Author Archives: Michelle

Council holds annual e-waste collection on islands


January 25, 2022

Redland City Council hopes to collect more than three tonnes of electronic waste (e-waste) for recycling during an annual collection drive for the island communities from 12 to 28 February 2022.

Mayor Karen Williams said e-waste was one of the fastest growing types of waste worldwide and most could be recycled.

“Australia generates the highest amount of e-waste per capita in the world, with the average household creating more than 73kg of e-waste each year,” she said.

“It is estimated that, globally, more than 80 per cent of e-waste is sent to landfill or dumped illegally.

“Council offers a full-time e-waste collection service at the mainland recycling and waste centres at Birkdale and Redland Bay and these two centres collect more than 250 tonnes of e-waste each year.

“Our e-waste recyclers are able to recover about 96 per cent of the materials they receive.

“These materials are able to be processed and eventually used in the manufacture of new products, which supports Council’s commitment to a circular economy.”

Cr Williams said Council wanted to give island residents a similar opportunity to thoughtfully dispose of unwanted e-waste items in their homes.

“E-waste collection drives held on the islands in 2020 and 2021 proved it was a popular initiative, with residents dropping off more than two tonnes each year.

“We hope to increase the amount of e-waste collected this year and I encourage our island residents to take advantage of this annual collection drive.”

As an incentive, residents can swap their e-waste for a free native plant on the weekend of 12-13 February at both the island and mainland recycling and waste centres.

This offer is available to the first 25 residents per island site and to the first 75 residents at each of the mainland sites at Birkdale and Redland Bay.

Electronic waste includes:

  • Televisions and sound systems
  • Computer equipment and printers
  • Mobile phones
  • Power drills, fans and vacuums
  • Small kitchen, bathroom and laundry appliances

Large whitegoods, such as refrigerators and washing machines, can be delivered to recycling and waste centres as scrap metal at any time during normal opening hours.

Island businesses can deliver household equivalent amounts of e-waste at no charge and are urged to contact council on 3829 8999 (8am-5pm, Monday to Friday) for advice if they have larger amounts to dispose of.

From 12 to 28 February 2022, island residents can drop their e-waste at recycling and waste centres located on North Stradbroke, Coochiemudlo, Macleay and Russell islands. Mainland residents can drop their e-waste at Birkdale or Redland Bay recycling and waste centres year round.

For more information on the e-waste collection drive go to Council’s website.

Celebrate Australia Day safely on Redlands Coast


January 25, 2022

Redland City Council is encouraging everyone to focus on health and safety this Australia Day and, to assist, has organised some special parking and safety arrangements so everyone can enjoy a relaxing celebration.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council wanted to ensure everyone had the opportunity to be outdoors enjoying Redlands Coast’s waterways and open spaces while staying COVID-safe on the public holiday.

“We know Wellington Point Recreation Reserve, in particular, is a popular destination,” she said.

“To relieve parking pressures, Council has arranged a free shuttle bus, which will undertake regular pickups from Wellington Point Community Hall and Village Green, Wellington Point from 8am to 5pm.

“This year we are operating a slighter larger bus than in previous years so we can halve the number of passengers per trip to help with physical distancing.

“As per Queensland Health requirements, face masks must be worn on the bus, except for children under 12 years and people with an exemption.

“Visitors to Wellington Point Recreation Reserve also will be able to celebrate Australia Day with their dogs this year but, to ensure the enjoyment of all, dogs must be on a leash in all areas of the reserve, including the sandbar walk out to King Island, at all times.”

Cr Williams said the public holiday overflow parking area at Toondah Harbour, Cleveland would also be open on Wednesday 26 January for those travelling to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah).

“It would be appreciated if everyone celebrating outdoors could assist by being patient and respectful of others and follow the direction of authorities,” she said.

“We also urge people to be mindful of helping to keep Redlands Coast the naturally wonderful place it is by not littering. Council officers will be patrolling popular parks on the day but, if a bin is full, please take your rubbish home with you and dispose of it there.”

Cr Williams said it was vitally important that people using the public spaces on Redlands Coast take precautions against COVID-19, even if celebrating outdoors.

“With COVID-19 case numbers rising across Queensland, we’re reminding everyone to be mindful of Queensland Health requirements regarding social distancing and wearing face masks and, if you are feeling unwell, please stay home,” she said.

