Monthly Archives: February 2021

Council installs Red Benches across Redlands Coast


February 24, 2021

Red park benches have appeared across the Redlands Coast as a prominent campaign against domestic violence continues to roll out across Queensland.

Redland City councillors late last year backed a call from Mayor Karen Williams to install a further 10 Red Benches in support of the Red Rose Foundation.

Cr Williams said the bright benches provided a visible reminder of the city’s commitment to helping those impacted by domestic and family violence.

Mayor Karen Williams and Councillor Peter Mitchell at the new Red Bench in Raby Bay.

“The Red Rose Foundation is an organisation led by Redlands Coast’s own Betty Taylor, who is doing so much to shine a light on domestic and family violence,” Cr Williams said.

“The benches include a plaque recognising the generosity of those who have supported Council’s annual domestic violence fundraiser, Diner en Rouge.

“Among them is local philanthropist Dan Holzapfel who has donated $200,000 to domestic violence causes.”

Cr Williams said Queensland’s first red bench was installed in 2019 in Cleveland, outside the library, and there were now more than 40 across the state.

“Red Rose Foundation would like to see a bench installed in every local government area in Queensland,” Cr Williams said.

“On the Redlands Coast we will now have 11 Red Benches, with one in every Council division.”

New Red Benches have now been installed at:

  • Cleveland: Raby Bay Harbour Park Promenade, 146-148 Shore Street
  • Thornlands: Manning Esplanade Foreshore Park, 2-4 South Street
  • Redland Bay: Rosebud Esplanade Park, Redland Bay (near Mallet Street)
  • Redland Bay: Jack Gordon Pathway (Esplanade)
  • Mount Cotton: Mount Cotton Community Park, 51-63 Valley Way
  • Alexandra Hills: David Parr Park (near mobile library stop), 9 Sherington Street
  • Alexandra Hills: Snowdon Street Park, 26-34 Edinburgh Road
  • Capalaba: Capalaba Regional Park, 15-19 Pittwin Road
  • Birkdale: Aquatic Paradise West, 18 Commodore Drive

An additional Red Bench is scheduled for installation at:

  • Wellington Point: 369-375 Main Road

The Red Rose Foundation is a National not-for-profit charity which works to end domestic violence across communities and is especially concerned at the high number of domestic violence deaths that occur each year through homicide and suicide.

 

Council improves safety along Wellington Point pathways


February 24, 2021

Redland City Council is undertaking safety upgrades along two pathways at Wellington Point Recreation Reserve.

Work has started on replacing the retaining wall and pathway on Main Road that leads down the hill to the reserve, and installing 10 new lights along Reserve Esplanade.

Mayor Karen Williams said pedestrian access and safety were important, with both locations at the reserve proving popular with walkers.

“We know Redlands Coast residents love their outdoor spaces and having attractive, safe and accessible pathways are important factors in encouraging them to explore and, in the process, contributes to a healthier community,” she said.

“We hope these improvements encourage more local families and day trippers to get out and enjoy the natural beauty of Wellington Point Recreation Reserve.”

Division 1 Councillor Wendy Boglary welcomed the upgrades around the popular parkland.

“The footpath along Main Road is being widened to provide better safety for pedestrians, as that road can be very busy during peak periods,” Cr Boglary said.

“About 50 metres of retaining wall and fencing along the pathway is also being replaced as it was beginning to fail.

“On Reserve Esplanade, directional LED luminaire lighting will be installed along the pathway from the carpark to the stairs, illuminating the path with minimal spill to residential properties.

“Lighting along this pathway was raised as a safety issue by local residents at a community consultation meeting and I am pleased Council has been able to deliver this upgrade.”

The Reserve Esplanade path will remain open during the installation of lights, which is expected to be completed by 15 March 2021, weather permitting.

The replacement of the pathway and retaining wall on Main Road, which is expected to be completed by 16 April 2021, does require some changes to pedestrian and vehicle movements in the area.

These include:

  • One lane on Main Road will be closed during working hours (generally 7am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday) and controlled using traffic controllers.
  • Pedestrian movements through the worksite will be controlled using traffic controllers.
  • The pedestrian crossing at the base of the hill will not be operational while construction works are underway. Pedestrians will be directed to use alternative crossings.
  • Both lanes of Main Road will be open to traffic at night, on weekends and on public holidays (Good Friday and Easter Monday).

The Main Road works also include the relocation of a water main.

