Author Archives: Michelle Smith

Explore Redlands Coast by bike on National Ride2Work Day


October 16, 2020

Redlands Coast residents are encouraged to use National Ride2Work Day on Wednesday 21 October as an opportunity to explore the region’s naturally wonderful attractions.

Mayor Karen Williams said Redlands Coast was a safe place for active travel, with many dedicated cycling paths and bike lanes.

“Cycling is a great way to stay active and to explore our beautiful region,” she said.

“Redlands Coast has an extensive network of bike trails, many of which take in scenic views of our coastline and meander through bushland and parks.

“We also have bike paths and tracks which connect to bus, train, ferry and barge terminals so, even if you have a long commute, there are safe options to travel part of the way by bicycle.”

‘Active Travel’ and ‘Behaviour Change’ are Council priorities, as identified in the Redlands Coast Transport Strategy.

“To this end we are focussed on delivering high quality infrastructure that protects cyclists and offers a direct route to key activity centres and services,” Cr Williams said.

“Many people already walk or cycle on a daily basis and Ride2Work Day is all about encouraging more people to swap the car for a bike, whether it’s for work, to visit a friend or for a trip to the shops or the library.

“Cycling is not only a pollution-free mode of transport, it also has great health and fitness benefits.”

Cr Williams said there were plenty of options for longer or more advanced cycling which residents could enjoy at weekends.

“The Moreton Bay Cycleway offers some stunning rides along our foreshore and through natural bushland.

“There are also cycleways linking Cleveland and Capalaba, at Ross Creek and Weinam Creek and along the Point Halloran foreshore.

“For the more adventurous there are mountain bike trails in a number of local conservation areas, and there are also cycling tracks on our islands, with opportunities to explore diverse landscapes and take in panoramic views across Moreton Bay.”

 Local cycling paths:

  • Moreton Bay Cycleway – with 20 parks along the way with side trips to Cleveland Point and Wellington Point.
  • Cleveland-Capalaba Cycleway – follow the footpath markings from the Cleveland railway station to Sam Sciacca Park at Capalaba.
  • Ross Creek Pathway from Beach Street Thornlands to Shore Street Cleveland and onto Cleveland Point.
  • Weinam Creek path system.
  • Point Halloran foreshore and Point Halloran Conservation area.
  • Capalaba Regional Park – Killarney Crescent to Brewer Street with loops within Capalaba Regional Park.
  • Coochiemudlo Island, Emerald Fringe Loop – use existing paths, tracks and local roads to circumnavigate the island and finish with a cuppa at the foreshore café.
  • Raby Bay – Raby Bay to foreshore via Masthead Drive.

 Longer and more adventurous rides:

  • Bayview Conservation Area – around 60km of mountain bike and bushwalking trails.
  • Don and Christine Burnett Conservation Area – mountain bike trails and bushwalking trails. Part of a large trail system which also includes Neville Lawrie Reserve and Daisy Hill Conservation Park.
  • Redland Track Park (Scribbly Gums Conservation Area) – mountain bike trails and bushwalking trails.
  • Ford Road Conservation Area – mountain bike trails and bushwalking trails.
  • Sandy Creek Conservation Area – mountain bike, bushwalking, horse riding on fire trail system trails
  • Greater Glider Conservation Area – mountain bike, bushwalking, horse riding on fire trail system trails.
  • Emu Street Conservation Area – mountain bike, bushwalking, horse riding on fire trail system trails.
  • There are also cycling tracks on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah.

For more information contact the Redlands Coast Visitor Information Centre on 1300 667 386 or visit the Sport and Recreation page on Council’s website.

 

TV series drives opportunities for Redlands Coast businesses


October 16, 2020

Filming of the hit reality TV series Holey Moley involved thousands of Redlands Coast residents and created about 100 local jobs.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the show, which was filmed at Thornlands earlier this month, would be a massive promotion for Redlands Coast when it aired early next year.

“Eureka Productions’ first Australian version of the series provided opportunities for the construction and tourism industry sectors, including accommodation providers and local suppliers in areas such as landscaping, construction, security, waste management, and food and beverage,” she said.

“Alexandra Hills Hotel was booked out, while two other local accommodation providers benefited from cast and crew staying with them.

“Other local businesses which provided their services during filming included Kennards Hire at Cleveland and MSE Security Services at Ormiston.”

Alexandra Hills Hotel owner Damian McGuire said having the Holey Moley contestants, cast and crew book out the hotel was a welcome economic boost as well as a lot of fun for the team.

“The audience bus left from the hotel every day, also bringing a lot of locals to our establishment,” Mr McGuire said.

“Besides selling out our 4.5 star hotel rooms, our restaurant and bar saw an uplift.

“It was a really positive experience on many levels and we look forward to seeing our guests on-screen.”

