Author Archives: Michelle

Council launches new platform for property and development searches


May 10, 2021

Redland City Council has launched a new online platform which provides easy access to planning and development information for the local government area.

Mayor Karen Williams said the platform, Development.i, replaced Council’s PD Online portal and, in response to community feedback, offered a better user experience and increased functionality.

“Development.i users will be able to search for information on properly-made planning and development applications lodged with Redland City Council,” she said.

“They will be able to access documents and plans related to core development applications including material change of use, operational works, subdivision plans, reconfiguring a lot and concurrent agency referrals.

“Development.i is intuitive, simple and fast and has a modern interface which makes it easier to find application or property details.

“Features include the visualisation of results on a map and the ability to search applications by address, locality or division.

“At this stage, documents relating to building applications and plumbing permits will not be available.

“Future enhancements will include the ability to save searches on favourite properties, and to receive email notifications on new applications or changes to the status of applications.”

Council received $60,000 in funding from the Queensland Government for this project, with an additional Council contribution of more than $25,250.

Member for Redlands Kim Richards said the new platform would ensure residents had easy and transparent access to information across the Redlands.

“Better access to information for the community is vital for open and transparent decision-making,” Ms Richards said.

“The Palaszczuk Government has invested in Development.i through our $4.5 million Innovation and Improvement Fund as part of Queensland’s plan for economic recovery.”

Development.i can be accessed via any web-enabled device at developmenti.redland.qld.gov.au

The website includes help pages and a tutorial video on how to use the new platform.

The Development.i implementation is a joint initiative of Redland City Council and the Queensland Government.

Neighbourhood fitness and fun at Chipping Drive Park


May 6, 2021

There’s something for young and old with the fun changes to Chipping Drive Park at Alexandra Hills.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the improvements, with an estimated budget of about $130,000 out of an annual program of about $13.8 million to improve Redlands Coast’s wonderful parks and sports fields, included some exciting new features to spark neighbourhood activation and wellbeing.

“The park now has small bike and scooter play elements including traffic signs, a zebra crossing, bike humps and traffic obstacles, as well as fitness equipment such as a dexterity bar, shoulder wheel and wobble board,” Cr Williams said.

“We’ve recently seen interest in bike and scooter play elements at other newly-opened Redlands Coast parks, such as Raby Esplanade Park, and I expect locals walking or cycling to Chipping Drive Park will also enjoy the ‘real road’ feel of the play space.”

Division 7 Councillor Rowanne McKenzie said the revamp would also provide fitness equipment to support locals’ health and wellbeing.

“The fitness equipment at Chipping Drive will appeal to locals who recognise the value in keeping fit and healthy at all ages,” Cr McKenzie said.

“Local community members might enjoy the chance to try out new additions like the wobble board, which engages your whole body to support a healthy posture, improve balance and coordination, and develop core strength.

“I hope residents young and old in this lovely neighbourhood will enjoy the improvements to this well-connected park for years to come.”

Posted in Parks and tagged .

Inaugural art fair showcases Redlands Coast artists


May 4, 2021

Redland City Council will give residents and visitors a unique opportunity to view the works of local artists through the inaugural Redlands Coast Art Fair on Quandamooka Country.

Mayor Karen Williams said the Art Fair, to be held at Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) in June, aimed to cement the region as a hub for visual arts.

“Council is committed to providing opportunities to build and strengthen the vibrant local artist community,” she said.

“This event will provide a taste of what Redlands Coast has to offer and give community art groups and individual artists the opportunity to present their work in a professionally curated exhibition.”

Redland’s Creative Alliance, Old SchoolHouse Gallery, Coochie Art Group and Salt Water Murris Quandamooka Aboriginal Art Gallery will each submit up to 20 works to be included in the main exhibition.

The groups will also present their work at market stalls during the three-day event, from 4-6 June 2021, where people can purchase artworks and gifts.

“This is an incredible opportunity to see the best of our local art talent under one roof,” Cr Williams said.

“RPAC is not only a great venue for concerts, theatre and dance, it is the creative heart of Redlands Coast and this will be on show for all to see in June.”

RPAC has engaged professional curator Lisa Beilby to present the Art Fair, in collaboration with local art groups and Redland Art Gallery.

