Category Archives: Council

Willards Farm recommended for State heritage register


January 21, 2022

One of Redlands Coast’s oldest surviving farms and residences which was saved by Redland City Council in 2016 from being demolished and subdivided into housing has been recommended for entry into the Queensland Heritage Register.

Willards Farm at 302 Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale.

Willards Farm, built during the periods of the 1860s to 1910s, was bought by Council in March 2016 and entered into the local Heritage Places Register in June of the same year.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Willards Farm at 302 Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale, represented a core value within the 62-hectare Birkdale Community Precinct and is a centre-point for the precinct’s current stage of draft master planning.

“The Department of Environment and Science has recommended Willards Farm be entered into the Queensland Heritage Register (QHR) with the Queensland Heritage Council (QHC) expected to make the final decision by March this year,” Cr Williams said.

Cr Williams said Council had identified Willards Farm and all heritage values in the Birkdale Community Precinct as being a priority for protection in the site’s draft master planning.

“We have been and we will continue to manage heritage values within the precinct appropriately,” she said.

“In 2021, Council commissioned an updated Conservation Heritage Management Plan which informs the best ways to protect and restore the heritage values of Willards Farm.

“The original Willards homestead and some original surrounding buildings, such as the milking shed (pictured right) and creamery, are still standing and help to define the whole precinct in terms of our city’s European pioneer history.

“This is such a well-loved and important property. It will no doubt become a jewel in the crown of Birkdale Community Precinct as we go forward.”

Cr Williams said Council budgeted $250,000 in the 2021/22 financial year to undertake primarily detailed design works for the restoration of Willards Farm and is appointing a heritage architect to undertake this work, in preparation for its restoration. The work was temporarily halted during the QHR consideration process.

Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop said Council was committed to protecting Willards Farm due to its significance for the community.

“This is quite a remarkable property which offers our community many more layers of value and significance than appears at first glance,” Cr Bishop said.

“It is a portal into our pioneer past with a wealth of stories, lessons and knowledge to impart, including stories of connection with First Nations People and South Sea Islander labourers. It also remains a place that can be enjoyed, treasured and celebrated by generations to come.”

This is the second time an application has been made to the DES to enter the property into the QHR, with an ultimately unsuccessful submission being made in July 2015. Both applications were made by the Birkdale Progress Association. QHC has the discretion to make a decision which differs from the current DES recommendation.

Willards Farm timeline:

Willards Farm on Birkdale Community Precinct.

1865: Land registered to the Willard family for farming.

1876: James and Margaret Willard take out a mortgage on the land. It is believed this may have been to start construction of the homestead.

Until mid-1920s: The Willards run a dairy farm on the property, also known as The Pines.

1933-1941: The property changes ownership a couple of times.

1941: Rosemary Cotton and her husband Doug buy the farm.

1942: After the Australian Government asserts possession of most of the site, the US Army Signal Corps builds radio receiving station and transmission towers. The Pines homestead and farm remain on a much reduced foothold.

1942-1979: The Cottons farm their portion of the land up until Rosemary Cotton’s death in 1979.

1979-2016: The farm changes ownership several times.

2016: Council buys Willards Farm following community concern that the site was subject to a development approval for subdivision into residential allotments

2019: Council buys the adjoining 61 hectares of Commonwealth land.

Dec 2019-2021: Community consultation begins and commissioned studies are conducted to gain an understanding of the site’s environmental, heritage and historical values.

Mar 2021: A two-month formal community consultation process opens to seek ideas and identify suitable community uses for the entire site known as Birkdale Community Precinct.

You can read more about Willards Farm and Birkdale Community Precinct on the dedicated Your Say page.

 

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Council temporarily suspends in-branch library programs


January 20, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Redlands Coast to form a 2032 Legacy Working Group


January 20, 2022

Redland City Council will assemble a working group of community leaders to ensure the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games deliver lasting legacies for the city.

Mayor Karen Williams – who will chair the Redlands Coast 2032 Legacy Working Group – said it would empower the community to set the direction for future legacy opportunities that flow from the once-in-a-generation opportunity.

