Category Archives: Feedback

More time to help shape prized Redlands Coast park – survey closing date extended to 24 September 2021


September 8, 2021

Redland City Council is providing an extra two weeks during which those interested in the future of Thorneside’s William Taylor Memorial Sports Field will be able to have their say.

Mayor Karen Williams said that, while more than 180 people had already provided input, extending the survey period to 24 September would give more people the opportunity to review the draft site layout and improvements to the recreation area.

“The proposed upgrade at William Taylor Memorial Sports Field follows a recent renewal of the tennis courts and public cricket nets,” Cr Williams said.

“Council is still keen to hear what park features users enjoy. The two-minute survey focuses on the recreation area, including the theme of the play space and skate park, which includes the bike skills track, with space to provide views on the proposed site layout.

“While the survey will remain open until 24 September 2021, the competition to win one of three $100 gift cards will still end on 10 September 2021, so I would encourage people to get in early and not miss that opportunity.”

Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop said numerous locals and other users had contacted him in support of the consultation and wanting to share their views about this sports park upgrade.

“William Taylor Memorial Sports Field is beloved in the Thorneside community. Having extra time for consultation will allow local residents, youth and families to offer feedback during week one of the holidays, which is very important,” Cr Bishop said.

“Officers have worked together with tenant clubs and identified some drainage, access and layout issues that need to be managed, with some changes proposed across the balance of the site. Local residents also have a lot of knowledge and wisdom that can help Council plans for this open space area, which includes Charles Toni Reserve.

“I’m pleased there will be further conversations with other user groups once the consultation period is finished.”

It is expected the detailed design for the William Taylor Memorial Sports Field will be finalised by June 2022, ready for construction when funding becomes available.

To complete the two minute survey and to find out more about the William Taylor Memorial Sports Field Upgrade, visit yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au.

The competition to win the three $100 gift cards will close on 10 September 2021, with gift card winners being selected via random draw.

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Oral history project to capture impact of COVID on Redlands Coast


August 31, 2021

Redland City Council Libraries’ Local History Team is spearheading a project to capture the experiences of residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor Karen Williams said the COVID Oral History Project would build on the groundswell of similar projects worldwide and throughout Queensland.

“This ongoing global pandemic has been a major part of all our lives for about 19 months,” she said.

“During this time we have been bombarded with harrowing stories and images of large case numbers and deaths in many countries.

“Although Australia has been lucky in many respects, it has not come through unscathed.

“Many of our Redlands Coast residents have struggled through the stresses and strains of self-isolation during lockdowns and restrictions.

“There are many parents and carers who have been challenged by supervising young people through home schooling, often while juggling working from home.

“Our businesses, community groups and sporting clubs have similarly all been impacted, prompting Council to provide grants and other assistance and support to help them through these testing times.

“The aim of the Oral History Project is to gather a snapshot of feelings and experiences throughout Redlands Coast and show how our families, communities and workplaces have been impacted by the pandemic.

“All interviews will be recorded and will become part of our local community story, to be preserved as an historical record of what it was like to live through this moment in time.”

The project is a partnership between the Council Libraries’ Local History Team, Redland Museum in Cleveland, North Stradbroke Island Museum on Minjerribah, Coochiemudlo Heritage Society and the Southern Moreton Bay Islands Museum on Russell Island.

Interviews will be conducted between October and December, and all participants will receive a copy of their recording.

For more information or to express an interest in participating in the Redlands Coast COVID Oral History Project, email localhistory@redland.qld.gov.au

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Help shape prized Redlands Coast park


August 27, 2021

Redlands Coast residents can help shape the future of Thorneside’s William Taylor Memorial Sports Field, with those who complete a two-minute survey by 10 September 2021 able to go into the draw to win one of three $100 gift cards.

Mayor Karen Williams said the survey, which opens on Friday 27 August, would help Council better understand what locals, tenant sporting clubs and other park users would like to see at the popular park.

“We know that Redlands Coast residents value their open spaces and will be enjoying the new tennis and cricket facilities which opened at William Taylor in June and are looking forward to the upgraded public toilets, picnic facilities and a bike skills zone, as well as the renewed play space, skate park, BMX/cycling, petanque court and carpark,” Cr Williams said.

“This survey now gives Thorneside locals and other park users, including sporting clubs, the opportunity to influence a sports, natural environment or discovery theme for the new toddler-primary play space, as well as the option to suggest other ideas.

“Similarly, by letting us know what they like about the existing skate park, our growing skating community will help design a facility with features they would like to use.

