Author Archives: Geoff Shearer

Council delivers car-share scheme at Redland Bay Marina


September 28, 2021

Redland City Council has awarded a contract for a two-year car-share scheme at Redland Bay Marina, Weinam Creek.

Mayor Karen Williams said the recent Expression of Interest and subsequent tender process followed a successful car-share trial conducted at the marina from August 2020 to April 2021.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams with Bay Islands Car Share owner Aaron Pipkorn, left, and Cr Mark Edwards, right.

“The trial offered island residents access to a conveniently parked vehicle on the mainland without the overheads associated with owning one,” Cr Williams said.

“It proved very popular, with the trial operator reporting a doubling in car-share members and a 60 per cent increase in the number of car-share trips each week.

“The trial clearly demonstrated the viability of the initiative in the long term, so I am delighted Council is able to extend the scheme for another two years from 4 October 2021 through a contract with Bay Islands Car Share.

“Hopefully the trend of increased usage will continue and there will be a corresponding rise in the number of car parking spaces which will become available.”

Cr Williams said the car-share scheme was one of a number of options Council was investigating to help alleviate the high demand for car parking at Redland Bay Marina.

“Car-share schemes have been identified in the Redlands Coast Transport Strategy as a potential solution to deliver good transport outcomes, with benefits such as increased turnover and supply of car parks in the area,” she said.

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said Bay Islands Car Share, which also conducted the trial, would operate eight dedicated car-share spaces between the Coast Guard building and the bus interchange.

“These spaces are located opposite the four which were used during the trial, and are still in close proximity to the ferry terminal,” Cr Edwards said.

“The trial showed island residents supported the scheme and there was a consistent increase in usage as a result of having dedicated car parks.”

The eight car-share parking spaces will be clearly identified with signage.

Live & Local micro-festival hits right note on Redlands Coast


September 24, 2021

The Redlands Coast music industry will receive a welcome boost through a Live and Local micro-festival to be held over three days from 22-24 October 2021.

Radioceans

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the event aimed to help the music industry recover from the ongoing impacts of COVID-19.

“The past 21 months have been challenging for the entertainment industry, with many musicians impacted due to the cancellation of events, closed venues and limited paid performance opportunities,” she said.

“It will be great to see local musicians back doing what they do best – entertaining our community.”

The program line-up includes:

Friday 22 October

  • The RPAC Stage – located at Kyling Corner near The Bench and The Office on Middle, Middle St, Cleveland – Jax Swan, Zac Bnjmn, Arkism, The Febs

Saturday 23 October

  • The Fiction Bar, Raby Bay Harbour, Cleveland – Peppermint Ollie, Josh Lovegrove
  • The Anchor by the Bay, Raby Bay Harbour, Cleveland – Honey Dukes, Scott Walter
  • The Twilight Makers’ Market Stage, Raby Bay Harbour, Cleveland – Radioceans, Yoyo Tuki, Adam James, Joe Geia Band

Sunday 24 October

  • The Binary Music Stage, Bloomfield St, Cleveland – Rose Rogers, Paula Boo, Clara Durbidge, Mama Juju & The Jam Tarts

Mama Juju & The Jam Tarts

Redlands Coast Live and Local micro-festival curator Nix Gross said the event would showcase live original music organised by the creative community.

“I am passionate about creating forward movement and constancy of performance opportunities to support our Redlands Coast artists’ livelihoods,” Ms Gross said.

“All businesses engaged are super excited. Redland Performing Arts Centre, venues and Council are also keenly supportive in building an active live music precinct in the Redlands Coast area.”

The Live and Local Redlands Coast program is supported by Redland City Council, in partnership with Creative Arts Alliance, Live Music Office Australia, QMusic and APRA/AMCOS.

For more information on the Live and Local Redlands Coast micro-festival, visit redland.qld.gov.au

As well as performance opportunities, Live & Local is connecting all musicians from the region with two days of free, high-quality professional development delivered in partnership with Queensland’s peak body, QMusic.

It will include professional development sessions, covering both business and artist-specific topics, and aims to create paid opportunities for small businesses including technical crew, photographers, videographers, curators and arts workers.

The Redlands Coast Music Industry Professional Development Session facilitated by QMusic will be at Redland Performing Arts Centre on 11 and 12 October from 6-8pm.

