Category Archives: Council

Council venues reopening as COVID-19 restrictions ease


June 2, 2020

As Queenslanders start to re-emerge from our isolation bubbles, a number of Redland City Council venues have reopened or are gearing to do so.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council had moved quickly to prepare venues to reopen following the State Government’s announcement of further easing of COVID-19 restrictions from noon, Monday 1 June.

“Essentially this has brought Stage 2 of the Queensland Government’s Roadmap to Easing COVID-19 Restrictions forward, and Council has worked quickly to put in place measures to reopen venues as quickly and safely as possible,” Cr Williams said.

“Additionally the State Government’s announcement means local restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs will be able to welcome more patrons and so now is the perfect time to support local businesses.

“While the recent State Government announcement is welcome news, I would encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with the updated restrictions on the Queensland Health website and ensure they continue to practice social distancing.”

Council venues – reopening dates and conditions

Customer Service Centres

The Capalaba Customer Service Centre and the Customer Service Counter located in the Victoria Point Library reopened on 1 June 2020.

Redland Art Gallery (RAG)

RAG, Capalaba reopened today – Tuesday 2 June.

Conditions in place:

  • Entry to the gallery is through the Capalaba library. Social distancing must be maintained with an average of four square metres per person. Library employees will regulate entry through to the gallery.
  • You can now view exhibitions at the Capalaba gallery in person, with children’s art and craft still activities available online at artgallery.redland.qld.gov.au

RAG, Cleveland will reopen on Monday 15 June.

Community Halls – continue to be open for bookings

Halls are now able to have 20 people as long as they are large enough to comply with the one person per four square metres rule. Regulation of appropriate social distancing and hygiene practices, including the provision of hand sanitiser, will remain the responsibilities of the hall hirer.

Redlands Coast Visitor Information Centre – will reopen on Friday 5 June.

• Opening hours: 9am-4pm daily (Monday-Sunday)
• Visitor hotline and website available for those unable to physically access the centre – phone 1300 667 386 or visitredlandscoast.com.au
Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) – remains closed at this time. An update will be provided when more information is available.

For a list of shows that have been cancelled or rescheduled please visit www.rpac.com.au .

Redlands IndigiScapes Centre

The environmental education centre, café and nursey remain closed but walking tracks and native botanical gardens are open to the public.

All Council venues

  • Council venues being reopened will provide safe and welcoming spaces for the Redlands Coast community and visitors.
  • Cleaning will be increased, sanitiser will be available and social distancing measures will be in place.
  • Conditions at all venues will be relaxed further when Queensland reaches Stage 3 in the easing of restrictions roadmap.
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A new bridge leads the way into the redevelopment of Weinam Creek


May 29, 2020

The first stage of the Weinam Creek Priority Development Area (PDA) is nearing completion, with the connecting footbridge between the north and south side of the marina expertly lowered into place recently.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the new footbridge would make a big difference to the lives of residents, providing a connection between the Weinam Creek ferry terminal and the new car park on Moores Road.

Mayor Karen Williams and Division 2 Councillor Mark Edwards

“We are very excited to see stage one of the Weinam Creek development coming to fruition,” Cr Williams said.

“This footbridge and the additional 500 car parking spaces provided at Moores Road will certainly help to ease the congested parking situation at the ferry terminal, as well as reducing congestion in local streets where people have been forced to park.

“Many residents have a car on the mainland as well as on the islands and this overflow parking area will be very convenient for longer-term parking, with an easy 5-10 minute walk over the footbridge to the ferry terminal.

“It will also enable somewhere for cars to be parked while work is carried out on the ferry terminal, allowing it to keep operating while the rest of the project is constructed.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the new car park and the connecting bridge would open in mid-June and were just the first stage of the Weinam Creek Priority Development Area.
“This ferry terminal is the gateway to our Southern Morton Bay islands (SMBI) and therefore a very important transport hub and this project will transform the area into an exciting and dynamic destination in its own right.

New footbridge going up and over Weinam Creek

“The Weinam Creek project will provide important community infrastructure for local families and retail options to attract visitors, as well as important community services such as medical facilities and employment opportunities.”

Cr Williams said the Council had a clear vision for the Weinam Creek PDA precinct that responded to the community’s needs.

“This staged development is being delivered in partnership with Redland Investment Corporation and includes more open space; new pedestrian and cycle ways; rejuvenation of existing parkland; more car parks with a multi-storey park proposed for the later stage of the development; improved drop off and storage facilities for island residents and visitors; a new boat ramp to separate emergency and public access; and a mix of residential and retail spaces including cafes, restaurants and potential for a medical precinct,” Cr Williams said.