The event will also include a range of public programs with masterclasses with Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, Emma Gardner and Deb Mostert to further develop the skills and knowledge of emerging artists.

A family-friendly Recycled Art Construction Centre will also be available for budding artists to get creative.

“We expect that this event will grow in future years as it provides our community and our artists with the opportunity to build their profiles and strengthen networks in the local art community,” Cr Williams said.

“As we continue the COVID economic recovery, this will be a perfect opportunity for residents and visitors to take a piece of the Redlands Coast home with them and support our local artists.”

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, places are limited so early bookings are recommended.

For more information on the Redlands Coast Art Fair, visit the RPAC website and subscribe for event updates.

Posted in Arts and tagged .

Birkdale Community Precinct is all class


April 30, 2021

Redland City Council is encouraging the community to tap into the educational resources that exist on Birkdale Community Precinct as they imagine future uses for the site.

Mayor Karen Williams said the educational benefits of the 62-hectare precinct were just waiting to be discovered and, with the current community engagement closing on May 4, there was an urgency around considering how they featured in the site’s future.

“A green, natural haven set beside the gentle ebb and flow of Tingalpa Creek is not only an attractive and conducive space for studying and learning, but it is a rich educational resource in its own right,” Cr Williams said.

“From its time of settlement by Traditional Owners through its colonial farming heritage, World War II history and beyond, the precinct offers valuable insights into the life and times of those who walked and worked upon its land.”

Cr Williams said the protected ecosystem of the site could potentially offer up many environmental education lessons around issues such as biosecurity, conservation land management and sustainability.

About two-thirds of the precinct is categorised as protected because of its identified cultural, heritage and ecological values.

Vee Design director David Hatherly believes in actively respecting the precinct’s natural habitat and values when considering the educational opportunities that it offers.

His firm was one of five leading urban design and landscape architecture teams who created ideas boards for the precinct based around themes inherent to the site. Their theme was Education and Discovery.

“Three principles underpin the theme. Respect. Restore. Educate,” Mr Hatherly said.

“Respect for the natural environment and for the cultural history. Restoration of the landscape and management of sensitive environments and ecosystems. Educate through a range of activities such as bush walks, guided tours, day and night activation, and seasonal activation, incorporation of outdoor classrooms, seasonal environmental signage displays, and the provision of a Discovery Hub which could provide information, bookings, learning and site management facilities.

“This project could be considered one of ‘change’. But importantly it is how that change can be managed and reflected in positive outcomes that will be the site’s legacy for generations to come.”

The other themes were:

Adventure and recreation – What exciting, compelling and family-friendly community facilities, assets and attractions would you like to see at Birkdale Community Precinct?  Could it be the home for the highly anticipated Redlands Coast Adventure Sports Precinct? The opportunity is to create an integrated regional aquatic centre of excellence, incorporating the city’s new Olympic standard pool, water play and adventure sports facilities, as well as an Olympic standard whitewater facility that could serve as the event venue for canoe slalom for a potential Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Agriculture and rural tradition – The land had a productive past in farming. How could we use that to help shape a sustainable future?

Heritage and history – In what ways would you like to see the stories of place, from Traditional Owners to European settlers to the land’s role during World War II, acknowledged?

Environment and ecology – How do we preserve, showcase and be innovative with the precinct’s environmental resilience and qualities into the future?

Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop said it appears the themes of education and discovery are particularly exciting for all ages and especially for younger members of the community.

“This land is just waiting to be experienced; it has many stories to tell and lessons to help us learn,” Cr Bishop said.

“Some suggest this could be a place where children get to meet and learn about the local habitat in a structured, formal way. It also could be a place where youth may enjoy nature play among eucalypts as they celebrate ‘re-wilding’ of open spaces and discover the precinct’s beauty in an informal way.

“But right now, we need members of our community to visit Council’s Your Say page, look at the virtual tour, videos and fact sheets and consider the many possibilities for this precinct.

“Imagine what you want your loved ones to inherit in decades to come. Do the survey and raise any other unique suggestions. The deadline to have your say is fast approaching.”

For more information about Council’s community consultation on possible future uses for Birkdale Community Precinct, visit yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/imagine

Consultation closes on Tuesday 4 May 2021.

