Author Archives: Michelle

Council supports project to help Redlands Coast music industry


August 2, 2021

Redland City Council has thrown its support behind an initiative which aims to support the creative and career development of local musicians.

Mayor Karen Williams said Redlands Coast’s Live and Local Program was part of a wider south east Queensland music recovery project which aimed to build the capacity of local live music communities including musicians, businesses and venues.

“The main focus of this project is to help the music industry recover from the ongoing effects of COVID-19,” Cr Williams said.

“Many musicians are out of work due to the cancellation of events, closed venues and limited paid performance opportunities.

“The Redlands Coast Live and Local Program is a capacity building project which focuses on strengthening and supporting local live music communities.”

Cr Williams said the project aimed to deliver a number of opportunities including:

  • mentorship of an emerging local event curator/producer
  • the creation of a digital platform for performers to link artists with venues and local festival and event organisers
  • the delivery of performance opportunities for new and emerging musicians
  • local and regional industry roundtables
  • skills and professional development programs.

Cr Williams said the first priority of the newly-formed local area Music Working Group was to encourage as many local musicians as possible to register for a region-wide festival of micro events to be held between August and October this year.

Musicians can register their interest online until 8 August 2021.

The Music Working Group has also prepared two surveys – one for venues/presenters and another for musicians.

For more information on the Live and Local program visit redland.qld.gov.au

The project is in partnership with Redland City Council, The Live Music Office, QMusic and Creative Alliance Queensland.

Posted in Arts and tagged .

Council completes renewal of Apex Park


July 30, 2021

Redland City Council has completed a $1.15 million renewal of Apex Park in Wellington Point.

Mayor Karen Williams said the recent works formed the last phase of improvement works for the popular community park.

“Council has invested about $1.87 million on upgrading Apex Park over the past two years,” she said.

“Last year we completed a $720,000 upgrade to the playground which included a number of new and exciting pieces of equipment such as a multi-level climbing unit and fairy play space, and renewal of the flying fox.

“The latest improvements include a renewal of the multi-sport half court, additional picnic facilities and a fabulous new pump track.

“The works were part of an approximate $13.8 million budgeted program in the 2020-21 financial year to improve our city’s valued parks and sports fields.

“I know Redlands Coast residents love their outdoor spaces and these works help make Apex Park more appealing and accessible for all users.”

Mayor Karen Williams and Cr Wendy Boglary on the reformed BMX track in Apex Park.

Division 1 Councillor Wendy Boglary thanked the local community for its input during her initial consultation ahead of the park upgrades.

“The renewed park is sure to be a hit with local families,” Cr Boglary said.

“The reformed BMX track opened earlier this month and has already proven to be very popular with our younger residents, as the sealed asphalt pump track is suitable for beginner, intermediate and advanced users.

“The multi-sport half court has also been renewed and includes a soccer goal along with a basketball and netball hoop.

“Other upgrades, which I’m sure will be welcomed by park users, include a shelter over a double barbecue and another shelter with informal seating near the pump track.

“New public amenities, with two fully-accessible unisex toilets, are nearing completion. These toilets are in a more central location which means they offer better access and visibility for all park visitors, and they are further away from a busy road.

“They are also an improvement on the existing amenities as they meet national building accessibility standards for people with a disability. Once the new toilets are open and operational, the old amenities block will be demolished.”

In a linked project, Council has also completed an upgrade of the existing bitumen path to a 2 metre wide concrete pathway which connects Old Cleveland Road East to Starkey Street and Heritage Drive.

Posted in Parks and tagged .

Inspiring businesswoman to speak at Mayoral Prayer Breakfast


July 29, 2021

Inspirational businesswoman Ruth Limkin will be guest speaker at this year’s Redland City Mayoral Prayer Breakfast on 27 August 2021.

Mayor Karen Williams said the event gave Redlands Coast residents the opportunity to help make a difference to the lives of local families by raising funds for school chaplaincy programs.

“This is a great opportunity for us to make a positive difference in the lives of students, schools and our community, just like Ruth Limkin who is passionate about creating a better tomorrow,” Cr Williams said.

“Ruth is the founding CEO of The Banyans Healthcare Group, which focuses on innovation in whole-of-person mental healthcare.

“She is also a Non-Executive Director of Bible Society Australia, a former board member of Scripture Union Queensland, and a two-time Queensland finalist in Telstra Business Woman of the Year.”

Ruth Limkin is guest speaker at the Redland City Mayoral Prayer Breakfast.

Cr Williams said the breakfast would also include the announcement of the 2021 recipient of the Pastor Glen Gray Award.

“This annual award recognises an outstanding school chaplain who has demonstrated significant social, emotional and spiritual support to students, parents and school employees,” she said.

