Monthly Archives: March 2022

Applications for State disaster assistance grants close on 1 April


March 28, 2022

Eligible Redlands Coast residents impacted by the recent severe weather have until Friday 1 April to apply for two grants under the State Government’s Personal Hardship Assistance Scheme.

The State Government activated the grants for Redland City Council residents experiencing hardship as a result of the extreme weather event which occurred in late February and early March.

There are a number of grants available:

  • Emergency Hardship Assistance: $180 per person (up to $900 for a family of five or more) for people who are unable to meet their immediate essential needs for temporary accommodation, food, essential clothing and medication.
  • Essential Services Hardship Assistance: $150 per person (up to $750 for a family of five or more) for people who have experienced the loss of one or more essential services for more than five days.

More information on the Personal Hardship Assistance Scheme and how to apply is available on the Queensland Government website.

Council sandbagging stations open ahead of severe weather


March 28, 2022

Redland City Council has opened sandbagging stations for the community following Bureau of Meteorology forecasts for heavy rain that is expected to continue into Tuesday.

Please note: enclosed shoes must be worn at all Council sandbagging stations.

The sandbagging stations will be open at the following times and locations:

Council Depot Cleveland – 199-205 South St, Cleveland – Click here for directions

Council staff will be onsite to assist. Sand, bags and shovels will be supplied.

  • Open today, Monday 28 March until 6pm
  • Open Tuesday 29 March: 7am to 6pm

The following 24-hour self-service sandbagging stations will be open from 10am today, Monday 28 March.

Council Depot Dunwich – 11-37 Mitchell Cres, Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island – Click here for directions
Outside the Redland City Council Depot, 11-37 Mitchell Crescent, Dunwich. Sand and bags supplied. Please take your own shovel.

Council Depot Russell Island – 6 Cambridge Rd, Russell Island – Click here for directions
Outside the Council Depot on Cambridge Road. Sand and bags supplied. Please take your own shovel.

Council Depot Macleay Island – 22-24 Scarborough Rd, Macleay Island – Click here for directions
Outside the Council Depot on Scarborough Terrace. Sand and bags supplied. Please take your own shovel.

Residents on Coochiemudlo, Lamb and Karragarra islands can collect sandbags from the following locations:

Lamb Island Rural Fire Station – 12 Lucas Drive, Lamb Island

Karragarra Rural Fire Brigade – 11 Noyes Road, Karragarra Island

Coochie Men’s Shed – 54-45 Elizabeth Street, Coochiemudlo Island – available from Monday afternoon.

Information on how to properly use sandbags, including filling them, can be found on the SES website.

Do you need assistance?

Call the SES on 132 500 to log a job, which will be prioritised and tasked. This will help ensure our most vulnerable in the community are addressed as a priority.

Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if the situation is life-threatening.

Call Energex on 13 19 62 to report fallen powerlines. Remember to stay clear and warn others.

Call Council on 3829 8999 to report fallen branches on public spaces across the city.

Please be mindful of conditions when outdoors. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advise that people should:

  • Never drive, walk or ride through flood waters. If it’s flooded, forget it.
  • Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
  • Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.
  • Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.

For the latest advice and emergency warnings:

Council grants help local groups run Youth Week events


March 28, 2022

Redland City Council has provided funding to help four local not-for-profit youth organisations run free events during Queensland Youth Week (1-11 April 2022).

Mayor Karen Williams said Council was pleased to support the organisations through Redlands Coast Youth Week Grants of up to $1500.

“Council recognises that young people make a significant contribution to our city and we are committed to ensuring they have safe spaces to meet, things to do and that they feel connected to their community.

“These grants, which Council is offering for the second year, recognise the great work our local organisations do in supporting our young people and will help them to deliver a free event or activity during Queensland Youth Week.

“We are pleased with the range of activities being held, from paint and sip events to a movie night, skate park jam and an outdoor event with an obstacle course.”