Birkdale Recycling and Waste Centre to close temporarily


April 30, 2021

The Birkdale Recycling and Waste Centre will temporarily close for maintenance for four days a week (Monday to Thursday) over two weeks from 17 May 2021.

Mayor Karen Williams said the closure was necessary for the safety of Council employees, contractors and the community.

“Works are planned to repair a storm water drain which has been damaged following recent heavy rain,” she said.

“The drain runs beside the down exit road and the site needs to be closed so repair works can be completed safely.

“In an endeavour to reduce the impact on residents as much as possible the works will take place between Monday and Thursday over two weeks, from 17 May to 27 May, with the centre to remain open during peak times.

“The centre will need to close on these days, with works to be undertaken during daylight hours, but will reopen from Friday 21 May to Sunday 23 May.”

Cr Williams encouraged residents to either hold on to waste and recyclables for a Friday to Sunday drop-off at Birkdale, or make use of the Redland Bay Recycling and Waste Centre.

Commercial operators are being asked to use alternative facilities during the closure period.

Division 8 Councillor Tracey Huges said she acknowledged the temporary closure may be an inconvenience for some people.

“We appreciate the community’s patience during this short-term closure while we improve services to our residents,” Cr Huges said.

“The centre is expected to reopen on Friday 28 May, subject to weather conditions and the progress of the maintenance work that will be required.”

Redland Bay Recycling and Waste Centre, located at 761-789 German Church Road, is open seven days a week from 7am-5.30pm.

This centre only accepts residential and commercial waste in vehicles with a gross combination vehicle mass (GCVM) of less than 4.5 tonnes. Recyclable material including cardboard and scrap metal is not subject to this limit.

The following commercial items are not accepted at Redland Bay Recycling and Waste Centre:

  • Commercially generated or transported fibro, cement sheeting and asbestos-containing material. Redland Bay only accepts residential quantities (up to 10sqm)
  • Commercial bricks and concrete
  • Commercial and industrial mixed waste in vehicles greater than 4.5 tonnes GCVM.

Commercial operators are encouraged to go to alternative locations where possible during the closure. Please check with operators regarding what waste is accepted.

Alternative locations include:

  • Chandler Resource Recovery Centre (Brisbane City Council), Tilley Road, Chandler – vehicles less than 4.5 tonnes GCVM
  • Resource Recoveries and Recycling, 706 Mount Cotton Road, Sheldon – does not accept commercial and industrial waste
  • Carbrook Waste and Recycling Facility (Logan City Council), 1801 Mount Cotton Road, Cornubia – vehicles less than 4.5 tonnes GCVM
  • Stapylton Resource Recovery, 144 Rossmanns Road, Stapylton.

Redland City salutes Young Legends


April 16, 2021

Dedication, selflessness, passion and leadership are the hallmarks of six exceptional young Redlanders who have been recognised by Redland City Council at its inaugural Young Legends Awards.

The event, coinciding with Queensland Youth Week, was organised to salute the outstanding contributions of local young people.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the calibre of the award’s 39 finalists had made selecting the winners of the inaugural awards a tough but heart-warming task.

“As young people are our future, I have great confidence in what that future holds for our Redlands Coast,” Cr Williams said. “The dedication, drive and passion of our finalists shows just how fortunate we are as a community.”

Cr Williams said that many young people had been hard hit by COVID-19 and too often were unfairly criticised because of the actions of small minority

“There are so many talented, dedicated and inspiring young people who are quietly doing great things in our community,” Cr Williams said.

“During the pandemic, more than 120 local young people signed up to the Volunteering Queensland Care Army or registered to become emergency volunteers. They are among the many young people volunteering, they are our unsung young legends of Redlands Coast.

“Redland City Council wanted to acknowledge these dedicated young people and give them the recognition they deserve.”

The winners:

Young Legend of the Year (under 18) – Harry Taske

“Harry is a very community-minded young man indeed. In addition to his sporting achievements, he has shown a passion for helping others in need as a volunteer since he was just 8 years old, working with organisations that support those who are less fortunate, especially the homeless and those affected by domestic and family violence, and rallying the community to provide desperately needed support,” Cr Williams said.