Join the events to Clean Up Australia Day on Redlands Coast


February 22, 2021

Redland City Council is encouraging the community to become involved in this year’s Clean Up Australia Day.

Mayor Karen Williams said local residents could join an existing Clean Up group or create their own, with registrations for the March 7 event now open.

Businesses, community groups, schools and individuals can all take part.

“Getting involved will benefit the Redlands Coast community by creating a cleaner environment and protecting our waterways for everyone to enjoy,” Cr Williams said.

“Clean Up Australia Day is as much about preventing rubbish from entering the environment as it is about cleaning it up.”

Council will supply bins to event organisers, if requested by Friday 26 February, for waste and recyclable materials collected on the day.

Clean Up Australia chairman Pip Kiernan said now was the time for all Australians to step up and help.

“Last year saw disruption to our lives, not least of all to our local environments which have been impacted by increased uptake of single-use, disposable items,” Ms Kiernan said.

“COVID-19 has significantly impacted local environments with a surge in single-use disposable items such as takeaway coffee cups, food packaging, masks and sanitised wipes – all of which have polluted parks, bushland, streets, waterways and beaches.”

According to The Pact Group Community Attitudes to Waste and Recycling Report (July 2020), more than a third (34%) of Australian households reported producing more packaging waste during lockdown periods compared to previous years. More than half (55%) of those surveyed said they were now more concerned about product packaging waste than they were in 2019.

“By planning ahead and signing up to a Clean Up event, you are making a pledge to help conserve the environment for the long-term future, and taking an important action by stepping up for your community,” Ms Kiernan said.

Cr Williams said that in response to COVID-19, additional conditions would be put in place to ensure the health and safety of Clean Up volunteers. There will be limits to volunteer numbers at each event and Clean Up kits will include hand sanitiser and QR codes for registration.

Redlands Coast Clean Up events have already been registered at the following locations:

  • goochie mudlo (Coochiemudlo Island)
  • Victoria Point foreshore
  • Cascade Gardens and Ern Dowling Parklands, Victoria Point
  • South Street Conservation Area, Cleveland
  • Point Lookout, Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)
  • Peel Street, Redland Bay
  • Merrill and Rob Ovendon Park Creek Catchment, Birkdale
  • Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club, Thorneside.

The Clean Up Australia Day campaign also includes a Business Clean Up Day on March 2 and School Clean Up Day on March 5. To sign up to an event, register your own or make a donation, visit cleanup.org.au.

 

Council celebrates Young Legends through inaugural awards


February 22, 2021

Redland City Council has launched the Redlands Coast Young Legends Awards to celebrate the outstanding contributions of young people in the community.

Mayor Karen Williams said the inaugural awards would recognise the achievements of Redland City residents aged 13 to 25.

“There are a lot of young people in our community who are doing amazing things but they are often overlooked,” she said.

“I know our youth will be our future leaders and it’s more important than ever for us to recognize the great contributions young people make in our community.

“When we were in the middle of the pandemic last year we noticed young people were helping others and volunteering with organisations within Redland City.

“Now we’re calling on people to nominate the Young Legends they know in our community so we can formally acknowledge their contributions.”

Online nominations are now open in four award categories:

  • Young Legend of the Year
  • Community Commitment
  • Environment and Sustainability
  • Sports Leadership and Achievement

Nominations close at 4pm on 12 March 2021 and all finalists will be invited to an awards night on 15 April 2021, during National Youth Week.

For more information on the awards and how to apply, visit Council’s Redlands Coast Youth Support and Activities web page.

Habitat protection top-of-mind for Council and community


February 19, 2021

Redland City Councillors have asked officers to investigate options to purchase land in Ormiston in an attempt to bring it into public ownership.

Mayor Karen Williams said a report would be presented at a future Council meeting to consider the cost and logistics of purchasing the land and detail proposed funding sources.

“The Ormiston land was subdivided more than 100 years ago so Council’s hands were tied when the owners recently started clearing it,” Cr Williams said.

“No Council approval was required and we had no ability to prevent the clearing.

“Nor did State Government koala mapping, which was introduced over the land last year with an exemption for vegetation clearing of less than 500m2 per lot.”

Cr Williams said this week’s decision followed a Notice of Motion from local Councillor Wendy Boglary.

“Cr Boglary has been working with officers to look at a number of options regarding this land. This includes asking Council to previously consider purchasing the entire site with its Environmental Levy.