The successful Redlands Coast Youth Week Grant recipients and their funded activities are:

  • Redland Community Centre in Capalaba is running two paint and sip (Cocoa and Canvas) events for young people aged 18-25 years on 7 and 8 April.
  • YMCA is holding a Skate Park Jam at Cascade Gardens skate park in Victoria Point on 6 April and an Amplify Jam Night at the LINK (YMCA Vocational School) on 8 April, aimed at young people aged 15-25 years.
  • Redlands PCYC in partnership with the Queensland Police Service will be running a pizza and movie night on the Dunwich State School oval on 6 April.
  • The Cage Youth Foundation at Redland Bay will hold a fun day on 5 April for those aged 12-18, with soccer darts, an obstacle course, grab the flag nerf game and an art space activity.

All events are free. For more information, contact the organisations direct.

Ideas developing for Birkdale Community Precinct


March 25, 2022

A total of nine Redlands Coast groups have been successful in gaining seed funding to help develop their ideas for community-focussed activities at Birkdale Community Precinct.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the variety and creativity of the proposals submitted to the pilot Birkdale Community Partnerships Program were an exciting reminder of the multitude of uses the 62-hectare site would boast going forward.

“The successful applicants will now work on their concepts to a stage where they can be tested onsite at this year’s upcoming Birkdale Community Precinct Info Days,” Cr Williams said.

“From visual art to virtual reality, from cycling to recycling, the ideas really enforce the aim of this program, which is to achieve positive long-term social, environmental and economic impacts from the community’s interaction with the precinct now and over generations to come.

“This collaboration between Council and community is among plans being created for the community to get onto, use and enjoy Birkdale Community Precinct as opportunities arise.”

Seed funding amounts of $500 to $1000 for community groups and $2000 for schools and youth groups were available.

The successful applicants and their areas of interest are:

COMMUNITY GROUPS

  • Bayside District Amateur Radio Society (interactive radio communications)
  • Redland Bayside Child & Family Support Hub / Playgroup Qld (ecology-based activities)
  • EcoUnity (observation tower proposal)
  • Redland Museum (theatrical presentation)
  • Rotary Club of Cleveland (recycling and sustainability)

SCHOOL/YOUTH GROUPS

  • TRACTION (bicycle recycling and youth empowerment)
  • Wellington Point State High School (visual arts installation)
  • Australian Industry Trade College (virtual reality in trade sector)
  • Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club (fitness, recreation and celebrating Tingalpa Creek)

For the latest updates about Birkdale Community Precinct, visit Council’s Your Say website

Popular Redlands Coast parks re-open


March 23, 2022

Two of Redlands Coast’s best loved parks – Capalaba Regional Park and Mount Cotton Community Park – have re-opened following work to repair damage from recent flooding.

Redland City Mayor and chair of the Redland Local Disaster Management Group Karen Williams said both parks were extensively damaged and among the worst affected on Redlands Coast in late February and early March, with Council crews working through access and supply issues to restore grounds, gardens and equipment.

“Our parks teams have done an amazing job getting the repairs done to these parks in time for residents to enjoy this week, including removing and replacing around 400 tonnes of sand softfall to ensure the safety of youngsters playing in the parks,” Cr Williams said.

“Our crews have also been working in other parks across the city to mow the grass and are prioritising maintenance in high-use parks with playgrounds, as well as sports fields.”

Division 9 Councillor Adelia Berridge said that while Capalaba Regional Park was back in business, some work would continue to ensure it was in top shape.

“The clean-up was a big job, with Council’s crews restoring damaged gardens and then ensuring all playground equipment and furniture were fixed and properly washed and sanitised,” Cr Berridge said.

“Some work, however, is continuing so please be patient.”

Division 6 Councillor Julie Talty said while Mount Cotton Community Park was again open, repairs to the viewing platform would continue.

“We expect this should be done by the weekend, all going well,” Cr Talty said.

“The rest of this great park is now back in top shape, with the play equipment and benches now cleaned and sanitised and tonnes of softfall removed and replaced.”

Both parks have been inspected by independent safety accreditors.

Posted in Parks and tagged .

Potential waste recycling opportunity through SEQ City Deal


March 23, 2022

Three South East Queensland Councils have joined forces to deliver a regional recycling facility that could start construction next year and divert tonnes of waste from landfill.

The $1.8 billion SEQ City Deal announced on Monday will support a raft of waste reform and infrastructure, with the potential for projects to include an innovative plan from Logan, Ipswich and Redland City Councils (SEQ sub-regional waste alliance) to build a regional Material Recovery Facility (MRF).