“At this challenging time, we are seeking everyone’s assistance in helping to keep our community safe.”

In response to the evolving COVID-19 situation, Redland City Council will not be hosting any public events on Australia Day 2022.

For information on Council services available on the public holiday, visit Redland City Council’s Facebook page or news site.

Australia Day public holiday closures on 26 January 2022


January 25, 2022

Council Offices & Customer Service Centres

Redland City Council offices and customer service centres will be closed on Wednesday 26 January 2022, returning to regular operating hours on Thursday 27 January.

Bin Collections

Normal bin services will occur on the public holiday.

Remember to put your bin out the night before as trucks start collecting from 6am. If your bin has not been collected by 4pm, please contact us within 24 hours.

To report a missed bin on Wednesday, please fill out the Missed bin collection request form, or phone the office on Thursday 27 January on 3829 8999.

For more information, visit the Missed Bin collection page on the website.

Recycling and Waste Centres

Birkdale: open from 7am-5.30pm (must arrive before 5.15pm).

Redland Bay: open from 7am-5.30pm (must arrive before 5.15pm).

Coochiemudlo Island: open 10am-12pm.

Karragarra Island: open during daylight hours.

Lamb Island: open during daylight hours.

North Stradbroke Island: open 8am-2pm.

Macleay Island: open 8am-2pm.

Russell Island: open 8am-2pm.

Residents should check the website for all other opening times.

RecycleWorld Redland Bay

RecycleWorld Redland Bay is closed on Wednesdays. It is open Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am to 2pm.

Libraries

The Libraries and after-hours return chutes will be closed on Wednesday 26 January 2022. No items will be due during this time.

Redland Animal Shelter

The Redland Animal Shelter will be open from 9am-12pm on the public holiday.

Redland IndigiScapes Centre & Nursery

Redland IndigiScapes Centre cafe and gardens will be open from 8am to 4pm on Wednesday 26 January. The walking trails will also remain open but the nursery will be closed.

A small selection of native plants will be available to purchase at Redlands IndigiScapes Centre.

Redland Performing Arts Centre

The RPAC box office will be closed on the public holiday, reopening at 9am on Thursday 27 January 2022. For online bookings visit www.rpac.com.au

Redland Art Gallery

The gallery at Cleveland is closed between 24 and 28 January and reopens at 9am on Sunday 30 January.

The gallery at Capalaba is closed on Wednesday 26 January and reopens at 9am on Thursday 27 January.

Out of hours emergencies

For council-related emergencies, please phone 3829 8999.

Upgrade starts at popular Point Lookout park


January 25, 2022

Work has started on an upgrade to Headland Park at Point Lookout (Mulumba) on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah).

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the upgrade would provide a new lease of life to the popular park.

“This fabulous park is well-loved and enjoyed by local residents and the wider Redlands Coast community,” she said.

“New features will allow even more people to enjoy this wonderful space with room to rest, relax, play, picnic and appreciate Minjerribah’s spectacular environment.

“There will be a new marine-themed play space with dual-slide climbing unit, nest swing, spring rocker and shell cubby in the clearing near the existing amenities block.

“Nearby will be picnic facilities including a shelter, table, seating and barbecue, and another shelter with a table and seating will be located near the bus stop.

“The adjoining carpark will be sealed to provide more formalised parking spaces as well as additional protection for environmental values including minimising erosion and improving drainage.”

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said the upgrade would complement residents’ and visitors’ enjoyment of nearby features and attractions.

“Thousands of visitors annually access the southern entry of the Gorge Walk via Headland Park and pedestrians traverse its grassy open space to access both South Gorge Beach and Main Beach,” he said.

“With shops, cafes and gelati nearby, the upgrades to Headland Park will see it become an even more popular recreation space.

“The new facilities will make it easier for visitors and residents to stay a little longer and better enjoy their time outdoors in this very special place.”

Upgrade works are expected to be completed by Easter in mid-April, weather permitting.

Posted in Parks and tagged .

Council temporarily suspends in-branch library programs


January 20, 2022

In response to the evolving COVID-19 situation, Redland City Council will temporarily suspend all in-branch library programs for four weeks from Saturday 22 January 2022.

The move will apply to all children’s and adult programs held in Council libraries on both the mainland and islands.

