Monthly Archives: April 2022

Major road upgrade to bring raft of benefits to Redlands Coast


April 29, 2022

Major road upgrade to bring raft of benefits to Redlands Coast

Redlands Coast road users are set to benefit as work on $30 million Stage 1 of Wellington Street/Panorama Drive upgrade program gets underway.

Mayor Karen Williams said the program, which is supported by the Australian Government through the Urban Congestion Fund, would help residents get around the city safer and faster.

“Nobody likes being stuck in traffic and representing one of Council’s largest ever road investments, this project will reduce congestion and help residents get home to their families sooner,” Cr Williams said.

“The first stage of the project will see the road duplicated from Boundary Road to South Street, with work to begin in the near future and be completed by the end of next year.

“This project is an example of what can be achieved when different levels of government work together, with the Federal Government providing funding to help make it a reality.”

Division 3 Councillor Paul Golle said the project would create around 140 jobs for Queenslanders and would bring limited disruption.

“Knowing the benefits, I’m excited to see the commencement of this road upgrade program and look forward to enjoying the benefits the duplicated road will bring,” Cr Golle said.

“Redlands Coast residents will directly benefit from the creation of around 70 local jobs related to the project, with a further 70 jobs to be created across Queensland.

“Foresight from our city planners has allowed space for the road duplication, meaning impacts on neighbouring properties have been limited and works can be carried out with limited disruption to traffic flow.”

Division 7 Councillor Rowanne McKenzie said the project would bring improved safety for all road users.

“Duplication of this road will see additional shoulders for cyclists, dedicated turning lanes, a pedestrian and cyclist shared path for the full length on the western side of the road, and signalised intersections,” she said.

“These features will make it easier to use the road and improve safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.”

The Wellington Street / Panorama Drive road duplication will be completed over three stages and is estimated to cos a total $90 million. The stage are:

  • Stage 1: Boundary Road to South Street, Thornlands (early to mid-2022 – late 2023)
  • Stage 2: South Street, Thornlands to Bay Street, Cleveland (2024-2027, to be confirmed subject to funding)
  • Stage 3: Bay Street to Russell Street, Cleveland (2027-2030, to be confirmed subject to funding).

The project will benefit from Federal Government funding for intersection upgrades at Ziegenfusz Road/Panorama Drive, Panorama Drive/Wellington Street and Wellington Street/Weippin Street.

For more information, visit the project page on Council’s Your Say site at yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/wellingtonstreet

Thefts a “low blow” for Redlands Coast community


April 29, 2022

Redland City community property has again been attacked by thieves, with solar panels stolen from water quality testing buoys in Moreton Bay.

It follows the recent theft of copper wiring from Redland Showgrounds (Norm Price Park) and Charlie Buckler Sportsfield, which caused significant damage to sports field lighting.

Mayor Karen Williams said the solar panel theft was another low blow against Redlands Coast residents.

“Again, ratepayers have to foot the bill for the actions of thieves who obviously have no respect for our community,” Cr Williams said.

“If anyone saw something or has information which may be useful, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Policelink online or 131 444.”

In two separate incidents, solar panels were stolen from monitoring buoys in Moreton Bay about 100m offshore from the Aquatic Paradise canal entrance channel and adjacent to the Raby Bay eastern canal entrance.

The solar panels, worth about $750 each, power equipment which provides water quality data used to inform dredging programs in Raby Bay, Aquatic Paradise and Weinam Creek.

“When you include the contractor costs to re-install the panels plus the bill to repair the lighting cable stolen from the showgrounds, it adds up to a massive impost which ratepayers have to fund,” Cr Williams said.

“It is so disappointing and, quite frankly, makes me so angry.

“Council is now investigating ways to better secure public property against thieves and stem the risk of this happening again, but this also will come at a cost to ratepayers.

“So please be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to police.”

Sue and Lloyd Clarke as guests at Candle Lighting Vigil for domestic and family violence


April 29, 2022

Founders and Directors of the Small Steps 4 Hannah charity, Sue and Lloyd Clarke, will be guests at the annual Redlands Coast Candle Lighting Vigil, joining Mayor Karen Williams, local domestic and family violence support services, emergency services and community groups for the important event next week.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council was honoured that Sue and Lloyd Clarke, parents of Hannah Clarke and grandparents to Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey, were supporting the local event at Raby Bay Harbour Park, Cleveland on Wednesday 4 May.

Cr Williams said the candle lighting vigil, which had been going since 2005, had never been more symbolic or more significant.