The proposed facility, which is estimated at around $30 million, could handle up to 60,000 tonnes of recycling annually.

Alliance Steering Committee Chair and Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the signing of the SEQ City Deal showed support at all levels of government for a collaborative approach to waste reduction, providing the alliance added confidence in its recent decision to progress to a formal tender for the regional facility.

Waste Alliance partners, from left, Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding, Redland Mayor Karen Williams and Logan Mayor Darren Power.

“The ink may be barely dry on the SEQ City Deal, but there is no time to ‘waste’, so we are moving ahead with our plans for a regional recycling facility we know will deliver real benefits for our communities,” Cr Harding said.

“This is a positive initiative to give our Councils greater control in recycling. With new technology and improved processes, our communities can play a leading role in diverting more waste away from landfill.

“The community, and in particular our younger residents, will be able to see first-hand how the items in their yellow recycling bins are sorted and processed through the facility’s innovative education room and viewing platform.

“We have been working on this project since 2018 and knowing the City Deal has now been signed, we are keen to partner with the State and Federal governments in the hope of breaking ground on this exciting project next year.

“This regional MRF will support the broader South East Queensland Waste Management Plan, delivering potential benefits for the broader region.”

City of Logan Mayor Darren Power said the MRF facility will create local jobs and potentially save money for ratepayers.

“The project promises plenty of jobs during construction and ongoing once the facility is up and running, which is a great thing for the region, state and nation,” Cr Power said.

“Building our own MRF will mean recyclables can be processed and sorted in Logan. They will then be made available to local businesses in the region and will take us closer to the zero-waste future we all aspire to.

“Not only are there environmental benefits but there will be potential cost savings over the long term which will benefit ratepayers.”

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the finalisation of the City Deal provided the ideal foundation to move to the next phase of this regional collaboration.

“Waste is one of the largest challenges facing our communities, and by working together we know we can deliver for our residents now and in the future,” Cr Williams said.

“The SEQ City Deal includes $105 million for regional waste projects and initiatives, providing the perfect opportunity to deliver this innovative and modern facility.

“We know there is still plenty of work to do and we aim to work with the State and Federal governments to deliver this unique project.

“We would also like to congratulate the State and Federal governments, as well as our Council of Mayors colleagues, for committing to much needed waste reform in the SEQ City Deal, a commitment that will deliver a more sustainable future for our region along with exciting economic and environmental benefits for our communities.”

BACKGROUND:

Currently all three Councils, which represent more than 700,000 residents, are transferring recyclables to a contractor based in Port of Brisbane for sorting.

The regional MRF, to be situated in the Browns Plains Waste and Recycling Facility in the City of Logan, will sort recycled material collected in yellow lid recycling bins.

The Browns Plains site offers environmental and economic benefits. It was chosen because of its size, central location to all Councils, proximity to existing infrastructure, and appropriately zoned land ready to accommodate this type of facility.

The Alliance was formed in 2018 to investigate joint procurement options in response to changes in waste policy, taking into consideration the move to a zero-waste future and reducing landfill, as well as increasing restrictions on exporting kerbside recyclables to overseas markets.

Building a sub-regional MRF would benefit the wider South East Queensland (SEQ) region and complements the Council of Mayors South East Queensland (COMSEQ) SEQ Waste Management Plan.

The tender process is expected to be finalised mid-year.

Keep the kids busy these school holidays with a range of activities


March 23, 2022

Redland City Council is hosting a range of activities to keep children occupied over the Easter school holidays (2-18 April 2022).

Mayor Karen Williams said the activities were designed to entertain children of all ages and interests.

“Council has a jam-packed program of activities for kids these school holidays, including beading and diamond art craft sessions, a puppet show and musical theatre classes,” Cr Williams said.

“This year’s first Eco Market is being held at Redlands IndigiScapes Centre, offering families a chance to meet Council environment teams, discover bush trails, browse market stalls and learn about cane toads and their impacts on native frogs.

“Kick off the morning with a breakfast talk at the IndigiCafe with Global Permaculture and Co-Founder of Brisbane’s Northey Street City Farm and Community Garden, Morag Gamble – bookings are essential.

“IndigiScapes’ native community nursey will be open for native plant advice and sales.

