Category Archives: Council

Council celebrates Olympians and Paralympians


October 20, 2021

Redlands Coast athletes who competed at last month’s 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games have been officially congratulated by Redland City Council.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams hosted a morning tea today in honour of local athletes who were part of the Australian Olympic and Paralympic teams.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams with (from left) Redlands Coast athletes Paige Leonhardt, Jake Michel, Alannah Mathews and Taylor Worth.

“The Redlands Coast athletes not only performed sensationally in their individual sports but they also performed faultlessly in their display of fairness and respect, in and out of competition,” Cr Williams said.

“The Olympics and Paralympics Games have a galvanising effect; they tend to bring the world together. It did fill me with pride to watch our city’s athletes front and centre of that showcase of excellence.

“After seeing just how the Games managed to harness, present and celebrate the unifying spirit of sport during such difficult times globally, it is exciting to know that we will have them literally right in our back yards in 2032.

“Redlands Coast will be an event venue city for the Canoe Slalom competition at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. They will be held at a purpose-built Redland Whitewater Centre as part of an integrated aquatic and adventure sports facility within Birkdale Community Precinct.

“The 2032 Games will be one of our greatest opportunities ever to showcase our naturally wonderful Redlands Coast to the world.”

Cr Williams addressed the local athletes who attended the morning tea, saying their achievements at the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games were another reminder of the level of excellence being reached by sporting clubs right across Redlands Coast.

“Well done to all the coaches, supporters and of course the families who have helped these wonderful athletes do us proud,” she said.

Redlands Coast athletes in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics included:

  • Mara Stransky of Russell Island finished 14th in the Women’s Laser Radial class.
  • Cassiel Rousseau of Ormiston showed promise in the men’s diving 10m platform, finishing 8th in the final.
  • Former Redlands Coast resident Mellisa Wu scored a bronze medal in the women’s diving 10m platform final.
  • Taylor Worth of Birkdale made it to round 16 in the men’s archery individual event.
  • Alannah Mathews of Sheldon competed as part of the five-member rhythmic gymnastics group.
  • Shannon Parry of Cleveland was part of the women’s rugby sevens squad who unfortunately were unable to replicate their gold medal win in Rio 2016, losing to Fiji in the quarter finals.
  • Emily Gielnik of Alexandra Hills was part of the Matildas Olympic squad who made it to the semi-finals and narrowly missed bringing home a bronze medal.
  • BMX rider Logan Martin from Maudsland and trains in Redland Bay took the gold medal in the men’s BMX freestyle.

Redlands Coast athletes in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics included:

  • Swimmer Jake Michel of Birkdale scored silver in the men’s 100m breaststroke.
  • Swimmer Paige Leonhardt of Thornlands scored silver in the women’s 100m butterfly; finished 6th in the women’s 100m breaststroke; and 6th in the women’s 200m individual medley.
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Council pursues Games ‘decade of opportunity’


October 20, 2021

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams has called on the power of the community to ensure Redlands Coast enjoys the benefits of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Mayor Williams today tabled a motion asking for Council to investigate a Redlands Coast Olympic and Paralympic Legacy Working Group.

“The 2032 Games are an exciting opportunity for our community and this group will ensure we make every post a winner and create ongoing opportunities for local families, businesses and sporting clubs,” Cr Williams said.

“Redland City Council is proud to have been part of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games journey since the Council of Mayors (SEQ) first began investigating a regional Games in March 2015.

“Council’s support has always been focussed on creating lasting legacies for our community, in particular attracting increased investment in transport infrastructure and delivering important economic development opportunities.

“Now the 2032 Games have been secured, it is incumbent on us to ensure they will deliver ongoing benefits and this group will ensure that happens.”

Cr Williams said the potential benefits went beyond those that would be realised as a result of the Redlands hosting the canoe slalom competition venue.

“Obviously being a venue city will deliver significant benefits, including the delivery of an integrated adventure sports precinct with a world class white water canoe slalom facility and other water play facilities for local families,” Cr Williams said.

“But this opportunity is about so much more than four weeks of sport, there is now a decade of opportunity and I want to make sure the whole community has an opportunity to benefit from it.

“The intention is for this legacy working group to include external representatives from a range of backgrounds, including sporting clubs, businesses and schools; giving the community a voice in identifying and planning legacy opportunities.