“Events like this are important in renewing and enhancing our commitment to keep progressing the way we confront the issue of domestic and family violence, with a common resolve to reduce the short and long term harm from abuse in all its forms and violence,” Cr Williams said.

“Since we were here last year there has been some progress made on some fronts: some new support programs and a heightened community awareness around the need for us all to be more proactive in having conversations on this issue. But so much more needs to be done.

“Council continues to support domestic and family violence support services and community organisations and programs on Redlands Coast – including through my annual Diner en Rouge annual fundraiser which has raised close to $400,000 since its inception eight years ago.

“This has ensured there is a strong local focus of education, support and assistance in our region for the work of organisations such as Red Rose Foundation and The Centre for Women and Co.

“Our efforts to end domestic and family violence must be ongoing and they must be relentless.

“We need collaboration between all levels of government and communities, as well as energy, focus and commitment to long term societal and attitudinal change – week-in-week-out, year-in-year-out – to ensure that everyone in the community understands that domestic and family violence is never acceptable or justified.

“It’s everyone’s responsibility and we all need to support, believe and help victims.”

Sue and Lloyd Clarke will speak at the Redlands Coast Candle Lighting Vigil on Wednesday 4 May.

Sue and Lloyd Clarke will speak at the event, along with Mayor Karen Williams. The event will start with a walk from Kyling Corner, Cleveland to Raby Bay Harbour Park.

Also in attendance at the event will be leaders from a number of local community organisations including The Centre for Women and Co and Red Rose Foundation.

Council will also light up Cleveland lighthouse and Raby Bay Harbour Park in the symbolic purple colour as a further public display of support.

Small Steps 4 Hannah co-founder Lloyd Clarke said the event was significant because it provided the local and broader community with a timely reminder of the human and emotional toll of domestic and family violence.

“It’s terrific to have a whole month dedicated to domestic and family violence awareness,” Mr Clarke said.

“But having the candle lighting vigil as a day on the calendar gives us a chance to come together and to remember our four angels – Hannah, Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey, who are constantly in our daily thoughts and to pay tribute to them.

“But we’re seeing, on a daily and weekly basis, that there is still so much education that needs to be done in the broader community about recognising the warning signs, especially those that are more subtle and sometimes more dangerous.

“Coercive control is the biggest one, which was a major factor in Hannah’s relationship, and we’re working closely with the Queensland Government to have coercive control introduced as a crime under the Criminal Code – ideally it will become law next year and that will go some way to protecting people from domestic and family violence.”

Stacey Ross, CEO of The Centre for Women and Co based on Redlands Coast and Logan, said while progress had been made in recent years, everyone had a responsibility to play a role in their local community and in their circles of family, friends and work colleagues to stay vigilant, offer support and to keep raising the awareness around every aspect of domestic and family violence.

“While the general community is more aware and there has been some education around the issues that underpin domestic and family violence, unfortunately we continue to see an increase in violence and abuse in our communities,” Ms Ross said.

“We might be tempted to turn away or not get involved, but this scourge on women and families won’t be eradicated unless everyone takes responsibility in their everyday life to have conversations with victims and perpetrators and to support and believe victims.

“It’s also important that we all play a role within our own circles of influence to instil respect and equality from a young age because the next generation is always watching and copying behaviours and actions they see in their own world.”

Ms Ross said The Centre for Women and Co had recently started a new and free program on the Redlands Coast, called Kickstarter, which was designed to support all women returning to work.

She said the eight-week program was important because increasing women’s sense of self-worth and their ability to be financially independent were crucial protective factors in increasing their safety.

EVENT DETAILS

When:  5.30pm, Wednesday 4 May, 2022

Where: Raby Bay Harbour Park, Shore Street West, Cleveland

Walk the Talk: Public walk to the Candle Lighting Vigil to show support to eliminate domestic and family violence.

  • 4.45pm – Meet at Kyling Corner (cnr Waterloo and Middle streets, Cleveland)
  • 5pm – Walk as a united group to Raby Bay Harbour Park, Cleveland
  • 5.30pm – Attend the Candle Lighting Vigil to remember those who have died because of domestic and family violence
Posted in Events and tagged .

Have your say on the Draft Birkdale Community Precinct Master Plan


April 28, 2022

Redland City Council has adopted the largest and most exciting draft masterplan in the city’s history, with draft plans for the Birkdale Community Precinct getting the greenlight from Councillors at a Special Meeting today.

Mayor Karen Williams said the Draft Birkdale Community Precinct (BCP) Master Plan outlined an exciting concept for the 62-hectare site on Old Cleveland Road East at Birkdale over the next two decades.