“If you have unwanted clothes, shoes or accessories, be sure to register for the market’s suitcase rummage and rack sale, or join the hunt for a bargain.

“IndigiScapes is also hosting a weed weaving workshop and a new and exciting Pop Up Play Group session focussing on child-led imagination and outside play, a hands-on workshop that explores the world of bugs and critters.”

The mainland Council libraries at Cleveland, Victoria Point and Capalaba have programmed activities to suit children aged from 0 to 15 years.

“Activities include beading and diamond mosaic workshops, a seaside-themed puppet show, family movies and an Easter scavenger hunt and basket-making session,” Cr Williams said.

“A STEAM gardening workshop will also be held on the first two Saturdays of the school holidays, where kids will design an eco-friendly recyclable plant pot and learn plant care tips to nurture their seedlings.”

Redland Art Gallery (RAG) is offering two workshops at its Cleveland gallery, including sessions where children can learn how to make embossed clay vessels, and teens can create printmaking art.

These Easter holidays, Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) is launching a four-day intensive musical theatre workshop for children and young adults aged 10 to 21 years.

“The all-immersive and entertaining Redlands Musical Theatre Summer School (Autumn Edition) encompasses singing masterclasses, dance intensives, acting workshops, performance technique and audition sessions,” Cr Williams said.

“Led by a team of art educators, performers and industry contacts, participants will end the workshop with performing a live show on the RPAC stage and even leave with their own professionally photographed headshot for that next big audition.”

Bookings are essential for most activities as numbers are limited.

Visit Council’s website for more details on events at libraries and IndigiScapes, or to sign up for the Redlands Musical Theatre Summer School, visit RPAC’s website.

Council prioritises potholes and mowing after heavy rain


March 22, 2022

Redland City Council crews have been out in force repairing potholes and mowing long grass following last month’s heavy rainfall.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council was prioritising its resources to ensure roads, parks and open spaces were safe for all users.

“Heavy rainfall, like that experienced across all of south east Queensland at the end of February, can cause damage to local roads,” Cr Williams said.

“On Redlands Coast this included not only a large number of potholes, but a high volume of debris, road shoulder damage, some damage from flooded roads around stormwater structures, and scouring and rutting to unsealed gravel roads on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.”

Cr Williams said Council received 114 reports of road damage following the heavy rain, and 90 of those were for potholes.

“Once it was safe to do so, Council roads crews prioritised the removal of debris and repairing potholes,” she said.

“The majority of the potholes were repaired between March 1 and 4 and, since then, about 140 work orders have been completed.

“Our crews will continue to monitor the condition of our roads and make repairs as needed.”

Cr Williams said long grass in parks and open spaces was another byproduct of heavy rainfall followed by days of sunshine.

“There was so much rainfall that the ground was too wet to mow until 10 March, 10 days after the rain had stopped, so we are a bit behind our normal mowing schedule,” she said.

“However Council staff and contractors are working longer hours and on Saturdays to cover as much ground as possible, and are prioritising high-use parks with playgrounds, as well as sports fields, ahead of open spaces.”

Cr Williams said residents may notice more grass left behind in parks after they are mowed.

“This is because the grass is so long but it will eventually be mulched with subsequent mowing as we get on top of the grass growth spurt following the rain,” she said.

“So although residents will be able to use our parks, they will notice grass on their shoes.

“Council is responsible for mowing 19,000 hectares of land – that’s an area larger than Moreton Island – so I encourage everyone to be patient as our mowing crews make their way around all our green spaces.”

To report a pothole, call Council on 3829 8999 or lodge an online request form.

Redland City crews help neighbouring councils with flood clean-up


March 21, 2022

A large crew of Redland City Council officers and sub-contractors is helping neighbouring councils clean up after recent severe flooding.

Mayor Karen Williams said Redland City had deployed officers to a number of neighbouring councils that suffered significant damage from the recent floods, including Gympie and Brisbane.

“In the Redlands, when our neighbours need help we roll up our sleeves and lend a hand; and that goes for our Local Government neighbours as well,” Cr Williams said.

“We were fortunate not to experience the scale of flooding seen in Brisbane and some of our other neighbours, which means we are now in a position to help them get back on their feet.

