Monthly Archives: January 2018

DIY burn offs not the answer – Council strengthening compliance


January 29, 2018

While extremely dry weather conditions have increased risk of fire across the city, Redland City Council is concerned residents are carrying out their own private burn-offs, putting themselves and the rest of the community at risk.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said while Council encourages all residents to ensure their properties are fire safe, ‘DIY burn-offs’ are prohibited under Local Law 3 for lots of less than 6,000 square metres.

“In extreme conditions a single stray spark or ember can still start a fire no matter how much preparation is in place, and even the spark from machinery or hot metal can set off a fire.

“Council’s own fire mitigation and management burns are only carried out under carefully controlled conditions and only in moderate seasonal conditions in the cooler months of the year.

“The Fire Review Report received by Council last year, identified both Council and residents having responsibility for clearing overgrown allotments by mowing and slashing undergrowth, and removing junk and flammable rubbish from their properties.

“Most residents deserve a pat on the back for their fantastic response to Council’s call for a clean-up in preparation for fire season, but there’s more to do.

Mark Edwards, Divisional Councillor for Redland Bay and the Southern Moreton Bay and Islands, said Council has provided assistance to island residents by providing talks and written material on bushfire preparedness which describe how to clear their properties, and advising of the trial of extended opening hours of waste transfer stations on Russell and Macleay Islands to seven days a week until 31 January 2018.

“In addition, Redlands eligible residents aged 60 years or older and residents with a disability can gain extra assistance through Council’s Redland Home Assist Secure service that provides support for gutter cleaning, roof and down pipe repair, backyard tidy-up, tree and shrub trimming smoke alarms and other home maintenance services,” Cr Edwards said.

Council has also responded to the Fire Review Report recommendations through actions such as a program of physical slashing, mowing and clearing of undergrowth and fire access trails on public property; completing a program of 14 prescribed burns across the city, including the islands; establishing water tankers on standby across SMBI, NSI and the mainland on days where Wildfire Level 3 alert is declared; identifying 118 new Fire Access Trails, numerous Fuel Free Zones and creation of 29 Fuel Reduction Zones to be constructed on SMBI.

The Fire Review Report also recommended that Council implement a proactive approach to local law enforcement.  In response to this, officers have commenced a systematic review of SMBI properties and will be carrying out compliance action in relation to matters such as unapproved structures (including shipping containers), unsightly accumulation of materials or unlawfully occupying land. Overgrown land is also a focus.

Enforcement action will depend on the degree of non-compliance and threat to health and safety, but can result in fines. To avoid such action, residents and landowners are encouraged to act now to remove illegal structures from their properties or alternatively have them approved if appropriate.

Now is also the time to remove objects and materials which are not properly stored, such as broken down vehicles and scrap materials, as these items increase fire risks on a property.

If residents are in doubt about vegetation or fire management on their properties they can call Council on 3829 8999. To contact the Redland Home Assist Secure team phone (07) 3383 3030.

Council ramps up lobbying on State water pricing


January 25, 2018

Redland City Council yesterday voted to ramp up its continued fight against the cost of bulk water charged by State Government.

The move comes as the Queensland Competition Authority calls for submissions on two preferred options for charging for bulk water through state-owned Seqwater from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2021.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council had a long history of challenging State-imposed increases to the cost of water supply.

“While Council is responsible for distributing water, many residents don’t realise we buy bulk water from Seqwater and have no control over this bulk water price,” Cr Williams said

In recent years, Redland ratepayers have endured the highest bulk water price increases in South East Queensland to achieve a ‘common’ bulk water price set by the State Government.

“Bulk water costs increased from $1.717 per kilolitre in 2013-14 to $ 2.561 per kilolitre in 2017-18 – this is an increase of more than 49% over four years.

“My fellow councillors and I voted to write Queensland Premier and Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy noting Council’s continued objection to historic bulk water increases and outlining Council’s preferred approach to any increases.

“The current Queensland Competition Authority draft report outlines two options for future water pricing, one where price increases are larger over the next two years, and a second option where price increases are smoothed over three years.

“Council will be making a full submission to the Queensland Competition Authority outlining our preference for a smoothed increase (option 2).

