with economic benefits for local traders.

Council is proactive in attracting events to the Redlands to inject money into the local economy and the markets are an example of this.

This is sure to be an exciting event not only for Wellington Point but the wider Redlands’ community.

In addition to the market stalls offering collectibles, recycled fashion, records and cassettes, retro craft, memorabilia and art, there will also be gourmet food trucks to complement the existing variety of quality restaurants, live neo-swing and rockabilly entertainment and jitterbug dancing.

The markets are called the Redland Retro Cruise Night in recognition of the more than 100 classic cars that will be on display as part of the markets.

These classic cars complete with Rockabilly attired drivers are sure to be a real attraction for local car enthusiasts and those who love a trip down memory lane.

More than 2,500 people expected to attend the markets will deliver important economic benefits to Wellington Point and the wider Redlands.

The people who attend these markets don’t just shop at the market stalls; they fill up their cars at the local service station and buy dinner at the local restaurants, providing important economic benefits to local businesses.

With Wellington Point being an iconic tourism destination in the Redlands visitors will also be sure to spread the word, bringing more visitors to the city.

These benefits are set to be permanent with the markets to be held on the fourth Friday evening of each month from 5:00pm – 9:00pm along a section of Main Rd and the Village Green carpark at Wellington Point.

Event organisers hope to include classic 50s and 60s movies at the conclusion of the markets in future months.

‘Standing Together’ exhibition celebrates community collaboration


July 24, 2015

Redland City Council will unveil its Standing Together: the Art of Reconciliation exhibition on Tuesday 4 August at Cleveland Library as part of ongoing NAIDOC celebrations.

The exhibition showcases artworks created during National Reconciliation Week 2015 by Quandamooka artists Josh Walker, Shara Delaney, Craig Tapp and Mandy Blivett with members of the public and students from Dunwich State School.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the unveiling would include the premiere of a short film about the Council-run project.

“Aboriginal film-maker Rhea Stephenson has gone to great effort to create a film capturing the inspiration, collaboration and spirit of mutual respect that went into the 11 exhibition canvases,” Mayor Williams said.

“It will be exciting to see this played for the first time at the exhibition opening.”

Redland City Council’s cultural spokesperson Cr Lance Hewlett said the exhibition had diverse artworks with the same key theme.

“The Standing Together project drew inspiration from not only National Reconciliation Week, but also the 2015 NAIDOC Week theme ‘We all Stand on Sacred Ground’,” Cr Hewlett said.

“These artworks began as a blank canvas each morning of National Reconciliation Week and evolved during the course of the day.

“Throughout the week Josh, Shara, Craig and Mandy shared their culture and invited people to add their own touches, creating a visual story of reconciliation in the Redlands.

 “It was great to see Dunwich State School also create two canvases, with the end result a truly stunning collection of artworks and film, made by the hands of people of all ages, abilities and cultures in the Redlands.”

The exhibition can be viewed at Cleveland Library for four weeks before visiting Dunwich State School in September for their NAIDOC celebrations. It will then tour other Redland Libraries and locations.

The exhibition’s original NAIDOC Week opening was postponed to 4 August to respect Quandamooka cultural observances.

Community grants available now


July 23, 2015

Applications are now open for Redland City Council’s 2015/16 Community Grants Program, with Round 1 closing on Friday 28 August 2015.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the program supported community projects and initiatives across the city, with $434,000 awarded last year to community-driven ventures that enriched the broader Redlands community.

“Last year, local residents and community groups benefited from grants that supported the arts, cultural heritage, environment, community development, sport and recreation and economic development,” Cr Williams said.

“From reef conservation in Moreton Bay to a community garden at Wellington Point, community grants enabled wildlife habitats to be surveyed and rehabilitation equipment for orphaned joeys, possums and echidnas to be purchased.

“These grants enhance the lives of residents across the community, including school holiday programs on the southern Moreton Bay Islands, music concerts in aged care facilities and traditional dance workshops for young Quandamooka people.

“Community infrastructure has also benefited from the program, with grants towards the renovation of North Stradbroke Island Golf Club, repairs to the Cleveland Uniting Church and plans for an extension to the Coochiemudlo Island Recreation Club.

“Our economic development has also benefited with community grants supporting education events encouraging creative people to transition their practice into a business.”

Council’s community and cultural services spokesperson Cr Lance Hewlett encouraged those involved in a worthy local cause to check the eligibility criteria and funding categories.

“There are two rounds of community grants each year, with community groups and individuals able to apply for assistance with organisation support, project support, conservation and capital infrastructure,” he said.

“Council’s Grants Team is also on hand to help with the applications, offering one-on-one consultations until Friday 21 August for those in need of assistance.”

For information on grants or sponsorship eligibility, or for help with your application, visit www.redland.qld.gov.au/grants or call the Grants Team on 3829 8912.

Redland Snapshot – Wednesday 22 July


July 22, 2015

National Tree Day

Come to our community planting.

When: Saturday 26 July, 9-11am

Where: Tingalpa Creek Conservation Corridor, Catherine St Birkdale
Off-street parking available, UBD Ref. Map 184 A3

Join in the fun of National Tree Day and help plant 3000 native habitat plants along Tingalpa Creek. Free sausage sizzle, displays, certificates for kids & prizes.

Bring enclosed shoes, sun protection and drinking water. We’ll supply the plants, tools, sunscreen, insect repellent and gardening gloves.

For more information call IndigiScapes on 3824 8611.

Apply for a grant today

Round 1 now open!

Turn your ideas into reality with funding from Council’s Grants Program. The Community Grants Program offers funding under the categories of organisation support, project support, conservation and capital infrastructure for initiatives and projects that benefit the Redlands community. Round 1 is now open with applications accepted until Friday 28 August 2015.

All relevant information and application forms can be found online. For assistance with your application, book a meeting with our Grants Team (available until 21 August).

To apply visit www.redland.qld.gov.au/grants or call 3829 8912.

Mayoral Prayer Breakfast

The annual Redland City Mayoral Prayer Breakfast will be held on Friday 28 August 2015 at Redlands Sporting Club. Tickets are now on sale at www.redland.qld.gov.au/events or call RPAC on 07 3829 8131.

Library talk

Talking weeds in Redlands

When: Tuesday 28 July, 10.30-11.30am

Where: Capalaba Library, Noeleen St, Capalaba

Discover what makes the Redlands’ bushland unique and how you can do your bit to keep it special. Learn how environmental weeds are impacting our environment and how you can tackle them effectively on your property. Feel free to bring along weed samples from your property for identification.

Rate notices issued on Friday 10 July

Residents are reminded rates are due Tuesday 11 August 2015. After this date, interest will accrue at 11% per annum, compound interest calculated on daily balances. If you did not receive your rates notice or you would like to discuss your payment options, please call 3829 8999.

Proposed dual name for Russell Island

Have your say on the proposal to use the traditional indigenous name Canaipa for Russell Island. Submit your feedback, either in support of or against the proposal, online www.dnrm.qld.gov.au or write to Queensland Place Names, Department of Natural Resources and Mines, GPO Box 2454, Brisbane Qld 4001, by 29 July 2015.

Open meetings

General meeting: Wednesday 29 July 9.30am

General meeting: Wednesday 12 August 9.30am