“It will be one of the largest community spaces in South-East Queensland, and will include a Southbank-style public lagoon that the community has been asking for over many years,” Cr Williams said.

“It will also include restoration of the heritage-listed Willards Farmhouse and outbuildings, the heritage-listed former World War II Radio Receiving Station and the Redlands Whitewater Centre, which will be a host venue during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as a host of entertainment and recreational facilities.

A public lagoon is proposed for the Birkdale Community Precinct.

“Birkdale Community Precinct is the largest and most diverse project of its kind ever delivered in the city and the Draft Master Plan shows what a truly superb showcase it is going to be for all of Redlands Coast.

“Flanked by conservation areas that represent some two thirds of the entire site, the Plan reveals seven Hubs which have been centred on what the community told us they wanted on the site during consultation last year.

“Some of the Hubs offer education, inspiration, adventure and activity, while others are more passive, offering quiet reflection on the surrounding landscape and affording relief from the urban environment.

“Although intrinsically connected, each offers a unique destination with its own experiences and uses.”

Cr Williams said the draft masterplan followed a decade of lobbying the Federal Government to secure the land for the community.

“We have been trying to secure this land so it can be preserved and enjoyed by the community, including meetings with no fewer than six Ministers and Assistant Ministers and two Prime Ministers,” Cr Williams said.

“We knew this property held exciting potential for the community and today is a red-letter day that will help us realise that potential.”

Community consultation on the next stage in the creation of Birkdale Community Precinct opens Saturday 30 April and will continue until 6 June through the project’s Your Say website as well as via two community Info Days to be held onsite on  27 and 28 May.

“This is a chance for the community to provide feedback on the concept plans for the site, which were created following community feedback last year,” Cr Williams said.

“I’m particularly excited that our young people have played a key role in shaping this draft plan and are responsible for some of the most exciting elements including the public lagoon.

“Council has opted to include a public lagoon rather than an aquatic centre in response to feedback from the community who have been calling for a South Bank style lagoon for years.

“Instead we will focus on upgrading the existing Cleveland aquatic centre.”

Cr Williams said the Hubs are defined in the Plan as follows:

  1. Cultural Hub – A meeting point and launching pad for all the precinct has to offer. A melting pot and learning place for ecological and cultural information.
  2. Willards Farm (Food) Hub – With the historic Willards Farm as its centrepiece, this is where you can connect with the area’s farming heritage and where you can sample artisan produce or dine in style.
  3. Innovation Hub – A showcase, literally, where the future of farm methodologies and techniques, agricultural technology and food production, is on display in static and interactive exhibition spaces.
  4. Communications Hub – Anchored by the former US Army-built World War II Radio Receiving Station, this is where you can connect to the past, come to understand the bonds formed between Redlanders, Aussie troops and Allied US forces, and pay homage to their war and peace-keeping services.
  5. Entertainment Hub – Touring artists and local performers share outdoor spaces in an ever-changing composite of community choruses, concerts, crowds and creatives. BBQs, picnic areas and tables, oversized games and outdoor movies add to the fun.
  6. Recreation & Adventure Sports Hub – Redlands Coast’s first public lagoon will be the ultimate summer destination as will the adventure playground. Nearby, the whitewater centre will be home to Olympic and Paralympic athletes and adventure enthusiasts alike with its world-class training and competition course which has flexibility for use as a swift-water rescue training and exercise venue.
  7. Conservation Hub – Walking trails, interactive tours, wilderness experiences and education combine in a stunning showcase of ways to appreciate the valuable and protected natural habitats.

“The tagline for this next phase of Birkdale Community Precinct’s growth is, ‘Create a place with a space for everyone’,” Cr Williams said.

“And I encourage you to help Council along on the creation process by giving your feedback on the Plan.”

To read the Draft Birkdale Community Precinct Master Plan go to the Your Say website

DIARY NOTE:

Birkdale Community Precinct Info Days, 302 Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale, Friday, May 27 & Saturday, May 28, 10am to 4pm both days. Entry via Jones Road. More details: yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au

Council completes pedestrian bridge over Ormiston creek


April 27, 2022

Redland City Council has completed construction of a new pedestrian bridge in Fellmonger Park, Ormiston.

Mayor Karen Williams said the new bridge would provide a safe crossing over Hilliards Creek for both pedestrians and cyclists.

“The new bridge is three metres wide, one metre wider than the old bridge, and is constructed of composite fibre, which is stronger and more durable than wood, meaning there will be less ongoing maintenance costs.”