“While ultimately the decision on pricing will be made by the State, our residents expect us to challenge increases in bulk water costs and lobby to ensure they are receiving the fairest deal.

“For the past three years, Council has taken the approach of partly offsetting the bulk water increases to ease the impact on our residents and held its water distribution and retail charges prices constant since 1 July 2015, but this can’t continue indefinitely.

“It is our firm belief that all future increases should not exceed the Consumer Price index (CPI) and we will take every opportunity to express this view to the State.”

Division 8 Councillor Tracey Huges added to the motion, asking Council to write to Seqwater requesting a policy for bulk water concealed leaks.

“There are instances where our residents can’t be reasonably expected to know there is a water leak on their property, such as a leak underground or underneath a building,” Cr Huges said.

“For many years Council has provided a remission on our portion of water consumption charges where there is a concealed leak, but there’s no remission available on the State Government’s bulk water charges.

“As the State charges makes up a large percentage of water consumption costs, we will be writing to them asking for a formalised policy that complements our own to ease the financial impact of bulk water charges where there is a proven concealed leak.”

View the Queensland Competition Authority’s Seqwater Bulk Water Price Review 2018 – 21 Final Report.

Posted in Water and tagged .

Council calls for community grant applications


January 24, 2018

Got a great idea for a community focused project? Apply now for a community grant from Redland City Council and turn your ideas into reality.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the latest round of community grants will open next week Friday 2 February, with applications accepted until Monday 5 March.

“Last financial year, Council provided more than $500,000 in community grants and sponsorship, supporting a diverse range of projects and events that benefitted the broader community,” Cr Williams said.

“Projects celebrating Quandamooka art and culture, the publication of local poems and stories and local history shared in more than $20,000 of project support grants last round.”

“Other great community initiatives supported by Council included the mentoring and upskilling of local artists through the Coochie Art Group and a program called The Lounge delivered by the Redlands Centre for Women to support the personal and social development of teenage girls.”

“Council’s Sponsorship Program supported the 2017 Anzac Day event in Cleveland, which saw over 13,000 people attend the Dawn Service alone, and the successful ninth Macleay Island Classic, which attracted 140 interstate competitors.”

“I think many people would be surprised at the range of projects eligible for funding, from on-the-ground environmental projects to supporting not-for-profit community organsations.”

“Competition for funding is fierce and we will continue to support projects that deliver clear benefits to the community.”

I really urge anyone working for the Redlands community to visit our website while submissions are open and see if we can help them,” she said.

Applications for this round of community grants will be accepted from Friday 2 February until Monday 5 March 2018 in the following categories:

  • Organisation Support Grant – for projects associated with becoming more sustainable and improving capacity to deliver services.
  • Project Support Grant – for projects that deliver short-to-medium term positive outcomes for the community.
  • Conservation Grants – for conservation projects that benefit the environment and wildlife.

Applications for the next round of Sponsorship will be accepted from Friday 23 February until Monday 26 March 2018 and will support community-based activities and events that provide measurable benefits to Council.

For eligibility criteria and to learn more about how to apply for grants or sponsorship, visit www.redland.qld.gov.au/Grants email grants@redland.qld.gov.au or call 3829 8999.

Redlands honours local heroes


January 24, 2018

The real heroes of the Redlands were celebrated tonight (Tuesday 23 January 2018) at the annual Redland City Australia Day Awards at the Alexandra Hills Hotel Function Centre.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the awards were a fitting way of thanking those in the community who continually went “above and beyond” to make the city a better place.

“We are blessed as a city to have so many people with a generous spirit and desire to help others, as well as those who are great role models and excelling in their chosen endeavours –  and that is something worth celebrating,’’ she said. “It is important that, as a community, we do acknowledge their efforts and give them a collective pat on the back for what they do.”

Cr Williams said 2018 Redland Citizen of the Year Dan Holzapfel had been a tireless community worker and generous contributor to the City for many decades.

“A real humanitarian, his philanthropic spirit and support have helped make a difference not only to the Redlands but elsewhere in the world through his support of the Rotary International program for the eradication of polio,’’ Cr Williams said. “Few Queenslanders have been able to match the scope of Dan’s generosity, yet for much of his life he has been content to work and contribute behind the scenes.’’