MSE Security Services Director Shane Logan said Holey Moley allowed him to employ an extra six local security officers.

“MSE Security provided an onsite security presence and also security patrol services over a 24/7 period since late August 2020,” Mr Logan said.

“We also provided COVID-19 screening control measures and were involved in the safe transportation of audience members to and from site.

“I would like to thank Eureka Productions for the opportunity to work on this project, and we would definitely be interested in providing our services for any other filming to take place on site.

“Holey Moley is definitely an exciting and fresh take on mini golf. I think everyone enjoyed themselves and we look forward to the screening of the show.”

Cr Williams said the filming was an exciting opportunity for residents, with more than 2500 locals and visitors taking up the offer to be audience members.

“No doubt they will be on the lookout for themselves when the show goes to air on Channel 7,” she said.

Holey Moley features 96 contestants competing for a $100,000 prize on a supersized miniature golf course, with obstacles and twists along the way.

The obstacle course site, at the end of the street near the Redland Animal Shelter, is now available for other countries to use to film their versions of the show.

This production received support from the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland.

New car park opens for SMBI commuters


October 16, 2020

Redland City Council this week opened the new Moores Road car park in Redland Bay.

Council partnered with Council-owned subsidiary Redland Investment Corporation to deliver the new car park, footbridge and connecting pathways which form part of Stage 1 of the Weinam Creek Priority Development Area (PDA) redevelopment project.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council is excited to provide this valuable infrastructure for the community, bringing some much-needed relief to some of the parking concerns for Southern Moreton Bay Island commuters.

“Council has listened to the community and is working to help meet the high demand for car parking,” Cr Williams said.

“The Moores Road carpark will include about 500 additional car parks for Southern Moreton Bay Island commuters, with time limits to be considered and assessed.”

The new footbridge and connecting pathways between the Moores Road car park will provide access to the Marina, accommodating foot traffic and bicycles as well as mobility scooters, taking an average of seven minutes to walk to the ferry terminal.

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the addition of the new car parking area on Moores Road is an integral part of the overall masterplan and will serve as overflow parking while works on the northern side of the creek commence.

“The overall masterplan and future stages are expected to be lodged for approval to later this month and will include additional on and off street car parks and secure and public multi-deck car parking within the Redland Bay Marina precinct,” Cr Edwards said.

“Other features of the plan include improved drop-off and storage facilities for Southern Moreton Bay Island residents to store goods in lockers at the ferry terminal while commuters park and walk back hands free. There will also be more than 21,000sq m of new public open space, the rejuvenation of more than 46,000sq m of existing parkland, new pedestrian and cycle ways and the construction of a new public boat ramp.

“There will also be mixed-use and medium-density residential development, retail and commercial spaces including cafes, restaurants and grocery outlets, as well as a health precinct for mainland and island residents,” Cr Edwards said.

Cr Williams said the project provided a valuable opportunity to showcase Weinam Creek as a community focal point and a regional gateway to the islands as well as creating jobs and supporting economic development within the region.

Once the overall masterplan has been lodged, it will be available for public comment.

Council’s Green Seal program expands on Southern Moreton Bay Islands


October 15, 2020

Redland City Council has commenced upgrades to almost 9 km of gravel roads on Russell and Macleay islands.

Mayor Karen Williams said the work, undertaken as part of the Green Seal program, underscored Council’s commitment to improving infrastructure on the SMBI.

“Since the Green Seal program was established in 2014, Council has sealed about 48 kilometres of gravel roads,” she said.

“These latest upgrades will boost that further, with 28 streets on Russell Island and 13 streets on Macleay Island being improved with a two-coat bitumen seal.

“These works will significantly improve conditions for island residents.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the upgrades, which cost more than $3 million, were co-funded by Council and the State Government, with the Federal Government providing funding towards work on Tingara Street Macleay Island and Rampart Drive Russell Island.

“Preliminary drainage works started on Russell Island in early September, and works on Macleay Island are expected to start at the end of October,” he said.

“The upgrades are expected to be completed by 30 April 2021, weather permitting.

“This is great news for our island residents, and I’m pleased to see even more gravel roads being sealed on the SMBI.”

The 2020-21 Redland City Council budget allocated $1.5 million for the Green Seal program on Southern Moreton Bay Islands.

The funding formed part of an $11.1 million package for major infrastructure and roads projects to benefit Redlands Coast island communities.

This includes:

  • $3.5 million for the Russell Island pontoon upgrade,
  • $3.4 million for the Weinam Creek car park at Redland Bay,
  • $1.1 million to upgrade Point Lookout’s Headland Park on North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah,
  • $795,000 for the Canaipa Point Drive off-road footpath on Russell Island,
  • $404,000 to upgrade island waiting sheds and shelters,
  • $270,000 for park and streetscape asset renewal on Coochiemudlo Island, and
  • $259,000 to upgrade Macleay Island Community Park.