BMX riders on track at Wellington Point park


September 22, 2021

A new BMX track has opened as part of a $471,000 upgrade of a Wellington Point park.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the works carried out at EGW Wood Park at Wellington Point were funded under the second phase of the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program.

“This year Council is investing $7 million in local parks and playground, taking the spend in the past two years to around $20 million. And this funding from the Australian Government is part of more than $5.3 million being invested in Redlands Coast community infrastructure under phase 2 of the LRCI stimulus funding,” Cr Williams said.

“We have some of the best parks in South East Queensland and this investment will give local families even more reason to get out and enjoy time together.”

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams, left, and Cr Wendy Boglary check out the expanded and improved BMX track at EGW Wood Park, Wellington Point.

Division 1 Councillor Wendy Boglary said the new BMX pump track integrated into the existing track and included multiple loops.

“The upgrade also included installing sandstone blocks, a picnic table, seating and shelter, as well as a drinking fountain with bottle filler, and also a tap and dog bowl,” Cr Boglary said.

“Improvements were also made to the footpaths servicing the park and changes to the cricket nets, while more plants and turf were put in.”

It is stage 2 of recent upgrades for the park, with stage 1 funded through Council’s Community Infrastructure Program in 2019, Cr Boglary said.

The Australian Government’s LRCI program supports local councils to deliver priority projects while supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

276,000kg of paint and packaging diverted from landfill


September 21, 2021

Redland Coast residents and tradies have diverted 276,592kg of paint and packaging from landfill over the past three years.

Mayor Karen Williams said Redland City Council had worked with the Paintback Scheme since its inception in July 2018 to divert unwanted paint products through the Redland Bay Recycling and Waste Centre.

Redland City mayor Karen Williams, centre, at the Paintback facility at the Redland Bay Recycling and Waste Centre with operations officer Emma Georget, left, and transfer attendant Kerri Watton, right.

“In our continuous journey towards a circular economy, it is important that Council seeks out innovative partnerships to dispose of all sorts of waste, so that, where possible, it goes on to have another life,” Cr Williams said.

“Paintback is one such partnership, keeping toxic materials out of drains and kerbside collection bins – and ultimately waterways and landfill – with its collection site at Redland Bay Recycling and Waste Centre.

“I encourage residents and commercial operators to continue to bring paint that can’t be reused into Redland Bay Recycling and Waste Centre to give it a second life.”

Deputy Mayor and Division 6 Councillor Julie Talty said that while it cost nothing to drop off up to 100 litres of unwanted paint per visit, the paint did need to be secured in containers of 20 litres or less.

“From Redland Bay Recycling and Waste Centre, the unwanted paint is transported for treatment and repurposing,” she said.

“Currently, it’s being turned into an alternative fuel source replacing coal or having the water extracted and used by other industries, reducing the need to use mains water.

“I understand Paintback is funding research into how it can improve the recovery of paint and pails to reduce demand on virgin resources.”

A resident uses the Paintback facility at the Redland Bay Recycling and Waste Centre.

The following items are accepted:

  • Interior and exterior paint (including architectural paint) – water and solvent based
  • Deck coatings
  • Floor paints
  • Primers
  • Undercoats
  • Sealers
  • Stains
  • Shellacs
  • Varnishes
  • Urethanes
  • Wood coatings (containing no pesticides).

Parkour in the park with upgrade in Alexandra Hills


September 21, 2021

A popular Alexandra Hills park is the first in Redlands Coast to feature dedicated parkour facilities and a giant climbing structure that spins, following a $1.5 million upgrade.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council’s upgrade of Hanover Drive Park included a range of play equipment aimed at being both fun and challenging.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams, right, and Cr Rowanne McKenzie at Hanover Drive Park in Alexandra Hills.

“Redlands Coast is earning a reputation as having some of the best parks in South East Queensland and this year we will invest $7 million into local parks and playgrounds – which takes the spend in the past two years to around $20 million – to give local families even more reason to get out and enjoy time together,” Cr Williams said.

“Parkour is a great way of developing strength and physical control as you interact with a combination of structures; and it forces you to come up with creative moves.

“While the giant spinning climber is sure to become the firm favourite with children.