“As the largest sporting event in the world, we know Brisbane 2032 has the potential to deliver exciting opportunities for our community and this group will be tasked with ensuring generations of Redlanders benefit from these sporting, social and economic benefits,” Cr Williams said.

“The group will be a cross-section of our community, potentially including Olympians, Paralympians, Quandamooka traditional custodians, sporting groups, school students, and representatives from sectors such as sustainability, transport, tourism, arts, culture, training, research and business.”

Cr Williams said Council was proud to have been part of the Brisbane 2032 journey since the Council of Mayors (SEQ) first began investigating a regional Games in March 2015.

“Council only committed to being part of Brisbane 2032 because of the legacy opportunities it could provide for our community and now the Games have been won we have to get to work to ensure these benefits are realised,” she said.

“With the Redlands named as the venue for Canoe Slalom at Brisbane 2032, the community will benefit from the construction of an integrated adventure sports precinct with a world class white water facility and other water play facilities for local families.

“But Brisbane 2032 is about so much more than a few weeks of sport and venues; it is also about better roads and transport for local families, better jobs for our kids and better sporting infrastructure for tomorrow’s sporting stars and this group will focus on delivering these legacy opportunities.

“The Redlands Coast community has an exciting opportunity with Brisbane 2032 and I want the community and Council to work together to maximise the benefits for our generation and for those to come.”

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Council decision reflects history of need for lot size caps


January 20, 2022

A development application in Birkdale has been cited as the perfect example of why Redland City Council tried to cap lot sizes in parts of the city.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the application for four lots on Haig Road Birkdale, showed why Council tried to limit lots to a minimum of 2000sqm when they drafted the new city plan in 2015 ahead of its adoption in 2018.

“When we drafted our new city plan we proposed this area, along with others, be included in the low density residential LDR1 precinct, with a minimum lot size of 2000sqm, to try and retain larger lots in the area,” Cr Williams said.

“If our request had been approved by the State Minister it would have given the community greater clarity and made this development highly unlikely, making our decision on this application much clearer.

“Unfortunately the Minister of the day directed Council to weaken our caps on lot sizes under the city plan, leading to this position where we now have to make a very difficult decision on this application.”

Cr Williams said despite the Minister’s direction, Council voted against the application at yesterday’s general meeting and additionally would write to the current Minister to outline the history of why Council wanted to cap lot sizes in the area.

“The Ministerial condition was made by the previous Minister and so we acknowledge the current Minister may not be aware of the history and why Council wanted to limit lot sizes in the area,” Cr Williams said.

“We think it is important the State is aware of this history and this application shows why we made this request originally; so we will write to the current Minister to confirm State Government planning legislation still prohibits us placing clear and absolute caps on lot sizes in the area.”

Division 10 Cr Paul Bishop said Council’s decision reflected the wishes of the community.

“When we reviewed our city plan we received submissions from residents concerned about this sort of development, so we listened and tried to limit lot sizes in key areas, including Haig Road,” Cr Bishop said.

“While the State directive means Council must consider eligible development applications and cannot reject them outright, it is important we take the opportunity to send a strong signal to our community, developers and the State Government to confirm Council’s position has not changed.”

 

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Plans for rural Southern Thornlands to be enterprise frontier


January 19, 2022

Redland City Council will prioritise economic development and employment in the Southern Thornlands Potential Future Growth Area (STPFGA) following public consultation showing the community supported the proposed plans for the area.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council today supported the community’s feedback on the plan and would now begin making the necessary changes to the city plan to create employment and innovation, while retaining significant areas of rural residential living.

“Council has always believed this area should be used for employment rather than merely being used as another residential area and our proposal supports this commitment,” Cr Williams said.

“Our plan for the area includes mixed industry and business, education, training and recreation, a transport precinct, storage and larger home-based industry enterprise activities.

“As part of our plans, land not used for economic uses should only be used for larger rural living blocks, reducing pressure on transport while protecting the area’s relaxed rural lifestyle.”

“Public consultation shows the community supports this plan with 80 per cent of the online respondents supporting Council’s proposal, providing a strong basis for proceeding with a major amendment to the City Plan.

