Monthly Archives: May 2021

Planned burn scheduled – Tuesday 1 June 2021


May 31, 2021

Redland City Council’s Parks and Conservation crews will undertake a hazard reduction burn in a section of bushland within the Wallaby Creek Bushland Refuge at Sheldon on Tuesday 1 June 2021, weather conditions permitting.

The location of the burn area is off Summit Street – highlighted in yellow on the map.

The purpose of the burn is to reduce the volume of forest litter fuel, which will assist with hazard reduction – reducing the fire danger and providing conditions essential for native regeneration.

It is appreciated that this burn may cause some inconvenience, however all attempts will be made to limit any smoke hazards.

For more information about Council’s planned burn program, visit redland.qld.gov.au/PlannedBurns.

 

Building opening fires up Redland Bay SES Group


May 31, 2021

Redland Bay SES Group is now better equipped to respond to emergencies following the official opening of its new purpose-built home base (on Saturday 29 May 2021).

Redland City Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group chair Karen Williams said the $1.735 million facility at Redland Bay Business Park was the result of a long-term plan to better equip and streamline SES services for all Redlands Coast residents.

“Now, with a well-equipped base, Redland Bay SES Group can provide a more cohesive service to the southern part of the city,” Cr Williams said.

“Our Redland City SES crews are known for being among the best in the state and we’ve been reminded of that throughout the year, particularly during the March rain event when they responded to a total of 131 call-outs for help during a 24-hour period.

“But the requirement that all mainland crews be tasked out of Cleveland for a unit response meant there was a 40 to 50-minute turnaround time for those working in the southern end of the city.

“This new facility means the community can have confidence that help is closer to hand when it’s needed.”

Cr Mark Edwards, Cr Julie Talty, Mayor Karen Williams, QFES Acting Assistant Commissioner Brad Commens and Member for Redlands Kim Richards.

Cr Williams said the building on Jardine Drive was bought by Council last year and had a floor space of 512 sqm on a 1250 sqm block.

“That’s substantially larger than the shed used to house Redland Bay SES Group at Weinam Creek,” she said.

“The space has allowed for a fitout that includes an extra control room, training room, communications room, a staging area and parking onsite, as well as a kitchen, toilets and showers, and a storeroom.

“The Redland Bay operations will also provide extra support to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands SES Group and the building can be used as a staging area for incoming crews if required.”

Division 6 Councillor Julie Talty said a snapshot of activities carried out by Redland City SES crews since January indicated the facility would be well used.

“In one of the recent nine land searches conducted, Redland City SES led a search involving hundreds of SES members over a three-week period looking for a missing elderly man,” Cr Talty said.

“There have been 216 storm damage tasks recorded since January, as well as deployment of our local SES teams to other parts of Australia to help with disaster responses.

“In March, a four-person team from Redland City SES joined the taskforce sent to Taree to assist with the NSW flood response, while in April members were sent to Western Australia to assist with storm damage operations that resulted from Cyclone Seroja.”

State Member for Redlands Kim Richards said: “Our Redlands SES Unit does an incredible job keeping our community safe and we are very fortunate to have one of Queensland’s most highly awarded units.

“This new facility will deliver the Redland Bay SES Group with the space, equipment and environment they need to continue to support our growing region.

“It is a great partnership by Redland City Council and the Queensland Government supporting our Redlands SES frontline personnel into the future to keep Redlanders safe.”

Cr Williams said Redland City SES Unit had 169 active members, 53 of them from the Redland Bay Group.

“It’s wonderful that we can now provide a more fitting home base suited to the excellent frontline work they do,” she said.

“The facility will also include warehouse space for vehicle and equipment storage and it’s large enough to house all the SES vehicles, boats, trailers and equipment.

“There will be areas to wash down vehicles, to do basic equipment maintenance, and there is a lockable storage area for portable items such as chainsaws, generators, ropes and harnesses.”

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services provided a grant of $75,000 towards the fit-out of the building, and Redland Emergency Service Volunteer Association committed $40,000 towards the fit-out, furniture and fittings.