“As well as these, Hanover Drive Park now has a new play area for toddlers, primary play area, sand play – including a ‘dino dig’ – net climbing tower, combination soccer/rugby goal, sandstone tunnel, see-saw, rubber domes, monkey bars, double swing, a ‘Pillar of Hercules’ swing and some gorgeous pavement patterns including a caterpillar hopscotch.”

Division 7 Councillor Rowanne McKenzie said the upgrade also included new picnic facilities such as shelters, a table and a double barbecue.

“The work also delivered new public amenities, additional seating, a drinking fountain, shade sails over some play elements, bin enclosures, plantings and footpaths,” she said.

Two line-marked accessible car park spaces have been established, Cr McKenzie said.

Residents make pledge at Citizenship Day ceremony


September 20, 2021

This year’s Australian Citizenship Day proved extra special on Redlands Coast when 140 residents from 33 countries made a pledge to become citizens.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams welcomed the new citizens at a ceremony on Friday night at Redland Performing Arts Centre.

“Already this year we have welcomed 612 new Aussie citizens who have made their home on Redlands Coast,” she said.

Cr Williams said the ceremony was especially significant as it fell on Australian Citizenship Day.

“This is a day when we can all reflect on the meaning and importance of Australian citizenship and our shared identity, which unites us all while respecting our diversity,” she said.

“Whether we are citizens through birth or by choice, this day is an opportunity to celebrate our democratic values and take pride in our citizenship.

“One of the wonderful elements in all our citizenship ceremonies is the opportunity for guests to recite a pledge re-affirming their loyalty to Australia.

“Even those who are not yet Australian citizens, but who consider Australia their home, are able to affirm their support for the values we all hold dear.”

Cr Williams said Australia was one of the most successful multicultural societies in the world, with residents whose heritage extended to almost 200 countries.

“I encourage all our new citizens to remember and honour their history as it adds to the richness of their new lives and the lives of their fellow Australians,” she said.

“I also encourage our residents to be active citizens, by getting involved in your community and displaying the values of respect, inclusion and helping others.”

For photos from the event, go to Redland City Council’s Facebook page.

Tickets go on sale for annual Dîner en Rouge fundraiser


September 20, 2021

Tickets are now on sale for Redland City Mayor Karen Williams’ annual Dîner en Rouge event which raises funds for Redlands Coast domestic and family violence support services.

Now in its seventh year, the event has raised almost $400,000.

Cr Williams said the 2021 event would be a live stage production, themed Musique en Rouge, for the second year.

“Last year’s new-look Musique en Rouge fundraiser, held as a stage show instead of the usual dinner in response to COVID-19 restrictions, was very well received and raised more than $50,000 for local support services,” she said.

“The economic and social impacts associated with COVID-19 have magnified the tragedy of domestic abuse, so it is important we continue to work together to ensure a safer tomorrow for all victims of this crime on Redlands Coast.”

Cr Williams said Musique en Rouge would be held at Redland Performing Arts Centre and would feature an exceptional line-up of performers and two special guest speakers:

  • Vanessa A Fowler, sister of the late Allison Baden-Clay who helped form the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation and is the current Director and Chairperson of the Board, and
  • Queensland Police Service Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd who heads up the new Domestic, Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Command.

“Funds raised through ticket sales, auction items, raffles and sponsorship will help to ensure local community organisations can deliver assistance to people when and where it is needed most,” Cr Williams said.

“We all deserve to feel safe and, by their support of past Dîner en Rouge events, our community has shown it is prepared to stand up and make a real difference for people whose lives have been torn apart by domestic and family violence.”

There are a number of opportunities to sponsor or support the Dîner en Rouge fundraising. Details are available on the event’s webpage at redland.qld.gov.au/dinerenrouge

Redland City Council is proud to once again partner with Zonta clubs, Soroptimist International, Rotary Club of Cleveland, Redland Foundation and other local domestic and family violence service advocates on this year’s event.

EVENT DETAILS

What: Musique en Rouge – annual fundraiser to help Redlands Coast residents affected by domestic and family violence

When: Saturday 6 November 2021 from 5pm

Where: Redland Performing Arts Centre

Tickets: $85 each or $800 for a social group of 10 tickets (includes GST)

Purchase tickets:

  • Online from rpac.com.au
  • By telephone during business hours on 3829 8131
  • In person at Redland Performing Arts Centre, 2/16 Middle Street, Cleveland from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday

Council exhausts all reasonable legal challenges to stop historic home’s demolition


September 16, 2021

Redland City Council has exhausted all reasonable legal means available to protect a historic 136-year-old Queenslander home at Wellington Point from demolition.