“I have asked Council to also investigate transport representatives that can be included in the group to ensure the Games deliver better transport infrastructure, which is the reason we began this journey in the first place.”

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Residents urged to check yards ahead of mozzie season


October 19, 2021

Redland City Council is urging residents to take an active role in mosquito management and check their yards for possible breeding sites.

Mayor Karen Williams said recent rain coupled with warm weather could provide ideal breeding conditions for the saltmarsh (Aedes vigilax) and container (Aedes notoscriptus) mosquitoes.

“Council’s mosquito management team investigates known mosquito breeding sites across Redlands Coast and conducts regular ground and aerial treatments as required,” she said.

“We are encouraging residents to help Council in our efforts to reduce mosquito numbers by checking their own yards, especially during the peak breeding season from November to April.

“Mosquitoes don’t need much water to breed – even the water at the bottom of a pot plant base is enough.

“Now is the perfect time to check your yard and empty water pooling in items such as toys, boats, fallen palm fronds, blocked roof gutters and old tyres.

“It’s also timely to check your insect screens are in good condition.

“For personal protection from mosquitoes, residents should avoid being outside during peak activity periods at dusk and dawn where possible, use insect repellent and wear light-coloured, long, loose-fitting clothing.”

Regional Mosquito Management Group chairman Cr Paul Golle (Division 3) said Council had a year-round program to manage mosquitoes, paying particular attention to coastal, saltmarsh and mangrove areas.

“Managing mosquitos is important for both health and amenity,” he said.

“In doing this, we target the mosquito larvae or ‘wrigglers’ before they can fly and bite, and start treatment programs as soon as larval breeding is detected,” he said.

“Council’s mosquito management team treats about 9500 hectares of land annually via ground and aerial application through the use of helicopters, quad bikes and drones.

“We also run an inspection program to monitor larvae numbers and the efficacy of our treatments.”

More information is available on Council’s mosquito management webpage

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Devices offer ‘grate’ way to trap waterway waste


October 18, 2021

They are known as SQIDs and over the past two years these Stormwater Quality Improvement Devices have prevented more than 500 cubic metres of Redlands Coast waste ending up in Moreton Bay.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the SQIDs were designed to stop vegetation, sediments, litter and other materials entering the city’s waterways and ultimately into the bay.

“We have a network of about 740 SQIDs whose tentacles spread all across Redlands Coast,” Cr Williams said.

Urban Asset Solutions work across the Redlands Coast maintaining and monitoring the waterway waste devices.

“In 2019 about 280 cubic metres of waste, and a further 228 cubic metres in 2020, was recovered from the devices by Council contractor, Urban Asset Solutions, which monitors and maintains the SQIDs.”

Cr Williams said the devices took several formats, including trash racks which are steel grates with netting that sit across open channels to collect large waste like bottles, takeaway cups and green waste.

“There are 80 of these trash racks across the city,” Cr Williams said.

“There are another 320 litter baskets in use that are generally installed in stormwater pits and more than 70 gross pollutant traps, or GPTs, that are installed throughout the drainage network.

“SQIDs also come in the form of bio-retention basins and swales of which there are more than 100 on Redlands Coast including a brand new basin that has been constructed alongside Birkdale Recycling and Waste Centre.

“The bio-retention basin at Birkdale will improve the quality of stormwater runoff from the waste centre.”

Urban Asset Solutions’ scope of works consists of general system monitoring, reporting and maintenance services including repairing erosion, unblocking  inlets and outlets, removing litter and debris, managing and controlling weeds, planting, reporting on rectification works and undertaking scheduled GPT cleans by vacuum or crane truck methods to ensure  all managed assets are performing to their intended specification, are safe and aesthetically pleasing.

Cr Williams said the company had a regional office in Cleveland that employed four people fulltime.

“It is just one of many local businesses and suppliers used by Council,” she said.

“Council is focused more on spending local as part of our corporate procurement policy, contract manual and strategic contracting plan and procedures adopted in July last year.

“Wherever possible we will be using local businesses and suppliers to continue our support of the local economy and to keep people in jobs and create new employment opportunities.”

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Keep a look out as koalas are on the move


October 14, 2021

With breeding season underway koalas are on the move again across Redlands Coast and the community is being urged to keep watch for them.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said koalas were more active during the breeding season, which continued through to December.

