Author Archives: Susie

Council urges residents to try to avoid Recycling and Waste Centres during lockdown


August 3, 2021

Do you really need to go to the tip this week? Redland City Council is urging residents not to go to its Recycling and Waste Centres unless it really is essential.

While all Recycling and Waste Centres remain open for disposal of commercial and household waste, now is not the time for residents to do a general clean up.

If you must visit the facilities for essential waste disposal, physical distancing and safety requirements apply to help keep our community safe and to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The average tip run is likely to take longer than usual, so expect delays and please be patient.

These safety measures will be enforced at Recycling and Waste Centres:
• Masks are mandatory.
• QR code check-in is required.
• Vehicle restrictions on entry apply.
• Visitors must keep a distance of 1.5 metres from other visitors and staff.
• No more than one car is allowed per bin bay with limited vehicles permitted in each stockpile area.
• Payment via EFT or account only. No cash payments.

RecycleWorld at Redland Bay Recycling and Waste Centre will remain closed for the duration of the lockdown.

Here are some ideas to help residents avoid the tip during lockdown:

  • Household kerbside wheelie bin collections of general waste, green waste and recycling will continue unaffected so make full use of these services. Order a green waste bin if you don’t already have one.
  • Consider what waste you are generating and perhaps delay those projects.
  • Set up a separate recycling station in your home to keep the right things inside the yellow-lid bin – only paper, cardboard, aluminium/steel & hard plastic containers and glass bottles and jars.
  • Start composting food scraps to make room in your red-lid waste bin. The up-side is free compost for your garden.
  • Get creative and turn that ‘junk’ into your next up-cycle project. What you thought was rubbish could turn into a new hobby.
  • Find a place to store excess to delay your tip trip.

Check Council’s website for Recycling and Wastes Centre opening hours.

Redland Bay Cemetery expanded to increase plots and allow monuments


July 29, 2021

Redland City Council has recently expanded the Redland Bay Cemetery, with works expected to provide 288 new burial plots by the end of August 2021.

Mayor Karen Williams says the work would address a shortage of burial capacity and improve internment options available within Redlands Coast.

“Cleveland Cemetery is nearly full and many of our residents would like the opportunity to memorialise their loved ones with monuments and headstones,” Cr Williams said.

Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Division 6 Julie Talty said many people had registered their interest in buying a burial plot within the Redlands Coast region.

“Redland Bay Cemetery has also been approaching capacity but will soon be able to offer more plots as well as vaults, monuments, headstones and lawn burials,” she said.

Redland Bay Cemetery is nestled in a serene bushland setting.

Meanwhile, the upgrade to historic Cleveland Cemetery is on track to completion this August (weather permitting) with a new lawn burial section and columbarium niche walls expected to open before the end of the year.

For more information on availability in both cemeteries, contact the Redland City Council Cemetery and Interments area on 33829 8990 or cemetery@redland.qld.gov.au

Keep hazardous waste out of wheelie bins


July 29, 2021

Earlier this month an emergency was averted by the swift actions of a truck driver undertaking kerbside waste collection on behalf of Redland City Council.

Redland City Mayor praised the JJ Richards employee who noticed his load had caught on fire and jettisoned it in the parking area next to Sel Outridge Park in Redland Bay.

A load had to be quickly jettisoned at Sel Outridge Park, Redland Bay, when it caught on fire during kerbside collection. Luckily the driver was unharmed and the mess was fully cleaned up once the fire was extinguished.

“These types of incidents are being increasingly reported by Council’s kerbside waste collection contractor, JJ Richards, with a ‘hot load’ last year burning right through the metal skin of a truck,” Cr Williams said.

“Hot loads are frequently the result of the wrong type of waste, most notably hazardous waste, being placed in household wheelie bins by residents.”

Cr Williams said there were good reasons for restrictions on what could be put in wheelie bins.

“Hazardous waste can catch on fire while being unwittingly transported in waste collection trucks, causing extensive damage to the vehicle and endangering the safety of the driver and potentially other road users,” she said.

