Monthly Archives: July 2019

Council to speak up at 123rd LGAQ Conference


July 31, 2019

Redland City Council will use October’s Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) conference to join with Queensland councils to lobby the State Government on several key issues:

  • Allowing Councils to raise more infrastructure funding by reviewing the existing State imposed infrastructure cap.
  • Delivering better managed and coordinated State
  • Providing greater certainty for the community in the Queensland planning framework.
  • Reinvesting the State Government Waste Levy back into the Queensland environment.
  • Transport hub infrastructure.
  • Assistance for drought affected Queensland areas.

Mayor Karen Williams said the motions, which were supported unanimously at today’s general meeting, would now be tabled at the LGAQ’s 123rd annual conference in Cairns, 14 – 16 October 2019.

“Our residents tell us they want infrastructure to keep up with growth and so we will be tabling two motions asking for the State to do just that,” she said.

“The first motion will call on the LGAQ to lobby the State Government to implement longer term infrastructure plans that provide greater certainty for our community.

“Currently the State Infrastructure Plan uses a two tier timeline of 1-4 year projects and 5-15 year opportunities, which aren’t long enough, meaning they don’t align with State Government growth targets nor the State’s  South East Queensland Regional Plan, which spans a 25 year period.

“Our community wants certainty, so it makes sense for the State’s Infrastructure Plan to be longer term so Councils can use them to plan local infrastructure and to give the community certainty in regards to what will be delivered.”

Cr Williams said a second motion would call on the State Government to review their infrastructure caps and introduce their own mechanism to collect infrastructure charges from developers.

“Currently the State Government caps what infrastructure charges Councils can collect from developers, resulting in a funding gap that our community ends up funding.

“If the State Government listens to our motion by removing these caps it will allow Councils to collect infrastructure charges based on the impacts the development will have on local infrastructure, meaning the infrastructure is then funded by the private development industry rather than the community.”

Cr Williams said Council would also ask the State to commit to developing a more prescriptive planning framework to give the community certainty about what will be built.

“The current ‘performance based’ system allows too much flexibility for the development industry, creating confusion for the community,” she said.

“This motion calls on the State to create a black and white system that makes it clear to residents what can and can’t be built in their neighbourhoods.

“Continuing the infrastructure trend, a motion will also be put forward asking the State Government for increased infrastructure, including car parking, at Queensland railway stations.

“We need to encourage people to use public transport, so there must be an increase in infrastructure, such as car parking and station amenities, to encourage people to use trains more and to get parked cars away from what were once quiet, suburban streets.”

Cr Williams said Council would also ask the State to commit to reinvesting the State Government Waste Levy back into the Queensland environment.

“Currently the State expects 70 per cent of the funds raised through the levy will benefit industry programs, environmental initiatives and advanced payments to councils to help offset the costs for Queensland households,” she said.

“This should be 100 per cent.

“There is currently no commitment beyond 2022 and we are asking that local communities be given long term assurance that the environment will continue to benefit from the funds raised and that people will not be left out of pocket by this levy.”

Council will also put forward a motion calling for more assistance for drought affected Queensland areas.

Cr Williams and Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell will be Council’s official delegates at the conference, which will bring together delegates from all tiers of government, external stakeholders and the media to consider the challenges facing local governments and their communities.

Other Councillors are able to attend as observers.

 

Redland City Council takes next reconciliation step


July 31, 2019

Redland City Council today endorsed its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), an internal document formalising its organisational vision for reconciliation, and a set of principles and actions for the next two years.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the adoption of Kanara Malara – One People 2019 – 2021, Internal Redland City Council Reconciliation Action Plan, was a milestone for the organisation.

“The name Kanara Malara takes its inspiration from a painting of the same name created by Quandamooka artist Joshua Walker to reflect Council’s reconciliation journey,” Cr Williams said.

“The plan is a first but important step in formalising our organisation’s internal reconciliation activities.

“It acknowledges that while there have been significant achievements and partnerships with the First Peoples of this nation, there are actions we can take that will put us on the path to externally-focused RAPs in the future that will promote reconciliation in the wider community.”

“We hope that through this and future RAPs, Redland City Council will continue to develop a culture of inclusiveness and celebration across Redlands Coast.”

“It has been created by our Reconciliation Action Plan Steering Committee, employees from diverse work areas and backgrounds, who have shown outstanding commitment to reconciliation in our organisation.

