Monthly Archives: October 2017

Wellington Point streetscape day: community call for Village Green makeover


October 30, 2017

Community consultation on the revitalisation of the Wellington Point streetscape found the majority of people surveyed in June wanted the under-used Village Green revitalised.

Input from hundreds of people showed a desire to revamp the space and provide opportunities for new activities, events, play and fun.

Redland Mayor Karen Williams said the collaboration with the community and the Place Design Group is expected to result in the Village Green becoming the new, accessible heart of Wellington Point Village.

“There’ll be places to sit and relax under timber coastal-style shelters, a children’s playground and a grassed amphitheatre facing a covered stage,” Cr Williams said.

“The semi-circular grassed area could be used for concerts, exercise classes or movie nights as well as reading, relaxing and picnics.”

The design concept includes a new toilet block, new plantings and a multi-functional plaza area which could be used for markets and other events.

Division 1 Councillor Wendy Boglary said she wants to reassure residents there’ll be no overall loss of parking in the Village as a result of the new plan.

“New parking spaces will be provided in Pye Lane before work starts on the Village Green, so there’ll be just as many spots available in the Village as before,” Cr Boglary said.

“Once the new toilet block has been built on the Village Green the old toilet block in Pye Lane is expected to be demolished, creating more parking spaces in the village than at present.”

Cr Boglary said the streetscape consultation day resulted in valuable insights into what the community wants changed on the Village Green

“People sent a clear message that improving the Village Green is a priority. It will be a space where people can take part in activities they want to see in the area, provide more seating and shelters, a multi-functional space for markets and foodtrucks and more accessible public toilets,” she said.

Council posted a sign on the Village Green on 27 October displaying the proposed design concept. Information is also available on Council’s ‘Your Say’ page under the Wellington Point streetscape project.

People can view the plan and provide further feedback if desired. The second round of feedback closes on 15 November, when the plan will go to into a detailed design phase. This is expected to be finalised in early 2018, with staged construction to begin in mid-2018 (dependant on budget allocation).

To see the design concept and read more about the project, go to yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au.

Council urges Redland residents to ‘get connected’ with neighbours


October 27, 2017

Redland City Council is urging residents to connect with their neighbours to discuss vegetation and property management and for support during disasters.

Redland City Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group Chair Karen Williams said Council has been proactive asking residents to help ‘spring clean’ their properties this season.

Cr Williams says it’s also important to check on neighbours’ bushfire and storm season preparations.

“Residents need to recognise the risks they face from unmaintained or overgrown properties adjacent to their own, and discuss the situation with their neighbours,” Cr Williams said.

“If people don’t know their neighbours or if there’s an empty block of land or an untenanted property next door they can contact Council to get the details of the neighbouring property owners.

Residents can call Council’s Call Centre on 3829 8999 to get the name and contact address of the person who owns the adjoining property.

“We don’t want people being put at risk due to lack of maintenance of surrounding land or residences during a storm or bushfire,” Cr Williams.

To prepare for bushfire and storm season, residents need to get ready in case of an emergency.

Be informed – know the risks in your area and who can help:

  • check for updates on 612 ABC radio, Redland City Council’s website, Council’s Facebook page and Twitter account and the Bureau of Meteorology
  • share these sources of information with your neighbours

Make a plan: make a household emergency plan in case an emergency strikes:

  • have adequate insurance, think about your family and pets
    to create a plan Google ‘prepare an emergency plan, Qld’ or ask your local library to call it up online, print it and fill it in
  • let people know what you plan to do in an emergency so people know if you’re safe.

Get an emergency kit – organise what you need to pack for survival and recovery:

  • pack a torch or lights, a radio, cash, medication, a first aid kit, batteries, protective clothing and pet food
  • recovery items include identification, copies of important documents, photos of valuable household items cash, insurance details and proof of ownership of your house and car

Know your neighbours – get to know your neighbours and talk to family and friends:

  • get to know people around you so you can turn to each other for help
  • if you don’t have family or friends nearby and wish to have more social contact, consider organising a free daily call from the Red Cross, or a weekly chat with a volunteer by calling 1300 885 698.

