Redlands Coast has some lovely recreational trails, especially through Scribbly Gums Conservation Area (home to Redland Track Park) and Bayview Conservation Area. But they’re pretty waterlogged just now so we’d prefer you avoided them until they dry out.

Using wet trails can cause substantial damage, spoiling the experience of other users and meaning extra repairs and maintenance.

As a general guide, if you’re leaving a footprint or bike track then the trails are too wet to use.

The bike tracks here show damage that may later need to be repaired.

Try sticking to the wider gravelled access tracks if you’re keen to get out and don’t forget to report fallen or damaged trees on or near trails to Council on 3829 8999.

Thank you for helping us to preserve our wonderful natural area trails.

Supporting post-COVID future economic development opportunities will be the focus of a review of Council’s Redland Investment Corporation (RIC) and Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB).

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said with global economies adapting on the back of the Coronavirus pandemic, the time was right to review RIC and EDAB to ensure Council continued to support the local economy.

“The future of our economy is bright with more than 130 major projects and investments worth more than $6 billion on the horizon, with the potential to deliver thousands of jobs” Cr Williams said.

“As we recover from the COVID pandemic it’s important we take advantage of these opportunities and this review is all about building on these foundations to deliver the infrastructure, jobs and partnerships needed to support the community.”

Cr Williams said both reviews would be run in parallel, with no impact on existing RIC projects.

This all about transitioning rather than stopping; so it will be business as usual for these existing projects, including the our Priority Development Area precinct redevelopments and revitalisation of Capalaba town centre, which are all currently under way.

“Both RIC and EDAB are focused on building our local economy, so it makes sense for these reviews to be run in parallel, with a report to come back to Council by 30 June 2021.”

Cr Williams said Council was committed to working with industry and all levels of government to continue positioning our region for future growth and economic prosperity.

“We all play a part in identifying employment and training opportunities to address skills gaps and supporting initiatives to grow the local economy,” Cr Williams said.

“Examining our structures such as RIC and EDAB will continue to position Redlands Coast as a competitive, welcoming destination for talent, capital and commerce.”

About RIC and EDAB

RIC is a wholly Council-owned company established in 2014. It has an independent Board that oversees key projects at Council’s direction.

EDAB was established in 2015 and comprises business leaders from the city’s key industry sectors. The Board provides advice to Council on economic initiatives and projects.

Redland City Council will investigate broader opportunities in unlocking the potential of Council land at Macarthur Street Alexandra Hills after a 60 day campaign unveiled several potential options for the site.

Councillors earlier this month voted to continue discussions with four interested parties who provided submissions during a recent Expression of Interest (EOI) campaign.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said while the original EOI had focussed on tourism proposals, the submissions received had highlighted other potential uses that had significant community benefits.

“The four responses show there is a great deal of potential value of the site for community uses, including education and community use,” Cr Williams said.

“Council agreed to explore these alternate uses further.

“This will include undertaking additional planning investigation work to understand better the suitability of other uses to meet commercial and community outcomes.

“The Macarthur street site has conservation values and connects with recreational and environmental land and the adjacent Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) Redlands Research Facility.

“Council purchased the 6.7-hectare site from State Government in 2016 for future community purposes, and this remains our focus for the site.

“Council’s aim through the recently completed expressions of interest process was to understand whether there was a demand from the market to develop the site for a particular tourism purpose.

“We now have a number of potential exciting partnerships to explore for the benefit of the community.

“While this work and interest must remain confidential for now, Council will bring details back to the community once there is a clear future direction for the site.”

Fielding Park in Redland Bay is set to become more accessible to a range of users following a Redland City Council decision to design and construct a sealed car park there.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said construction was expected to be completed before July 2021.

“This investment is part of our $981,100 Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Recovery Program, which will see upgrades to sports and community facilities across the city,” Cr Williams said.

“Our sports clubs and community groups have been impacted by the COVID pandemic, so this funding will help them get back to doing what they do best, supporting our community.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said that Fielding Park was a popular community park that attracted locals and visitors due to its peaceful natural surrounds and adjacent sporting and recreation facilities.

“The park itself is home to the Weinam Creek wetlands, featuring a network of walking and cycling paths and nature play facilities designed to connect youngsters to their natural environment,” he said.

“Being in a low lying area, the carpark will need to meet high planning, design and construction standards so the $442,600 allocated includes significant contingency that may not all be needed.

“The Redlands Salad Bowl Community Garden is currently being built in this park and facilities at adjacent parks include the Redland Bay Men’s Shed, a dog off-leash park, a sports field used for regular soccer games, basketball half court and skate park as well a toilet amenities.”