Residents encouraged to go green with waste recycling


October 14, 2020

Redlands Coast residents are encouraged to make their neighbours green with envy and help reduce waste to landfill through the use of a green waste bin.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council offered a number of kerbside bin options to help residents best manage their household waste across their general, recycling and green waste.

“We live in such a naturally wonderful place and I know it’s in our nature to want to rethink our waste and the impact it has on our community,” she said.

“Green waste bins are an ideal way to save you time and money and ensure garden waste can be recycled rather than ending up in landfill.

“Up to 30 per cent of general household waste can be diverted from landfill by residents using a green waste bin.

“Council is urging residents to consider ordering a green waste bin and rethink the way they dispose of their waste.”

Cr Williams said there was no set-up fee to obtain a green waste bin, which is available to mainland residents only at this time, and no set-up fee to swap or exchange existing bins when ordering a green waste bin at the same time.

“The use of green bins will allow Council to turn valuable green waste into organic garden products such as soil enhancers and mulch,” Cr Williams said.

“Having the extra green waste bin will also save residents trips to our recycling and waste centres, and will provide a safe way to reduce the risk of fire and storm damage posed by overgrown gardens.

“The green waste bin is collected fortnightly on the alternative week to the recycling bin.”

Cr Williams said correct disposal of waste through green waste bins would also help reduce Council’s costs in managing waste services to the city.

Residents can mix and match their bin sizes to suit their individual household needs, with bins available for waste (140L and 240L), recycling (140L, 240L and 340L) and green (240L, mainland only). Different annual fees apply.

To order a green waste bin for as little as approximately $1.20 per week or to change a bin size, contact Council on 3829 8999 or order online at redland.qld.gov.au/waste.

Nominations open for Redlands Coast Australia Day awards


October 9, 2020

It’s time to recognise inspirational Redlands Coast residents who generously give their time to make our region the best it can be.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said nominations were now open for the 2021 Australia Day Awards, which recognise the outstanding contributions made by people of all ages to our city.

“Every year we are amazed at the efforts of those who make the lives of others in our community better,” she said.

“This year has provided many challenges but Redlands Coast residents have demonstrated their resilience.

“They have shown that even a global pandemic can bring out the best in people, many of whom have stepped up to help and support neighbours and others in the community.

“These awards aim to recognise these local heroes and all they have done to make Redlands Coast an even better place to live.

“Whether they’re a tireless community advocate or long-serving volunteer, their dedication and sense of civic pride deserves to be recognised.

“I encourage anyone who knows someone who is deserving of recognition through an Australia Day award to nominate them so we can celebrate and recognise their contribution.”

Online nominations are open for these award categories:

  • Citizen of the Year Award
  • Young Citizen of the Year Award (30 years and under)
  • Senior Citizen of the Year Award (60 years and over)
  • Local Hero Award
  • Community Organisation Award
  • Cultural Award
  • Environment and Sustainability Award
  • Sports Award
  • Reconciliation Award

To make a nomination, visit Redland.qld.gov.au/awards.

Nominations close at 4pm on Friday 27 November 2020 and the Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards presentation for finalists will be held in January 2021.

Recycle e-waste in exchange for a native tree


October 9, 2020

Redland City Council is encouraging mainland residents to recycle their e-waste and swap it for a free native tree.

Mayor Karen Williams said the initiative would help raise awareness of e-waste recycling to mark International E-Waste Day on 14 October 2020, with a twofold benefit.

“Council hopes to collect 20 tonnes of e-waste from 14 to 18 October and aims to give away about 500 trees in exchange over the same period,” she said.

“Not only will Council be able to recycle this e-waste, thus reducing our carbon emissions, there will also be positive environmental impacts through the planting of hundreds of native trees throughout Redlands Coast.”

Cr Williams said Council was committed to reducing the amount of e-waste going to landfill.

“E-waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams globally and in the last financial year Council received 256 tonnes of e-waste,” she said.

“All items collected are taken to a facility where they are pulled apart and the various components of glass, plastic, wire and metal are sent for recycling; in fact almost 95 per cent of the materials are recovered for further use.

“Council ran a similar e-waste collection drive for island residents in February 2020 and collected more than two tonnes of e-waste, and we plan to hold another drive in February 2021.”

The trees for e-waste campaign runs from 14 to 18 October at Redland Bay and Birkdale recycling and waste centres.

Both are open every day from 7am to 5.30pm.

There is a limit of one tree per household in exchange for e-waste, and there are about 250 tree vouchers available at both recycling and waste centres.

Trees can be collected from either IndigiScapes Nursery on weekdays or IndigiScapes Centre on weekends.