“We’re appealing to residents to keep dangerous materials out of wheelie bins. That includes anything marked as toxic, hazardous, flammable or requiring caution.

“Household batteries and gas bottles are two of the worst culprits.

“In addition to the immediate dangers during transportation, hazardous waste can harm people and our environment when it ends up in our landfill and recycling centres.

“That’s why we’re urging everyone to take their hazardous waste to the appropriate drop-off points.”

Where to take hazardous waste

Council facilities

Gas bottles, car batteries, waste oil and asbestos can the taken to Council’s staffed Recycling and Waste Centre at Redland Bay, Birkdale, Coochiemudlo Island, Macleay Island, Russell Island and North Stradbroke Island.

Residents can safely dispose of an extensive range of hazardous waste at our Redland Bay Recycling and Waste Centre, including:

  • Acids and alkalis
  • Chemical containers
  • Coolants and brake fluids
  • Engine oil
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Gas bottles, including butane cans
  • Glue and solvents
  • Herbicides
  • Household chemicals
  • Lubricant grease
  • Mercury-containing lamps (unbroken only)
    • Examples are compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) and fluorescent tubes
    • Broken lamps should be carefully sealed in a plastic bag and put in a waste wheelie bin
  • Pesticides
  • Petrol
  • Pool chemicals
  • Rust inhibitors
  • Smoke alarms/detectors
  • Thinners
  • Wood preservatives
  • Vehicle batteries

Visit Council’s website for more information on conditions and safe disposal of hazardous waste.

Other facilities

Council does not take all hazardous waste, some requiring other specialist disposal.

Flares and EPIRBS can be disposed of at three different locations. Check the Maritime Safety Website.

Household batteries can be taken to community drop off points.

 

Enough housing supply and diversity in Redland City


July 21, 2021

Redland City Councillors have unanimously refuted the Deputy Premier’s proposed Ministerial Direction requiring Council to prepare a new housing supply and diversity strategy for Redland City by August 2022.

Mayor Karen Williams said Redland City had plenty of housing supply and diversity and would demonstrate there was no urgent need for a strategy in a written submission to the Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, Steven Miles.

“I am bewildered as to why the Deputy Premier has sent a letter stating he is considering using his ministerial powers to force Council’s hand on the matter,” Cr Williams said.

“We are meeting our requirements with evidence of sufficient and increasing housing diversity in Redlands in the State Government’s own annual Land Supply and Development Monitoring (LSDM) Reports.

“The LSDM consistently notes that Redland City has sufficient planned dwelling supply to achieve the dwelling supply benchmarks of the SEQ Regional Plan (ShapingSEQ).

“In addition, recent dwelling approvals show the City is achieving greater diversity in its dwelling stock compared with the 2016 Census.

“While housing strategies are valuable, local governments would usually undertake them in preparation for a review of their planning schemes.

“As this is some four years away for Redland City, and the city’s 2002/21 housing supply figures exceeds the State’s targets, it would be premature and unnecessary for Council to allocate resources to undertake this strategy now.

“Council has already completed two pieces of work that currently serve the purpose of a housing supply strategy – the Redlands Housing Strategy 2011-2031 and the Redland Land Supply Review; a detailed assessment of residential land availability undertaken in 2014,” Cr Williams said.

Prior to the preparation of the current Redland City Plan, Council officers engaged planning consultants to prepare the ‘Redlands Housing Strategy 2011-2031’ (RHS), which recommended the types of housing that would be required to meet the future housing needs of the Redlands.

In 2014 Council also engaged planning consultants to undertake a detailed assessment of residential land availability in the Redlands which found that Redland has capacity to accommodate the number of dwellings required to house the projected population growth over the planning timeframe 2014 to 2041.

Cr Williams said that together, these bodies of work not only informed the development of the Redland City Plan but would also ensure future planning scheme amendments and the review of the Local Government Infrastructure Plan supported ongoing supply and diversity of residential land across our City.