“Ultimately this did not proceed as it would have cost residents many millions of dollars and the habitat on the land was fragmented,” Cr Williams said.

“Following this week’s decision, we will now look at buying this land if it provides value for money for our ratepayers.”

Cr Boglary thanked the community for their advocacy and passion.

“As our first Koala Safe Neighbourhood, Ormiston is passionate about koalas and I appreciate the emails and calls I have received from the community about this property.”

Cr Williams said following this week’s General Meeting, Councillors would also be consulted on options to protect wildlife and habitat corridors in the City’s Urban Footprint.

“In February 2018 we adopted the Wildlife Connection Plan 2018-2028 which identifies key wildlife corridors across the city that provide habitat and connections for local wildlife across the City,” Cr Williams said.

“Since 2018 we have been working hard to strengthen these corridors through partnerships with private landowners and ongoing plantings, including our one million native trees and plants program, which has so far seen 413,819 plants planted across the city.

“As part of this week’s decision, Councillors will now be briefed on options to further protect these corridors in the urban footprint, with a report to come back to Councillors by May this year.”

Council adopts erosion management plan for Coochiemudlo Island


February 17, 2021

Redland City Council has adopted the Coochiemudlo Island Shoreline Erosion Management Plan (SEMP), which outlines its strategy to manage current and future erosion risks.

Mayor Karen Williams said the development of the SEMP allowed Council to obtain a detailed technical understanding of the island’s coastal processes and opened an avenue for community engagement.

“Importantly, the SEMP recommends a number of management options for Council to protect the sub-tropical island from coastal erosion,” Cr Williams said.

“The principal recommendation is for post-storm beach nourishment across the island to help accelerate the natural recovery process and provide a buffer against future coastal hazards.

“Other recommendations include implementing an ongoing beach monitoring program, vegetation and stormwater management, formalising beach access, and sustainably relocating dredged sand.”

Cr Williams said the formal adoption of the plan followed significant research and consultation with key stakeholders.

“The Coochiemudlo Island SEMP includes input from coastal engineering consultants, a community reference group and State Government departments.

“It highlights the underlying causes of shoreline erosion through an assessment of the coastal processes occurring on the foreshore and a consideration of the island’s environmental, cultural and economic values.

“Home to hundreds of residents and an abundance of native wildlife, Coochiemudlo Island is a special part of Redlands Coast and is surrounded by an Emerald Fringe, a natural green belt containing within it woodlands, caves, beaches and wetlands.

“Like all islands it is subject to shoreline erosion which studies have shown is primarily linked to storm events.”

Division 4 Councillor Lance Hewlett said Council would continue to update the community on the progress of implementing the SEMP’s recommended actions, which remained subject to Council’s annual budget development and budget prioritisation process.

“The adoption of the Coochiemudlo SEMP is a significant milestone,” Cr Hewlett said.

“It will be critical in enabling Council to continue to protect the beauty that is Coochiemudlo Island from coastal hazards.

“The island is the hidden gem of Redlands Coast. The Emerald Fringe is on Council’s schedule of local heritage places, and Norfolk Beach was where Captain Matthew Flinders landed on the island on 19 July 1799 – the first European to do so.

“I would like to thank members of the community reference group, drawn from a cross-section of the island community and representatives from Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, for their time and effort throughout the SEMP project.

“Coochiemudlo Island residents have had a fantastic win today, knowing their perspectives have been considered through the representation on this group.”

For more information and to read the Coochiemudlo Island SEMP, visit Council’s Your Say page.

RPAC hits the right note with launch of 2021 season


February 15, 2021

After a challenging year responding to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Redland Performing Arts Centre has started 2021 with a bang thanks to strong crowd numbers.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the RPAC team had worked tirelessly to bring a wealth of entertainment options for people of all ages and interests.

“Last year was devastating in terms of entertainment due to COVID restrictions, but RPAC has returned even stronger this year with both rescheduled and new events for everyone to enjoy,” she said.

“There are more than 30 shows on sale offering the best of the best in music, theatre, family, cabaret and circus.

“Sales are surpassing previous years, with more than 4500 tickets already sold.

“The team has done a great job rescheduling shows that had to be cancelled last year and releasing the program in four-month blocks to allow for the ever-changing environment we are currently in.

“So far the program for January to April (Act 1) has been released and I encourage everyone to take advantage of the great variety of entertainment on offer.