Mayor Karen Williams and Cr Wendy Boglary on the new pedestrian bridge in Fellmonger Park.

Division 1 Councillor Wendy Boglary said the pedestrian bridge was a well-used link between Hilliards Park Drive and Sturgeon Street.

“Visitors and locals will appreciate the greater width for safety as a shared pathway for pedestrians and cyclists,” Cr Boglary said.

“The improved design will promote increased recreational use and tourism of this valuable Hilliard’s Creek Environmental Corridor, with its walking tracks, natural bushland and wildlife.

“The bridge also provides a vital link for residents to local schools and train station, ensuring connectively of our local neighbourhood and assisting keeping cars off the roads.

“I am very glad that funding was directed towards replacing it.”

The $500,000 pedestrian bridge was funded through Phase 2 of the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

This program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“A further $800,000 was allocated for a new pedestrian bridge on Anita Street at Redland Bay, as part of more than $5.3 million invested in community infrastructure on Redlands Coast under that phase of the LRCI program,” Cr Williams said.

“This funding has been a very welcome boost, enabling Council to progress local projects and helping the community bounce back from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Posted in Parks and tagged .

Conservation areas re-open on Redlands Coast


April 22, 2022

Bayview Conservation Area in Redland Bay and Emu Street Reserve in Sheldon have both re-opened in time for the long weekend.

Work to repair tracks significantly damaged by recent intense rainfall was completed in both Redlands Coast reserves this afternoon.

Erosion control and track construction works are continuing within other high profile reserves such as Scribbly Gums Conservation Area, Ford Road Conservation Area and Greater Glider Reserve.

These reserves will re-open once works are completed.

Council would like to thank the community for its patience as crews have been assessing the damage and undertaking repairs.

For more information on Redlands Coast’s tracks and trails, go to Redland City Council’s sport and recreation website.

Charter signing reaffirms Council commitment to small business


April 22, 2022

Redland City Council has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting small businesses on Redlands Coast by joining the Small Business Friendly (SBF) program.

Mayor Karen Williams said the program, which was developed by the Queensland Small Business Commissioner, was a welcome addition to initiatives Council had already implemented to support local businesses.

“Council recognises the importance and role small businesses play in developing and diversifying the Redlands economy, while also increasing the economy’s resilience,” Cr Williams said.

“They create local jobs, provide essential goods and services, and can help create liveable communities and foster civic pride, which assists in attracting investment into the area.

“This is why Council remains committed to doing what it can to continue supporting our businesses, which is vital in the face of the economic ripple effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“This Small Business Friendly program also aligns with Council’s 2014-2041 Economic Development Framework, which sets out a clear direction for business growth and job generation in collaboration with business and industry representatives.”

Cr Williams co-signed the SBF charter with Queensland Small Business Commissioner Maree Adshead, Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer, Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce President Rebecca Young, SMBI Chamber of Commerce President Shane Rendalls and Straddie Chamber of Commerce President Colin Battersby.

Cr Williams said many of the commitments to support small businesses, as outlined in the charter, were already being implemented by Council.

“This includes business newsletters and networking forums, COVID-19 awareness sessions, providing businesses with economic research support, and connecting local businesses with grant, trade and investment opportunities,” she said.

“We also provide increased flexibility in many regulatory requirements, give preference to local suppliers and have strengthened fast-track payments to businesses.”

Cr Williams said Council had recently launched an innovative new resource for the local business community – Invest Redlands Coast, a microsite that featured information such as key demographics, major projects, resources, news, events and contact information for businesses and investors.

“This site tells the outside world why they should consider investing and doing business on Redlands Coast – showcasing our project pipeline, highlighting our key precincts and focusing on our key growth industries,” she said.

“It is another product of Redland City Council’s commitment to sustainably grow the city’s economy through collaboration with business, industry and government agencies.

“The signing of the Small Business Friendly charter by Council, the State Government and local Chambers of Commerce is further support of all parties committing to a prosperous and sustainable small business sector on Redlands Coast.”

ANZAC Day and Labour Day public holiday closures


April 22, 2022

Out of hours emergencies: For council-related emergencies, please phone 3829 8999.

Closures and changes to hours of operation

  • Council offices, customer service centres and libraries

Redland City Council offices, customer service centres and libraries will be closed Monday 25 April (ANZAC Day) and Monday 2 May (Labour Day).

During this time, library after hours return chutes will be closed and no library items will be due.

  • Redland IndigiScapes Centre, café, nursery and gardens

Redland IndigiScapes Centre, IndigiCafe, the native nursery and Botanic Gardens will all be closed on ANZAC Day and Labour Day.

