Monthly Archives: February 2018

Redlands showcased on the small screen


February 28, 2018

Set to air in March are two television series shot in film-friendly Redland City last year – four-part SBS psychological thriller Safe Harbour and 10-part Australian crime drama series Harrow – both set to give nation-wide and international viewers a taste of what the Redlands has to offer.

Harrow Actor Ioan Gruffudd and Executive Producer Leigh McGrath

Harrow Actor Ioan Gruffudd and Executive Producer Leigh McGrath

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said that the broadcast of the two TV series would showcase the Redlands as a tourist destination, but could also attract other filming to the area.

“I hope to see continued success attracting quality local and international television and film productions, which can provide a real economic injection for our local businesses,” Cr Williams said.

“Safe Harbour brought around 300 cast and crew to the Redlands for three days last year boosting business for Redland accommodation providers, restaurants, cafes and boating companies, as well as creating excitement for community groups such as Volunteer Marine Rescue Raby Bay.”

“With Harrow having been produced for domestic broadcast as well as worldwide distribution, the Redlands’ beautiful natural and city-wide assets are set to be showcased to a global audience.”

“I am confident viewers of Safe Harbour and Harrow will see for themselves that Redlands is an ideal place for filming and the best place to live, work and play,” Cr Williams said.

Safe Harbour premiers on SBS at 8.30pm on Wednesday 7 March 2018 and runs for four weeks.

Harrow premieres on ABC at 8:30pm on Friday 9 March 2018 and runs for 10 weeks.

Other noteworthy productions to have filmed in the Redlands include Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Unbroken and The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

Safe Harbour show synopsis:

A group of friends go on the sailing holiday of a lifetime, altering their lives forever after they cross paths with a struggling fishing boat overloaded with asylum seekers en-route to Australia. The Australians decide to tow the refugees, but when they wake the next morning the fishing boat is gone. Five years later they learn the truth – someone cut the rope between the two boats, with tragic consequences.

Harrow show synopsis:
Dr Daniel Harrow is no ordinary forensic pathologist. Harrow’s total disregard for authority and his unfailing empathy for the dead help him solve even the most bizarre of cases. He is driven to give victims a voice, and will bend every rule to get to the truth of what happened to them. But when a terrible secret from his own past threatens his family, his career, and himself, Harrow needs all his wit, wile, and forensic genius not to solve a crime, but to keep it buried.

Get on board transport of the future this Sunday in Redlands


February 27, 2018

Redlands residents can literally get on board and experience the future of urban transport when the EasyMile EZ10 electric driverless bus hits Middle Street for this Sunday’s Cleveland Markets.

Redland City Mayor, Karen Williams said that autonomous buses have the potential to solve many transport challenges faced in the Redlands and Council is interested in how the technology can assist in planning for the City’s future transport needs.

“There are a range of applications for this technology here in the Redlands, from connecting people from car parks to bus, train and ferry stations, transport within events, or even within shopping, health or industrial precincts.”

“Our island residents could benefit greatly from these driverless buses as a general mode of island transport or on the mainland operating between ferry terminals and off-site car parks to improve transport connectivity for island commuters,” Cr Williams said.

Driverless technology, such as the EasyMile EZ10, will complement the region’s existing transport network while assisting Redland City Council in delivering innovative and cost effective solutions to South East Queensland’s public transport challenges.

“I was fortunate to be a part of a Council of Mayors’ (SEQ) delegation to Singapore last year where the SEQ Mayors first met with EasyMile and experienced the EZ10 electric driverless shuttle first hand. We knew we had to trial it here.

“Given the opportunities this technology creates for the mobility impaired, aged care and isolated communities, it’s fitting to see Redland City Council taking the lead with a driverless vehicle trial.

“This is another important milestone in positioning South East Queensland as the world’s first Smart Region, and demonstrating Redland City Council’s role as an innovation leader.

Cr Williams said these ‘smart mobility’ solutions are already used in cities such as Darwin and are suited to small geographical areas or short runs to and from specific destinations where parking is problematic.

To deliver this demonstration, Council has worked with international, high-tech company EasyMile, which specialises in software-powered autonomous vehicles, and local bus operator Transdev.

EasyMile’s Head of Delivery, Simon Pearce said that their software technology has been powering autonomous shuttles for a decade and the Cleveland road show demonstrated the massive potential of driverless buses to provide efficient transport where it is needed most in the Redlands.