“Council is also currently finalising a comprehensive review of existing residential land supply and demand across the City to 2045,”Cr Williams said.

“While we may have temporarily fallen below the ShapingSEQ benchmark of four years of approved lot supply, our figures from the 2020/21 financial year will be well above this target at close to five years.

“We seem to have been singled out as there are much bigger players with a lot more population growth that could deliver additional housing, but do not seem to be getting the same direction from the Minister.

“It would appear that other local government areas that have fallen below the ShapingSEQ threshold – including Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Noosa and Moreton Bay – have not been requested to prepare a housing supply and diversity strategy.

“Council has also progressed land use and infrastructure planning for two newly emerging communities in south west Victoria Point and southern Redland Bay which are expected to accommodate more than 5500 new lots, including providing opportunities for lots below 400m2.

“It is also worth noting that the Deputy Premier recently commented that the State’s newly established Priority Growth Area in Southern Redland Bay would unlock growth, housing choice and affordability and identified the opportunity for an additional 2000 new dwellings outside the approved Shoreline development.

Council determined today that the CEO would write back to the Deputy Premier to demonstrate there was no need to prepare a housing supply and diversity strategy at this time, and request that the State provide a transport and infrastructure plan that is intrinsically linked to the dwelling forecasts for Redland City and that includes the Eastern Busway through to Capalaba, Cleveland Rail duplication through to Cleveland and upgrades to all State-owned roads.

Providing this critical infrastructure will be key in unlocking the planned dwelling supply in City’s existing urban areas.

Cr Williams said “We stand here ready to collaborate with the State Government but want to do it right.

“We ask the State to come to the party with transport and other infrastructure that meets growth expectations.”

Council has 20 business days to make a submission in response to the Deputy Premier’s notification that he was considering exercising the Ministerial Direction powers under the Planning Act 2016 to require Council to prepare a Redland City housing supply and diversity strategy by 30 August 2022.

 

Curtains rise for another successful season at RPAC


July 5, 2021

Performances spanning contemporary music, dance, drama, family theatre, classical music and cabaret are just some of the highlights of the new offerings at Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC).

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said RPAC’s Season 2021: Act 2 program guide was now available, with more than 30 different shows on offer at RPAC until the end of August.

“This latest program follows the successful reboot of RPAC’s arts calendar with Act 1 which saw crowds flooding back after the disruptions of 2020,” Cr Williams said.

“The arts are alive and thriving on Redlands Coast.

“Redland City Council is delighted with the level of support given by our community to RPAC, as our premier performing arts program venue.

“I’m sure the diverse selection of performances in Act 2 of this season’s program will appeal to all tastes and interests.”

RPAC’s reputation as one of the best performance venues in the south-east Queensland continues to attract major touring productions with both Opera Queensland and Queensland Ballet gracing the stage this season.

Trailblazing women will take RPAC centre stage in Rovers (8 July), featuring intrepid performers Roxanne McDonald and Barbara Lowing in an entertaining and heartfelt stage adventure.

RPAC will also celebrate legendary artists Simon & Garfunkel, Cat Stevens, Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks, Aretha Franklin and the Bee Gees in a series of tribute concerts this season.

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said young imaginations would soon be ignited by a selection of family-friendly productions.

“Wilbur the Optical Whale (5 August) is a beautiful, inclusive performance that will inspire your children to embrace difference,” he said.

“The ever popular Flipside Circus school holiday workshops (8-9 July) will also return to entertain all ages.”

Councillor Williams said it was shaping up to be a bumper year for RPAC as the venue continued to deliver outstanding experiences for Redlands Coast residents, visitors and guests.

“Along with the leading national and regional touring productions, the best of Redlands Coast will be celebrated with Stage Sessions making a welcome return to showcase the talent of local performers,” she said.

For the full list of fantastic performances and exhibitions coming to RPAC during Season 2021: Act 2, and to book tickets, visit www.rpac.com.au.