“Detailed design of the recreation area will start later this year and will consider the survey results together with the site plan already developed in collaboration with the sporting clubs that call William Taylor home.

“The detailed design will be finalised by June 2022, ready for construction when funding becomes available.”

Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop said Council was eager to hear from Thorneside locals and other park users, after having recent formal discussion with committee members of the tenant sporting clubs about the proposed improvements.

“The renewed tennis courts and public cricket nets have already brought a new lease of life to this local sport and recreation hub at William Taylor Sports Reserve,” he said.

“Over the years, I have heard requests for upgrades and changes to reflect diverse needs within our local area. Now, council has committed to provide a play space the neighbourhood will enjoy using as well as a revamped skate, scooter, BMX facility that might encourage even more young people to get outdoors and get active within a safe and family friendly environment.

“We will be letterbox-dropping paper copies of the survey to residents around William Taylor as an additional way for those who live nearby to let us know their views. However, the easiest way to complete the survey is online at yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au

“As local councillor, I really urge locals to share your views. After the survey closes on 10 September, it would be great to have received a high number of participants in this consultation activity, as this is what will help ensure an open space that the entire community can enjoy for years to come.”

To complete the two minute survey and enter the draw to win one of three $100 gift cards, and to find out more about the William Taylor Memorial Sports Field Upgrade, visit yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au. Gift card winners will be selected via random draw.

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Community to have its say on draft local plan for Victoria Point


August 20, 2021

Redlands Coast residents will soon be able to have their say on a structure plan to guide development of an emerging community in Victoria Point.

Mayor Karen Williams said the draft South West Victoria Point Local Plan would progress to community consultation, despite the fact about 40 per cent of the development proposed for the area had already been approved by a State Court.

“The Planning and Environment Court has approved two residential development proposals and one for an over 50s lifestyle village, an outcome which was taken out of our hands,” Cr Williams said.

“Despite this, there are still benefits in continuing to progress the plan to consultation and in continuing to lobby the State Government for the necessary infrastructure to support the development of this new residential community.”

At this week’s General Meeting, Council reaffirmed it would not sign off on the Local Plan until the State Government commits to fund the vital road infrastructure required for the area’s future growth.

“Council’s position in relation to the emerging community has not changed since 2019, when a similar resolution was endorsed,” Cr Williams said.

“Our residents have told us they do not want development without the infrastructure to support the growth and our stance shows Council is listening to these concerns.

“We have previously asked the State to commit to deliver the dual carriage way of Cleveland-Redland Bay Road between Magnolia Parade, Victoria Point and Giles Road, Redland Bay.

“We acknowledge the State’s commitment of $110 million to duplicate part of this state road, between Magnolia Parade and Anita Street, Redland Bay, but ask them to commit to full duplication before we will agree to adopt the Local Plan as an amendment to City Plan.”

Councillors voted to amend the draft South West Victoria Point Local Plan to address State Ministerial conditions. It will then be sent back to the State Planner for final endorsement after which Council will start public consultation, about September.

“The process for this detailed plan began in 2018 so we are happy we are almost at the stage to take it to the community,” Cr Williams said.

The draft local plan covers about 175 hectares of land located between Bunker Road and Brendan Way in the north, Clay Gully Road and Cleveland-Redland Bay Road in the east, Double Jump Road in the south, and Little Eprapah Creek in the west.

Councillor for Division 4 Lance Hewlett said a well-prepared structure plan should ensure that development is appropriate, coordinated and delivered in a timely manner.

“We want this area to be an attractive, functional and walkable urban community that is supported by an accessible neighbourhood centre, integrated open space, active transport network and public transport services,” Cr Hewlett said.

“The local plan will guide new development through a mix of dwelling types, protecting and enhancing ecological habitat and connections, and outline the infrastructure that will be needed to support the new community.”

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Council raises awareness of safe cycling on Redlands Coast


August 16, 2021

Redland City Council is rolling out an awareness campaign to promote safe cycling across Redlands Coast.

Mayor Karen Williams said the Ride Redlands Coast campaign aligned with commitments in Council’s Corporate Plan 2021-2026 and Redlands Coast Transport Strategy 2020 to deliver positive active transport outcomes across the city.

“Council has also demonstrated its commitment to cycling, and other forms of active travel, through the recent establishment of the Redlands Coast Active Travel Group,” she said.

“Redlands Coast has a great recreational cycling culture with hundreds of kilometres of tracks and pathways.

“Through the Ride Redlands Coast campaign we want to promote cycling as an easy and enjoyable way to travel, exercise and experience some of our many naturally wonderful attractions while promoting a healthy lifestyle.