“The next stage of the development is lodging the final master plan with Economic Development Queensland in mid-2020, followed by further public notification and communication from late 2020.

“This Priority Development Area will further improve liveability in this beautiful area of Redlands Coast and also create jobs and drive economic development.”

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Bay experience enhanced with saltwater aquatic recreation markers in Raby Bay


May 28, 2020

Keen swimmers will soon have an enhanced experience in Raby Bay with Redland City Council installing saltwater aquatic recreation markers adjacent to the foreshore at Masthead Drive, Cleveland.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the saltwater aquatic recreation markers would be a win for locals and visitors alike.

“I’m a strong advocate for public access to Redlands Coast’s foreshores and Moreton Bay,” she said.

“Bayside locations are always scrutinised for public access as these naturally wonderful areas should be there for all to enjoy.”

Image credit: Callam Craig

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said the idea was first raised with him by members of a local triathlon group that train in the area.

“It was obvious to me that this such a facility would provide significant health and wellbeing benefits for whole community,” Cr Mitchell said.

“So I have allocated Community Infrastructure Project funding available to me as a Councillor to have these saltwater aquatic recreation markers installed.

“The recreation markers are being located within the tidal waters of Raby Bay, an area popular with swimmers, kayakers and paddle boarders.

“A 400 metre strip will be marked out with red and yellow buoys, each tethered to a specially design weight on the sea bed.

“Council has received a Queensland Government Marine Park Permit to undertake the work.

“Work has started and is expected to be completed by the Friday 5 June, weather and tides permitting.

“It might be a bit chilly in and on the bay right now but I’m sure that won’t deter our most enthusiastic water lovers, be they swimmers, paddlers, kayakers or lifesavers and Nippers .”

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Redlands Coast to retain Monday EKKA Show Day Public Holiday


May 27, 2020

Redlands Coast will retain its current Ekka Show Day Public Holiday on Monday 10 August with Council having to inform the State Government by next week if they wanted to change the date of the local holiday.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said today’s decision followed a request from the State Government to advise by next week if Council wanted to change the current public holiday date following a State Government announcement last week the Brisbane Ekka Holiday would be moved to Friday 14 August as a one-off.

“The change of date for Brisbane gave us the chance to look at when our holiday is held and we had started to ask the community for its feedback by opening a series of polls and engaging businesses from the end of last week,” Cr Williams said.

“However yesterday the Minister wrote to Council’s Chief Executive Officer asking for an answer by next week, which means today would be our last chance to pass a resolution to move our public holiday.

“Given the Minister’s request for a response by next week we will halt the engagement and retain the current date and advise the Minister accordingly.”

Cr Williams said Council had a standing resolution from 2013 which would stand following today’s decision.

“In 2013 Council asked the State Government to gazette the Monday before People’s Day as our Ekka Public Holiday each year to give residents and businesses certainty so they can plan holidays and resourcing,” Cr Williams said.

“Having our public holiday on a different day to Brisbane has historically allowed local businesses to attract Brisbane residents to the city through events such as the Cleveland Crazy Day Markets, providing an economic benefit.”

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell moved an urgent motion today in response to the Minister’s letter and said retaining the current public holiday would provide a benefit particularly for tourism businesses.

“Several local businesses have contacted me to say they would welcome the public holiday remaining on the 2013 planned date, which this year will provide two consecutive long weekends, helping to boost the local economy,” Cr Mitchell said.

“Tourism businesses on North Stradbroke Island, for example, have been shut down for several months and the State Government’s COVID-19 Roadmap predicts these businesses will be able to again host guests by August, giving them two long weekends to spread tourists over a longer period to support their businesses safely.”

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Act locally during National Reconciliation Week 2020


May 27, 2020

National Reconciliation Week – from 27 May to 3 June 2020 – is looking a bit different this year but there are still opportunities to connect digitally and immerse yourself in local cultural experiences as pandemic restrictions ease.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the 2020 National Reconciliation Week theme – In this together – was especially poignant during these unprecedented times of social isolation.

“We have seen some wonderful acts of altruism and kindness during the current COVID-19 pandemic right across the Redlands Coast community,” Cr Williams said.

“There has been a real sense of looking out for each other – that we truly are all in this together.

“I hope this realisation stays with us as the pandemic passes and we continue to acknowledge and celebrate our shared journeys.”