“Through their work, it was realised we needed a set of actions focused on increasing knowledge of our shared history and current issues.”

Redland City Council Chief Executive Officer Andrew Chesterman said building an inclusive culture was at the core of successful, modern organisations.

“I am proud to lead an organisation that recognises the importance of implementing practical actions that contribute to reconciliation internally, and ultimately in the community in which we operate,” Mr Chesterman said.

“The Reconciliation Action Plan program is an excellent framework to support reconciliation more broadly.

“Implementing Kanara Malara – One People 2019 – 2021, Internal Redland City Council Reconciliation Action Plan will better equip our employees to build the strong, mutually-beneficial and productive relationships we seek to have with all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who live in, work in or visit Redlands Coast on Quandamooka Country.”

Controlled Burn 30 July 2019- Wellington Street Bushland Refuge, 213-221 Long Street, Cleveland


July 30, 2019

Redland City Council (RCC) Parks and Conservation crews along with Queensland Fire & Emergency Services (QFES) will be undertaking a planned burn starting today Tuesday 30 July 2019, commencing at approximately 9.30am (weather permitting).

Location: Wellington Street Bushland Refuge, 213-221 Long Street, Cleveland

It is appreciated that these burns may cause some inconvenience, however all attempts will be made to limit any smoke hazards from the work.

Traffic management (advisory signs and smoke hazard signs) will be in place as a contingency in case smoke presents a hazard to localised streets.

Motorists are advised to drive with caution and to conditions. Residents should close windows and doors, and keep medications close by if suffering a respiratory condition.

For more information about Council’s planned burn program, please visit our Parks and Conservation Planned Burns Program webpage.

Help at hand for Redlands Coast startups


July 29, 2019

Are you an aspiring Redlands Coast innovator or entrepreneur? Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to give your startup the best chance of success.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Redlands Logan Startup Onramp was a new offering from Redlands Logan Advancing Regional Innovation Program, of which Redland City Council is a key delivery partner.

“I’m passionate about supporting business development at Redlands Coast, so am thrilled that this pre-accelerator program will be offered locally for the first time, starting this August,” Cr Williams said.

“If you want to learn how to define and improve your market offering, validate your ideas with the help of experts and develop a viable business model with revenue streams, then this is the program for you.”

The 12-week training and mentoring program will be facilitated by Brad and Joanna Apps – founders of telecommunication software and payment gateway solutions ECConnect – and sales-led technology entrepreneur, John Burkett from Advicepoint Business Consulting, Redlands Angel Investors and Startup Redlands.

Joanna Apps said Startup Onramp was launched to give skills and guidance to new and aspiring startups to help them develop their business dreams.

“It is ideal for founders of startups expecting high or rapid growth and would greatly improve their chances of being accepted into any startup accelerator in Australia or overseas,” Ms Apps said.

“We will bring in local entrepreneurs, investors and subject matter experts as guest presenters, with the program culminating in a pitch night and celebratory dinner.

“Startup Onramp graduates will also be invited to take part in a state-wide showcase event at which the state’s best startups will pitch to an audience of successful entrepreneurs, investors and corporates at the annual QODE Conference.

“There are 14 spots available for the first 2019 intake, with the weekly evening sessions starting from 21 August.”

Redland Logan Startup Onramp program
What: 12-week training and mentoring program for aspiring startup founders
When: Weekly evening sessions from 21 August, 2019
Where: Sirromet Winery, Mount Cotton
Cost: $1200 for the 12 week program. Also includes free casual membership at Logan Startup Hub and Startup Redlands for the duration of the course.
To book and for more information: Phone Brad on 0413 208 786 or visit startuplogan.com.au

Mayoral Prayer Breakfast tickets available now  


July 24, 2019

Tickets are now on sale for the 17th annual Redland City Mayoral Prayer Breakfast, and local businesses and organisations are asked to dig deep to raise funds for chaplaincy programs in State schools on Redlands Coast.

Mayor Karen Williams said the popular annual event, to be held from 6.45am on 30 August, was a great way for the Redlands Coast community to support the chaplaincy programs that benefit 14,500 local students.

“These programs are important for providing social, emotional and spiritual support for Redlands Coast students, school staff and families,” she said.