Council accepts e-waste year round at its two mainland recycling and waste centres at Redland Bay and Birkdale, and runs annual collection drives to the island centres.

E-waste items suitable for recycling include:

  • TVs, interactive displays, digital displays, data projectors, video and tape players
  • Computer equipment: desktops/workstations, monitors, thin clients, all-in-ones, notebooks and tablets, monitors including CRTs, servers and storage arrays, switches and routers
  • Mobile phones
  • Printers, copiers and multi-function printers
  • POS equipment
  • Small kitchen, bathroom and laundry appliances: toasters, kettles, hairdryers, shavers and irons
  • Power drills, fans, vacuums and sound systems

For more information on Council’s waste and recycling centres, visit the redlnd.cc/e-waste.

Be prepared for fire and storm season


October 9, 2020

Redland City Council is stepping up preparations for bushfire season and is urging residents to do the same.

Mayor Karen Williams said everyone on Redlands Coast should have a bushfire survival plan.

“If fire breaks out there is often little time to escape to safety, so having a survival plan and practising it can save lives,” she said.

“This year has been challenging in many ways, and I encourage all Redlands Coast residents to be personally prepared as we head into the fire and storm season.

“It is also important that people stay informed, which they can do by monitoring Council’s news site, social media, and Disaster Dashboard.”

Council has continued its hazard reduction program throughout the year, including planned burns, physical fuel removal and other general maintenance activities.

“Council has carried out 14 prescribed burns across 88 hectares of land on Redlands Coast mainland and islands, plus other fire mitigation activities,” Cr Williams said.

“While Council mitigates fire risk on Council managed land, it is vital for effective fire management that all property owners meet their obligation to manage fire risks on their own land.”

Council urges Redlands Coast residents to safeguard their properties ahead of the bushfire and storm season by cleaning up and maintaining their yards and homes.

This includes clearing overgrown vegetation around the yard and near homes, clearing and maintaining roofs and gutters, and clearing overgrown allotments and reducing or removing fire hazards.

Council is also reviewing fire management plans and access trails; and asks residents to help reduce fuel loads on Redlands Coast by contacting Council on 3829 8999 if they see incidents or evidence of illegal dumping.

Council also has a free, opt-in emergency messaging service people can subscribe to via Council’s Disaster Dashboard.

This, and other information to help keep people safe on Redlands Coast, can be found on Council’s Disaster Dashboard

Tips to prepare your home

  • Clean gutters and downpipes so stormwater can drain quickly
  • Secure loose items around your property and garden (sheets of tin, trampolines)
  • Trim trees and overhanging branches around your property (check with Council first)
  • Install metal screens or shutters to prepare your home against embers
  • Ensure LPG cylinder relief valves point away from the house to minimise fire risk
  • Make sure pumps or generators are working and ready if needed

Tips to make a household emergency plan

  • Prepare an emergency kit with essentials such as medications, legal papers, first aid, a battery operated radio, batteries, pet food, money and a torch
  • Have a good supply of bottled water readily available
  • Identify a safe place to shelter in a storm or to evacuate to in a bushfire and decide how you’d look after your pets
  • Decide whether to go early or stay and defend in bushfire situations
  • Make sure everyone in your household knows your emergency plan
  • Know your neighbours as they can be a source of support during emergencies

For weather and warning updates:

  • Bureau of Meteorology: bom.gov.au/qld
  • Queensland Fire and Emergency Services: qfes.qld.gov.au
  • Redlands Disaster Dashboard: disaster.redland.qld.gov.au
  • ABC radio

Council committed to improving access provisions for Kinross community


October 8, 2020

Redland City Council will advocate to the State Government for a public transport corridor and bus service at the Kinross Road Structure Plan (KRSP) area.

Deputy Mayor Julie Talty said a Ministerial condition requiring the transport corridor was placed on the structure plan area in 2011.

“The provision of this corridor continues to remain the responsibility of the State Government through TransLink,” Cr Talty said.

“Unfortunately, TransLink has not indicated intention to provide the corridor or a bus service, but Council will advocate to the State Government to ascertain when this public transport link will be constructed, operational, and providing this much needed service to the Kinross community.”

This week’s Council report followed a Notice of Motion from Division 7 Councillor Rowanne McKenzie to investigate better access for residents.

“As part of a longer term strategy, Council will also review the potential for a further road connection for the Kinross community,” Cr McKenzie said.

“This will include in the first instance determining whether there is a need for a further road connection, with investigations to commence in 2021 as part of the next Local Government Infrastructure Plan review.

“The KRSP area is continuing to grow, and Council has conducted extensive investigations in the past into alternative access points.

“Council will continue to advocate to the State Government and investigate options to provide better access to serve this expanding community.”