Cr Williams said the first day of National Reconciliation Week was the perfect time to acknowledge the Quandamooka People, the traditional custodians of the lands and seas of Redlands Coast.

“Wherever you are, choose your social media platform – or the privacy of your own space – to pay your respects,” she said.

“The Nughie, Noonuccal and Gorenpul peoples, collectively known as the Quandamooka People, have lived in careful balance with our region’s natural wonders for more than 21,000 years.

“If you know where to look, the evidence of this ageless connection surrounds you.”

Cr Williams said that in recent years Council had undertaken a number of joint projects with community organisations to promote reconciliation.

“Redland City Council’s first internal Reconciliation Action Plan, Kanara Malara – One People 2019 – 2021, was endorsed at a Council General Meeting on 31 July 2019,” she said.

“However, reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and a nation.

“We all have a role to play in healing the relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

Cr Williams urged Redlands Coast residents to connect with and enjoy local cultural opportunities during National Reconciliation Week.

“Redland Art Gallery (RAG) has created an online program of events for the week,” she said.
“Each day from Wednesday 27 May to Tuesday 2 June on Facebook and Instagram, you can enjoy a new offering, including featured artworks from the RAG collection, films Seeing Country and Gathering Strands, and artist interviews.

“Why not take a trip to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) to see two stunning examples for Quandamooka culture in the form of public art place markers at Cabarita Park, Amity Point (Pulan) and Point Lookout (Mulumba).

“The Amity (Pulan) sculpture, designed by Quandamooka artist Belinda Close, depicts the sea eagle Mirriginpah soaring high above the waters of Moreton Bay in search of food, alerting the Quandamooka People to the annual arrival of mullet – a story that is millennia-old.

“Delvene Cockatoo-Collins designed the Point Lookout (Mulumba) sculpture, which captured perfectly the timeless links of the eugarie shell to the Quandamooka people.”

Funded by the Queensland Government, the artwork projects were led by Council in collaboration with the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) and the artists.

Cr Williams said there was a range of Aboriginal cultural activities available on Redlands Coast including guided land-based whale and cultural walks, art galleries and food experiences.

“Camping on Main and Flinders beaches is expected to reopen in line with Stage 2 of the State Government’s easing of restrictions,” she said.

There are many national events offered across National Reconciliation Week, starting with a National Acknowledgement of Country from 12pm, Wednesday 27 May.

To join the National Acknowledgement of Country and get involved with other National Reconciliation Week events, visit nrw.reconciliation.org.au

For local cultural activities and experiences, contact Redlands Coast Visitor Information Centre on 1300 667 386 or visitredlandscoast.com.au

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Council poll on Redlands Coast Ekka Show day


May 22, 2020

Now is the time to vote on your next long weekend, with Redland City Council running an online poll to help decide what date Council should ask the State Government to gazette as the Redlands Coast 2020 Ekka public holiday.

The move follows State Government approval for Brisbane City Council to move their Wednesday People’s day holiday to Friday 14 August, and invite other south-east Queensland regions to examine their options.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council was asking residents and businesses if they would prefer to keep its holiday on Monday 10 August or move it to the same Friday as Brisbane.

“People can head to our Facebook page or website and vote for their preferred public holiday – do they want to stay with our traditional Monday off or move to join Brisbane residents in having Friday off for the first time,” Cr Williams said.

“We’re in the fortunate position that either way we have a long weekend, but the decision is one we need to consider carefully as there will be flow-on effects for tourism and local businesses, as well as families with members working in different Council areas.

“As with Brisbane, the change will be a one-off, but we want to give our residents a chance to voice a preference.”

Mayor Karen Williams said whatever the outcome, the change of the Brisbane City Public Holiday would provide an opportunity for local businesses to leverage the tourism opportunities.

“With the change to Brisbane’s public holiday we’ll be encouraging people from around south-east Queensland region to swap show bags for a long weekend enjoying the little adventures and hidden treasures of Redlands Coast.”

“While the economic possibilities are important, so too is the health and safety of residents and visitors so I’d also ask that anyone looking to visit Redlands Coast over the Ekka holiday remembers to practise social distancing and remember that COVID-19 remains a risk, particularly for our vulnerable communities.

To have your say, head to Redland City Council Facebook or yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au

🎪 #RedlandsCoast Ekka Public Holiday – Vote now! This year, the State Government has moved Brisbane’s Ekka public…

Posted by Redland City Council on Thursday, 21 May 2020

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Post-COVID recovery discussion during economic round table


May 22, 2020

Laying the foundations for a local post-COVID economy was a key point of discussion during a meeting of the Redlands Coast Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) this week.