Young Legend of the Year (over 18) – Jacob Nicholls

“Jacob is such a positive, kind and caring young man. He has been an outstanding role model, from his volunteer work at local community radio station BayFM to his ongoing support in the fight against mental health issues in our community. He also volunteers at Mission to Seafarers Brisbane and with our SES,” Cr Williams said.

Community Commitment – Zoe Bodle

“Zoe is a high achiever who has shown a tireless commitment to organisations such as Scouts and Capalaba Venturers, and is a very proud volunteer at Agoonoree, a camp run by Scouts Queensland to provide children with special needs the opportunity to experience a Scout camp,” Cr Williams said.

Environment and Sustainability – Layne Utz

“Layne began picking up litter in 2018 by himself, giving up countless hours to keep our environment rubbish free. He also created his Litter Legends group on Facebook to inspire other volunteers to help save our environment. The dedication and selflessness of this young man is amazing and we are lucky to have him keeping Redlands Coast naturally wonderful,” Cr Williams said.

Sports Leadership and Achievement (under 18) – Delonte Lavender

“Delonte has had huge impact on his peers, school and greater community and is an inspiration to all through his sporting and school achievements, as well as his leadership qualities. He leads by example, fostering culture, respect and reverence in the local basketball community and Capalaba State College, as well as the greater Redlands Coast community,” Cr Williams said.

Sports Leadership and Achievement (over 18) – Ben Cooper

“Ben has been an active member of Cleveland Air Magic, Australia’s premier rope skipping club, since 2011, competing at an elite level both in Australia and around the world. He has shown true leadership qualities to become a valuable coach as well as one of the highest qualified judges in Australia. Ben freely gives of his time and experience and always goes the extra mile to help young athletes reach their goals,” Cr Williams said.

Digital stories about local youth organisations, which were created by Council’s Redlands Coast Young Leaders group, in partnership with SplashZone Media, were also presented at the event.

“These youth organisations work with young people to help them achieve goals, seek opportunities and learn new skills. These are inspiring stories and well worth seeing,” Cr Williams said.

The presentations – from Running Wild, Headspace, YMCA, the Cage Youth Foundation and Redlands PCYC – can be seen by linking from Council’s website at redland.qld.gov.au.

“We are fortunate as a community to have groups such as these who are dedicated to helping young people be the best they can be and making Redlands Coast such a great place to be,” Cr Williams said.

Adventuring into Birkdale Community Precinct


April 16, 2021

Redland City Council is encouraging people to imagine exciting ideas for adventure sports as they have their say on a future vision for Birkdale Community Precinct.

Mayor Karen Williams said the 62-hectare precinct provided opportunity for a multitude of adventure and recreation-based uses.

“Council is committed to providing an Adventure Sports Precinct for Redlands Coast and it is one of the exciting ideas possible for Birkdale Community Precinct,” she said.

“A regional, integrated aquatic centre for Redlands Coast would include a world championship-level 50m pool while adventure sports facilities could include high ropes, zip lines, rock climbing, professional skateboarding, a lagoon and water play features.

“The integrated precinct would also include event space and amenities, with an amphitheatre.”

Cr Williams said such a transformation would bring more jobs to the local area and region during planning, construction and through to operation.

“It would generate a major boost to our economy,” she said.

“Part of an adventure sports precinct could be an Olympic-standard canoe slalom course that could be used for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games should south-east Queensland be the host.

“The whitewater and adventure sport aspects are part of an overall project that could be a game changer for the city.

“It is just one of the many ideas possible for the Birkdale site, though there are other possible locations for the adventure sports precinct across the city.”

Paddle Australia board director and long-time former Redlands Coast resident Andrew Trim said a whitewater facility would provide welcome opportunities for the sport.

“In the high-performance space, but just as importantly in the development recreation and increased participation space,” he said.

“A Queensland artificial course creates increased opportunities for high-performance athletes to train for major events on a reliable world class facility.

“This in itself is a major benefit.

“Having access to a course such as this would help Paddle Australia develop stronger pathways for our younger athletes; consistent access to a quality course is critical for the development of junior elite athletes.”

Mr Trim is a triple Olympian, having competed in canoe sprints in Barcelona, Atlanta and Sydney, winning bronze (Atlanta) and silver (Sydney) medals in the K2 500m.