Nominations for the award close on Friday 13 August.

Cr Williams said there were also sponsorship opportunities available for the breakfast, and thanked the businesses and organisations which had already pledged their support:

  • Lee’s Environmental (diamond sponsor)
  • Renaissance Retirement Living (platinum sponsor)
  • Certified Roofing (silver sponsor)
  • RE/MAX Bayside Properties (bronze sponsor)
  • Bank of Queensland, Cleveland (bronze sponsor)
  • Alex Gow Funerals (bronze sponsor)
  • Cole + Yarrow (bronze sponsor).

For more information, including how to nominate a chaplain for the Pastor Glen Gray Award and sponsorship opportunities, visit the event’s webpage at redland.qld.gov.au/mpb.

EVENT DETAILS

Event: Redland City Mayoral Prayer Breakfast

When: Friday 27 August from 7am-8.45am

Venue: Alexandra Hills Hotel and Conference Centre, corner of McDonald Road and Finucane Road

Ticket price (includes GST): $60 each, limit of eight per organisation

Book tickets: redland.qld.gov.au/mpb

Posted in Events and tagged .

Council provides 2920 native plants for National Tree Day


July 27, 2021

Wildlife corridors across Redlands Coast will be enhanced after Redland City Council donated 2920 native plants to support National Tree Day on Sunday 1 August.

This includes 920 plants for 23 local schools and childcare centres to plant on National Schools Tree Day on Friday 30 July and 2000 plants for a community planting at IndigiScapes in Capalaba on 1 August.

Mayor Karen Williams said the local plantings were a great opportunity for residents to support Council’s aim to plant one million native plants in the Redlands by 2026.

Mayor Karen WIlliams and Cr Rowanne McKenzie with native plants at IndigiScapes Nursery.

“The One Million Native Plants initiative is part of Council’s commitment to a greener Redlands Coast and, since 2016, we have planted about 450,000 native plants,” she said.

“This project aligns perfectly with Planet Ark’s National Tree Day initiative which, since its launch in 1996, has become our country’s largest community tree planting event.

“Locally, it is the perfect opportunity for residents to get out and enjoy the great outdoors while providing future habitat for our wildlife.”

Cr Williams said that, since 2002, Council had provided about 15,320 native plants to local schools as part of the annual tree planting initiative.

“Each school also has the chance to request up to 100 native plants from the IndigiScapes Nursery throughout the year for their school,” she said.

“We hope to encourage all our schools to use local native plants in their gardens and grounds instead of introduced, non-native species.

“This in turn will help the wildlife in the area, and will increase and enhance the biodiversity of the Redlands.”

Division 7 Councillor Rowanne McKenzie said National Tree Day was one of the regular community planting events run by Council’s Bushcare program.

“The free family-friendly event at IndigiScapes on 1 August will help to protect and expand important habitat, providing homes and food for local wildlife,” Cr McKenzie said.

“Our community plantings are popular events, often attracting hundreds of volunteers who are eager to do their part for our natural environment.

“They also generate a great sense of community pride and environmental awareness, especially for children.”

Community planting day details:

Date: Sunday 1 August, 9 – 11am

Location: IndigiScapes Nursery, 15 Runnymede Road, Capalaba

Bring: drinking water and wear enclosed shoes and sunsmart clothing

Council supplies: plants, tools, sunscreen, insect repellent and gardening gloves

Register: eventbrite.com.au

Planned burn scheduled – Wednesday 28 July 2021


July 27, 2021

Redland City Council’s Parks and Conservation crews along with Brisbane Region Rural Fire Service will undertake a planned burn in a section of bushland within the Bayview Conservation Area, Redland Bay on Wednesday 28 July 2021, weather permitting.

The location of the burn area is 273-305 Days Road (highlighted in yellow on the map below).

The burn is expected to occur between 9am and 4.30pm on Wednesday.

Due to the size of the burn area, Council officers will return on Thursday 29 July to continue the burn, if required, and to monitor the area which has been burned.

The purpose of the burn is to reduce the volume of forest litter fuel, which will assist with hazard reduction – reducing the fire danger and providing conditions essential for native regeneration.

There will be a half road closure to a small section of Sugargum Avenue, and a traffic control crew will be on site.

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

For more information about Council’s planned burn program, visit redland.qld.gov.au/PlannedBurns.

Planned burns scheduled in Alexandra Hills – Friday 23 July 2021


July 21, 2021

UPDATE: Thursday 22 June 2021

The hazard reduction burns within the Scribbly Gums Conservation Area at Alexandra Hills will continue on Friday 23 July 2021, weather permitting.