EDAB Chair Sam Kennedy said this week’s round table discussions showed a large amount of work had already been done to lay the foundations for how the Redlands economy could rebound from the current pandemic.

“The meeting was a real eye-opener and shows the importance of collaboration in responding to the current economic challenges being faced through the COVID pandemic,” Ms Kennedy said.

“It is clear Council has already done a great deal of work on the city’s social and economic response and on behalf of the Board I congratulate them for moving so rapidly to respond.

“We heard about a number of success stories that have come out of Council’s $2 million stimulus package, including businesses that have used Council’s repurposed grants program to pivot and access professional services so they can continue serving the community.

“The Board also built on that work with some exciting discussions including internet connectivity across the city and how we can use the current situation to keep Redlanders in the Redlands through better connectivity, delivering an economic boost to local businesses. 

“We also discussed some exciting projects that are taking shape and have the potential to be a real game changer for the city.”

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said having some of the nation’s leading economic minds focussed on the Redlands would ensure we were well placed to not only recover from COVID-19 but to grow the local economy beyond the current pandemic.

“We know recovering from the current situation will be a marathon not a sprint, so having the foundations and collaboration is going to be critical,” Cr Williams said.

“The Board this week was able to provide decades of economic experience and suggest a number of key partners who can support Council in helping our initiatives and projects become a reality, ultimately delivering benefits for the broader community.

“This week’s EDAB meeting follows a round table I hosted with local shopping centres recently and a second meeting I convened to discuss how to ensure any projects built in our city deliver jobs for locals.

“It is critical this work gets done now so the plans are in place and ready for when restrictions are lifted so our local economy can benefit.”

Details of Council’s COVID-19 Support for businesses and the community are available at redland.qld.gov.au/info/20166/support

 

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EOI date extended for Macleay Island industrial land development opportunity


May 15, 2020

Redland City Council has extended the deadline for Expression of Interest (EOI) submissions regarding industrial development opportunities on Macleay Island.

Mayor Karen Williams said the extension was granted to compensate for the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Developers interested in the overall development (including purchase or lease) of the Council owned land at 20-24 Kate Street now have until Friday 29 May 2020 to make a submission,” she said.

“The Macleay Island land – of approximately 6500m2 – is zoned for low impact industrial use.

“Currently used by Council as a works stockpile site, the available land has been identified as surplus to operational needs and is considered the most suitable island location for low impact industry offering both good access and appropriate buffers from other island properties.”

The EOI followed a Notice of Motion from Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards in recognition of the need for more industrial land to support the island economy.

“Macleay Island has experienced strong population growth in recent years with some of Australia’s best value coastal land located within the major population centre of South East Queensland,” Cr Edwards said.

“The long-term calls for more opportunity to develop light industry options for the island’s economy has helped drive Council’s decision to offer the site for low impact industry use.”

Council has appointed Ray White Commercial Bayside to manage the Expression of Interest on behalf of Council.

EOI documentation is available by contacting the agency on 07 3245 7199 or email to baysidecommercial.qld@raywhite.com.

Project background information is also located on the Your Say Redlands Coast website yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/macleay-island-development-industrial-land

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Straddie reopening announcement leaves little notice for businesses to prepare


May 15, 2020

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams would have liked more notice to be given to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) businesses and residents to prepare for the reopening of the island from tomorrow (Saturday 16 May 2020).

The State Government announced today (Friday 15 May 2020) that the island would be open for business from midnight tonight after being locked down under a special restricted access directive since 26 March 2020.

Cr Williams, the Chair of the Redland Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG), said that a longer lead time to reopening the island to tourists would have been preferable to ensure business were ready for the expected increase of visitors.

“The LDMG requested a staged approach to reopening the island to tourists and for businesses to be given prior notice to prepare,” Cr Williams said.

“We asked for those with holiday homes allowed to access the island in the first stage, followed by tourists in the second stage, to help manage crowds and give businesses time to re-establish themselves.

“Ferry companies have reduced the number of vessels they are operating and their staff have taken leave – they need time to return their services to normal.

“Our other businesses also need to ensure they have enough staff – many of whom left the island when businesses closed.

“Businesses also need time to restock basic items – much of which comes from the mainland, and requires transporting to the island.”

Cr Williams said while the island needed an economic boost, she asked people to remain patient and use common sense.