Hurry to have your say on dog numbers


July 2, 2021

How many dogs do you think should be able to be kept on Redland Coast properties?

Redland City Council is currently posing this question through a 35-day community consultation period due to end on 8 July 2021.

Mayor Karen Williams said there had already been great community participation, with almost 500 submissions received, but encouraged all residents to have their say while there is still time.

“The feedback received during this consultation will inform Council’s decision on whether to proceed with a proposed local law amendment to dog regulations to bring Council in line with neighbouring local government areas,” Cr Williams said.

“Under our current local laws, all properties are able to keep two dogs, or three with a permit.

“Should the proposed changes go ahead, up to four dogs could be kept on any single dwelling property with a permit if they were registered show dogs, agility dogs or dogs in foster care.

“Proposed changes would also mean that based on property size, an extra dog would be able to be kept on properties from 2,001 to 10,000 m2 without a permit, and a fourth with a permit.

“For properties larger than 10,000 m2, four dogs could be kept without a permit.”

“The requirement for all dogs kept in Redlands to be registered with Council and to have that registration renewed annually would remain unchanged.”

Deputy Mayor Julie Talty – who tabled a notice of motion last December requesting that officers consider options available to change the number of dogs allowed – said people had called for an increase, based on property size and other circumstances.

“I’d like to hear the views of residents in our rural areas who under the proposal would have the opportunity to have additional dogs; as well as those who keep ─ or would like to keep ─ show dogs, agility dogs or dogs in foster care; and the general community” Cr Talty said.

“With more than 60,000 properties in our local government area, I’m sure there are many and varied positions to be taken in to consideration.”

To have your say on this issue, go to yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au during the consultation period which finishing on 8 July 2021.

Written submissions can be delivered to Council’s mainland customer service centres or posted to City Council, PO Box 21, Cleveland Qld 4163. They must be received by 8 July 2021 to be considered. Written submissions must include the name and address of the submitter, their position on the changes and reasons for that position.

The proposed amendment is available for viewing at Council’s customer service centres and on the Your Say page.
ENDS

Become part of the solution to plastic pollution


June 25, 2021

Redland City Council is asking local residents to join the campaign for a Plastic Free July.

Mayor Karen Williams says there are plenty of ways that we can all contribute to reducing the number of plastics ending up in the environment.

“Sign up to the Plastic Free July Challenge and check out some practical ways you can make a difference,” Cr Williams said.

“Reduce your use of plastic by buying less, swapping out single-use plastic for re-usable items, avoiding use of balloons and take-away items that can end up in our environment and, reusing what you already have.”

Plastic Free July is a global initiative that has been running since 2011.

“The movement helps millions of people become part of the solution to plastic pollution – so that we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities as well as reducing our waste to landfill,” Cr Williams said.

“With plastic in the environment damaging our waterways and killing our wildlife, Plastic Free July is a perfect opportunity to raise awareness of the impact of single-use plastics.

“Where the use of plastic is unavoidable, recycle as much as possible and ‘check it before you chuck it’ so you know you’re recycling right.”

Cr Williams reminded residents to recycle correctly.

“Soft plastics appear everywhere – from your frozen chip packet to the plastic wrap that keeps your bread fresh,” Cr Williams said.

“By keeping a separate bag in your pantry or under your sink, you can easily re-direct your soft plastics from your general waste bin. Remember, these plastics don’t belong in your yellow-lid bin.

“Just take them to the collection point at your local Woolies or Coles and these plastics will be recycled and turned into bollards, outdoor furniture and other items.”

Cr Williams said Council had taken a number of steps to reduce the number of plastics ending up in our environment.

“Council has installed drain socks and drain covers, trialled solar compacting bins and is using recycled soft plastics in our outdoor furniture and bollards in parks,” she said.

EVENTS
As part of Plastic Free July, Council is holding a number of events at Indigiscapes and the local libraries.