“Koalas are mostly active at night but they will move around during the day if they are disturbed, if they are too hot, too cold or simply to find a new feed tree,” Cr Williams said.

“But right now they are out looking for love, so we need to be alert for them on the road or moving through our yards.

“The main messages are: slow down and drive safely; make sure your yard is koala-friendly with ways for them to escape pools or over fences; and ensure your pet is secured at night and when out walking.”

Cr Williams said it was important to keep your distance if you saw a koala and allow it to move about freely unless the animal was in immediate danger.

“If you notice the koala is ill or injured, call the Redlands 24hr Wildlife Rescue Service immediately on 3833 4031,” she said.

“Council also has an active koala watch program where you can submit any koala sightings when you are out and about.”

To find out more about our urban koalas and what your Council is doing to help, visit redland.qld.gov.au/koala

To join the Redlands Coast Koala Watch, go to redland.qld.gov.au/koalawatch

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Sandbagging stations open


October 14, 2021

Redland City Council sandbagging stations are open today and tomorrow at the following locations:

Council Depot Cleveland – 199-205 South St, Cleveland – Click here for directions
Council staff and SES will be onsite to assist. Sand, bags and shovels will be supplied.

Open today, Thursday 14 October: 12 noon until 6pm

Open tomorrow, Friday 15 October: 7am to 2pm

 24-hour self-service sandbagging stations are located at:

Council Depot Dunwich – 11-37 Mitchell Cres, Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island – Click here for directions
Outside the Redland City Council Depot, 11-37 Mitchell Crescent, Dunwich –
Sand and bags supplied. Please take your own shovel.

 Council Depot Russell Island – 6 Cambridge Rd, Russell Island – Click here for directions
Outside the Council Depot on Cambridge Road. Sand and bags supplied. Please take your own shovel.

 Council Depot Macleay Island – 22-24 Scarborough Rd, Macleay Island – Click here for directions
Outside the Council Depot on Scarborough Terrace. Sand and bags supplied. Please take your own shovel.

Please note: enclosed shoes must be worn.

Need assistance?

Call the SES on 132 500 to log a job, which will be prioritised and tasked. This will help ensure our most vulnerable in the community are addressed as a priority.

Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if the situation is life-threatening.

Call Energex on 13 19 62 to report fallen powerlines. Remember to stay clear and warn others.

Call Council on 3829 8999 to report fallen branches on public spaces across the city.

Please mindful of conditions when outdoors; Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:

  • Never drive, walk or ride through flood waters. If it’s flooded, forget it.
  • Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
  • Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.
  • Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.

For the latest advice and emergency warnings:

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Work to start on Point Lookout Gorge Walk reconstruction


October 14, 2021

The Point Lookout Gorge Walk on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) will soon be fully restored, with work to repair a damaged section of the much-loved walk set to commence.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said reconstruction of a 25 metre section of the boardwalk was expected to start on 25 October 2021 and be completed by late November, weather permitting.

“The Gorge Walk is an iconic destination on Minjerribah so I am very pleased it will soon be repaired ahead of the busy Christmas holiday period,” she said.

“While this beautiful walk has still been accessible from each end, the damaged section, roughly in the middle of the walk, has been closed following a washout caused by heavy rain.

“When the repairs are done and the walk reopens, residents and visitors will once again be able to complete the full 1.2 kilometre circuit uninterrupted.

“I would like to thank everyone for their patience while Council assessed the damage and appointed a contractor to undertake the extensive reconstruction work which is required.

“Importantly, residents and visitors can still safely access parts of the boardwalk while the damaged section is being repaired, so go out and enjoy the beautiful panoramas but take heed of site safety signage and don’t enter the closed area.”

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said the reconstruction of the boardwalk was great news for Minjerribah.

“This walk, with all its viewing platforms, is a huge drawcard for both the island and Redlands Coast in general,” he said.

“There are few places anywhere with such amazing views and opportunities for marine wildlife encounters, particularly one so accessible and free.

“I am very excited about the Gorge Walk being fully open once again in time for the Christmas holidays, when everyone can take advantage of this amazing and naturally wonderful outdoor experience.

“There may of course be some minor disruptions during the construction period, including the need to close the southern end of the boardwalk to allow access to complete the works.