Cr Williams said the importance of Redland City’s traditional heritage was highlighted by the addition of a reconciliation award this year.

“There are some amazing people in the Redlands whose efforts in building relationships between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-indigenous people deserve acknowledgement,’’ Cr Williams said. “Kenneth Munro has the special honour of receiving our first Australia Day Reconciliation Award. A client liaison officer with Yulu-Burri-Ba and proud Quandamooka man, he ensures all who cross his path have the opportunity to learn, grow and understand Aboriginal culture while fostering unity and respect.’’

Lauren Folster has been named Young Citizen of the Year for her devotion to the Redlands through the State Emergency Service and RSL Sub-branch.

“Lauren is a dedicated volunteer with the local SES, always ready to serve our community when needed,’’ Cr Williams said. “She also is keenly involved with the Redlands RSL Sub-branch, helping to pack care packages for troops serving overseas, as well as spending time with elderly service men and women and performing as bugler for commemoration services at care facilities across the Redlands.’’

Senior Citizen of the Year Caroline Brough has been a tireless worker for those in need.

“Since Caroline volunteered to establish a food outlet for needy residents in 2013, more than 25,000 people have been supported with food and necessities,’’ Cr Williams said. “Her selfless commitment and involvement in activities to promote the welfare and wellbeing of our community extends from fundraising and sourcing food right through to delivery.”

Sycamore School founder Cindy Corrie won the Local Hero Award.

“Cindy’s quest to find a better future for her son, who was diagnosed with autism, has changed the lives of many young people and their families. A tireless advocate, she has selflessly contributed to the quality of life for people living with autism,” Cr Williams said.

Melissa Anderson earned the Cultural Award for her significant achievements in producing and promoting outstanding creative work in the Redlands.

“Melissa regularly volunteers her time and expertise to make the world a better place, with her internationally recognised photography also documenting important issues and encouraging community engagement,’’ Cr Williams said.

Patricia “Ricky” Johns, who has been caring for possums and gliders for more than 35 years in Redland City, won the Environment and Sustainability Award.

“A founding member of the Redlands 24 Hour Wildlife Rescue Service and active Bushcare volunteer, Ricky’s dedication to our wildlife is second to none,’’ Cr Williams said.

The Sports Award went to Queensland Firebird Jemma Mi Mi, who has helped put Redland City in the national spotlight through her involvement in elite sport.

“Despite the demands of playing with the Firebirds, Jemma still finds time to volunteer in the community and is an inspiration and mentor to so many young Redlanders, particularly women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders,” Cr Williams said.

MyHorizon, an integral part of the Redlands community since its inception in 1981 and which today serves more than 2000 disabled clients, received the Community Organisation Award.

“Led by an exceptional group of individuals, the organisation is making a real difference to the lives of so many people through its new flagship community and education centre at Capalaba,’’ Cr Williams said.

There were 48 nominations across the nine categories.

The winners at a glance:

  • Citizen of the Year – Dan Holzapfel
  • Young Citizen of the Year – Lauren Folster
  • Senior Citizen of the Year – Caroline Brough
  • Local Hero Award – Cindy Corrie
  • Community Organisation Award – Myhorizon
  • Cultural Award – Melissa Anderson
  • Environment and Sustainability Award – Patricia Johns
  • Sports Award – Jemma Mi Mi  (honourable mention Janelle Kronk)
  • Reconciliation – Kenneth Munro
Posted in Awards and tagged .

Wellington Point Australia Day arrangements


January 23, 2018

Special Australia Day parking and management arrangements will operate at the popular Wellington Point Recreation Reserve again this year.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the Redland City Council measures, which are designed to ensure celebrations are enjoyed by all park users, include controlled entry to the reserve from 7am to 6pm on Friday 26 January.

“Council officers will also be on site to help local families and visitors enjoy one of the Redlands’ best-loved outdoor destinations.

“Wellington Point has long been a popular spot to spend Australia Day but that means it gets  very busy, so these special arrangements help ensure it’s a pleasant day for everyone.’’