“In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the RPAC team also created a new mini concert series, Stage Sessions, a series of intimate concerts and cabarets, with a portion of profits going to the local artists who have performed.”

The 2021 season started with a sold-out performance from Redlands Coast’s own international singing star Mirusia on 13 February.

Mirusia has performed From the Heart in many countries but said it was special to perform it in her hometown.

“It just feels so right to have my first full-scale concert of the year in my hometown of Redlands Coast,” she said.

“In the last year I have returned to my roots and have spent a lot of time at home and I want to share these special feelings through music with my local ‘family’.”

Georgie Taylor, 18, of Thornlands created a one-woman personal comedy and song cabaret drawing on her dating experiences and performed to a capacity Stage Sessions crowd on February 11.

“Being on stage with the audience made everything come alive,” Ms Taylor said.

“Growing up in the area, I always regarded this as a big and professional space. It has been an incredible gift to have my own show here.”

Hannah Johnstone of Wellington Point and Mitch Luxton of Birkdale were also able to have their original band works heard in Radioceans on February 5.

“It was a good atmosphere and good fun,” Ms Johnstone said.

In another first, The Cleveland Film Company will hold the world cinematic premiere screening of its debut production, 5 Moons of Pluto, on Friday 19 February.

The short film written by Bradford Lee Walton was produced on Redlands Coast and showcases a local and South East Queensland cast and crew, and an original soundtrack recorded by Redland Sinfonia.

Other highlights at RPAC this year include:

  • The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
  • Margaret Fulton – The Musical
  • John Williamson
  • Cloudland the Musical
  • Rovers
  • Queensland Ballet

For more details on the 2021 season, visit the RPAC website.

TV series returns to Redlands Coast for Young Rock


February 15, 2021

Raby Bay Foreshore Park and a nearby canal residence were the latest Redlands Coast locations to be selected for new NBC Universal television series Young Rock.

Redland City Mayor Karen William said the filming took place at Sentinel Court, Raby Bay and a private home as part of the US series about the life of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.

“This is the latest in a long-list of credits for Redlands Coast locations, delivering much-needed economic activity and tourism opportunity,” Cr Williams said.

“The crew returned to Cleveland recently, after having already filmed at Capalaba, showing the versatility of local locations.”

Cr Williams said the Redlands Coast region had continued to prove attractive for filmmakers since the first major production, The Chronicles of Narnia, used local settings in 2010.

“Superstar Angelina Jolie then brought her Unbroken production to the bayside in 2013, with Pirates of the Caribbean landing in 2017,” Cr Williams said.

“During the next two years, Aquaman, Tidelands, Safe Harbour, Harrow, Reef Break and Love and Monsters all followed.

“Even last year, when Australia’s film and television industry was severely affected by shutdowns due to the COVID-19 restrictions, Eureka Productions chose the Redlands Coast for filming of Holey Moley.

“The hit TV entertainment series, now airing on Channel 7, contributed more than $1 million to the local economy.”

Afa and Sika, aka The Wild Samoans (John Tui and Fasitua Amosa), Little Dewey (Adrian Groulx), Ata Johnson (Stacey Leilua) and Rocky “Soulman” Johnson (Joseph Lee Anderson) on the set of Young Rock. Photo: Mark Taylor/NBC Universal.

Cr Williams said few locations could provide the same calibre of settings as the Redlands Coast – all within 35 minutes of Brisbane, half an hour from the Screen Queensland Studios at Hemmant and less than an hour to the Village Roadshow Studios at Helensvale.

“From calm water settings in Moreton Bay to our beaches and breathtaking vistas like the North Gorge Walk on North Stradbroke Island, Redlands Coast offers stunning locations and friendly communities all within our city boundary,” Cr Williams said.

“With our commitment to economic development, the Redlands Coast continues to build its reputation as an ideal location for international movie shoots and Australian television production. Council remains committed to fostering these relationships.”

Film and TV productions to have used Redlands Coast locations:

  • The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Walden Media, 2010
  • Unbroken, Legendary Pictures, 2013
  • Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Walt Disney Productions, 2017
  • Hoges, 2017
  • Aquaman, Warner Bros, 2018
  • Tidelands, Hoodlum Entertainment, 2018
  • Safe Harbour, Matchbox Pictures, 2018
  • Harrow (seasons one and two), Hoodlum Entertainment, 2017 and 2019
  • Reef Break, Wild Poppy Entertainment, 2019
  • Great White, Thrills & Spills, 2019
  • Love and Monsters, Paramount Players, 2020
  • Holey Moley, Eureka Productions, 2020

Young Rock received support from the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland.