This decision has been made in an effort to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Library staff will continue to hold free story sessions for young children at its pop-up libraries in Thornlands Community Park, Mount Cotton Community Park, Wellington Point Reserve and IndigiScapes Centre. Check the library events calendar for dates.

There will also be an increased focus on online programming, with story time and craft activities to do at home.

There have been some further COVID-19 impacts to library services on the islands, with the branch at Dunwich on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) closed on Tuesdays until further notice due to reduced staff availability.

All libraries will remain open for borrowing where possible, with visitors required to wear a face mask and to check in using either the Check In Qld app or by manually recording their details.

The use of computers, printing and free Wi-Fi will also still be available.

Library return chutes remain open 24/7, except on public holidays, so people can return items without needing to enter the library.

There are also opportunities to borrow resources, including e-books and audiobooks, from Council’s Digital Library, which can be accessed via the online catalogue or the Redland City Council Library app.

For the latest updates on the impacts of COVID-19 on Council services, programs and events, follow Redland City Council on Facebook or visit news.redland.qld.gov.au

Council awards RADF grants to five local art projects


January 18, 2022

Redland City Council has awarded grants for five local art projects through the 2021-2022 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).

Mayor Karen Williams said the successful first round recipients would undertake projects that creatively explored stories of people and place on Redlands Coast.

“These grants promote the role and value of the arts, culture and heritage as key drivers of diverse and inclusive communities,” she said.

“Funding allocated in this round will help local musicians, artists, writers, filmmakers and Quandamooka Elders share their stories to entertain and inspire our community.”

The RADF provides grants of up to $10,000 for professional and emerging artists based on Redlands Coast and up to $20,000 for strategic initiatives.

RADF Assessment Panel co-chair Cr Paul Bishop (Division 10) said the funding underscored the importance of arts and culture on Redlands Coast.

“We are fortunate to have a thriving arts community and this funding will support projects that reflect the distinctive people and places of Redlands Coast and its communities,” Cr Bishop said.

“Our RADF committee members are all great volunteer ambassadors for the creative arts who also deserve our respect and thanks.”

Panel Co-chair Cr Lance Hewlett (Division 4) said another round of RADF grant applications would open on 16 February 2022.

“These grants support activities that encourage creative and skills development within the arts and cultural life of Redlands Coast,” Cr Hewlett said.

“They cater for a wide range of initiatives, with grants available in nine categories – community arts and cultural development, multi-arts, music, theatre, writing, dance, developing regional skills, heritage, and visual arts, craft and design.”

Recipients of 2021-2022 Round 1 RADF grants:

  • Cleveland Film Company (CFC) – $20,000 for the development of a sustainable and independent regional film industry on Redlands Coast. The further development of CFC as a local production company will create employment opportunities for a wide range of creative artists, technicians and third-party associated support businesses such as catering, construction and accommodation.
  • Karen Drukakis – $10,000 for Reflections in the Rear View Mirror – the panoramas and the potholes (A modern twist to the ancient practice of sharing life lessons of the Elders). In this project, Elders from Minjerribah will use modern multimedia techniques to share the stories of their lives; shows will be performed on Minjerribah and multimedia materials will be presented at Redland Performing Arts Centre.
  • Our Pixie Friends Pty Ltd – $4400 for the publication of a children’s picture book, Minksy the Meltdown Pixie, with copies to be donated to State Library of Queensland, Redland City Council Libraries and local special schools.
  • Redland Sinfonia Inc – $7200 for a professional recording experience, which will be used to promote the orchestra of aspiring local professional musicians to a wider group.
  • Island Art Collective/Eve Newsome – $3600 for a mural on the kitchen garden shed in the Karragarra Community Garden, painted by four established and emerging Southern Moreton Bay Islands visual artists.

The RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Redland City Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

For more information, including how to apply for a grant in Round 2, visit redland.qld.gov.au/RADF

ENDS

Council sponsors event which celebrates volunteers


January 12, 2022

STAR Community Services will receive $6200 in Redland City Council sponsorship funding to host its annual Celebration of Volunteers event.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council was pleased to support the STAR Community Services event through round one of its 2021-2022 sponsorship program.

“This event, which Council is sponsoring for the second year, brings the community together to celebrate its volunteers and the work they do, and to build awareness of the inclusivity and diversity of volunteering across Redlands Coast,” she said.