Mayor Karen Williams urged visitors to the city’s parks on Australia Day to be respectful of others and to use the bins to dispose of rubbish.

“And please remember that facilities such as barbecues are there for everybody, so be considerate of others, patient and enjoy the Redlands’ great open spaces and hospitality,’’ Cr Williams said.

Deputy Mayor and Councillor for the area Wendy Boglary (Division 1) said Council and police officers will be on hand at Wellington Point Recreation Reserve to help and ensure public safety.

“There’s lots of fun activities planned at the Reserve too this year,” Cr Boglary said.

“There’ll be great Aussie music, Aussie-themed games like pin-the-face on the kangaroo joey, as well as a funky photo booth with koala and croc cut-outs for some fun photos on the day. Bay FM will also be there broadcasting live.”

“Once available parking at the reserve is full, you will be directed to the Wellington Point Community Hall car park on Birkdale Road, where you can catch a free shuttle bus,” she said.

The shuttle will run from 7am to 6pm along Main Road between the Reserve and Wellington Point Hall, on Birkdale Road. The shuttle bus drop-off area is to the east of the Point of View Café, where the existing bus stop is located and as per previous years our driver works in with the Translink bus schedule.

People are still allowed to walk their dogs on-leash at Wellington Point Reserve but only before 9am and after 4pm on the day.

The reserve’s popular boat launching ramp will continue to be available throughout the day but, once the boat trailer parking spaces are full, users will be directed to use legal parking spaces outside the reserve. Cars without trailers are not to park in boat trailer parking spaces.

Mayor throws down the gauntlet on getting active


January 18, 2018

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams is challenging Redlanders to get up and get active by registering for one of the fantastic activities on offer in the Redlands Healthy and Active Program which commences on Monday 22 January.

“The program is designed to promote the importance of physical activity and lifelong involvement in physical activity for improved health and well-being.”Mayor Karen Williams - healthy and active

“We all have busy lives but we need to set aside time to get active and improve our long term health.

“Apart from all the personal health benefits you’ll enjoy, we’re a more engaged and inclusive community.

Cr Williams said for those not currently active, Redlands Healthy and Active Program might just be the motivation needed to change those old habits. Every week during school term 1 (22 January to 30 March), there’s a variety of activities for everyone, including women, Mums & Bubs, seniors, children and families.

“Luckily, there’s no better place to do that than here in Redlands with our fantastic climate, spectacular vistas and relaxed approach to life,” she said.

“We want people out there using our public open spaces.

“Redlands has 485km of walking and cycling paths and road bike lanes,” Cr Williams added.

Exercise is found to increase your self-confidence, give you more energy, ease anxiety, improve your mood and fight depression. It has a range of other benefits including preventing heart disease, preserving bone mineral density and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

According to a study done by the Australian Government in 2015, 2 in 3 Australian adults and 1 in 4 children were overweight or obese, which means one quarter of our young folk under 17 years already have weight issues. The study showed that that excess weight, especially obesity, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, some musculoskeletal conditions and some cancers.

If you’re ready to get up and get active, visit www.redland.qld.gov.au/rhap for a full schedule and information on the range of free weekly activities from Yoga or Boxing Circuits, to Children’s soccer and Women’s Zuu Fitness – all out in our beautiful open spaces.

The Australian and Queensland Governments, through the Embracing 2018 Legacy Program for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, provided $38 800 to Redland City Council to deliver the Redlands Healthy & Active Program.

The Queensland Government provided $30 284 to Redland City Council to deliver the Redlands Healthy & Active Program to get women and girls active for life.

Queen’s Baton receives a Traditional Redlands welcome


January 8, 2018

Today, the Redlands was connected with communities across Australia and the Commonwealth when the Queen’s Baton was welcomed on Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island, by Quandamooka Traditional Owners, a host of special guests and many other locals and visitors.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the Queen’s Baton event, which featured an afternoon of free entertainment and activities, celebrated much more than the upcoming XXI Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast on 4 April 2018.

“The Queen’s Baton is a source of inspiration and pride for the communities that it visits and also a visual reminder to our aspiring young sports people that dreams can be realised,” Cr Williams said.