Celebrate World Environment Day at IndigiScapes’ Environment and Community Fair


May 28, 2021

Celebrate this year’s World Environment Day at IndigiScapes’ Environment and Community Fair on Saturday 5 June. Entry is free.

Mayor Karen Williams said the Environment and Community Fair was one of the first major public events to be hosted at the expanded Redlands IndigiScapes Centre, which has been subject to various COVID-related restrictions since its reopening.

“As Redland City Council’s centre for environmental education, IndigiScapes is a much loved community asset that generations of Redlands Coast locals and visitors have visited and loved,” Cr Williams said.

“We are very proud of the upgrades that have been made, including the refurbishment of the buildings, interpretive centre and café, and improvement and relocation of the native plant nursery.”

“World Environment Day is a very fitting time to invite our community to rediscover all IndigiScapes has to offer while enjoying the Covid-safe, fun fair atmosphere.”

Ranger Stacey will MC the day

Division 7 Cr Rowanne McKenzie said there would be plenty on offer to keep the whole family engaged.

“Along with the eco markets, there will be environment and sustainability-themed speakers and information, free outdoor family activities, live entertainment and delicious food available from the café and food vans,” she said.

Councillor Williams said visitors would also be able to meet local wildlife as well as Council’s new environmental ambassador Ranger Stacey, who will be MC for the day.

“We’re so excited that Stacey has joined our team. Like us, she is passionate about Redlands Coast and is happy to chat about Council’s environmental programs and services,” Cr Williams said.

“Please make her welcome by coming to say hello.”

EVENT DETAILS

Environment and Community Fair
When: Saturday 5 June 2021, 9am to 2pm
Where: Redlands IndigiScapes Centre, 17 Runnymede Rd, Capalaba
Free entry.
Additional parking accessible via the Nursery entry or Lyndon Road and Korawal Street.

• Celebrate World Environment Day
• Meet Ranger Stacey and local wildlife
• Engage with environmental and community organisations and speakers
• Nursery open for native plant sales and advice
• Learn about Council programs and services
• Enjoy the Eco Markets, suitcase rummage and rack sale
• Free outdoor family activities, nature craft, art and face painting
• Enjoy entertainment and live music
• IndigiCafe open plus food and coffee vans.

More information: indigiscapes.redland.qld.gov.au

Planned burn scheduled – Friday 28 May 2021


May 28, 2021

Redland City Council’s Parks and Conservation crews will undertake a hazard reduction burn in a section of bushland within the Birkdale Bushland Refuge on Friday 28 May 2021, weather conditions permitting.

The location of the burn area is 88-106 Burbank Road – highlighted in yellow on the map.

The purpose of the burn is to reduce the volume of forest litter fuel, which will help reduce the fire danger and provide conditions essential for native regeneration.

Preparation of the site was undertaken in the lead up to the date of the burn, and consisted of clearing around significant logs and habitat trees.

It is appreciated that this burn may cause some inconvenience, however all attempts will be made to limit any smoke hazards.

For more information about Council’s planned burn program, visit redland.qld.gov.au/PlannedBurns.

Council lights up historic Cleveland Point lighthouse


May 27, 2021

The historic Cleveland Point lighthouse has become a well-lit beacon once again with the installation of programmable coloured lighting.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the lighthouse was already an iconic Redlands Coast attraction and the lighting would further enhance its popularity.

“The lighthouse was built about 1865 and is the only remaining timber-structured, timber-clad 19th century lighthouse in Moreton Bay,” she said.

“It is a popular photo backdrop for visitors to Cleveland Point Reserve, often features in the media and on live television crosses for weather reports and is a recognizable part of Redlands Coast.

“Council has now added programmable lights to the base of the lighthouse and feature lighting on the upper deck.

“While on most nights the lighting will remain cool white, in homage to its historic past, there will be an option to change the colour to support special causes, for example pink for breast cancer awareness month or orange to support our SES volunteers.”