“It will bring all ages and cultures together with live entertainment, rides and activities, and interactive information stalls from more than 30 local not-for-profit and community groups.”

The Celebration of Volunteers event, which STAR holds annually, will be held at Raby Bay Harbour Park on 14 May 2022.

STAR Community Services CEO Patsy Wilshire said the spirit of volunteering was deeply rooted in the Redlands community.

“Hundreds of community groups and organisations like STAR are supported by volunteers who give up their skills and personal time to lend a hand,” Ms Wilshire said.

“Thanks to the Redland City Council sponsorship, the Celebration of Volunteers is an event for the whole community to come together and celebrate the immense contribution made by our volunteers.”

Cr Williams said round two of this financial year’s sponsorship program would open in February 2022.

“I invite organisations to apply, even if they were unsuccessful in round one,” she said.

“Over the past 12 years, Council has invested more than $7 million in a diverse range of valuable and beneficial community-led projects and events across Redlands Coast.

“Council’s sponsorship program aims to boost the city’s economy and tourism industry by offering organisations the opportunity to apply for funding of either $15,000 or less, or for more than $15,000 – not once, but twice every financial year.

“The program also offers funding support of up to $1500 to support Quandamooka cultural awareness at sponsored events or activities.”

For more information on the sponsorship program, visit Council’s website.

Minjerribah on show in Aussie drama mystery TV series


January 10, 2022

A new Australian drama mystery series from Acorn TV, Darby and Joan, has recently wrapped filming on Redlands Coast and other south-east Queensland locations.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the series, produced by Australian production company CJZ, would showcase the rugged beauty and unique grandeur of North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) to millions of viewers via one of the world’s leading streaming services Acorn TV in 2022.

“We were pleased to welcome 75 cast and crew members to Minjerribah for almost a week in September last year,” she said.

“With Darby and Joan injecting an estimated $6.6 million into the economy and generating approximately 95 jobs for Queensland cast and crew, it’s great to see our local economy receiving a share of this through visitor nights and associated spending by the production.”

North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) was one of the locations chosen for the filming of the new TV series Darby and Joan. Photo: Scott Belzner

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said it was fantastic to see Redlands Coast and Minjerribah forging a reputation as a location of choice for film production.

“Minjerribah is known for its iconic scenery and Darby and Joan will feature several of our naturally wonderful locations including Amity Point, South Gorge, Cylinder Beach and Home Beach,” Cr Mitchell said.

“This is the latest production to film on Minjerribah, with other productions including the blockbuster Aquaman; showing the island is attracting more than just tourists and surfers, it is becoming a location of choice for filmmakers.”

North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) was a location loved by the series director and producers.

CJZ Head of Drama Claire Tonkin said, “We’ve always talked about this series being a love letter to some of the most beautiful spots in Queensland and, when I first saw where we’d be filming, I literally gasped out loud at its beauty.

“Shooting there was a wonderful experience for the whole cast and crew, and I can’t wait for the audience in the rest of Australia and around the world to see it onscreen.”

Roger Paul, location manager for Darby and Joan, said: “I’ve spent years in Vancouver, Canada, which is renowned for being one of the biggest production hubs on the planet with excellent support infrastructure from the local municipalities, and I can say with real confidence Redlands Coast is without a doubt on a par with them.”

Billed as a rollicking road trip with a mystery twist, Darby and Joan stars Bryan Brown as a retired Australian police officer with a dog as his only companion, and Greta Scacchi as a widowed English nurse.

The pair meet and embark on an epic odyssey in the outback of northern Australia.

An Acorn Original production, Darby and Joan will have its world premiere exclusively on Acorn TV in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Latin America, Australia, Spain, and Portugal among others in 2022.

The series is produced by CJZ with major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screen Queensland.

Council offers recycling tips for a more sustainable Christmas


December 16, 2021

Redlands Coast residents are encouraged to add recycling to their Christmas lists this year.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said recycling was important all-year round but particularly during the festive season, when people tend to generate extra waste.

“Christmas is of course a special time of year when families and friends come together to celebrate, entertain and to exchange gifts,” she said.

“However it is also a time when people generate a lot of waste with packaging materials, wrapping paper and food scraps, so Council is reminding everyone to continue to recycle right and help to reduce the amount of waste which goes to landfill.

“About 16 per cent of what Council collects from kerbside general waste bins every week consists of items that could be recycled, and even small steps in every household can make a huge difference.”