“They provide timely pastoral care, critical mentoring, and role modelling, all of which fosters wellbeing and enhances a child’s success in learning and life.

“There are still some local State schools that do not have access to chaplaincy services and my hope is that, through events such as the Mayoral Prayer Breakfast, all State school students across Redlands Coast can have equal access to these important programs.”

Cr Williams said the guest speaker for this year’s breakfast was Olympic gold medallist swimmer Duncan Armstrong, OAM.

“Duncan successfully represented Australia as a swimmer for ten years,” she said.

“At this year’s breakfast, he will share his truly inspirational story, part of which saw him win the 200m freestyle event at the 1988 Seoul Olympics to claim Australia’s 100th Olympic medal for swimming.

“He will share some of his funniest and most memorable moments in his Green and Gold tracksuit, along with giving a testimony of his faith.”

Cr Williams said last year’s breakfast raised $20,000 for the chaplaincy programs – a record amount for the event.

“Almost 280 people, including school chaplains, church and school leaders, government representatives, business people and community members attended the breakfast,” she said.

“Tickets are limited, so I encourage the community to act fast, purchase a ticket and support this important program for our schools.

“Sponsorship opportunities are also available, and details can be found at our Mayoral Prayer Breakfast webpage.”

Event Details

Redland City Mayoral Prayer Breakfast
Friday, 30 August 2019
Arrive 6.45am for a 7am start; event concludes 8.45am
Alexandra Hills Conference Centre – Corner of McDonald Road and Finucane Road, Alexandra Hills

Ticket Prices – includes GST

$60 each
$550 per table of 10

Tickets are available through Redland Performing Arts Centre:

  • Contact (07) 3829 8131 during business hours.
  • Visit the box office at 2–16 Middle Street, Cleveland.
  • Purchase online at rpac.com.au.

 

Controlled burns – Macleay Island 24 – 26 July 2019


July 24, 2019

Redland City Council Parks & Conservation crews, along with the Macleay Island Rural Fire Brigade, will be undertaking multiple planned burns starting today Wednesday 24 July and going through to Friday 26 July 2019.

Planned burns will commence each day at approximately 9:30am (weather permitting).

Macleay Island locations:

  • 77-95 Beelong Street
  • 15-25 Kardinia Street
  • 1-25 Balaka Street
  • 2-16 Balaka Street
  • 16-18 Benowa Street
  • 14 Kestrel Street
  • 28-34 Southsea Terrace

It is appreciated that these burns may cause some inconvenience, however all attempts will be made to limit any smoke hazards from the work.

Traffic management (advisory signs and smoke hazard signs) will be in place as a contingency, in case smoke presents a hazard to the localised Streets, Traffic Control will be present if necessary.

Motorists are advised to drive with caution and to conditions.

Residents should close windows and doors, and keep medications close by if suffering a respiratory condition.

For more information about Council’s planned burn program, please visit our Controlled Burns webpage.

National Tree Day planting targets 2000


July 23, 2019

Redland City Council is calling on all willing hands to help plant 2000 native plants this Sunday 28 July as part of National Tree Day celebrations.

The family tree planting day, from 9am – 11am at Orana Street Park, Victoria Point, will offer the added incentives of a barbeque and a free native plant at the end of the day for volunteers to plant in their own backyards.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the annual National Tree Day plantings were a crucial component of Council’s city-wide conservation program and made a lasting difference to the natural habitats of Redlands Coast.

“The National Tree Day event is a wonderful example of what can be achieved by people power and combined community effort,” Cr Williams said.

“Not only will people be helping local wildlife, but a great time can be had being in the outdoors, working with other green thumbs of all ages.

“This will be our Bushcare program’s 19th National Tree Day event, with more than 100 volunteers joining us for the planting each year.”

Division 4 Councillor, Deputy Mayor Lance Hewlett said the Orana Street Park planting would improve and expand wildlife habitat and assist to improve the water quality of the local waterway.

“National Tree Day 2019 will be another great family event and people can come back in the years ahead and enjoy seeing the positive impact of their efforts,” he said.

National Tree Day planting details:

When: Sunday 28 July 2019, 9am–11am

Where: Orana Street Park, Victoria Point (off street parking available at Point Halloran Reserve).

What to bring: enclosed shoes, sun protection and drinking water

Council supplies: Plants, tools, sunscreen, insect repellent and gardening gloves.