 

Council community grants to help groups impacted by COVID-19


February 15, 2021

Applications are now open for Council grants to help Redlands Coast community and sporting groups which are still feeling the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the $400,000 funding pool would support local community organisations and their members as they recovered from the pandemic.

“We know there are still groups within our community struggling due to the pandemic and so we surveyed them to see how our grants program can best support their needs,” Cr Williams said.

“Based on this feedback the 2020-21 Community Grants Program has been revised to ensure it helps our local community groups do what they do best – support our residents.”

Grants up to $5000 will be available in two categories – Organisation Support (Sustainability) and Capital Infrastructure (Maintenance).

“The Sustainability grants aim to help community organisations and sporting clubs to stabilise and continue to operate over the following 12 month period,” Cr Williams said.

“The grants can be used to pay regular bills or operational costs, fund financial or strategic planning assistance, or for initiatives to increase membership.

“Maintenance grants will help organisations address urgent building compliance work for community facilities to meet relevant laws and codes.

“This could include minor structural repairs, pest management, fire safety and emergency equipment, or disability access.”

Cr Williams said eligible organisations were welcome to apply for both grants.

Applications for the 2020-21 Community Grants Program open today (15 February) and close on 28 March 2021.

Eligible items for Organisation Support (Sustainability) Grants include:

  • Payment of regular rates and other bills
  • Financial and strategic planning assistance (including accounting, business consultancy, legal services, human resources services and other business specific advisers)
  • Day to day operational costs (including staff wages, rent and insurances)
  • Initiatives designed to increase membership (including incentive programs, direct mail and other advertising)

Eligible items for Capital Infrastructure (Maintenance) Grants include:

  • Electrical infrastructure
  • Disability access and associated issues
  • Fire safety and emergency equipment
  • Replacement of residual-current devices (RCDs)
  • Minor structural repairs
  • Pest management
  • Renewal of Asbestos Management Plans (AMPs)

For information on eligibility criteria and how to apply for either of the grants, visit the online application portal on Redland City Council’s website.

New video showcases proposed Weinam Creek PDA master plan


February 8, 2021

Redland City Council has released a 3D flythrough video of the proposed Weinam Creek Priority Development Area (PDA) master plan, which is currently with the State Government for approval.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council was excited to showcase the proposed master plan and offer the community an opportunity to see the valuable infrastructure and community benefits expected from the completed project.

“The overall master plan will be delivered in stages, transforming the waterfront of Redland Bay,” she said.

“The project will provide much-needed community infrastructure for local families, improve the usability of the transport hub, attract visitors, create jobs, and drive economic development in the area.”

Council partnered with Council-owned subsidiary Redland Investment Corporation to deliver Stage 1 of the project, which was completed late last year.

This included a new footbridge and connecting pathways from the Moores Road car park to provide more direct access to the marina ferry terminal, accommodating foot traffic and bicycles as well as mobility scooters.

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the project would include increased ground level and multi-deck car parking facilities, with a mix of short and long-term options as well as allocated disability parking.

“Other features of the proposed plan include improved drop-off and storage facilities for Southern Moreton Bay Island residents, more than 21,000 sqm of new public open space, the rejuvenation of 46,920 sqm of existing parkland, new pedestrian and cycleways and the construction of a new public boat ramp,” Cr Edwards said.

“There is also expected to be mixed use and medium-density residential development, retail and commercial spaces including cafes, restaurants and grocery outlets, as well as a health precinct for mainland and island residents.”

State Member for Redlands Kim Richards said the proposed master plan was the catalyst for transformation of the waterfront precinct and gateway to the beautiful islands.

“The project will provide important amenity to enhance and create a vibrant precinct for our growing southern Redlands mainland and island communities,” she said.

“It will drive economic development and create a spectacular waterfront destination for locals and visitors to enjoy and celebrate our unique coastal and island lifestyle.”

Redland Investment Corporation will host a series of 18 Meet the Planner sessions in the Redlands Coast Lifestyle Information Centre at the Marina Ferry Terminal between February 15 and 25.

To book a session, and to view the flythrough video of the master plan, visit Redland City Council’s Your Say page.

The master plan has been lodged with Economic Development Queensland for assessment and approval.

There will be further opportunities for public comment and submissions during a public notification period in a couple of months.