Mayor Karen Williams and Cr Peter Mitchell at Cleveland Point lighthouse.

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell, who supported the $100,000 project with funding through the Community Infrastructure Program, said there had been strong community support to light up the lighthouse.

“Residents told me they wanted to see it lit up, to highlight the fact it is the only clearly visible reminder of Cleveland Point’s role in the early shipping on Moreton Bay,” Cr Mitchell said.

“Cleveland Point Reserve is one of Redlands Coast’s destination parks, popular with families and for wedding ceremonies, and lighting up the lighthouse will make it even more attractive to residents and visitors.

“The lighthouse may no longer serve as a navigational aid for coastal steamers on the bay, but I am sure it will prove an irresistible beacon for land-based travellers.”

The park near the lighthouse has also received an upgrade, worth about $220,000, with the installation of new double barbecues which are wheelchair-accessible from all sides, up-lighting to trees, the addition of a spinner to the play area, and new bollards, signage and bins.

Community feedback to inform vision for Birkdale Community Precinct


May 27, 2021

Redland City Council today voted to develop a vision for Birkdale Community Precinct, based on a huge response from the community.

Mayor Karen Williams thanked the community for having its say on ideas for the 62ha site, including younger residents who Council heard from in greater proportion than it usually does for Council engagements.

“We heard from all age groups, saw some 3,000 people visit the site for open days; had more than 25,000 interactions online; 1600 surveys completed; about 700 people attending pop-ups across the city; and held a series of ideas forums involving school students, youth groups and interested stakeholders, community groups and organisations,” Cr Williams said.

“The community engagement has provided a clear, well-rounded picture of what the community wants and expects for the transformation of the site, which will be a project spanning 25 years.”

The vision will incorporate five core themes into a future community-use precinct: environment/ecology; adventure/recreation; heritage/history; education/discovery; and agriculture/rural tradition.

Cr Williams said the core themes would be the building blocks for a world-class precinct that would serve Redlands Coast for generations to come.

“We received a strong response to our call for people to tell us what they wanted to see as part of what is one of the most exciting projects ever proposed on Redlands Coast,” she said.

“The community told us they wanted picnic facilities, cycling and walking paths and circuits, access to Tingalpa Creek and natural areas, café and dining areas, community markets, camping and overnight stays, an amphitheatre and performance spaces, education and training facilities, paddock to plate, wildlife tourism and night walks.

“They supported the concept of a Redlands Coast Adventure Sports Precinct – including an Olympic-standard pool, Olympic-standard canoe slalom whitewater facility that could serve as a venue should Brisbane be selected as host of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, water play and adventure sports facilities.

“They also saw preserving the natural environment and our heritage as priorities.

“I thank the thousands of people who participated in the consultation for their invaluable submissions. This feedback has, and will continue to be, of enormous assistance in guiding us during the planning stages.”

Cr Williams said Council would continue to consult the community in the development of the precinct, including significant community engagement on a draft master plan.

An analysis of feedback data from the first round of consultation showed 17 per cent (approximately one in six) Redlands Coast households indicated an interest in the project by visiting the Birkdale Community Precinct Your Say page.

Eighty-eight per cent of respondents to the engagement were Redlands Coast residents, approximately three in four Birkdale households visited Council’s Your Say web page to seek information about the proposed development of the site and, importantly, all suburbs were represented in survey responses and submissions.

Cr Williams said Birkdale Community Precinct provided a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Council to develop a community-use area catering to the diverse tastes of the community and the uses they envisaged for the site.

“It presents the opportunity to create a world-class precinct that could drive employment, boost local and regional economies, become a significant drawcard for tourism and shine an even brighter light on the naturally wonderful Redlands Coast,” she said.

“The site has identified environmental, cultural and historical significance, which will be protected.

“This is a large precinct that has space for many exciting projects that would enhance lifestyle and benefit communities and economies, as well as bring forward important transport infrastructure.”

A dedicated Redlands Coast Your Say page was at the centre of the campaign.