“The EZ10 has a capacity of 14 customers and has been designed to cover short pre-defined routes through embedded localisation technologies. Using the latest sensory technology, the vehicle can safely respond to environmental changes like moving pedestrians, cyclists and other cars,” he said.

The buses will run at just 5km/h during the trial but can travel at up to 45km/h when required. On Sunday, the public will have the opportunity to board the driverless bus which will travel from Library Square along Middle St to Doig St and back. The EZ10 will also be on static display in Library Square, Middle Street on Monday.

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Local priorities set in regional mayors visit to Straddie


February 26, 2018

Redland City has played host to the South-East Queensland Council of Mayors with the group’s first board meeting for the year being held at IndigiScapes in Capalaba last Friday.

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad and Hon. Leeanne Enoch, Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Minister for Science and Minister for the Arts also dropped in for the board meeting, which was a precursor to the Council of Mayors’ annual strategy meeting at Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island on Saturday.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Friday’s discussions included a South-East Queensland City Deals funding model with the State Government.

“The Council of Mayors heard from Treasurer Jackie Trad on the progress of this initiative and also discussed their Resilient Rivers initiative with environment Minister Leeanne Enoch,” Cr Williams said.

“This is a regional approach to our region’s river system, recognising that rivers across the south east connect to one another and what goes in one river may end up in another river or ultimately our beautiful bay.

“As the ‘end of the line’ in regards to the region’s river system, Resilient Rivers is of particular interest to the Redlands, so I want to ensure it is on top of the agenda for councils across the region, as well as the State Government.”

The regional mayors continued on to Straddie on Saturday to start setting their 2018 priorities.

Mayor Karen Williams, who invited the group to meet in the Redlands, said that having the strategy meeting on Straddie allowed her to put local issues – especially the challenges and opportunities ahead for the island as it transitions from sand mining – front and centre when determining regional priorities.

“We drilled down on topics started at the board meeting and also discussed a regional approach to internet connectivity, which again is of interest to the Redlands as a city with areas of very poor internet access,” Cr Williams said.

SMBI Outdoor Family Movie Night


February 26, 2018

All Southern Moreton Bay Island residents are invited to an outdoor screening of the family movie Oddball at a free community event on Russell Island on Saturday 24 March.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said that the event – hosted by Redland City Council in partnership with SMBI Community Hub – was an opportunity for bay islanders to connect with their neighbours and community while having a fun afternoon out.

“Research shows us that having good neighbours helps us feel safer and happier. That’s why this month Council is encouraging the whole of our Redlands community to host their own neighbourhood get-togethers on Neighbour Day, a nation-wide initiative on Sunday 25 March,” Cr Williams said.

“But we have gone a step further by organising a community event especially for our SMBI residents, recognising that they are more at risk of being isolated in times of emergency such as floods, storms and fire,” Cr Williams said.

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the event would kick off Council’s “Get to know your island neighbours” initiative.

“After all, it is your neighbour or a passer-by, not emergency services, who is most likely to be first to come to your aid during an emergency,” Cr Edwards said.

“This is especially so on the islands where power is more likely to be lost and transport to the mainland suspended during extreme weather.

“The community event starts at 4pm with loads of fun activities exploring our unique bay island identity, followed by the movie screening at 6.20pm.”

SMBI Community event and outdoor family movie night

Saturday 24 March, 4 – 8pm

Bay Islands Resilience Hub, 2 Union Street, Russell Island

Free shuttle service to and from the ferry (note ferry arrivals 3:55pm, 5:05pm, 6:15pm and departures 6:35pm and 8:30pm)

Food will be available for purchase but feel free to bring your own picnic rug, camp chairs and nibbles.

About Oddball – G-rated 2015 Australian family adventure film: An eccentric chicken farmer, with the help of his granddaughter, trains his mischievous dog Oddball to protect a penguin sanctuary from fox attacks in an attempt to reunite his family and save their seaside town. Stars Shane Jacobson, Sarah Snook and Alan Tudyk.

Cleveland Power appeals discontinued


February 23, 2018

Council has agreed in a resolution at this week’s General Meeting to settle two appeals in the Planning and Environment Court with Cleveland Power Pty Ltd.

Redland City Mayor, Karen Williams said Cleveland Power has had Court approval for development of a Biomass power plant at Mount Cotton for nearly eleven years, which was due to expire in September 2016.

“Prior to the expiry the developer had sought approval from Council to extend the approval by a further eighteen months.

“Council unanimously opposed the request in March 2017 and the developer appealed to the Planning and Environment Court,” Cr Williams said.

