Author Archives: Susie

State Government’s COVID-19 restrictions are set to change


November 18, 2021

State Government 80% vaccination rules

COVID-19 restrictions are set to change significantly in Queensland, including Redland City, from 17 December 2021 or once 80% of the eligible population has been fully vaccinated.

In November the Queensland Government – which is responsible for managing the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in our state – announced measures relating to unvaccinated people, including restricting entry into some public places.

Redland City Council, along with councils across Queensland, has questions about how these restrictions will impact council facilities, services and events and, as a group, is urgently seeking clarity from the Queensland Government.

When that urgently needed clarity is provided, Council will advise the community through its many regular communication channels including this website, social media, local media, newsletters, correspondence to our stakeholder groups and at our facilities, including libraries, galleries, IndigiScapes Centre, Customer Contact Centres and Redland Performing Arts Centre.

Questions regarding the requirement for mandatory vaccines, as outlined in the State Government’s COVID-19 roadmap, should be directed to Queensland Health.

You may also find useful the Questions and Answers section on the Queensland Government’s 80% double dose vaccination restrictions page.

A safe place

Redland City Council is committed – and obliged – to follow any current Queensland Government health directives and provide a safe place for its employees and visitors.

Our Council continues to strongly encourage the vaccination of its employees, contractors and visitors. Currently there are no vaccination mandates in place for residents accessing Council services.

Masks and travel

Queensland has reached 80% single-dose vaccination, which means face mask restrictions have eased. Travel restrictions are also set to ease further when the state reaches 80% double vaccination. Check the Queensland Health website for more updates.

Please avoid riding and walking on wet tracks through our bushland


October 14, 2021

UPDATE: 15 October 2021

Following the recent heavy rain, Redlands Coast’s recreational trails have dried out and are again suitable for use.

EARLIER: 14 October 2021

Redlands Coast has some lovely recreational trails, especially through Scribbly Gums Conservation Area (home to Redland Track Park), Bayview Conservation Area and Eastern Escarpment 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.

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.

Mask wearing extended to 4pm on 24 September


September 10, 2021

Mask wearing requirements will remain until 4pm on 24 September in South East Queensland, including Redland City.

The Queensland Government made the announcement on Friday 10 September.

You must carry a face mask at all times and wear it in indoor spaces. You only need to wear a mask outdoors when you are unable to social distance. For more information read the updated roadmap for easing of restrictions.

Spring into school holidays with activities galore


September 7, 2021

Redland City Council is set to help kids emerge from their winter cocoons with a fun-filled program of spring holiday activities, starting on Saturday 18 September.

Mayor Karen Williams said there would be something for everyone in Council’s diverse range of free and low-cost activities for children and teens.

“Whether your young one is a crafty critter, budding builder, an environmental warrior or simply curious about new ideas; these is sure to be an activity to peak their interest and keep them occupied,” Cr Williams said.

“Across Council’s many facilities ¬– including libraries, art galleries, performing arts and environmental education centre – our people have been busy putting together a bumper program.”

Councillor Williams say that Redland Libraries would host Storey Treehouse afternoons, lantern craft, a puppet workshop and Lego challenge – all for free.

“While there in no cost for our library activities, you do need to book to secure your child’s spot, especially with numbers being limited for social distancing purposes,” she said.

Fun at the library

“Council’s environmental education hub, Redlands IndigiScapes Centre, had a fantastic mix of activities and workshops for all ages and abilities.

“From citizen science to becoming a marine biologist for a day, there are so many great ways to have fun, learn more about nature and get outdoors.

iNaturalist Citizen Scientists and Outdoor Nature Play

“Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) and Redland Art Gallery (RAG) will run performances and workshops suitable for children and teens.”

Showing at RPAC are Shakespeare’s family-friendly comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream and free urban dance performances of Hovers and Trolleys, plus workshops from Flipside Circus and Shaun Parker & Company to get children active.

The RAG workshops include Animal Mark Markings for Kids and Creative Journaling for Teens.

Journaling for Teens

For more information and to book, visit the What’s On calendar

School holiday activities at a glance

Redlands IndigiScapes Centre, Capalaba:

  • iNaturalist Citizen Scientists and Outdoor Nature Play – 18 – 21 September
  • Orienteering for beginners – 21 September – learn the basics of orienteering with guides from Scouts Qld
  • Big Bang Science Fun – 20 September – Embrace the inquisitive side of your mind at this fun and interactive school holiday workshop.
  • Geckoes Wildlife Experience with Ranger Stacey – 24 and 27 September – Get closer to the furry, feathery and scaly creatures that inhabit our local area.
  • Sustainable Fashion Workshop – 29 September – Share op-shopping secrets, styling tips, thrift flips as well as the reasons why it’s so important to shop second-hand.
  • Marine Biologist For a Day – 30 September –Learn about a myriad of marine creatures whilst gaining a deeper understanding of the impact humans can have on the ocean.