It featured extensive facts about the site along Old Cleveland Road East at Birkdale, as well as videos, detailed commissioned reports, a virtual tour and the survey portal.

“It is evident the five themes that formed the basis of the engagement have all resonated with the community,” Cr Williams said.

“The huge response was staggering.

“It shows that the community really has a sense of ownership over this land and are genuinely interested in what it could become, not only for themselves, but for generations to come.”

For more information on Birkdale Community Precinct, go to: yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/imagine

For the agenda from today’s Council meeting, go to: 27 May 2021 Agenda

Redland City Council to start smoke testing


May 27, 2021

Redland City Council will begin its sanitary drain smoke-testing program in the Alexandra Hills area in June.

The non-toxic smoke, which doesn’t smell like fire, will be blown into sewer maintenance holes to check the city’s wastewater network for defects, damage or illegal connections.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council’s contractor Veolia would need access to some properties during this time but there would be no interruption to services.

“All authorised officers will carry identification cards that will be produced on request,” Cr Williams said.

Affected residents will be advised in advance and there will be no need to be at your home during the inspection, however please contact Council if there are any access issues, such as dogs or security gates. If your property has a maintenance hole, please ensure there is clear access.

Cr Williams said emergency services were aware of the smoke testing, which was part of Council’s ongoing commitment to improving community infrastructure.

“The smoke flows through the sewer and will escape through sewer maintenance holes and sewer vents, which are often on the roof of your property, so if it does smell like smoke and you are concerned, please don’t ignore it as the smoke used in the program is similar to that used in special effects and doesn’t smell like smoke from a fire,” Cr Williams said.

Smoke testing is used to find where stormwater is entering the sewerage system and causing wet weather overflows. It can also identify any illegal or incorrect stormwater connections, as well as cracks or breaks in pipes which can result in stormwater entering sewer pipes, leading to potential flooding and sewage overflows.

Affected areas

Zone 1

  • Montgomery Drive from No 39 to McMillan Road
  • Lincoln Close
  • Holborn Court
  • Doncaster Place
  • Elina Court
  • Justin Court
  • Normanby Street
  • Dean road
  • Dawson Road
  • Ludmilla place
  • Greenlea Place
  • Flowers Street
  • Eton Court
  • Trent circuit
  • Caleedonia Crescent
  • Cromwell Court
  • Kingsbury Court
  • Stonebridge Street
  • Middleton Court
  • Pembroke Court

Zone 2

  • Mcdonald Road no 143 to McMillan Road
  • Sylvania Street
  • Leah court
  • Jasper Street
  • Cherry Street
  • Amethyst Street
  • Sapphire Drive
  • Jade Court
  • Gem Close
  • Emerald Street
  • Agate Court
  • Amber Place
  • Andamooka Place
  • Opal Court
  • Ruby Street
  • Diamond Street
  • Garnet Street
  • Topaz Streetr
  • Allenby Road No 105 to McMillan Road
  • McMillan Road – Allenby Road to Mcdonald Road including 8-56

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zone 3

  • Finucane Road – Allenby Road to Mcdonald Road
  • Sallows Street
  • Birch Street
  • Muir Court
  • Somerset Street
  • Westminster Avenue
  • Hefferman Road
  • Hunter Street
  • Hielscher Street
  • Cook Street
  • Lawrence cout
  • Johnson Street
  • Sussex Street
  • O’Gorman Street
  • Winchester Street
  • Cochrane Street No 3 to 27 and No 2 to 20
  • Osmond Street
  • Bedford Court
    Maclean Court
  • Suthurst Court
  • Payne Court
  • Belgravia Street
  • Andrew Court
  • Winchester Road up to 29 and 44

Birkdale conservation area to be named Jack Rosa Urban Habitat


May 21, 2021

Redland City Council is to name a Birkdale conservation area in memory of local identity Jack Rosa.

Mayor Karen Williams said the parkland at 44-56 Randall Road, Birkdale, would be named the Jack Rosa Urban Habitat after the late farmer from Italy who had a long history of giving back to the community that he maintained had given so much to him.