“We want people to love visiting the island, but with less than 24 hours’ notice not all businesses will be open so people need to take that into account and call ahead before making the journey to the island,” she said.

“People also need to continue practicing social distancing and good hygiene because there are vulnerable residents on the island who need to be respected and protected.”

Redlands Coast islands have topped the list in Queensland for employment vulnerability resulting from COVID-19, according to research from the Centre of Full Employment and Equity (CofFEE) at the University of Newcastle.

“This data reinforces the need for Redlands Coast islands to be recognised as regional communities in order to be able to access regional support funding from other levels of government and help with their recovery post COVID-19,” Cr Williams said.

“With sand mining ceasing on North Stradbroke Island last year it was always going to be difficult but now there will be an even greater need to rebuild the tourism economy the State Government predicted would fill the mining void.

“Some businesses that have closed on the island will really struggle to reopen soon, if at all.”

Redland City Councillor Peter Mitchell (Division 2, which includes North Stradbroke Island) said North Stradbroke Island businesses had said they needed assistance to market the island once reopened.

“Straddie needs to be ready to market itself competitively as a holiday destination domestically when it is up and running,” he said.

“COVID-19 and the cessation of mining last year through a State Government decision have been a double whammy – decimating jobs, businesses and livelihoods.”

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Park facilities, libraries and other Council services to reopen under eased restrictions


May 13, 2020

As COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease across Queensland, Redland City Council is preparing to reopen its libraries, park facilities, animal shelter and community halls from this weekend.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council appreciated the restrictions have been challenging and thanked community members for their work in helping to slow the spread of COVID-19.

“These are difficult times that none of us have lived through before, yet the Redlands Coast community’s positive response to this rapidly changing situation has helped keep the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 low,” she said.

“As restrictions are steadily lifted, it is important we all continue with physical distancing, regular handwashing, and cough and sneeze hygiene; and to stay at home if we are unwell.

“I’m pleased that we can all soon enjoy being out and about more, but keeping up the practices we’ve learned over recent months is vital to also keeping the spread of this virus slow and continue saving lives.”

Reopening from this weekend is the following, with physical distancing (1.5m), gathering rules, and hygiene measures continuing to apply:

Park facilities

Parks, playground equipment, skate parks, outdoor exercise equipment, basketball hoops and picnic settings will be open from Saturday 16 May 2020.

Under the State Government’s guidelines for easing Queensland restrictions, gatherings of up to 10 people will be permitted in outdoor, non-contact activity.

With almost 120 public barbecues across Redlands Coast, these will be turned on progressively over coming weeks as electrical safety testing is completed.

This is expected to take at least two weeks, which means that not all public barbecues will be available for immediate use.

Mainland Libraries

Council’s mainland libraries, at Cleveland, Capalaba and Victoria Point, will reopen from Saturday 16 May 2020, with physical distancing, gathering rules and hygiene measures applying.

Library hours are Saturdays 9am to 4pm; Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

A maximum of 10 people will be permitted in each library at any one time.

Due to the State Government’s guidelines on the number of people allowed onsite, the libraries will be open for borrowing purposes only, not for computer use, meetings, or reading books or newspapers.

The libraries will not be open during the evenings at this time.

Council’s home library service has also restarted for people who are unable to leave their homes due to illness or disability, and for full time carers.

Online library services are continuing and you can plan your visit to the library by checking the online catalogue and placing a hold on a book to collect at a branch.

The mobile library will also recommence its usual service on Monday 18 May 2020.

Island Libraries

Russell Island library will reopen on Saturday 16 May 2020 during its usual hours, with physical distancing, gathering rules and hygiene measures applying.

Dunwich Library will reopen on Saturday 16 May 2020, with physical distancing, gathering rules and hygiene measures applying. It will be open during its normal hours on Saturdays and Thursdays, but will temporarily remain closed during its normal Tuesday hours.

Point Lookout will reopen on Tuesday 19 May 2020, and Amity Point Library will reopen at a later date, to be advised.

The number of people permitted in these libraries at one time will be based on library size.

Animal Shelter

Council’s Animal Shelter at 265 South Street, Cleveland will reopen from Saturday 16 May 2020, with physical distancing, gathering rules and hygiene measures also applying.

The shelter’s opening hours are 9am to noon Saturday and Sunday; 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

Community halls

Council’s mainland and island community halls are open for bookings from Saturday 16 May 2020, with physical distancing, gathering rules and hygiene measures applying.

Dog off leash areas

Redlands Coast’s fenced and gated dog off leash areas reopened on Friday 8 May 2020.

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