Redland Libraries:

  • Lantern Craft – 21 September at Cleveland and 22 September at Victoria Point
  • Storey Treehouse Afternoon – 21 September at Cleveland, 22 September at Victoria Point and 23 September at Capalaba
  • Pico’s Puppet Show – 23 September at Capalaba and 30 September at Capalaba
  • Lego Challenge – 28 September at Cleveland
  • Pokemon Bookmarks – 28 September at Cleveland, 29 September at Victoria Point and 30 September at Capalaba.

Redland Art Gallery:

  • Animal Mark Markings for Kids – 21 September in Cleveland
  • Creative Journaling for Teens – 23 September in Cleveland

Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland:

  • Bell Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream – 18 September
  • Shaun Parker & Company Hovers and Trolleys free performances and paid workshops – 23 & 24 September
  • Flipside Circus Workshops – 30 September and 1 October

Redlands Coast Eastern Escarpment upgrades create a regional recreational destination


August 28, 2021

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams and the Honourable Mick de Brenni MP, Member for Springwood, have met with excited users to take in and celebrate recent improvements through the Redlands Coast Eastern Escarpment Hinterland Experience project.

Councillor Williams said the upgraded Redlands Coast Eastern Escarpment Conservation Area was already being enjoyed by many avid cyclists, bushwalkers, horse riders and nature lovers.

“The major upgrade to this naturally wonderful area has long been on Council’s to-do list and we are delighted that Council’s works were able to be brought forward as a result of Queensland Government’s COVID Works for Queensland funding of $2,050,000 last year,” Cr Williams said.

“Today is a celebration of what can be achieved when different levels of government work collaboratively together to deliver for the community.

“Eastern Escarpment is part of a broader trail network across Redlands and through to Logan with this upgrade enhancing visitor access to recreation and natural areas while protecting biodiversity across this region.

“It was wonderful to meet rising mountain biking (MTB) star, 16-year-old Bailey Meares, and adaptive mountain biker (aMTB), Renee Junga today.

“Bailey – who last year was ranked seventh in the country for Gravity Events such as Downhill and Enduro Racing – tells me he loves the two new black diamond runs, which provide scope of his intense training schedule just five minutes from his school, Sheldon College.

“Renee – who had an accident when training for the Beijing Olympics as part of Australia’s first BXM squad – has more recently taken up adaptive mountain biking and provided accessibility advice so that trails suitable for aMBT could be included at Eastern Escarpment.”

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen, Minister for Public Works and Procurement and Member for Springwood Mick de Brenni said the Queensland Government had provided Council with $2.8m for works to the Eastern Escarpment and the Cleveland Aquatic Centre as part of its plan for Queensland’s economic recovery from Covid 19.

“Our government was keen to support more investment in high quality mountain bike trails to meet the growing demand for this incredibly popular sport,” Mr de Brenni said.

“As a mountain biker myself, I’d like to acknowledge the team who delivered the project which has been acclaimed as one of the best rides anywhere in southeast Queensland.

“This Queensland Government Covid-19 Works for Queensland project has created jobs in delivering the infrastructure itself and more broadly in local tourism, hospitality and the cycling economy.”

Redland City Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Division 6, Julie Talty said the popularity of the area had greatly increased since word got out about the new trails and facilities.

“In addition to upgrading 7 km of existing trails, more than 13km of new trails have been created with new wayfinding signage, along with new viewing opportunities out to our Moreton Bay Islands,” Cr Talty said.

“New trailhead facilities at Gate 2 (near Schoek Road) include a small sealed car park, amenities, potable water and shelter with signage incorporating a map.

“As well as providing an improved experience for recreational users, the upgraded trails will also provide better access for the effective management of weeds and fires in the reserve.”

Council bought the 186.68ha parcel of land in 2008, and in 2017 began formal planning for the reserve in consultation with trail runners, bush walkers, horse riders, mountain bike riders, environmental groups, neighbours and the community.

The Redlands Coast Eastern Hinterland Experience was fully funded by the State Government through its 2020-21 COVID Works for Queensland program.

Weinam Creek PDA – Public submissions for the master plan now open


August 6, 2021

The public submission process for the Weinam Creek Priority Development Area in Redland Bay has now opened.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council was redeveloping the site to provide the community infrastructure that was required.

“Council’s proposed master plan, which will be delivered in stages, will transform the waterfront of Redland Bay, improve the usability of the transport hub, attract visitors, create jobs and drive economic development in the area, while providing much needed increased parking solutions for the Redland Bay Marina Ferry Terminal and the Southern Moreton Bay Island community,” Cr Williams said.

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the master plan would include a vast range of improvements, including:

  •  More open space
  • New pedestrian and cycle ways
  • Rejuvenation of existing parkland
  • More car parks
  • Improved drop off and storage facilities for island residents and visitors
  • A new boat ramp to separate emergency and public access
  • A mix of residential and retail spaces including cafes, restaurants and potential for a medical precinct.