Visit the Redlands Disaster Plan website for more information.

Redland City Council supports political donation ban


October 25, 2017

Redland City Council will urge the State Government to look at banning all political donations for election campaigns.

It also will call for an investigation into the public funding of election candidates.

The requests are included in Council submissions, adopted at a special meeting today (Wednesday), on proposed legislation emanating from the Crime and Corruption Commission’s Belcarra Report, a blueprint for integrity and addressing corruption risk in local government, as well as a Bill relating to the handling of complaints against councillors.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council strongly supported and commended the State Government’s introduction of the Bills to strengthen government transparency and integrity.

“But we would like to see it go further by prohibiting all political donations and supporting the public funding of campaigns to increase transparency in local government,” Cr Williams said.

“Council will ask the State Government to investigate legislative provisions that prohibit all political donations for government campaigns and for all candidates to be publically funded, as part of the Electoral  Act 1992. The mooted prohibition of political donations from developers should be extended to include all potential lobby groups.

“It will go a long way to ensuring the integrity of decision-making processes by removing the risk of third-party influence and uncertainty around the definition of a developer and lobbyist,’’

Cr Williams said Council supported the adoption of all 31 recommendations of the Belcarra Report.

“And we would like to see provisions for the resourcing of the Electoral Commission, Integrity Commissioner and the Department of Infrastructure Local Government and Planning to fully implement the report’s findings,’’ Cr Williams said.

“We would also like to see the personal conflict and influence provisions extended beyond the statutory meeting regime under the Local Government Act 2009 to include any meeting, workshop or event at which an elected member may have a material personal interest and ability to influence an outcome.’’

Council’s submission on the councillor complaints Bill calls for a provision for complainants to establish to an independent assessor that they are acting in good faith.

“Council strongly supports the recommendation from the Independent Councillor Complaints Review Panel that a standardised form is developed, including a declaration that the complainant is acting in good faith and has provided information that is true and correct to the best of their knowledge,’’ Cr Williams said.

“The provision prohibiting a complainant from disclosing a complaint against a councillor during an election caretaker period until the complaint has been finalised and substantiated should be extended to any time. Council believes this will deter frivolous and vexatious complainants and also reduce the number of unsubstantiated complaints received.

“Redland City Council looks forward to the proposed amendments being made and working with the State Government to continue to uphold the transparency and accountability of local government in Queensland.”

The Local Government (Councillor Complaints) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 and the Local Government Electoral (Implementing Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 were introduced to the Queensland Parliament this month and referred to the Legal Affairs and Community Safety Committee for detailed consideration.

Redland City Council secures funding for lndigiScapes expansion


October 20, 2017

Redland City Council has been successful in securing State funding for the stage two expansion of its IndigiScapes Environment Education Centre.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams welcomed the $916,137 Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program (2017- 19 LGGSP).funding towards the $1,526,895 stage two costs.

“Ongoing State support and investment in projects such as this is absolutely essential for the Redlands,” Cr Williams said.

“Council is committed to working with all levels of government to seek the support for projects and vital infrastructure needed to support our growing community.”

The announcement follows an earlier State Government Grant of $109,800 alongside Council’s contribution of $73,200 toward the completion of a new nursery shed and shade areas.

Cr Williams said the new funding support recognised that the project would help create as many 16 full-time equivalent jobs and boost economic activity through visitor and tourism growth.

“The five-year $3.7 million expansion of Redlands IndigiScape Centre at Capalaba will also have major role in enabling the City’s environmental commitments,” Cr Williams said.

“Recognised widely for its role in environmental education, the stage two expansions of the visitor centre facilities will further expand the Centre’s popularity and importance.

“Stage two includes expansion of the café increasing visitor capacity and providing better bush tucker experiences.

“Alterations will be made to existing internal entry point and public amenities with additional external public amenities added and the installation of an entry statement and way finding.

“The new work is set to begin in early 2018 and be completed by May 2019. It will include construction of the “welcome to Country” space featuring cultural interpretation of the Quandamooka people.”

“Divisional Councilor, Cr Murray Elliott said he had been pleased to join the Minister and Mayor in August for the beginning of stage one work on a bigger and better native plant nursery at the Centre.