Wednesday 21 June 2021

Redland City Council’s Parks and Conservation Crews and Brisbane Region Rural Fire Service will undertake a hazard reduction burn in two areas within the Scribbly Gums Conservation Area on Thursday 22 July 2021, weather permitting.

The locations of the planned burns are:

  • 23-141 Flinders Street, Alexandra Hills
  • 57A Winchester Road, Alexandra Hills.

Crews will be onsite from 7.30am, with the burns expected to occur between 10am and 3.30pm.

A hazard reduction burn is planned at 23-141 Flinders Street, Alexandra Hills, in the area marked in yellow.

The purpose of the burns is to reduce the volume of forest litter fuel, which will assist with hazard reduction – reducing the fire danger and providing conditions essential for native regeneration.

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

A hazard reduction burn is planned at 57A Winchester Road, Alexandra Hills, in the area marked in yellow.

No impact is expected for road traffic, however advisory signs will be erected in nearby streets that may be impacted by smoke.

For more information about Council’s planned burn program, visit redland.qld.gov.au/PlannedBurns.

Council aims to deliver savings through new Corporate Procurement Policy


July 21, 2021

Redland City Council has formally adopted its new Corporate Procurement Policy aimed at saving money and supporting local businesses through better purchasing and project delivery processes.

Mayor Karen Williams said the policy was a continuing initiative which set out Council’s framework for procurement and contracting.

“The new Corporate Procurement Policy streamlines our internal authorising processes and ensures the efficient and timely delivery of Council’s capital works, operational and service delivery programs,” she said.

“It continues our strategic approach to procurement, which needs to be agile in response to 18 months of COVID-19 disruptions, including increased demand in the building industry and disruptions in supply of mechanical and computer equipment.

“The policy also aims to support opportunities for local businesses.”

Cr Williams said Council spent about $140 million through its procurement activity each year on goods, services and work.

“Over the past six to 18 months Council has transitioned its procurement activity to use legislated Strategic Contracting Procedures,” she said.

“This model allows us to negotiate bulk buying rates and research into innovative and continuous improvement initiatives, which is particularly relevant as Council supports the broader community and economic response and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Cr Williams said that, by adopting the policy, Council had also supported an increase in the CEO contract delegation from $2 million to $10 million.

“This increase is considered reasonable given the CEO, on behalf of Council, is responsible for managing $2.88 billion in assets and delivering a budget of $327 million this financial year.

“It will also facilitate bundled and bulk buying contracts while streamlining approval processes, ultimately strengthening our focus on community services.”

At today’s general meeting, Council also adopted its Annual Contracting Plan 2021-22, which details the goods, services and work to be procured and the disposal of assets by Council consistent with its budget.

Stay safe from swooping magpies and other nesting birds


July 14, 2021

Redlands Coast residents are urged to be aware of nesting magpies and other birds who may swoop to protect their young.

Mayor Karen Williams said July to December was the traditional breeding season for a number of birds and some could become overzealous while protecting their nests.

“Magpies are the most commonly recognised birds for swooping but others, such as plovers and butcherbirds, will also swoop at this time of year,” she said.

“Birds swoop as a defence mechanism to protect their young when people or animals get too close.

“Plovers are under constant threat as they lay their eggs on the ground.

“By understanding the reason behind their defensive behavior, and taking some simple steps when in their vicinity, everyone can stay safe from swooping birds.”

Council’s environmental ambassador Ranger Stacey said there was only a small percentage of magpies that swooped.

“This is usually because they have had a negative experience with humans,” she said.

“Magpies are really intelligent and have great memories, and they can hold a grudge.

“It is only the male magpies that swoop as the females are on the nests. In any one area, the swooping only occurs for about four to six weeks, while there are young in the nest.

“Magpies take the job of parenting very seriously and the dads are sometimes super protective. Our job as humans is to give them the space they need and try to live in harmony.”

Residents are encouraged to be alert and follow these safety tips to avoid being swooped:

  • Find out where birds are nesting and avoid the area if possible
  • Find an alternate route or stay at least 150m from a nest area
  • Wear a hat and sunglasses or hold a bag or umbrella over your head
  • Get off and walk your bicycle around nest areas
  • Or, if riding a bicycle, put spike or flag decorations on your helmet
  • Walk in a group when possible
  • Never approach or try to pick up a young magpie.

For more useful tips on swooping birds, visit Redland City Council’s website.

Council partners with Griffith University for koala facial recognition project


July 14, 2021

Redland City Council is working with Griffith University researchers to see if facial recognition technology can be used to identify the movement of koalas and assess their use of wildlife road crossing structures.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council supported the university-led pilot study and had provided input on the proposed research applications near Eprapah Creek and Coolnwynpin Creek.