Division 6 Councillor Julie Talty said the growing precinct extended across School of Arts Road to Beechwood and John Edward Downie parks, with a bus stop in between.

“As you can imagine, all these community facilities attract a lot of visitors, making off-street parking to provide safe access to this precinct increasingly important,” Cr Talty said.

“The south of our city is home to new families moving to the Redlands and this investment will ensure they can enjoy all the great recreational areas on offer.”

Redland City Council has kicked off planning for a major upgrade of the facilities at Charlie Buckler Memorial Sportsground in Redlands Bay with an injection of approximately $175,000 to help fund a detailed design process.

Mayor Karen Williams said it was part of a $981,100 package approved by Council last month to help sport and recreation clubs across Redlands Coast recover from the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We know our local sports clubs have done it tough through COVID, so we are investing in infrastructure projects to help our local sports stars get back on the field playing the game they love,” Cr Williams said.

“Sports and recreational clubs are fundamental to our community’s wellbeing, providing social cohesion and enabling people to stay fit, healthy and engaged.

“But as well as play, COVID-19 has disrupted fundraising opportunities that would ordinarily contribute to these clubs’ essential upkeep and planning for the future.”

Division 6 Councillor Julie Talty said the Charlie Buckler design process would lay the foundation for a new clubhouse, car parking expansion, relocation and upgrade of the cricket net and storage sheds, reconfiguration of the dog off-leash area and relocation of the basketball half court and dirt BMX track.

“It will be great news for the Southern Bay Cyclones Rugby Union Club, Redland Sharks Cricket Club and Redlands Cricket Club; as primary users of the sports field,” she said.

“With the new clubhouse design to include new change rooms suitable for female use, it will help increase female participation.

“The design process is expected to be completed before the end of June 2021, with the contract already in the final stages of being awarded to the preferred tenderer.”

Mayor Williams said Council officers had also finalised business cases with a view to construction during the 2021/2022 financial year subject to Council budget.

“We know that the Southern Bay Cyclones Rugby Union Club has secured a Federal Government grant and are looking at other funding opportunities to deliver a fit for purpose facility.”

Southern Bay Cyclones Rugby Union Club Secretary Mr James Eaton thanked Council for working closely with the club and said they looked forward to being able to host future rugby carnivals.

“The design process will inform all future works and help facilitate best use of funds from all sources,” he said.

Redlands Cricket Club President Wayne Todman said it was pleasing to see plans going ahead.
“It’s a great motivation to work collaboratively with all parties as we move into the New Year,” he said.

The sentiment was echoed by Redland Sharks Cricket Club Vice President Scott Gillard.

“This is a great opportunity for sport of cricket on Redlands Coast and we’re excited to be a part of the process,” Mr Gillard said.

A dedicated group of Southern Moreton Bay Islands ‘champions’ have been recognised by Redland City Council for their exceptional service to the community.

Mayor Karen Williams, who recently presented recognition awards to the Redlands Coast Community Champions on Macleay Island, said they all had been invaluable in supporting fellow islanders in times of need.

“These certificates are a small recognition of how grateful we are to our Community Champions for what they do for others, especially the more vulnerable in our community,” Cr Williams said.

“This year, more than ever, they have shown incredible community spirit and selflessness, especially through ensuring the safety of other islanders when COVID-19 hit.

“They spread the safety message and were there to support their neighbours to ensure they were okay, while also supporting Queensland Health with screening clinics on Russell and Macleay islands.

“Our Champions have done such an amazing job and, on behalf of Redlands Coast, we wanted all involved to know that what they do to ensure their communities are prepared, safe and supported is highly valued.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the Community Champions were ready to assist with challenges ranging from potential natural disasters to ensuring the wellbeing of others, including how to safely refer on suspected domestic and family violence.

“Our Champions have now partnered with another wonderful local organisation, STAR Community Services, so they can assist STAR’s clients during disasters and local emergencies,” Cr Edwards said.

“They will be there to call residents to check on them and to assist them in getting to an evacuation centre if needed.

“We have already seen the wonderful jobs they did supporting vulnerable residents with information and bottled water during water outages on the islands, as well as providing vital community support and education during fire and storm season.

“Our Community Champions are now being trained to identify and refer on instances of domestic and family violence and help those affected by it as part of a ground-breaking trial.

“By making it easier for those affected by such violence to get the help and support they need, they are driving social change.”

Southern Moreton Bay island residents who would like to become a Community Champion should email Council’s Disaster, Planning and Operations team at disaster@redland.qld.gov.au