“The Centre’s nursery is a popular source of native plants for the community who annually trade their weeds for trees.

“It also plays a significant role as a source for propagating truly indigenous local native plant stock for Council’s planting work across the City.

“The funding of the new stage two works marks another exciting part of the larger project ambitions for the centre.

“Future planned Centre expansion work will include a new theatrette and expanded gardens and garden walkways.

“This completed IndigiScapes project will have enormous benefit in cementing the Centre’s role as a landmark environmental education resource centre and visitor destination.” 

Mayoral Prayer Breakfast delivers $16,600 boost to Redlands School Chaplaincy programs


October 19, 2017

The success of the 15th annual Redland City Mayoral Prayer Breakfast held Friday 18 August, was today officially celebrated with the presentation of cheques totalling $16,637.53.

Alexandra Hills State High Chaplain Bethany Smith, Mayoral Prayer Breakfast Committee member Pastor Glen Gray, Mayor Karen Williams, Scripture Union Queensland Regional Manager Jeff Howard, Mayoral Prayer Breakfast Committee member Alan Lucas and Ken Mihill from Scripture Union.

The total amount of funds raised will be divided between 19 current chaplaincies in the Redlands plus Birkdale State School who are working to raise funds for a chaplaincy service.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams congratulated everyone involved in the popular annual event, which since its inception in 2003 has raised over $115,000.

“This is a fantastic outcome of the 2017 Mayoral Prayer Breakfast, which again brought the community together in a spirit of generosity and prayer,” Cr Williams said.

“The funds raised will make a significant contribution to the important work of Redlands school chaplains, who provide a vital source of support for youth and families in our community.”

“I would like to congratulate and thank the Mayoral Prayer Breakfast Committee and everyone involved in delivering the annual event, which does so much to support the chaplaincy programs, which are life changing for many Redlands students seeking guidance overcoming life’s difficulties.”

“Thank you again to our many generous sponsors, especially our major sponsors Lee’s Liquid Waste Services and Renaissance Retirement Living  who help make this event such a success and like all who attended, are involved because they are invested in our community’s wellbeing,” she said.

The Mayor also acknowledged a generous donation of $2000 made directly to Scripture Union by Albert Benfer and the passing of Cor Fredericks who was an esteemed member of the Redlands business community and long term supporter of the Prayer Breakfast.

Cr Williams presented two cheques, the first for $15,805.68 to Scripture Union Queensland for State School Chaplaincies in Redlands and the second for $831.85 to one of the 19 schools, Alexandra Hills State High School Chaplaincy, who are assisted by Young Life.

The 2017 Redland City Mayoral Prayer Breakfast was also sponsored by:

  • Certified Roofing
  • Redlands Sporting Club
  • Frederik’s Accountants
  • Remax Bayside Properties
  • Beautiful Illusions
  • Vision Christian Media
Posted in Events and tagged .

Redland City Council committed to ongoing protection of residents from fire risk


October 18, 2017

Redland City Council has solidified its commitment to protecting its residents from fire risk with work now well underway on 52 of the Fire Management Review’s 56 recommendations. The remaining four recommendations rely on the finalisation of other work.

Council received a status report at Council’s General Meeting today containing a progress update against the recommendations from the report handed down 26 July 2017.

“Council has mailed out 14,000 letters, distributed 3,700 flyers, undertaken extensive advertising and worked closely with the community to encourage the spring cleaning of properties and we have found residents to be very responsive to our communications,” Cr Williams said.

“Council’s Disaster Management unit has received around 100 calls from residents wanting advice on what they can do to tidy up their properties and it is great to see people taking a proactive approach to their safety during fire season.

“Residents are to be congratulated on getting themselves prepared, including cleaning up their surrounds to mitigate risk.

“One of the city’s strengths is our group of Southern Moreton Bay Islands’ Community Champions, a network of people nominated by residents to work with Council to raise disaster preparedness awareness. We have seen significant improvements, especially on Russell Island, where there’s an obvious reduction in dumped car bodies, litter and overgrown vegetation.