  • Bin collections

All bin collections will continue as usual on each of the public holidays.

Please note there will be no bin deliveries or exchanges on public holidays. Report any missed services on 3829 8999.

  • Recycling and Waste Centres

Recycling and Waste Centres will operate as normal on the upcoming public holidays.

  • Redland Animal Shelter

The Redland Animal Shelter will be open from 9am to 12pm on each of the public holidays.

The shelter can be contacted on 3829 8663 during opening hours and on 3829 8999 after hours.

  • Redland Performing Arts Centre

The RPAC Box Office will be closed on ANZAC Day (Monday 25 April) and Labour Day (2 May).

During these times, tickets can be purchased online via www.rpac.com.au

  • Redland Art Gallery

The galleries at Cleveland and Capalaba will be closed on ANZAC Day (Monday 25 April) and Labour Day (Monday 2 May).

  • Redlands Coast Visitor Information Centre

The centre will be closed ANZAC Day (25 April).

Council completes renewal of William Ross Park


April 22, 2022

Redland City Council has completed an upgrade to William Ross Park in the heart of Cleveland.

Mayor Karen Williams said the new facilities in this neighbourhood park were already proving popular with local families and visitors.

“I’m delighted Council was able to deliver this upgrade in time for the recent Easter long weekend,” Cr Williams said.

“The play equipment, along with the new picnic facilities, water bubbler and pathways both across and around the park, have been popular with visitors of all ages.

“There have been a lot of young families moving into Cleveland and these improvements will provide an opportunity for children, parents and grandparents to enjoy time together in the lush backdrop of this beautiful park.”

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said the park upgrades had been welcomed by the surrounding community.

“The bike skills track is proving very popular with its traffic signs, intersections and even a train station with a train track rubber pathway,” Cr Mitchell said.

“There is a new basket swing, spinner and balance log, and play unit with ropes and ladders catering to different abilities and age groups.

“The basketball half-court will also be bustling soon, with the final retouches being completed next week, subject to weather.”

Willards Farm to be restored as the jewel in the crown of Birkdale Community Precinct


April 20, 2022

Redland City Council is progressing exciting plans to upgrade the historic Willards Farmhouse, to ensure the community can access and celebrate the historic building.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Councillors today discussed Council’s plans for the property, including the potential impact of the recent decision by the Queensland Heritage Council (QHC) to extend the footprint of the property’s heritage protections.

“Council is committed to protecting the Willards Farm homestead, which is why we spent $1.45 million in 2016 to save it from being demolished for housing,” Cr Williams said.

“Our decision to buy the property came after the Queensland Heritage Council refused a 2015 heritage application because they felt it did not have State heritage values, leaving us with no choice but to buy the property to protect its local heritage value.

“Council believes the Willards Farmhouse itself does have heritage values, which is why we added it to our City Plan local Heritage Places Register in June 2016 and it is also why we have well-advanced plans to upgrade the property.

“We want to work with the State Government to ensure our plans for the Willards Farm homestead can proceed and so Council officers will lodge a notice of appeal to the QHC decision of 22 March, so we can sit down with the State Government and work through these plans.”

Cr Williams said Council’s decision would also allow officers to understand the reasons for the QHC decision.

“During the application process, State DES officers recommended a much smaller boundary be included, similar to what Council would like to see protected,” Cr Williams said.

“Despite the recommendation by State officers and having not visited or inspected the site, the QHC decided to increase the heritage boundary from around 0.8 hectares to about 4.2 hectares, a decision that is not supported by independent heritage consultants working on the heritage management of the site or by DES heritage officer recommendations.”

Cr Williams said Willards Farm would form part of the 62-hectare Birkdale Community Precinct and its restoration was an integral part of delivering this intergenerational site for the Redlands Coast community.

“We are making it into the jewel that it rightly deserves to be in the Birkdale Community Precinct crown,” she said.

“It is imperative we are able to fully deliver the exciting future planned for Williards Farm under the soon to be released Draft Birkdale Community Precinct Master Plan, which was informed by ideas suggested by the community.”

Council has commissioned Sims White Architects to prepare detailed design and construction drawings including detailed cost estimates to support future restoration works for Willards Farm.

“Council is looking to fund $1.5 million towards the restoration in the upcoming Budget and, following today’s decision, officers will work with their State counterparts to ensure plans for the property can proceed, including identifying State funding opportunities.

“Council is the only stakeholder that has invested considerable funds to save this property and remains committed to the protection and restoration of the Willards farm complex using an appropriate heritage boundary.”