Eco Herbal Tea Bag Workshop, with Linda Brennan of Ecobotanica
Monday, 28 June, 9-10.30am: Indigiscapes.
Did you know that most commercial tea bags contain plastic? Ecobotanica’s Linda Brennan will show you how to blend and make your own eco-friendly herbal tea bags. Afterwards, enjoy your creation with a warm homemade scone, bush-flavoured jams and fresh cream.
Age: 12 year to adult
Note: Bring your own small tea pot
Cost: $35.00
Bookings: www.eventbrite.com.au

Ocean Appreciation: Enjoy, Respect, Protect!
Monday, 5 July and Friday, 9 July, 10-11.30am: Indigiscapes.
Local author Dannika Patterson will guide participants through a hands-on ocean art workshop using a combination of sketching, natural food dye powder paint, salt crystals and water. The artwork is inspired by her book Seaspray 17, which pairs traditional Japanese haiku poetry with the stunning ocean photography of multi-award-winning Australian photographer, Kian Bates.
This is a 100% waste-free workshop using recycled, upcycled, or compostable materials (included).
Cost: $10
Please arrive at 9:45am for a 10.00am start.
Bookings are essential and places are limited: https://www.facebook.com/events/173229921417899/

Documentary screening: Blue
Monday, 5 July and Friday 9 July, 10-11.30am: Indigiscapes.
Enjoy a special free screening of the Australian-made documentary Blue, featuring conservationist Valerie Taylor and plastic campaigner Tim Silverwood. Written and directed by Karina Holden, the film received funding through philanthropic donations and financial support from Screen Australia. It is now screening worldwide, spreading the environmental message about the importance of the world’s oceans.
Cost: free
Bookings are essential and places are limited:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/blue-free-screening-tickets-157154396029

Beeswax wrap making workshop
Wednesday, 7 July, 10-11.30am: Indigiscapes
Make a commitment to the planet this Plastic Free July and join Linda Brennan from Ecobotanica who will guide you through the steps to make your own beeswax wrap. Using beautiful printed organic cottons, you will make one medium wax wrap and a wax sandwich wrap with a button and tie. Discover how bees make the beeswax and explore the environmental impacts and comparison between plastic wrap and the natural alternatives. Take home packs will be available, starting at $15 including wax, a brush and your choice of fabrics. Payment for those can be made by card or cash on the day.
Age: 13+ years.
Cost: $15
Bookings are essential and places are limited:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/plastic-free-july-beeswax-wrap-making-workshop-tickets-159388915537

Documentary screening: 2040
Thursday, 15 July, 10am-12pm: Cleveland Library
Council’s resident Reduce, Reuse, Recycle expert will be at Cleveland Library to answer questions and introduce a special screening of the Australian film 2040 – an accessible and informative documentary that offers positive solutions to the climate crisis.
Age: 13+ years
Cost: free
Bookings essential: https://www.redland.qld.gov.au/info/20157/libraries/308/whats_on_at_your_library

Sustainable Living Workshop: Beeswax wraps
Thursday, 29 July, 10-11.30am: Victoria Point Library.
Make your own beeswax wrap in this educational and hands-on Sustainable Living Workshop. Learn about recycling and repurposing fabrics with beeswax to create beautiful natural alternatives to single-use plastic food covers. Strengthen your commitment to caring for the environment in this functional and creative way!
Age: 13+ years.
Cost: free.
Bookings essential: https://www.redland.qld.gov.au/info/20157/libraries/308/whats_on_at_your_library

MORE INFORMATION

• To check you are putting rubbish in the correct bin at home, visit: redland.qld.gov.au/recycling.

• Drop in to Redlands IndigiScapes Centre, 17 Runnymede Rd, Capalaba, to learn more about plastics in our environment, participate in one of the events, purchase sustainable items at the eco-shop and pick up a free pack on plastic alternatives.

• Get started on your Plastic Free July journey with tips from the official website: plasticfreejuly.org

 

Redland Art Gallery produces creative success at industry awards


June 21, 2021

Redland Art Gallery (RAG) has received national recognition for its 2021 Exhibitions program.