“Council also continues its own program of fire risk mitigation including fuel reduction burns and maintenance like slashing and mowing, and in addition to this has undertaken face-to-face community engagement across the Redlands about what to do to in case of a wildfire,” she said.

Initiatives under way include:

  • Simplified disaster management plans for each area in the Redlands.
  • Improvements to Council’s interactive online mapping system ‘Red-e-Map’ allowing users to check:
    • Their risk of bushfire, flood, storm and landslide hazards
    • The locations of evacuation centres and emergency services facilities, neighbourhood safe places and assembly areas for evacuations
  • New fire hazard signs across the city so visitors and residents can see the current fire safety rating.
  • A new maritime coordinator for the city who will be located in the Local Disaster Coordination Centre during emergencies to coordinate Volunteer Marine Rescue, Surf Lifesaving Queensland and State Emergency Service vessels during a disaster.

Council is also continuing to engage with the community through its ‘Street Speaks’ program of which there has been more than 300 hours of engagement on disaster preparedness already this year.

There will be a joint Council-Emergency Services stand outside Mt Cotton IGA on Saturday morning, 21 October, and an address to the Macleay Island Progress Association on 28 October on disaster preparedness.

Similar displays will be held at Council events in the run up to Christmas including:

  • The Mount Cotton Christmas in the Park on 26 November
  • The Lighting of the Christmas Tree and Twilight Markets in Bloomfield Street on 1 December
  • Christmas by Starlight at the Cleveland Showgrounds on 16 December

The Fire Management Review’s recommendations from its report are covered by six key areas:

  • Reducing illegal dumping and hoarding
  • Improving the resilience and disaster preparedness of residents
  • Ensuring emergency response capacity across multiple agencies
  • Reviewing maintenance plans and access trails
  • Looking at Local Laws and legislation
  • Providing local access to water and fire hydrants

Today’s report meets a commitment by Council to outline its progress against the recommendations within three months of receiving the report on 26 July 2017.

Queen’s batonbearers for Cleveland announced


October 18, 2017

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) today announced the batonbearers who will carry the Queen’s Baton to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).

For the Cleveland leg sportspeople such as Tatiana Grigorieva, Jade Edmistone and Daniel Fox will be joined by local community service heroes.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said she was immensely proud of batonbearers and the role they would take when the Queen’s Baton arrived in Redland City on Saturday 31 March 2018.

“I am delighted by the names announced today of batonbearers who will relay the Queen’s Baton through our beautiful City,” Cr Williams said.

“Community-nominated, our batonbearers showcase Australians who have reached great heights and achieved remarkable things – from sporting successes to dedicating their lives to improving the lives of others.

“It is exciting to see we have Commonwealth, Paralympic and Olympic medalists joining our local leg.

“It is also wonderful to see local heroes such as George Hill, who has dedicated much of his life in the service of surf lifesaving and Keiron Douglass, who continues to work tirelessly to raise funds for children’s hospitals.

“Each and every batonbearer is a well-deserving recipient of this honour and this list recognises and celebrates the diversity of incredible achievement in the community.

“Street level and community celebration details will be announced on 17 November and I encourage all Redlanders to support these great people when the Queen’s Baton visits our area.”

GOLDOC Chairman Peter Beattie AC said being a batonbearer would be a rare and unforgettable experience.

“We couldn’t be more excited for the batonbearers who will be a part of this rich tradition. We are honoured to have so many great Australians carry Her Majesty’s message for Gold Coast 2018 and we look forward to celebrating their stories and inspiring generations to come.”

Batonbearers for the Cleveland leg are:

  • Deborah Acason
  • Jack de Boer
  • Kieron Douglass
  • Jade Edmistone
  • Daniel Fox
  • Tatiana Grigorieva
  • Luke Harvey
  • George Hill
  • Jamie Hiscock
  • Rod Hutton
  • Ari Jelekainen
  • Johaan Kaa
  • Christine Kidd
  • Jade Lucey
  • Leon McNiece
  • Claire Rickard
  • Dawn Rubie
  • Mark Urquhart
  • Edwina Wordsworth

From youngsters to some of Australia’s most accomplished legends, the Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) recognises the achievements and aspirations of Australians from all walks of life.