“However, the northern section of the Gorge Walk will remain open to tourists and locals throughout this period.”

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Another round of Business Brews for industry networking


October 13, 2021

Redlands Coast manufacturing businesses are invited to this month’s Business Brews industry networking event.

Supported by Redland City Council and held at Bacchus Brewing in Capalaba, this is the sixth event in the series and will focus on Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said it was a great opportunity for local businesses to network and hear about the latest industry directions and training opportunities.

“Guest speaker for the event is TAFE Queensland Business Manager Kevin Roos who will talk about the growing industry need for CNC operators and the TAFE courses that relate to achieving qualifications in that area,” Cr Williams said.

“Council is proud to collaborate on these networking events as another way of adding to its commitment to supporting Redlands Coast industries and businesses.

“As well as sponsoring major business and jobs expos in the region, Council has provided stimulus funding to help businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Council is focused more on spending local as part of our corporate procurement policy, contract manual and strategic contracting plan and procedures adopted in July last year

“Wherever possible we will be using local businesses and suppliers to continue our support of the local economy and to keep people in jobs and create new employment opportunities.”

Business Brews event details

Time: Thursday, 28 October 2021, 4pm-6pm

Place: Bacchus Brewing, 1 / 2 Christine Place, Capalaba

Registration: Phone Redland City Council on (07) 3829 8999 or email rcc@redland.qld.gov.au and address your enquiry to the Economic Development Coordinator.

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Temporary commercial use invited for select parks


October 11, 2021

To activate and enliven some of the city’s public spaces and create opportunities for local businesses, Redland City Council is now accepting Expressions of Interest for temporary commercial activities for a select group of Redlands Coast parks and open spaces.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council supported a range of such activities in selected parks, including:

  • personal fitness training and coaching program
  • mobile food and beverage vehicles
  • hire of recreation equipment (watercraft, bikes, scooters)
  • entertainment (busking, face painting, magicians, jumping castles, mobile animal petting and entertainers for small events and celebrations)
  • tourist-based activities (canoe and kayak tours)

“This is only for those parks selected where temporary commercial activities could be offered without impacting the amenity and safety of park users and neighbours,” Cr Williams said.

“Commercial vendors that complement nearby businesses by offering a different product or service are also preferred.”

“Temporary commercial activities are generally of a low-scale, and are restricted to a footprint of 30 sq m. Depending on the size and shape of the park, the number of commercial vendors is capped at between one and three.

“Activating our parks and public spaces in this way further enlivens them and creates vibrant, liveable communities as well as opportunities for local businesses.

“Vendors who want to operate in a park can now submit an Expression of Interest to Council. If short-listed, they will be invited to formally apply for approval and terms and conditions will apply.”

Information on how to lodge an EOI and for the list of the applicable parks and open spaces, go to: yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au

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Court of Appeal overturns Alexandra Hills service station development approval


October 7, 2021

Redland City Council has welcomed a decision by the Court of Appeal supporting their 2015 decision to refuse the King of Gifts’ development application for a service station and fast-food drive-thru restaurant at Alexandra Hills.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council had opposed the application for the last six years, arguing it was in conflict with the planning scheme.

“This decision is a win for residents and for Council who has represented the community over many years in opposing this project because of its potential environmental and traffic impacts,” Cr Williams said.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams, left, and Cr Rowanne McKenzie outside the land in question at 604-612 Redland Bay Rd, Alexandra Hills.

“This has been a long battle, which began with our original decision to refuse the application in 2015, arguing it had the potential to impact important environmental, open space and bushland areas near the site at 604-612 Redland Bay Road.”

“Over the last five years our original decision has been overturned twice by the Planning and Environment Court, but we never gave up fighting for the community and successfully appealed those decisions.”

Councillor for Division 7 Rowanne McKenzie said last week’s decision ended years of uncertainty for local residents.

“When I’m out speaking with local residents they regularly raise this application with me and so Council was determined to represent them in opposing it,” Cr McKenzie said.

“This latest court ruling is a win for the community and results in the applicant’s appeal to the Planning and environment Court being dismissed, ending years of uncertainty for local residents.

“As part of the Court ruling King of Gifts (Qld) Pty Ltd and HTC Consulting Pty Ltd have been ordered to pay Council’s appeal costs.”

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