Living in Thorneside at the time, Mr Trim trained on Tingalpa Creek for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

“So many kilometres and hours were spent on that stretch of water,” Mr Trim, who lived on Redlands Coast from 1993 to just last year, said.

“The concept of an adventure sports precinct for that site is one of the most exciting developments for locals ever conceived for Redlands Coast.

“Having a course such as this would increase participation in the recreational side of paddling.

“Rafting, freestyle paddling and increased exposure to schools and recreational clubs would benefit the entire south-east Queensland community.”

Mr Trim said an adventure sports precinct’s legacy beyond a potential Olympic Games would involve the attraction of international competitions.

For more information about Council’s community consultation on possible future uses for Birkdale Community Precinct, visit yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au – see expert urban designers’ ideas, watch the videos, read the fact sheets, take a virtual tour of the precinct, and have your say.

Consultation on Birkdale Community Precinct closes on Tuesday 4 May 2021.

Planned burns scheduled – 13 to 16 April 2021


April 13, 2021

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) will be undertaking three separate planned burns on North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah from Tuesday 13 April to Friday 16 April 2021.

They are conducting the burns at the following locations:

  • North of 2 Mile (5.3 ha) on Tuesday 13 April 2021
  • Blue Lake/Kaboora walking track (1.7 ha) on Tuesday 13 April 2021
  • Blue Lake/Kaboora – Tortoise Lagoon (13.9 ha) between Wednesday 14 April and Friday 16 April, 2021, weather permitting.

The burns are being undertaken as part of the annual hazard reduction, cultural heritage and conservation management program for QPWS, to maintain forest health and to help protect life and property in the event of a wildfire.

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

Ranger Stacey wild about joining Redland City Council team


April 9, 2021

Redland City Council is excited to welcome Stacey Thomson, better known as Ranger Stacey, to Council’s Environment and Education team this week.

Mayor Karen Williams said Ranger Stacey, former host of the long-running, nature-themed television show Totally Wild, which ended recently, would be based primarily at IndigiScapes at Capalaba.

“We are delighted that Ranger Stacey has brought her wealth of conservation knowledge and experience to our community,” she said.

“She has a passion for inspiring a love of nature and Australian wildlife, and we are thrilled to have her working as part of our Council team.”

Ranger Stacey said working on Redlands Coast for Council was the start of an exciting new chapter for her, championing conservation and inspiring a new generation to connect with nature.

“I’ve been coming to Redlands Coast for recreation since I was a little girl and was married at Cleveland’s Grand View Hotel,” she said.

“I love it here.

“Redlands Coast is a beautiful, diverse environment with so much to offer from the coastal zones and islands to the hinterland.

“This is a very green part of the world with lots of parklands and vast tracts of bushland still in place.

“When the television show ended, I wanted to do something I believed in and where I could lend my skills.

“This is a very exciting new start for me and I’m looking forward to spending more time on Redlands Coast and getting to know the community better.

“The people here really value where they live and I’m looking forward to playing an active part in helping to showcase the many natural wonders that are found here.”

Council recycles road materials to create better roads


April 8, 2021

Redland City Council is using recycled road materials to deliver better road conditions for the community.

Mayor Karen Williams said the re-use of profilings (the waste by-product collected when roads are resealed) offered a number of benefits to both Council and road users.

“Recycling the profilings and using them in place of gravel not only results in cost savings for Council, but also offers a high quality structural surface and reduces dust,” she said.

“Profilings are a mix of surface bitumen and asphalt and some of the gravel below which are removed as part of the road resealing process, and are reused as part of Council’s support of the circular economy, where materials and products are recirculated for as long as possible.

“They have been used to build Council roads on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) for the past few years as part of the Green Seal program.

“We have also completed several big projects on the mainland, including Billiau Road in Mount Cotton and School of Arts Road in Redland Bay, which used thousands of cubic metres of profilings.”

The road profilings are screened and stored at Council’s quarry and then transported to sites as required.

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said profilings had also been used for SMBI road maintenance for about the past two years.

“There is a need for continuous maintenance of unsealed gravel roads and roadside drains on the islands and Council’s road maintenance crews use road profilings – laying it, watering and rolling it to form a better surface,” Cr Edwards said.

“The profilings compact and hold better, reduce dust and have greater longevity than gravel alone.”