Collectively across the country, batonbearers will take more than a million steps to bring the Baton to its final destination, the Games’ Opening Ceremony on 4 April 2018.

The uniquely designed Baton starts its Australian journey on 25 December 2017, 100 days before the Opening Ceremony.

From Canberra on 25 January 2018, the Baton will switch gears to a traditional Relay and be carried by great Australians through QBR celebration communities around the country.

Since its launch from Buckingham Palace on 13 March 2017, the Baton has inspired athletes and fans across Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas and Europe.

Currently it is in Malaysia and is set to visit the remaining 15 Commonwealth nations in Asia and Oceania before arriving in Brisbane on Christmas Eve.

Visit the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games website for the complete list of batonbearer names and the communities that they will carry the Baton.

Posted in Events and tagged .

Street Speak to the experts on storms, cyclones and bushfires


October 13, 2017

Redland City Council is hosting its next disaster preparedness Street Speak event at Mount Cotton on Saturday 21 October.

Redland City Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group chair Karen Williams said the Street Speak series aimed to provide practical advice and take-home information for residents to be prepared for the coming storm and bushfire season.

“We encourage everyone to come along to the Street Speak from 8am – 12.30pm on Saturday 21 October outside the Mount Cotton IGA and make sure they are prepared for all weather scenarios heading into summer,” Cr Williams said.

“The Street Speak series is a great way for our City’s emergency services personnel and volunteers to get out and meet our residents and provide essential information.

“Australia is famous for its droughts and flooding rains, and we need to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature may throw at us.

“The extremely dry conditions we have been experiencing may continue, bringing heightened fire risks.

“On the flipside of this, the Bureau of Meteorology this week released its seasonal cyclone forecast which predicts up to four cyclones developing in the Coral Sea between November and April.”

“Very simple tasks undertaken now – such as yard maintenance, clearing out gutters and preparing a household evacuation kit with all the essentials – can make a world of difference in times of emergency.”

Division 6 Councillor Julie Talty said she particularly encouraged Mount Cotton, Sheldon and Redland Bay residents to take advantage of a local opportunity to discuss their storm and bushfire preparedness.

“The Street Speak series happen around our City, and 21 October is a chance for Mount Cotton and Sheldon residents to easily access practical advice,” Cr Talty said.

“I also encourage any residents who missed the Redland Bay Street Speak last month to come to Mount Cotton.

“People can ask questions about how to best prepare their own properties and take away a copy of the Redland City Disaster Management Plan, with suburb-specific information.

“Every Redlands resident has a role to play in keeping themselves and their loved ones safe during natural weather events, and attending a Street Speak is an excellent way to find out what that role is.”

Event details: Mount Cotton/Sheldon Street Speak

8.00am – 12.30pm, Saturday 21 October

Outside Mount Cotton IGA, 100 Valley Way, Mount Cotton

RSVP to the event on Facebook.

Can’t make it to a Street Speak? Visit Redlands Disaster Plan, Council’s dedicated disaster management website.

Redland City Council signs MOU with SLSQ on new headquarters


October 11, 2017

A $71 million surf lifesaving Centre of Excellence and Emergency Services Precinct is a step closer after Redland City Council and Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the project would be an Australian-first and would include a new state headquarters for SLSQ and a redeveloped aquatic centre for the Redlands community.

“This is a red-letter day for the Redlands, with this project to deliver a state-of-the art aquatic centre to the Redlands, as well as a new surf lifesaving headquarters and Centre of Excellence to the state of Queensland,” she said.

“Under this MOU SLSQ will relocate their headquarters to Cleveland with the facility to include a Centre of Excellence to provide hands-on training for tomorrow’s surf lifesavers.

“The SLSQ facility will be co-located with the new Cleveland aquatic centre, which will include four new public pools and potentially other facilities such as water play areas.

“Where else would you want to have the state’s surf lifesaving Centre of Excellence than right on the bay, with access to open water rescue training and the beaches of the beautiful North Stradbroke Island so close?