“We are only too happy to do so, knowing they would do the same for us.”

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner chat with a Redland City Council crew member helping with the flood clean-up in Brisbane.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said support from Redland City Council after one of the city’s worst flooding events was helping residents and businesses get back on their feet faster.

“We are so grateful for this support and knowing our neighbours in Redlands have our back during our biggest ever clean-up is a huge boost for our community in their time of need,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Mayor Williams and the team at Redland City Council are known for their regional support and to have crews help fast-track Brisbane’s recovery is a great example of what can be achieved when Councils work together.”

Cr Williams said Council crews were on the ground in Brisbane helping with the clean-up after the flood.

“I know Lord Mayor Schrinner and the wider Brisbane City Council team are working around the clock to support their residents and Redland City Council is happy to support them in any way we can,” she said.

“A crew of 25 officers from Redlands construction crews and 31 sub-contractors with tippers, bobcats and excavators have been picking up flood-damaged household items from kerbs across south Brisbane and from the industrial area of Rocklea.

“The Redlands crew picked up about 1200 cubic metres, or about 150 truckloads, of rubbish every day last week, which is a phenomenal effort.

“I know the Redlands crew members have been working long 12-hour days and I thank them for helping to make a real difference during this clean-up in Brisbane.”

Redlands gets tourism and liveability boost in SEQ City Deal


March 21, 2022

Tourism and liveability in Redland City will be boosted through project funding of more than $53 million in the South East Queensland City Deal, announced today.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said more than $53.68 million of funding will kick start liveability and tourism projects across Redland Coast, plus the region will have access to more than $400 million in funding pools through the SEQ City Deal announced on Monday 21 March 2022.

“The SEQ City Deal initial investment includes $41 million towards a new ferry terminal upgrade at Dunwich, which will create a first class arrival point at one of Australia’s most beautiful natural assets – Minjerribah – boosting tourism and supporting our local businesses,” Cr Williams said.

“Enhancing our region’s liveability is also a Deal priority with a $12.68 million investment for community infrastructure that could include recreation projects for local families and sporting facilities that will help provide our region’s youngest residents a running start to 2032.”

Mayor Williams said the region would also benefit from more than $400 million in funding aimed at creating new jobs, supporting emerging industries, enhancing local environment and boosting innovation and connectivity across the South East.

“We know growth is a huge issue and the Deal will invest $5 million to jointly identify the infrastructure needed for our residents to travel around the city faster and safer,” Cr Williams said.

“This regional infrastructure planning will allow us to prioritise important transport projects like the Eastern Busway and Cleveland rail duplication, which are critical to the future of our city.

“While I would have liked to see these projects included in this foundation deal, I believe they must be included in future iterations of the deal and will be working to ensure they are.

“The City Deal also includes more than $105 million to improve the region’s waste infrastructure, building on the Council of Mayors (SEQ) Waste Management Plan and furthering the south-east’s transformation towards a cleaner, more sustainable region.

“Our local rivers, waterways and bay will also receive a needed boost with an additional $40 million over the next 5 years towards delivering priority, on-ground works to improve their overall health and resilience through the Council of Mayors (SEQ) Resilient Rivers Initiative.”

Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Lord Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner said the deal is a critical step towards ensuring the south-east corner can cater for a booming population and is ready when the world’s biggest sporting event arrives in just over a decades’ time.

“This deal demonstrates what great things can be achieved when all levels of government work together,” Cr Schrinner said.

“There might not have been a time in our region’s history when such co-operation has been so critically important.

“SEQ is experiencing significant population growth as more and more Australians discover our unmatched lifestyle and want to call our region home.

“We’re also a decade away from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games which presents a unique chance to showcase our region to the world while establishing a legacy that can continue to deliver for the generations to come.

“This City Deal puts us on a path to manage population growth, deliver the best-ever Games and, importantly, improve the lives of all of our residents through ongoing co-operation.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with industry and the other levels of government to empower the SEQ City Deal to deliver the needs of our rapidly growing region.”

City Deals are an approach to bring together the three levels of government, the community and the private sector.

This partnership focuses on aligning planning, investment and governance to accelerate growth and job creation, stimulate urban renewal and drive economic reforms to secure the future prosperity and liveability of our region.