“These works will be of great benefit to the Redland Bay and Southern Moreton Bay Island communities,” he said.

The State Government is taking submissions on the car park for 30 business days, until Friday 10 September 2021.

Submission comments will be considered in the assessment of the application.

Written submissions can be made to Economic Development Queensland electronically at pdadevelopmentassessment@dsdmip.qld.gov.au or hand delivered to: EDQ Development Assessment, Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning at 1 William Street, Brisbane QLD 4000 or posted to: EDQ Development Assessment, Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, GPO Box 2202, Brisbane QLD 4001.

A notice inviting submissions has been placed on the property and will be published in The Courier-Mail and Redland City Bulletin.

Details of the application can be viewed online at statedevelopment.qld.gov.au

To view the master plan and a 3D animation flythrough of the Weinam Creek PDA visit: yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/weinam-creek

Redland City EKKA show holiday goes ahead this Monday 9 August


August 4, 2021

Redland City Council has asked the State Government to include Redland City in a proposed extra public holiday later this year after a State Government decision left Council with no time to consider changing this year’s Ekka Public Holiday.

Mayor Karen Williams said that, for the second year running, the State Government had failed to give affected local government areas adequate time to consider whether to change their show holiday date, following the unfortunate cancellation of the EKKA due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“Yesterday Council was provided only a few hours to make a decision and, with no General Meeting scheduled, formally agreeing on a change to the gazetted public holiday within the State’s timeframe was practically impossible,” Cr Williams said.

“To change our show holiday, Council would need to vote on a new resolution to override its 2013 decision to set all our future show holidays on the Monday of Brisbane Ekka week.

“It is disappointing that affected Councils in the region didn’t have time to consider bringing their own local government areas in line with Brisbane, which will have its public holiday postponed.

“As a result, some surrounding Councils have opted to stay with their planned show day.”

Mayor Williams said she was still looking for ways to support Redlands Coast residents with a holiday they could fully enjoy as well as the business community with the economic benefits this holiday would usual bring.

“Council has this morning written to the Office of Industrial Relations suggesting the State Government may wish to consider an additional public holiday for the affected 11 Council areas in the current COVID lockdown to coincide with the yet-to-be confirmed new Brisbane Show Holiday,” she said.

“The addition of a public holiday would be a decision for the State Government and I have also requested that they, in conjunction with local State MP’s, consult fully with the community, local business and Council and decide on an appropriate date that provides the most benefit to all.”

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.

Draft medium density amendments to encourage housing diversity and quality for Redlands


August 2, 2021

Redland City Council will consult the community on a Redland City Plan amendment package designed to deliver well-designed apartments and townhouses across the city.

Mayor Karen Williams said the proposed City Plan amendment and policy amendment package followed a thorough review of multiple dwelling outcomes delivered by the City Plan since its commencement in 2018.

The findings and recommendations of the review were presented to the council in May 2020.

“Redlands Coast community has consistently expressed strong views about the quality and location of residential growth within the city with a preference for well-located and designed housing development,” Cr Williams said.

“The review identified a number of concerns with the built form and design elements being delivered under the City Plan and opportunities to address these concerns and improve the design outcomes being delivered.

“This included ways to better integrate the design outcomes sought by the existing Multiple Dwelling Design Guide into the zone codes of the City Plan.

“The design guide was also recommended to become a planning scheme policy to assist in its use for guiding development proponents in achieving high quality design outcomes.”

Cr Williams said the review included the operation and coordination of existing built form and design provisions, the approach of other regional councils, and the effectiveness of the existing Multiple Dwelling Design Guide that supports, but is not part, of the current City Plan.

“A greater diversity of housing options, including multiple dwellings strategically located throughout the city close to centres and public transport is important to manage expected population growth while at the same time responding to the changing housing needs of the community,” she said.

“It plays a key role in meeting housing and lifestyle needs of the growing and changing community; providing greater housing choice in the city, including affordable housing options, while supporting improved public transport services, and enhancing the economic vitality of centres.

“Ensuring the City Plan delivers a high-quality multiple dwelling built form, consistent with Redland City’s character, is essential to maintaining the quality of life and amenity of the Redlands Coast.”

Cr Williams said the proposed amendments to the City Plan were supported and informed by testing and review by independent planning and economic consultants.

“The current location and extent of land zoned for medium density development in City Plan 2018 was also found to accord with current strategic development outcomes, and no change to zoning maps was needed,” she said.

Council this week responded separately to the Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government and Planning noting that the State Government’s own reporting shows the City is meeting Shaping SEQ dwelling supply benchmarks and delivering housing diversity.

“This includes seven years supply of uncompleted multiple dwellings.

“Council considers the delivery of State transport and other infrastructure is a high priority for effectively addressing the ongoing housing supply and diversity needs of the City.”

The proposed medium density amendments have been reviewed by the Queensland Government and agreed for community consultation.

The major amendment and the planning scheme policy will be advertised for a 30 day public consultation and formal submission period beginning on 4 August.

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