Mayor Karen Williams said the beautifully produced, full-colour program was highly commended in the Information Brochure category at the 2021 Museums Australasia Multimedia and Publication Design Awards (MAPDA).

“This is a highly regarded national awards organised by Australia’s peak professional body for museums and galleries,” Cr Williams said.

“The commendation is a reflection that the work produced here on Redlands Coast is of a national standard.

“The program not only represents a very high level of design, but is also a very practical document, with details on exhibition dates and artist information clearly showcased alongside beautiful photographs.”

Cr Williams said the team at Redland Art Gallery should be congratulated for their success in a highly competitive field which included much larger national institutions.

“This recognition is a really nice way for the industry to see what a regional public gallery is able to achieve,” Cr Williams said.

Gallery director Emma Bain said the exhibition program was popular among visitors and was often used by other gallery colleagues as an example of industry best practice.

RAG has seen previous awards success, winning the same category at the 2019 MAPDA awards, along with being named a finalist in a number of other national awards in categories including Indigenous Project or Keeping Place, and Engagement for organisations with paid staff.

This year RAG will hold a total of 19 exhibitions, across the Cleveland and Capalaba galleries, showcasing the work of more than 150 artists.

There will also be more than 60 workshops and 13 artist talks on offer.

Printed copies of the Redland Art Gallery 2021 Exhibitions program is available at the Cleveland and Capalaba galleries and Redland Performing Art Centre. It can also be downloaded from the gallery website: artgallery.redland.qld.gov.au

Andrea McArthur was the designer and the program has been printed on Sovereign Offset, FSC certified paper.

Native orchids strike a pose right across Redlands Coast


June 18, 2021

Redlands Coast has been putting on an unexpected display of late, with recent rain resulting in bumper flowering of native orchids.

Mayor Karen Williams said Redlands Coast was home to a number of Australia’s 1200 species of native orchids, many of which were not found in any other countries.

“The largest local mass flowerings in 10 years have recently been observed by Redland City Council officers who support and regularly visit local properties participating in the Land For Wildlife program,” Cr Williams said.

Slender hyacinth orchid, Dipodium variegatum

“Often orchid plants can be difficult to find and get overlooked, so such a spectacular and broad flowering event provides a great chance to rediscover orchids that have been dormant.

“We’re encouraging all Redlands Coast residents and visitors to keep an eye out for these beauties while bushwalking or otherwise enjoying our conservation areas.

“If you suspect you’ve found one, please take a photo and send it to our team, who can help you identify it.”

Division 6 Councillor Julie Talty said she was delighted to learn of the abundance of flowering orchids found on a Land for Wildlife property in Redland Bay with the help of young nature-lover Emily Wilkinson.

Emily Wilkinson with a flowering dipodium variegatum orchid found on her family’s Redland Bay property

“I hear Emily was keen to show our Environmental Partnerships team member around her property while undertaking her own nature treasure hunt,” Cr Talty said.

Councillor Williams said that, as a free voluntary program, Land For Wildlife encouraged and assisted private landholders such as Emily’s family to enhance habitats for native plants and animals on their properties.

“While supported locally by Council, the regionally coordinated program has just registered its 5000th participant in south east Queensland.”

“Your property can still be primarily managed for other purposes while reaping the benefits of the Land For Wildlife Program.”

To find out whether Land For Wildlife or one of our other Environmental Partnership Programs could benefit you and your property, visit indigiscapes.com.au or email environmentalpartnerships@redland.qld.gov.au.

Five finger orchid, Calandenia catenata

Send your native orchid photograph into Council for ID

Email environmentalpartnerships@redland.qld.gov.au with your photograph and details of where it was found but please don’t pick or dig it up.

Native orchids are protected by law and if you take them out of their natural environment they are unlikely to survive.

There’s more to explore next door on your winter holiday


June 18, 2021

Redland City Council’s new tourism campaign is set to promote Redlands Coast as an ideal winter holiday destination for the Queensland domestic market.