Mayor Karen Williams said despite Council’s best efforts the property owners took the matter to the State Planning and Environment Court which this week ruled in favour of the new owner of the home at 509 Main Road, Wellington Point, allowing it to be demolished.

“The owners had planned to demolish the property earlier this year, prompting me to write to the State Government asking them to intervene,” Cr Williams said.

“Following my letter the Acting Minister agreed to issue a Stop Work Order on the proposed demolition of the Wellington Point homestead while the State Government considered listing the property on the State Heritage Register which they subsequently refused,” she said.

“Despite this decision, Council argued the property had local heritage values, with it included in a list of private properties proposed for protection on our local heritage register.

“In court, Council argued that the house should not be demolished because it was on the proposed register and had been assessed by consultants as having significant local heritage value.”

Local Councillor Wendy Boglary said Council also argued the property should not be demolished because Council had put in place an interim planning control – Temporary Local Planning Instrument 01/21 – Protection of Heritage Places (TLPI) – that required community consultation and approval by Council before any demolition could take place.

“Unfortunately the court did not agree, effectively allowing the demolition to proceed,” Division 1 Cr Boglary said.

“Council will continue to consider the future adoption of amendments to the Redland City Plan to ensure the protection of the remaining private properties proposed for listing on the local heritage register and appropriate support for their owners.

“We have also secured interim protection for the 45 properties proposed to be included on Council’s local heritage register through a TLPI, helping retain important local heritage.”

 

Minjerribah sets the scene for The Wilds filming


September 16, 2021

Redlands Coast has once again proven itself a haven for the international screen industry, with scenes for season 2 of hit Amazon Prime show The Wilds filmed on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah).

The Wilds centres around a group of teenage girls from different backgrounds who find themselves marooned on an island, unaware they are part of an elaborate social experiment.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the filming, which occurred at picturesque Deadman’s Beach, Frenchman’s Beach, South Gorge, Flinders Beach and on Southern Moreton Bay, was great news for Redlands Coast.

“The production team undertook five filming blocks between April and August, with about 200 cast and crew staying on the island during this time,” Cr Williams said.

“This entailed about 4000 bed nights with local accommodation providers including Pandanus Palms Resort, Samarinda Jewel by the Sea, Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel, Allure Resort, Whale Watch Ocean Beach Resort, Anchorage on Straddie, The Islander Holiday Resort, Discover Stradbroke and Dolphin Holiday Accommodation.

“It is anticipated the production provided a direct economic injection of more than $800,000 to the island and Redlands Coast economy.

“Not only did this deliver economic and tourism activity, it’s yet another exciting opportunity for our wonderful vistas (pictured) to be showcased on screens around the world.”

Co-produced by Amazon Studios and ABC Signature Studios, part of Disney Television Studios, The Wilds Season 2 engaged Brisbane-based production company Hoodlum Entertainment as its service company in Australia.

Hoodlum Entertainment’s Chief Content Officer Tracey Vieira said the production company had previously had great experiences filming on Redlands Coast, and was pleased to return to film parts of The Wilds season 2.

“With its pristine beaches, breathtaking vistas and lovely community, it’s always a pleasure for our cast and crew to film on Minjerribah,” Ms Vieira said.

“During our time on location on the island we were able to capture incredible imagery of stunning locations that we can all be proud of when The Wilds season 2 premieres worldwide on Amazon Prime.

“We love filming on Redlands Coast and hope to be back again soon to feature some of its other diverse locations.”

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said The Wilds season 2 filming on Minjerribah was great for the island economy, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Redlands Coast has a global reputation as a natural choice for film and television, and it’s easy to see why,” Cr Mitchell said.

“Our stunning locations and friendly communities are all within 35 minutes of Brisbane, half an hour from the Screen Queensland Studios at Hemmant and less than an hour from the Village Roadshow Studios at Helensvale.

“It’s been fantastic to see yet another major production being filmed on this beautiful island, and I thank our island community for hosting the production and sharing their backyard with the cast and crew.”

In January 2021, The Wilds season 1 was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Drama Series.