“Over the last 300 days since the Baton commenced its journey, it has touched the lives of more than a third of the world’s population and with today’s visit to the Redlands it shines a light on North Stradbroke Island in the heart of Quandamooka Country.”

“It is particularly exciting that the baton is celebrated on Straddie as it is home of Quandamooka artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, whose wonderful coast-inspired designs feature on the Commonwealth Games medals.

“We are also fortunate to have two other Redland stars at the event – surfing champ and Straddie local Bede Durbidge and our own Queensland Firebird Jemma Mi Mi,” she said.

The Queen’s Baton was carried by Aunty Rose Borey, a Quandamooka Traditional Owner and respected Elder to Headland Park for a traditional welcome with a smoking ceremony.

An afternoon of free entertainment and activities followed and was enjoyed by hundreds of the locals and visitors, including weaving workshops, traditional bush tucker tastings by Straddie Indigenous Delights, cultural demonstration by Quandamooka man Matthew Burns, traditional Smoking Ceremony and Dance workshop by Josh Walker, Didgeman and the Yulu-Burri-Ba dancers, Inflatable Surf Rider workshop with surfing champ and Straddie local Bede Durbidge and netball workshop with Redlands own Firebird Jemma MiMi.

Mayor Williams, said today’s visit was the first of two visits the Queen’s Baton will make to Redland City and urged everyone to get along to the next event.

“To have two Queen’s Baton events in our city is a coup for the Redlands  so make sure to mark your calendars for its next appearance when the Queen’s Baton will return on Easter Saturday, 31 March 2018 and  be carried as part of the traditional Queen’s Baton Relay,’’ Cr Williams said.

“Redlander and TV personality Lincoln Lewis and Olympic Gold medallist and beach volleyball star Natalie Cook OAM will MC the event, which will include a traditional ceremony, cultural demonstrations and workshops, activities, the Yulu-Burri-Ba dancers and food stalls,” she said.

The Baton will be carried from Cleveland Lighthouse Reserve, along North Street, Shore Street North and Shore Street West before arriving at Raby Bay Harbour Park, where there will be a free community celebration from 8.30am-12.30pm.

The Baton will then continue to Waterloo Street before it leaves the Redlands and continues to Brisbane.

Notable locals were among the 19 baton-bearers selected for the Cleveland leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay:

  • 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

The Queen’s Baton will arrive on the Gold Coast for the XXI Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony on 4 April 2018, where His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales will remove Her Majesty’s message from the Baton and read it aloud to declare the Games officially open.

You can keep up to date at redland.qld.gov.au/GC2018

Make ‘No Plastic Bags’ your New Year resolution for 2018


January 2, 2018

Redland City Council’s environmental education centre, Indigiscapes is encouraging Redlanders to create a new habit by trading plastic bags for more sustainable options.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said a new education campaign at IndigiScapes showed residents how they could make a difference to the local environment by reducing waste.

“While we do make a difference individually, collectively the impact is so much greater and we should all do our part in making Redlands more sustainable.

“Redlands waterways, both fresh and marine, are so important to our lifestyle and the ecosystem in which we all live work and play, and there is substantial evidence of the danger plastics pose to these environments,” Cr Karen Williams said.

Divisional Councillor Murray Elliott said small changes to every day habits make a large difference to reducing the overall plastic footprint in the Redlands.

Service Manager Environment and Education, Pippa Donaldson said we need to collectively reduce our use of single use plastics by using refillable drink bottles, taking a reusable cup when we buy coffee, choose a drink without a plastic straw and make sure we separate and dispose of plastics in the correct recycle bins.

“For more information on reduction of plastic use take the time to visit Indigiscapes and listen to our expert speakers in our education programs which are designed to help you make the change to improved habits.

The Redlands IndigiScapes Centre boasts guided tours, a gift shop, nature trails with audio tours through their native botanic gardens, a Tea Garden Café serving bush tucker, conference facilities and events and educational workshops.

To make a booking, obtain a calendar of events, subscribe to the Indigiscapes newsletter or for more general information visit , email indigiscapes@redland.qld.gov.au, or phone (07) 3824 8611.