“Ciriaco Rosa, known as Jack Rosa, left behind many significant contributions to Redlands Coast that are greatly acknowledged and appreciated,” Cr Williams said.

“Born in Taurasi in southern Italy, Mr Rosa was the eldest of eight children. During his years in Italy he became a policeman and fought in World War II, earning the Italian War Merit Cross on the Adriatic frontline.

“He immigrated to Australia in 1952, and was married by proxy two years later with his brother Pippino standing in for him back in Italy. His wife Virginia, known as Gina, soon moved to Australia so they could be together. They had grown up in neighbouring villages in Italy.

“The Rosas ran a seven-hectare farm on Bailey Road, Birkdale, where they grew and sold various mixed crops, including grapes, tomatoes and cucumbers. Mr Rosa maintained that he would give back to his new country that had given him so much, and duly dedicated himself to charity work.”

Mayor Karen Williams, Pia Rosa (holding a photo of her late father Jack Rosa), Cr Tracey Huges and Dino Rosa.

Mr Rosa was heavily involved with the Capalaba Lions Club, serving as President at one stage. He also joined Meals on Wheels and was the instigator for building one large kitchen in Capalaba to improve conditions.

“He was a strong advocate and was one of the first to highlight the need for an ambulance, police and fire service in Capalaba; and advocated for the building of a Girl Guide hut in the area; as well as the Capalaba Bowls Club,” Cr Williams said.

“He was also involved in the Redlands District Committee of the Ageing (RDCOTA), serving as Treasurer for 14 years; the Handicapped Association; the Community Assistance for Italians (Coasit); the St Anthony’s Catholic Parish at Alexandra Hills; and he was one of the first members of the Redland Sporting Club.”

The 16,644-square-metre conservation area that will be named Jack Rosa Urban Habitat was established as part of Redland Investment Corporation’s reconfiguration of 521 Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale, for a multiple-dwelling development.

Division 8 Councillor Tracey Huges, who met with members of the local community and Mr Rosa’s family, said she quickly identified that he was a prominent resident who offered years of significant contribution to Redlands Coast.

“The naming of the area after him would be an appropriate way to honour his legacy,” Cr Huges said.

“Mr Rosa and his wife remained living on an urban block on Randall Road after selling their farm in 1972.

“His wonderful and tireless work for the community was recognised many times by Redland City Council. He was also the recipient of a Centenary Medal from the prime minister in 1988, while in August 2018, he received his 50-year medallion for his services to Capalaba Lions Club.”

Mr Rosa’s beloved wife Gina died in April 2018 at the age of 85. He died eight months later, on December 24, 2018. He was 94.

Council has resolved to install signage at the Randall Road site to reflect the approved name of Jack Rosa Urban Habitat.

Council urges action during National Reconciliation Week


May 21, 2021

Redland City Council is encouraging residents to take action during National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June 2021).

Mayor Karen Williams said this year’s theme – ‘More than a word. Reconciliation takes action’ – is aligned with Council’s commitment to advance reconciliation, both internally and across Redlands Coast.

“Council has already undertaken significant work to advance our reconciliation process, but there is still much to do,” she said.

“In late 2019 Council launched its first internal Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), Kanara Malara – One People 2019-2021, which formalised a vision and set of principles to guide us in our reconciliation efforts.

“The RAP also included an agenda of actions outlining the practical things we can do to advance reconciliation within our organisation.”

Actions completed as a result of the RAP include:

  • Implementation of employee cultural awareness training.
  • Commissioned Indigenous artwork – reproductions of Kanara Malara, by Quandamooka artist Joshua Walker, are displayed throughout all Council facilities as a permanent reminder of our reconciliation journey.
  • Acknowledgement of Country signs are displayed in prominent Council meeting rooms.
  • All staff are encouraged to commence meetings with Acknowledgement to Country as standard meeting procedure.
  • Acknowledgement of traditional custodians the Quandamooka people appears in major Council strategies and publications including Corporate Plan, Operational Plan and Annual Report.
  • A Kanara Malara – One People artwork wrap on a library van.
  • The dual-naming of 10 Council meeting rooms to include the Jandai language.
  • Kanara Malara shirts available to staff members.