FREE kids’ activities, sausage sizzle, displays, certificates for kids, and a take home native plant.

For details on this and other environmental initiatives and activities on Redlands Coast, visit the IndigiScapes website.

Council to ramp up NSI economic transition funding campaign


July 18, 2019

Redland City Council will ramp up its campaign for more investment by the Queensland and Australian governments in the economic transition of North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) from sand mining.

Councillors this week supported a Council-prepared advocacy document that called for increased funding to make it more affordable to visit the island, improve communications and deliver other projects outlined in the document.

Mayor Karen Williams said the document set out a vision for the island and included projects Council believed should be fast tracked to provide immediate benefits to island residents and businesses.

“I have raised these issues in recent discussions with Tourism Minister Kate Jones, who has Ministerial responsibility for the North Stradbroke Island Economic Transition Strategy (NSI ETS) and stressed to her the need for immediate action to be taken on a range of fronts if we are to cushion the immediate and longer term economic impact of the cessation of mining,” Cr Williams said.

“We have set out a number of projects that need to be progressed quickly or incorporated into the overall transition strategy.

“An obvious priority is to make transport to and from Straddie more affordable and on-island transport more suited to the needs of visitors.

“Our advocacy plan also calls for the State to replace the Sibelco Community Fund with similar grassroots funding to support local community groups on the island.

“Council wants to see a clear vision developed for the island, not just a list of projects, and I am hopeful there will be a positive response from government to what we have outlined.

“There has already been pleasing progress on a Moreton Bay Tourism Strategy that has been supported by Minister Jones, who has convened meetings with relevant Councils to start this process.

“In addition to extra funding, there is a desperate need for more genuine and inclusive engagement with the island community, which should include both Traditional Owners and other stakeholders.”

The advocacy document was part of a Notice of Motion brought to Council by Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell, who said there was an urgent need for a strong local economy on North Stradbroke Island to replace sand mining.

“Our advocacy document is designed to complement the existing NSI ETS projects and deliver immediate, on the ground results,” Cr Mitchell said.

“They should not be seen as replacing existing ETS projects or other projects planned by the State Government, Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation or Council.

“The end of sand mining doesn’t just mean a loss of jobs but contributes to the breakdown of the island’s social fabric.

“While Council acknowledges and welcomes the existing NSI ETS, the reality is that many of the projects included in that strategy are long term, with many being studies or investigations.

“Council fears this will result in little ‘on the ground’ deliverables that provide real and tangible economic opportunity, so we have prepared an advocacy document setting out what we believe to be essential projects in cementing a positive economic future for Straddie and calling for their funding by the State and Federal governments.”

Cr Mitchell said Council would now release the advocacy document to the community and engage with residents to further inform Council’s advocacy moving forward.

“This is not the end of the discussion, it is very much the beginning and Council welcomes feedback on this document and anything else the community would like Council to advocate for on their behalf,” he said.

The advocacy document calls for:

  • subsidising marine transport to provide more affordable travel to and from the island;
  • providing a low cost shuttle bus or ‘loop’ bus service across key island areas;
  • establishing a community benefit fund to support island clubs and organisations;
  • fast tracking planning, design and construction of pedestrian and recreational trails and long term funding for recreational trails;
  • construction of telecommunications infrastructure to mitigate black spots;
  • a commitment to long term funding of the transition strategy;
  • developing a vision for the island, not just a list of projects;
  • improving communication and engagement with the community;
  • developing an overarching Moreton Bay Tourism Strategy and ongoing tourism/industry partnerships; and
  • requiring companies involved in transition projects to offer traineeships or job skills to local unemployed people.

2019 NSI State and Federal Advocacy Document

 

Council backs calls for State to join Barro Quarry court appeal


July 17, 2019

Redland City Council has backed calls from Mount Cotton residents for the State Government to join them in a Planning and Environment Court case opposing the Mount Cotton quarry.

Division 6 Councillor Julie Talty successfully moved an amended resolution in today’s Council meeting, calling for the State through the Minister for Planning to join as a party to the ongoing court case to defend Council’s refusal of an extension to the time allowed to build the quarry.

Cr Talty said the Council decision followed a request and petition from Mount Cotton residents to today’s General Meeting, asking Council to request the State joins court proceedings.