“The new Australian-first centre will not only bring economic benefits to Redland City and Queensland but very importantly to North Stradbroke Island which needs to transition to other industries from sand mining, which will end in 2019.

“This facility could see North Stradbroke Island’s surf beaches used for training surf lifesavers which would then bring a much-needed economic boost to the Straddie community, supporting the island’s transition.”

Cr Williams said the potential for the project to also include emergency services organisations already located at the Cleveland site was also being looked at.

“We have been speaking with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Queensland Ambulance Service and State Emergency Service and ideally would like them to be part of the project as well, creating a one-stop-shop for the state’s emergency service’s needs,” she said.

“The co-location of the other emergency services on site will allow joint training exercises, leading to improved coordination and collaboration between agencies, enhanced communication and better community safety and disaster outcomes.

“We are also calling on the State and Federal Governments to commit funding to the project in recognition of the benefits it would provide to the state and nationally.

“Council and SLSQ are committed to making this state-of-the-art facility a reality, and have already budgeted a third of the funding, which will cover the new aquatic centre and SLSQ headquarters. For the facility to include emergency services agencies and be a fully integrated disaster response centre we need funding from the State and Federal Governments and are calling on them to help fund the project.

“This will be a world class facility which will open the door to many national and international opportunities and I am confident we will secure a commitment from one or both levels of government in the near future,” Cr Williams said.

Surf Life Saving Queensland CEO John Brennan OAM said the project will provide SLSQ with the much-needed facilities to continue building upon its lifesaving work for the benefit of all community members.

“Since our inception, SLSQ has grown from a relatively small volunteer movement into a world-class organisation with more than 31,000 members responsible for beach patrols, search and rescue, after-hours and emergency response, aerial patrols, community training, and much more,” Mr Brennan said.

“But, with record crowds flocking to Queensland beaches and the state’s population expanding rapidly, our resources are more stretched than ever and it’s simply not sustainable with our current set up and infrastructure.

“We need to keep up with external growth and, for us, we have to look ahead to the next 50 years about where we need to be as an organisation in order to continue serving the Queensland community,” he said.

The project is expected to receive the green light by late 2018 and work on the new facility should be underway by mid to late 2019.

Wet weather brings a mozzie-check reminder


October 6, 2017

Following recent wet weather, Redland City Council is encouraging all residents to get on the front foot with mosquitoes and search their own backyards for possible breeding sites.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the rain, coupled with warmer weather, provided ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes but there were measures people could take to protect themselves.

“With the recent wet conditions, Council will increase its inspections of known breeding sites and we encourage everyone to do the same in their own backyards, Cr Williams said.

“Mosquitoes are endemic in our coastal environment and it is impossible to eradicate them completely, but everyone in the community can take simple steps to assist Council in our efforts to reduce numbers.

“People are often surprised how little water it takes for mosquitoes to breed– even the water at the bottom of a pot plant base is enough.

“Now is the perfect time to check your yard, emptying water pooling in items such as toys, boats, fallen palm fronds, blocked roof gutters and old tyres.

“It’s also timely to check your insect screens are in good condition, and in areas where mosquitos and biting midges are particularly prevalent, consider treating screens with a UV stable insecticide.”

“For personal protection from biting midges and mosquitos residents should avoid being outside during peak activity periods at dusk and dawn where possible, use insect repellent and wear light-coloured, long, loose fitting clothing.”

Mayor Karen Williams said Council had a year-round comprehensive program to battle mosquitoes, paying particular attention to coastal areas such as the bay Islands and used a range of land, air and water-based treatment techniques.

“We conduct both aerial treatments of larger sites following major tides or rain events, as well as our ongoing ground treatments,” she said.

“We try to target the mosquito larvae or ‘wrigglers’, before they can fly and bite and run an inspection program to monitor larvae numbers and the efficacy of our treatments.

“Council is unable to treat biting midge larvae, as their prime breeding grounds are natural coastal habitats where it is illegal to spray with the required insecticides.”

Council works with Queensland Health, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, local councils and other relevant industry bodies to research and evaluate mosquito management practices and emerging mosquito issues.

Learn how to protect yourself from mozzies.