“In December 2017 the appeal was joined by an application to change the approval.

“Neither Court proceedings had progressed very far when the developer sought agreement from Council to settle both matters.

“Council has agreed and the proceedings will be discontinued by the developer.

“With the proceedings discontinued, it means the approval has now lapsed and a new development application would need to be lodged with Council to be assessed, should the project go ahead.

“Any such application would also require public notification with the right to submissions for members of the public.

Divisional Councillor Julie Talty said, “the original approval was given in 2007 and this has dragged on with several extension requests being made”.

“Many new residents have moved into the area since the original approval was given, and have not had a chance to make a submission about this development.

“After nearly 11 years this approval has lapsed.

“Should the company wish to proceed with a similar project, a new application would need to be lodged and this would be subject to public consultation.”

Redland Council’s corridor plan grounded in science


February 23, 2018

Council adopted the Wildlife Connections Plan 2018-2028 at the recent General Meeging, including the associated action plan and corridor descriptions and locations.  This plan provides priority actions for the management, protection and enhancement of a network of core wildlife corridors across the city.

Redland City Mayor, Karen Williams said the Plan not only meets rigorous standards in terms of scientific analysis but has been peer reviewed to confirm the Plan’s scientific soundness and strategic planning value.

“The plan aims to geographically identify and provide priority actions for the management, protection and enhancement of a network of core wildlife habitat patches and connecting wildlife corridors in Redland City,” Cr Williams said.

This non-statutory plan defines five categories of wildlife corridors: established; riparian regional; coastal foreshore; enhancement; and stepping stone. Networks and corridors of wildlife habitat may consist of a combination of environmental (bushland habitat) areas, street tree plantings, recreational parks and reserves, residential backyards, non-urban private lands, foreshore areas, waterways and riparian areas.

“Redlands contains a diverse array of wildlife habitats, and all accommodate wide-ranging populations of native plants and animals that are part and parcel of what people love about living in Redlands, and we need to preserve and manage it.

“It’s so important to improve and protect corridor habitat, prevent wildlife deaths and reduce impacts on the corridors themselves when we’re faced with a changing landscape.

External expert ecological consultants used the spatial modelling tool ‘CircuitScape’ to generate a heat map of key wildlife corridor values that occur between core vegetation areas throughout Redland City. This formed the basis to geographically identified, a well-defined wildlife habitat network of core habitat patches and corridor connections in Redland City.

Road and rail transport networks, clearing of native vegetation for agriculture, industrial and urban development are major threats to flora and fauna populations and cause habitat fragmentation. This results in smaller disconnected patches of habitat and reduces safe movement of wildlife across the landscape and threatens the viability of healthy and native plant and animal populations.

Vegetation clearing on private property will continue to be subject to current local law or other legislative provisions.

Any additional provisions within the new City Plan will be reported to Council within the First Amendment Package.

Further information can be found on the Council website at www.redland.qld.gov.au

Australia Day 2018 Honours


February 22, 2018

Four Redlanders were conferred the highest recognition for outstanding achievement and service yesterday at an Australia Day Honours ceremony.

Redland City Mayor, Karen Williams said the Australian honours system is a vital part of our social fabric and helps define, encourage and reinforce our national aspirations, ideals and standards.

“Our local Australia Day 2018 Honours recipients join a prestigious list of people whose actions have set them apart and enriched our community across a broad range of professional, public and community service sectors.

“I am exceptionally proud to be Mayor of a City that boasts such outstanding individuals whose drive has delivered exceptional results in disaster management, sport, science and education,” Cr Williams said.

“As part of the 2018 Australia Day honours, three Redlanders received the Medal of the Order of Australia, and one has received the Member of the Order of Australia, which is a remarkable testament to the passion and drive within our City.

“Mr Anthony Daniel OAM was honoured because of his more than 40 years of voluntary service to emergency response organisations, in particular SES.

“In that time he has been up close and personal in some devastating events, from Cyclone Tracey in the north to storm recovery in Newcastle in the south, and the Queensland Floods of 2011 delivering rescue or support services to victims of disaster in their darkest hour.

“Ms Terene Donovan OAM has an amazing history in archery as an Olympian who represented Australia in Munich in 1972, Moscow in 1980 and Los Angeles in 1984 as well as the 1988 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane and many other international and national events throughout her career.

“Dr Christos Spero OAM has lead the world in carbon capture technology and how that can be applied to coal-fired power stations, changing the discussions around the future of energy and putting Australia on the map.