“This is a really exciting project which aims to see if the kind of facial recognition technology used to identify humans at airports can also be used to identify individual koalas,” Cr Williams said.

“The researchers want to better understand koala road crossing behavior in an effort to reduce the number of koalas being hit by vehicles.”

A previous similar project conducted by Griffith University used traditional technology such as GPS collars and tags to track individual movements through road underpasses.

This new study will use video cameras and sensors to collect images of koalas using road underpasses, then use non-intrusive artificial intelligence software to recognise each individual.

Associate Professor Jun Zhou, who will lead the two-year study, said the collected data would be analysed to provide a greater understanding of koalas’ use of road crossing structures and help to design and optimize the location of fauna mitigation measures on roads.

Cr Williams said Council, through its Koala Conservation Program, had implemented measures to mitigate the impacts of roads and other threats to local koala populations.

“This latest research could help us understand whether road underpasses are used by all members of a koala population, or whether the same individuals use the crossings repeatedly,” she said.

“The aim is to see if crossings enable different koalas to move safely under roads, allowing them to access further resources and to enable the dispersal of young koalas, which is vital to ensure gene flow across the wider population.”

Researchers are currently working with organisations such as the Daisy Hill Koala Centre, Moggill Koala Rehabilitation Centre and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to build a database of individual koala images.

They plan to install about 10 video cameras and sensors in a number of Redland City locations by the end of July.

“This is ground-breaking research,” Cr Williams said.

“It will allow continuous, concurrent monitoring of koala habitat using artificial intelligence, reducing intrusion and the hours required to tag and survey koalas required in the past.”

The research team is encouraging local residents to help build the database of individual koala images by providing photos of koalas and where and when they were spotted. Photographs can be sent to the Griffith University research team via a QR code (below).

Posted in koalas and tagged .

Return of Council’s Community Grants and Sponsorship Program


July 14, 2021

Get ready for the return of Redland City Council’s Community Grants and Sponsorship Program as it resets for the 2021/22 financial year.

Mayor Karen Williams said she welcomed the return of the regular grants and sponsorship program for 2021-22, following an 18-month redirection of funds to COVID-19 relief and recovery grants.

“We recently announced the recipients of pandemic-related grants, supporting community organisations to recover from disruptions with Organisation Support (Sustainability) and Capital Infrastructure (Maintenance) grants,” Cr Williams said.

“Council has endeavoured to be flexible to help community and sporting organisations navigate the pandemic and has received some very positive feedback from beneficiaries, including Hot Shots Skipping, Rotary Club of Redlands Bayside and Blues Union Netball Club.

“It is now time to return our focus and funding back to Council’s regular Grants and Sponsorship Program.

“I understand many community organisations and event organisers have been eagerly awaiting the announcement of the dates for the 2021-2022 funding rounds.

“We will start with Round 1 of Community Grants, with applications for the categories of Project Support, Organisation Support and Conservation being accepted from Monday 19 July until 16 August 2021.

“This will be immediately followed by Round 1 for Sponsorship, from 16 August to 13 September 2021, at which time the single round of the Capital Infrastructure Grants will open until 11 October 2021.

“A second round for both Community Grants and Sponsorship will open in the second half of the financial year.

“I encourage all those interested in applying for funding to visit Council’s webpage redland.qld.gov.au/grants for eligibility criteria and guidelines, with applications accepted online via SmartyGrants only.

“Apply for a grant or sponsorship today and help invest in your community tomorrow.”

Key dates and details:

Community Grants Program – Round 1, 2021-2022

Applications are open Monday 19 July – Monday 16 August 2021
The Community Grants Program provides funding to support local community organisations and individuals to undertake projects for the benefit of the Redlands Coast community.

Three categories are offered in this round:

  • Project Support (up to $10,000 for one-off projects)
  • Organisation Support (up to $3,000 for projects to become more sustainable and improve capacity to deliver services)
  • Conservation (up to $10,000 to benefit the environment and wildlife)

Sponsorship Program – Round 1, 2021-2022
Applications are open Monday 16 August – Monday 13 September 2021
Council’s Sponsorship Program provides financial and in-kind support to eligible individuals and organisations providing tangible and measurable commercial benefits to Council and the community through community projects, events or activities. Categories are Minor Sponsorship (up to $15,000) and Major Sponsorship (more than $15,000).

Capital Infrastructure Grants 2021-2022

Applications are open Monday 13 September – Monday 11 October 2021

Categories are Small Capital (up to $10,000) and Major Capital (from $10,001 to $50,000)

For more information visit redland.qld.gov.au/grants or contact the Community Grants Team at grants@redland.qld.gov.au or phone 07 3829 8999.