Cr Williams said recycling could start before Christmas by looking for items which have less packaging, not using single-use wrapping for gifts, or making your own bonbons using cardboard rolls and paper and including consumable items instead of plastic toys.

“Once the gifts are unwrapped, make sure you collect the wrapping paper, cardboard and hard plastic and place them in the yellow recycling bin,” she said.

“Separate out any polystyrene and bubble wrap; and take polystyrene to the recycling and waste centre and bubble wrap to your local supermarket drop-off point, or pop either in your red-lid bin.

“Also ensure no batteries (particularly lithium type) are placed in any kerbside bin.

“The festive season may also be a good opportunity to consider starting a compost bin or worm farm for food scraps.

“It really is quite easy to decide whether to be on the naughty or nice list when it comes to managing waste and recycling, and it can become just another tradition each festive season.”

Tips for Christmas recycling:

  • If you’re running out of space in your recycling bin, upgrade to a 340L bin with no extra annual fee and a small $30 establishment fee, or order an extra bin
  • Wrapping paper can go in the yellow recycling bin, or keep it and reuse next year or for craft activities
  • Put Christmas cards in the recycling bin or cut up to make gift cards for next year
  • Cardboard boxes and hard plastic packaging go in the recycling bin
  • Cellophane and other soft plastics like bubble wrap cannot be recycled kerbside but can be dropped off at your local supermarket with your other soft plastics such as plastic bags
  • Tinsel can be re-used but if it’s no longer usable, it belongs in the general waste kerbside bin
  • Batteries – do not place in kerbside bins; visit com.au to find your nearest location for drop off
  • Empty bottles and cans can go in the recycling bin, or take them to Containers for Change

Download the new Recycle Mate app (from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store) for a handy pocket guide on how to recycle right or visit Council’s online A-Z guide of waste and recycling

Council to invite expressions of interest for construction of new sport and recreation precinct


December 15, 2021

A new 100-hectare sport and recreational facility on Redlands Coast is another step closer, with Redland City Council set to invite Expressions of Interest (EOI) for construction of the first stage of the Redlands Coast Regional Sport and Recreation Precinct at Mount Cotton.

Stage 1 will include construction of the Bike Activity and Recreation sub-precincts and associated works, part funded by $4.5 million from the Queensland Government’s South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program in association with Redland City Council.

Mayor Karen Williams said the EOI process, which would open in early 2022, would allow for early contractor involvement and collaboration with the design consultancy team led by Bligh Tanner, who was recently awarded the contract to deliver the Preliminary and Detailed Design.

“The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games has created genuine excitement across south-east Queensland and this project will ensure our sporting stars of tomorrow have somewhere to play the sports they love,” Cr Williams said.

“This milestone brings this fabulous community sport and recreation precinct another step closer and I’m looking forward to seeing designs for the new home grounds for Redlands BMX Club, Redlands Cycling and Multisport Club, Redlands Touch Association and Redlands Rugby League Club.

“We will also see plans developed for a regional level play area with water play and pump track; boardwalks around rehabilitated wetland areas; walking, horse riding and cycling trails and a kick-about area that could be used for small community events or fitness classes.”

Member for Springwood Mick de Brenni said the Stage 1 works would create or support an estimated 53 local jobs and provide an intergenerational community infrastructure project.

“I’ve long said that local families shouldn’t have to leave our neighbourhood to take part in sport, and with this investment they won’t have to,” Mr de Brenni said.

“This project builds on the first round of the South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program which funded the development of the Eastern Escarpment mountain bike trails and facilities.

“It will provide sporting and active recreation assets, as well as conservation benefits for our local community.”

Cr Williams said the regional sporting facility was an example of true collaboration, with the State Government helping to fund the Master Plan and Stage 1 of the project.

“With Redlands Coast named as a venue city for the 2032 Olympic Games, Council is investing heavily in sporting infrastructure across the city,” she said.

“We have already invested more than $6 million in designing this exciting new facility, with the Queensland Government assisting with a Get Planning Spaces grant of $100,000.”

For more information about the EOI process and Council Tenders and Contracting, visit www.redland.qld.gov.au/info/20164/tenders_and_contracting.

For more information about the Redlands Coast Regional Sport and Recreation Precinct, and to see a fly-through video of the concept design, visit yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au