“Council is committed to growing awareness and knowledge of our Quandamooka People in particular and, more generally, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture,” Cr Williams said.

“We see our RAP as a stepping stone to future reconciliation action plans, setting in place a framework for broader external reconciliation activities.

“Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and a nation.

“During National Reconciliation Week, I encourage everyone to consider what action they can take on that journey as they connect with and enjoy local cultural opportunities.”

Council events held during and around National Reconciliation Week include:

Redland City Council Libraries

2 June – More than a Word: Brett Nutley in Conversation with Margie Kennedy, Cleveland Library, 12-1pm. Council’s Indigenous Partnerships and Programs Coordinator Brett Nutley chats with COOEE Indigenous Family and Community Education Centre’s Margie Kennedy about this year’s theme and what reconciliation means for Indigenous Australians. Bookings are essential.

3 June – Quandamooka Dance with Matt Burns, Capalaba Library, 9.30am-10am. This free event is part of the First 5 Forever program. Bookings are essential.

Redland Art Gallery

16 May to 18 July – Response: Carol McGregor, RAG Cleveland. The artist, of Wathaurung and Scottish descent, reflects on what was here, looked after and used as a resource before colonisation.

16 May to 18 July – Fragments: A Printed Environment by Tamika Grant-Iramu, RAG Cleveland. The artist uses printmaking to reimagine natural forms that exist within diverse urban and suburban contexts.

19 May to 11 July – First Nations textiles from the RAG Collection, Redland Performing Arts Centre mezzanine.

Redland Performing Arts Centre

4-6 June – Redlands Coast Art Fair on Quandamooka Country. More than 90 works from four local art groups, and three ticketed Masterclasses with professional artists.

For more information on these events, visit Council’s What’s On webpage or the Redland Art Gallery website.

Council to call for expressions of interest for short stay facility for RVs


May 20, 2021

Redland City Council will progress investigations for short stay facilities for self-contained recreational vehicles (RVs) and caravans on Redlands Coast by inviting expressions of interest (EOI) from community and not-for-profit organisations.

Mayor Karen Williams said the move, adopted at this week’s General Meeting, followed finalisation of an Economic Needs Assessment (ENA) which found there was a definite need for, and clear economic benefits from, a short-stay facility for RVs.

The ENA identified a preferred operational model, and 20 potential sites on private and public land.

“The RV traveller market has been identified as one of the fastest growing tourism sectors in the last 15 years and we need to ensure our naturally wonderful Redlands Coast caters for the needs of this market,” Cr Williams said.

“These low-cost basic camping grounds are planned for short stays of three to five days for self-contained RVs and caravans.

“While the sites may generally provide base infrastructure it is not required that they include all the services of a caravan park such as toilets, showers, camp kitchen, laundry or kiosk facilities.

“The recommendation is that it be a permanent all-year-round facility, and that Council outsource the operation and management to a not-for-profit or community organisation, preferably one with ‘branding’ to ensure confidence in terms of the standard of visitor experience.

“It’s also important to note that such a facility is not expected to unduly impact on current caravan parks and Council will continue to support and work with existing commercial campground and caravan park operators.”

The ENA estimated there was demand for a facility accommodating between 20 and 25 RVs and caravans.

“The assessment showed that even a small facility could attract an extra 4100 visitors to our region each year, spending an extra $130,000 with our local businesses and tourism operators,” Cr Williams said.

“These flow-on benefits could increase if the facility was managed by a well-known branded not-for-profit or community organisation on a site close to shops, dining and entertainment with good access to the bay, and a curated experience to tourist attractions on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) and the mainland.”

Council has developed a fact sheet to assist not-for-profit and community organisations that may be interested in providing suitable short-term stay options.

The timing of the EOI process is subject to resource availability. A report outlining the outcomes of the process will be brought back to a future Council meeting.