The Wilds which received support from the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland.

Redland City Council is proud to be part of Screen Queensland’s Film-Friendly Pathways Program.

Redlands Coast locations have proven attractive to filmmakers since 2010, featuring in movies and TV shows such as The Chronicles of Narnia, Unbroken, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Aquaman, Tidelands, Holey Moley, Safe Harbour, Harrow, Reef Break, Love and Monsters and Young Rock.

The Wilds is also supported under the Morrison Government’s $400 million boost to the Location Incentive to create a pipeline of international projects, which will generate tens of thousands of Australian jobs in the screen industry over coming years.

Redlands Coast athletes bring home the medals


September 16, 2021

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams has congratulated the Redlands Coast athletes who represented Australia at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Cr Williams said she was proud of the athletes for not only their prowess on the sporting fields and venues of Tokyo, but also for the fairness and respect they displayed during competition.

“They gave us some thrilling moments and some real insights into the determination and dedication required to be such elite athletes,” Cr Williams said.

“Not to mention that they’re bringing home medals to Redlands Coast!

“Australian para-swimming team members Paige Leonhardt from Thornlands and Jake Michel from Birkdale both won silver at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.

“Paige brilliantly bagged her silver medal in the 100m butterfly final and gave her all to finish sixth in the 100m breaststroke final. The 20-year-old also made the finals of the 200m individual medley, again finishing sixth.

“Jake, 23, scored a silver medal in his one and only event, the men’s 100m breaststroke. He was narrowly beaten by Japanese swimmer Naohide Yamaguchi who set a new world record.

“Earlier, former longtime Redlands Coast local Melissa Wu once again showed her amazing ability as a diver, bringing home a bronze medal in the women’s 10m platform final at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

“BMX freestyler Logan Martin – who has been a familiar face around Redland Bay where he has trained for many years – made history to become the first men’s BMX freestyle gold medalist. It was that event’s debut at the Olympics with nine riders from eight nations competing.”

Cr Williams said the excitement of the Olympic and Paralympic Games will rocket to an even higher level when they come to South East Queensland in 2032.

“Years of planning and work by the local government areas of the South East secured the Games for 2032 and now the work begins to deliver a world-class selection of venues to accommodate them,” she said.

“Redlands Coast will be an event venue city for the Canoe Slalom competition at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. They will be held at a purpose-built Redland Whitewater Centre as part of the integrated Redlands Coast Adventure Sports Precinct for which Birkdale Community Precinct on Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale, is the preferred site.

“After seeing how the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games managed to harness, present and celebrate the unifying spirit of sport during such difficult times globally, it is exciting to know that we will have them literally right in our back yards in 2032. And how great is it that we will also get to showcase our naturally wonderful Redlands Coast to the world.”

Redlands Coast athletes in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics included:

  • Mara Stransky of Russell Island finished 14th in the Women’s Laser Radial class.
  • Cassiel Rousseau of Ormiston showed promise in the men’s diving 10m platform, finishing 8th in the final.
  • Former Redlands Coast resident Mellisa Wu scored a bronze medal in the women’s diving 10m platform final.
  • Taylor Worth of Birkdale made it to round 16 in the men’s archery individual event.
  • Alannah Mathews of Sheldon competed as part of the five-member rhythmic gymnastics group.
  • Shannon Parry of Cleveland was part of the women’s rugby sevens squad who unfortunately were unable to replicate their gold medal win in Rio 2016, losing to Fiji in the quarter finals.
  • Emily Gielnik of Alexandra Hills was part of the Matildas Olympic squad who made it to the semi-finals and narrowly missed bringing home a bronze medal.
  • BMX rider Logan Martin from Maudsland and trains in Redland Bay took the gold medal in the men’s BMX freestyle.

Redlands Coast athletes in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics included:

  • Swimmer Jake Michel of Birkdale scored silver in the men’s 100m breaststroke.
  • Swimmer Paige Leonhardt of Thornlands scored silver in the women’s 100m butterfly; finished 6th in the women’s 100m breaststroke; and 6th in the women’s 200m individual medley.

Cr Williams said the athletes’ achievements were another reminder of the level of excellence being reached by sporting clubs right across Redlands Coast.

“Well done to all the coaches, supporters and of course the families who have helped these athletes do us proud,” Cr Williams said.