“Professor Richard Wortley AM, though not in attendance yesterday, was honoured for his contribution to the fields of criminology and psychology and the development of security and crime science education.”

Use your brain before you put it down the drain


February 22, 2018

Recent reports of illegal dumping into the City’s waterways have sparked a message to residents to be mindful of what you pour down the stormwater drain.

Redland City Mayor, Karen Williams, who also sits on the Healthy Land and Water Board, said Council is committed to protecting our waterways and will respond to incidents of water contamination in stormwater drains, roadside gutters and water bodies is evident.

“Sometimes people just don’t think of where those contaminants end up when they pour something down the drain. They need to be aware they end up in our waterways, including our beautiful bay, which is home to a variety of marine life.

“Potential prescribed water contaminants include pollutants such as chemicals, oils, fuels, paint, waste water from roof cleaning, concrete or sediment run off.

“We need to be vigilant in preventing water pollution and protecting the water quality that’s so essential to maintaining the health of our environment and our own quality of life.

“We in Redland City are blessed with so many natural assets and these are the reasons people come to live in this area,” Cr Williams said.

Cr Williams said recent examples of water pollution in the Redlands would be investigated and enforced by Council under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.

“Negligent acts like this can have severe impacts on our environment and the wildlife of the area,” she said.

“It’s so important to prevent these contaminants from entering the waterway.

“Residents should dispose of chemicals appropriately through Council’s Waste Transfer Facilities, diverting waste water from vehicle washing to a vegetated area and making sure sediment, mulch or rubbish is adequately contained, evening during rainfall.

“I would encourage residents to report any incidents of pollution in our waterways or any suspicious behaviour immediately to Council.”

For further information on what Council can accept at their Waste Transfer Facilities, contact Council on (07) 3829 8999 or visit the Redland City Council website

Local health and fitness providers needed for next term of Redlands Healthy and Active Program


February 22, 2018

Redland City Council has opened the Expression of Interest (EOI) process for local fitness providers who wish to be considered for the next term of activities in the Redlands Healthy and Active Program. Those who are passionate about helping people to be healthy and active are encouraged to get in touch before 2 March.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the first round of the program had been very successful, prompting Council to proceed to continue with the program.

“The Redlands Healthy and Active Program continues to have high participation numbers with on average 300-350 people utilising these programs across the city each week.”

“Redland City boasts wonderful open space and parkland and this program is aimed at encouraging residents to be healthy as well as enjoying our city’s wonderful open spaces.

“We look forward to welcoming qualified, experienced and motivating providers on board to deliver a physical activity program from April to June 2018.

“Activities should be low to medium intensity, suitable for all age groups and be able to be delivered in public open spaces.

To be considered, providers will need to complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) by Friday 2 March. Application forms can be downloaded from the Redland City Council website or obtained by calling 3829 8999.

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

Redlands clean-up still taking place


February 22, 2018

Redland City Council employed extra contract crews to assist with a massive clean-up after receiving 470 requests for the removal of tree and other storm debris from last weekend’s big storm. This is in addition to hundreds of other incidents of debris which fell within our parks and reserves.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the five extra contract tree maintenance crews will be working six days a week until the debris is finally removed.

“Council and contract crews worked long hours all week to attend to as many locations as possible, and are still working through the clean-up.

“Thirty one Council staff worked last Saturday and a similar number will be rostered this weekend.

“Even Council staff, normally rostered off over the last two Mondays, have worked to assist clearing debris.

“Council Senior Supervisors worked through the City to prioritise incidents which pose the greatest risk to the public, and once they have been resolved, are directing crews to lower risk clean-up jobs.

“After these heavy rains and hot weather, Redlanders can expect to see some long grass and overgrown trees in the coming weeks.

“During this time, we ask residents to be patient as some of the regular maintenance work must be put on hold while maintenance crews address storm clean-up work to take place,” Cr Williams said.

With the potential for more storms to come, emergency and clean-up crews are on standby to deal with urgent matters.

If residents see trees down on roads please contact our customer service team on 3829 8999 or submit the request online using this form: redlnd.cc/2snZd3p

Contact SES on 132 500 if there are trees down on private property. Please stay away from fallen power lines and report them to Energex on 13 19 62.

Storm damage green waste is accepted at Council Waste Transfer Stations across the Redlands.

Please remember to take care when loading storm damage waste into your car or trailer, wear enclosed shoes and protective clothing and if you have spoiled food to throw out, remember to bag it to prevent spills and odours.