“Council has consistently focussed on job creation as part of a prioritisation on economic development for this strategically important part of southern Thornlands; which is why we opened up this consultation to the entire city.

At today’s general meeting, Council resolved to commence preparation of a major amendment to the City Plan to reflect the preferred future land use intents for the STPFGA; and report back to the State Planning Minister outlining the public consultation outcomes, the proposed amendment and noting that urban residential land uses are inconsistent with Council’s preferred future land use intents for the area.

Cr Williams said it was great to see community support for the proposals for STPFGA.

“It has been a topic of discussion for nearly two decades with the State Government at one stage including part of the area in the urban footprint, meaning it could have ended up with it being subdivided for smaller lot residential development,” Cr Williams said.

“Fortunately that was later reversed and it was nominated as a Potential Future Growth Area which allowed Council to investigate its preferred future usages.”

For more information about STPFGA, including findings from the public consultation report and an economic feasibility assessment report, visit the project’s page on Council’s Your Say site.

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Redland Animal Shelter to close temporarily


January 13, 2022

Due to staff shortages as a result of illness, the Redland Animal Shelter in South Street, Thornlands, will be temporarily closed from noon Saturday 15 January until 8.30am Monday 17 January.

For any enquiries regarding an animal in our care, please phone 3829 8663.

Council apologises for any inconvenience.

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‘Earthy’ water being experienced across the region


January 13, 2022

Redlands Coast residents who have noticed an earthy taste or smell to their tap water have been assured by bulk water supplier Seqwater that it is safe to drink.

Seqwater advises that the water situation is being experienced across the region – including in Brisbane, Ipswich and Logan.

This rare and harmless occurrence is caused by increased natural organic compounds entering the raw water supply during warmer weather.

Seqwater is taking action to dilute the water coming from the affected system, with water taste and smell expected to return to normal within a few weeks.

For more information, including tips on neutralising water taste go to the Seqwater website

 

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Land swap paves the way for exciting times at Redland Bay


January 6, 2022

The rejuvenation of Weinam Creek is set to create more than 700 jobs and generate almost $30 million for the local economy after the State Government gave the project’s exciting Master Plan the green light.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Economic Development Queensland’s approval of the Weinam Creek Master Plan was great news for the local community and economy.

“This is a red-letter day for Redlands Coast, in particular the southern part of our city and bay islands, with this project set to deliver much-needed transport upgrades, community services and jobs,” Cr Williams said.

“A partnership between Redland City Council, Economic Development Queensland and Redland Investment Corporation, this project will transform Redland Bay into a vibrant waterfront precinct with restaurants, cafes, a supermarket, more parking, new walkways and more open space.

“When I am out and about in the south of the city, the community tell me how keen they are to see this project progress and the approval of the Master Plan is an exciting milestone that brings it another step closer.”

Cr Williams said thanks to collaboration between Council and the State Government, the project would also include a new satellite hospital.

“Council and the State Government negotiated a land swap that saw land at the ferry terminal transferred to Council, which will now form part of the Weinam Creek upgrade,” Cr Williams said.

“In exchange Council land on Meissner Street was transferred to Queensland Health to use for their satellite hospital, which is great news for our ageing community.”

Member for Redlands Kim Richards said the land swap was a good outcome and a key milestone in the State Government’s commitment to deliver a local satellite hospital.

“Our satellite hospital at Meissner Street in Redland Bay will deliver essential services for Queenslanders in our rapidly growing community,” Ms Richards said.

“The Satellite Hospitals Program will also support up to 773 jobs during construction, critical for our economic recovery.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards welcomed the land swap and said it would bring important health services to the area while helping to progress Council’s vision for Weinam Creek.

“It’s good to see that collaboration across the different levels of government has resulted in such a great outcome for the community,” he said.

“The redevelopment of this area is expected to create 102 direct and indirect construction jobs, 699 operational jobs, and inject more than $29 million into the local economy.

“Stage 1 delivered more than 500 new parking spaces at Moores Road, new pathways, and a footbridge; with the next stages to include better connectivity to the marina, lighting and pedestrian upgrades along Banana and Meissner streets, and open space and park upgrades.”