“Council has consistently supported the community in opposing this quarry, including refusing the original application in 2013,” Cr Talty said.

“Unfortunately, the State Government of the day overruled Council and called in and subsequently approved the application.

“That State Government approval was set to lapse in December 2017, prompting Council to refuse an application to extend the time period allowed for the quarry to be built, and we have been fighting alongside residents to defend our refusal in court ever since.

“Unfortunately, despite the State Government calling in the original application and being the level of Government in charge of Key Resource Areas – the legislation that governs quarries – they have so far refused to stand beside Council and residents in court.

“Hopefully, after today’s request from residents and subsequent Council decision, that will change and the State will support Council and residents in opposing the extension.”

Cr Talty said the State Government was in the driving seat of many of the matters relating to the proposed quarry.

“The State imposes the Key Resource Area that controls the area where the quarry is proposed,” she said.

“They also monitor air and dust levels, which are among the major concerns of residents, and controls the road serving the quarry, so we really need them with us in court arguing these points on behalf of residents.

“Council has been there since the beginning arguing our case and we will be there again at the next court date.

“The question is, will the State be there beside us?”

Today’s resolution also called for more information from the State Government with respect to proposed koala legislation which could have an impact on the proposed quarry.

Mayor Karen Williams said the current State Minister for Planning recently wrote to Council to advise he had approved a change to some of the project’s conditions and, in doing so, he said the State was working on new environmental legislation.

“As yet, we don’t know what that legislation is, but what we do know is that Mount Cotton holds significant environmental character and if there is any chance the new legislation could help protect it then we need the State there with us in court to argue the case,” she said.

“We hope the new legislation could help protect the environmental corridors surrounding the quarry and the local amenity of the surrounding community.”

Cr Talty said she had met with Mount Cotton residents to hear their concerns and it was clear they wanted as much support as possible in having their voices heard.

“Residents have told me they are concerned and they want the State Government to work with them and Council in fighting this in court,” Cr Talty said.

“We have thrown everything we have at the case, but without the State there arguing for State matters the argument isn’t complete.

“Only by the Minister formally joining this court case and arguing for residents’ concerns will the State Government show they truly support the community.”

Rural Enterprises Industry Plan approval highlights high value local opportunities


July 17, 2019

Council today endorsed its Rural Enterprises Industry Sector Action Plan, ensuring future growth opportunities in Redlands Coast’s rural industry sector.

Mayor Karen Williams said with Redlands Coast retaining major areas of regionally designated and locally zoned rural land, the action plan supported many of the city’s naturally wonderful values and attractions.

“The potential to grow this local industry sector at a time that coincides with important emerging trends in rural industry is enormous,” she said.

“Redlands Coast is ideally placed to seize newly emerging agricultural food production trends, like vertical garden horticulture, and low-impact, high-value production, such as fly farming.

“From glamping in wineries to bed and breakfast farm stays, these opportunities extend to new, high value rural products and support for growth in agritourism here.

“We already have diverse, local industry activity on Redlands Coast, such as food production and bespoke bio products to large scale food processing and manufacturing, and agricultural research.

“From this rural industry base we are well positioned to grow new employment and rural enterprise investments on the doorstep of major markets and we will be working to promote these opportunities.”

Cr Williams said our rural enterprises were one of the city’s eight key industries, contributing $80 million, or one per cent, of the city’s economic output per year.

“Redlands Coast has an exciting opportunity to respond to consumer demand for organic and sustainable food production, reduced food miles and carbon footprints and reduced natural resource demand,” she said.

“The plan acknowledges the need for land use certainty, water and energy costs and market accessibility issues, and also identifies the opportunity for new and sustainable industry growth supported by local research and development investment.

“Significantly, Redlands Coast is already home to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ crop research facility, which undertakes research into areas such as high value, cut flower horticulture and turf farming as well as improved crop yields through application of robotic and drone technology.

“The industry sector plan endorsed today rightly acknowledges the potential value of this local research asset for attracting and leveraging new, collaborative industry research and investment with particular opportunity for high value growth in emerging sectors like biotechnology and bio products, including biofuels.

“The key to success is working collaboratively across the sector to attract new investment and opportunities and I am convinced Redlands Coast is well suited to do this and to take advantage of new technology, scale and production trends to attract and build new local industry investments.”