Mayor Karen Williams said the campaign would highlight some of the major attractions sitting right next door to the rest of southeast Queensland.

“Visitors can experience more with a getaway to Redlands Coast this winter,” Cr Williams said.

“We want the rest of southeast Queensland to know that there’s more to explore – and it’s right next door!”

Cr Williams said Redlands Coast offered whale watching, glamping and camping options, coastal adventures and island escapes.

“Whales have just started their migration, and Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) offers some of the best land-based whale watching vantage points in the Southern Hemisphere,” Cr Williams said.

“While on Minjerribah, visitors can also take an Aboriginal Cultural Walk with a Quandamooka guide and hear sacred stories dating back more than 21,000 years.”

The hour-long tours explore local bush tucker and medicinal bush plants. But you are also likely to spot some of the island’s native wildlife – from garumun (kangaroos) and Buangan (dolphins) to bunbiya (turtles), mirigingah-banggau (eagle rays) and miringinpah (sea eagles) – depending on which tour you take.

“Redlands Coast is the place to visit if you are after an island escape,” Cr Williams said.

“Why not try a family beach holiday on Coochiemudlo Island or step out for some barefoot bowls on Macleay Island?

“We are lucky enough to have an amazing 335km of coastline and, with fast ferry services available to all our islands, it’s a definitely a destination worth exploring.”

Cr Williams said visitors could also indulge their culinary senses by checking out the thriving local food scene – from hidden bars and micro-breweries to gluten-free delights, breakfast hotspots and dinner options.

“From fish and chips on the waterfront to tasty curries, wood-fired pizzas, relaxed cellar door meals, Italian pasta and fine restaurant dining, Redlands Coast has something to satisfy your tastebuds,” she said.

“The Redlands Coast online food trail directory is a great place to begin your culinary journey.”
For art lovers, there are a number of galleries to explore along the Redlands Coast art trails.

“Redland Art Gallery holds multiple exhibitions at Cleveland and Capalaba, showcasing innovative and culturally diverse exhibitions,” Cr Williams said.

“At Cleveland you can visit The Old Schoolhouse Gallery, run by local artists and offering plenty of artwork to purchase, while the volunteer-run Redland Yurara Art Society holds monthly rotating exhibitions from its Thornlands studio and gallery.

“Minjerribah reveals its rich Quandamooka history and culture through art and place marking, and several galleries feature work by local artists, while the four Southern Moreton Bay Islands are a haven for artists and creatives.

“As well as being home to hundreds of talented resident artists, the islands of Macleay (Jencommercha), Karragarra, Lamb (Ngudooroo) and Russell (Canaipa) feature private art collections, galleries and public art installations.”

If you are after a chance to reconnect with nature, then there are plenty of options – from guided eco-education tours by Ranger Stacey at the IndigiScapes Centre, to a sunset picnic at Wellington Point or bushwalking through many of the nature reserves.

“For the more adventurous, check out the hinterland mountain bike, hiking and horse riding trails,” Cr Williams said.

“There are more than 60km of tracks in the Bayview Conservation Area which is home to koalas, goannas, glossy black cockatoos, wallabies and powerful owls.

“Other options include the 239ha of natural conservation bushland at Redlands Track Park, along with the many kilometres of off-road cycling routes across the Redlands Coast.

“For coastal adventures on the water, there are a number of canoe and kayak launching pontoons if you have your own water craft. Or check out the waters of Moreton Bay by hiring a standup paddleboard, canoe or kayak from one of the local waterfront businesses.”

Cr Williams said that for visitors wishing to stay a little longer than a day trip, Redlands Coast offered a multitude of accommodation options.

“From coastal cottages on the waterfront on Macleay Island, to glamping at Sirromet winery and beachfront resorts on Minjerribah there is something to suit everyone,” she said.

For more ideas on naturally wonderful places to visit on Redlands Coast, go to https://www.redlandscoast.com.au/