The Weinam Creek Master Plan was approved by the Minister for State Development and it can be viewed on the Queensland Government website.

For information about the Weinam Creek redevelopment project, and to see a flythrough, visit Council’s Your Say website.

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


December 15, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Redland City Council holiday closures 2021


December 9, 2021

All non-essential Redland City Council services will be closed from Christmas Day and will reopen on Tuesday 4 January 2022.

This includes Customer Service Centres and Council’s Contact Centre.

Library services, Redland Performing Arts Centre, IndigiScapes, Redland Art Gallery, the animal shelter and Visitor Information Centre will also have varied closures over the festive period.

After hours emergency number: 3829 8999

Customer Service Centres

Cleveland and Capalaba close from 4.30pm on 24 December 2021 and re-open at 8.30am on Tuesday 4 January 2022.

Victoria Point closes from 5pm on 24 December 2021 and re-opens at 9am on Tuesday 4 January 2022.

Council’s Contact Centre (for telephone calls) closes at 5pm on 24 December 2021 until 8am on Tuesday 4 January 2022. Council’s emergency service will operate during the closure period.

Recycling and Waste Centres and collection services

Kerbside waste and recycling collections will continue as normal over the holiday period. As Christmas day is on a Saturday, kerbside collections will operate as usual from 6am on the public holiday, Monday 27 December. Park and street bin collections will occur as scheduled.

All Recycling and Waste Centres will be closed on Christmas Day and will operate normal opening hours at all other times. Check Council’s website for details.

Online bin requests submitted after Wednesday 22 December 2021 will be actioned from Tuesday 4 January 2022.

RecycleWorld at Redland Bay: Last trading day is Tuesday 21 December 2021 and it will re-open on Tuesday 4 January 2022; usual trading times of 10am – 2pm.

Redlands Coast Visitor Information Centre

Redlands Coast Visitor Information Centre will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day only.

Open 7 days a week, 9am – 4pm. Phone 1300 667 386 or go to visitredlandscoast.com.au

Redland Animal Shelter

The Animal Shelter will be closed on Christmas Day only.

Limited opening hours apply (9am – 12pm) from Sunday 26 December 2021 up to and including Monday 3 January 2022.

Library Services

Capalaba, Cleveland and Victoria Point libraries: closed from 5pm Friday 24 December 2021 until 9am Tuesday 4 January 2022.

Dunwich Library: closed from 5pm Thursday 23 December 2021 until 9am Tuesday 4 January 2022.

Point Lookout Library: closed from 5pm Friday 24 December 2021 until 10am Tuesday 4 January 2022.

Russell Island Library: closed from 5pm Friday 24 December 2021 until 9.30am Wednesday 5 January 2022.

Amity Point Library: remains closed until further notice.

Mobile Library: closed from 3pm Thursday 23 December 2021 at the Wellington Point stop. Reopening 9am Tuesday 4 January 2022 at the Victoria Point stop.

During closures, no items will be due and all after hours return chutes will be closed. The digital library will remain open – visit redland.qld.gov.au/libraries for ebooks, magazines, audiobooks and movies.

Redland Performing Arts Centre

The centre will be closed from 4pm on Wednesday 22 December 2021 and reopens at 10am on Thursday 6 January 2022.

Tickets can be purchased through the RPAC website during this time.

Redland Art Gallery (RAG)

RAG, Cleveland will be closed from 4pm on Thursday 23 December 2021 and reopen at 9am on Tuesday 4 January 2022.

RAG, Capalaba will be closed from 5pm on Thursday 23 December 2021 and reopen at 9am on Tuesday 4 January 2022.

IndigiScapes Centre and Nursery, Capalaba 

The IndigiScapes Centre and Nursery will be closed from 4pm on Friday 24 December 2021 and reopen at 8am on Tuesday 4 January 2022.

The gardens will be closed during this time, however the walking trails will be open.

The IndigiScapes Café will be open on 24 December from 8am – 12pm, and will then close until 8am on Wednesday 5 January 2022.

For more information on Council services, visit redland.qld.gov.au

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