“We will also be reinforcing safety messages such as the importance of wearing a helmet, using a bell and checking brakes.”

State Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Queensland Government was supporting the campaign through their $252 million investment between 2021–22 and 2024–25 to design, build and maintain cycling infrastructure and fund programs to encourage more people to ride bikes.

“We know when people ride more often it makes our transport system more sustainable, helps us maintain a healthy environment and a more active lifestyle,” Mr Bailey said.

“We’re very pleased to be working with local government to encourage more cycling, more often through campaigns like Ride Redlands Coast.”

Redlands Coast Active Travel Group chair and Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said that as well as the citywide promotion, Council would undertake a targeted campaign in Thornlands and Victoria Point to increase awareness of a raised priority crossing near Pinklands Sporting Complex.

“Council initiatives to encourage active travel include improving cycling and pedestrian facilities, and one example is a new type of raised priority crossing which prioritises pathway users,” Cr Mitchell said.

“The crossings are constructed on a raised platform which increases visibility and reduces vehicle speeds, while providing a safe, direct route for both pedestrians and cyclists.

“The result, we hope, is more active travellers, which is why they are ideal in areas where we want people to cycle more.

“The raised priority crossing at Pinklands is the first to be constructed on Redlands Coast but we are expecting them to become more prevalent.”

Division 3 Councillor Paul Golle said the Pinklands crossing was on a key cycling route.

“The crossing is on an access road off busy Cleveland-Redland Bay Road and is a very visible reminder to motorists to slow down and give way to cyclists and other pathway users,” Cr Golle said.

As part of the Ride Redlands Coast campaign, Council is also conducting an online survey to gather data on cycling in the city and opportunities to improve access and safety. The survey is available on Council’s Your Say webpage.

The campaign will be promoted on social media, and the targeted campaign will include a letter box drop and engagement with local schools in close proximity to the new raised priority crossing.

More information, including cycling safety fact sheets and a video, is available on Council’s Your Say site.

The Ride Redlands Coast campaign has been supported through the Queensland Government’s Cycle Network Local Government Grants program.

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Have your say on the number of dogs allowed on Redlands Coast properties: 31 May to 8 July 2021


May 20, 2021

Redland City Council will consult with the community about a proposed change to animal management local laws covering the number of dogs able to be kept on residential properties.

Mayor Karen Williams said a local law amendment to allow up to four dogs in special circumstances would be the appropriate vehicle to bring Council in line with pet regulations in neighbouring local government areas.

“Council’s Local Laws undergo a continual process of review to provide the best outcomes for both the community and for Council,” she said.

“This local law impacts many residents and community consultation will allow everyone to have their say on the number of dogs able to be kept under special circumstances.

“Today’s decision acknowledges the fact that Redlands Coast residents have dogs for a whole range of reasons, including companionship, showing and fostering.”

Under current laws, all properties are able to keep two dogs, or three with a permit.

Should the changes go ahead, up to four dogs could be kept on a single dwelling property if they were show dogs, agility dogs or dogs in foster care.

Based on property size alone, an extra dog would be able to be kept on properties from 2,001 to 10,000 m2 without a permit, and a fourth with a permit.

For properties more than 10,000 m2, four dogs could be kept without a permit.

Deputy Mayor Julie Talty – who tabled a notice of motion last December requesting that officers consider options available to change the number of dogs allowed – said she had acted on specific representations made to her by residents.

“People have called for an increase to the number of dogs able to be kept on a property, based on property size and other special circumstances,” Cr Talty said.

“Community consultation will give Redlands Coast residents the opportunity to consider their position and make a submission on the proposed changes.

“I encourage everyone to have their say during the 35-day period.

“All properly-made submissions will be considered following community consultation.”

All dogs kept on Redlands Coast properties must be registered with Council and have their registration renewed annually.

Any changes resulting from the upcoming review and consultation process will be reflected in amendments to Subordinate Local Law no. 2 (Animal Management) 2015 and Subordinate Local Law No. 1.5 (Keeping of Animals) 2015.

To have your say on this issue, go to yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au during the consultation period, 31 May 2021 to 8 July 2021.

Written submissions can be delivered to Council’s mainland customer service centres or posted to City Council, PO Box 21, Cleveland Qld 4163. They must be received by 8 July 2021 to be considered.

The proposed amendment will also be available for viewing at Council’s mainland customer service centres and on the Your Say page.

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Music and musings at Birkdale Community Precinct open days


April 9, 2021

Redlands Coast performers will provide music to muse by as the community ponders future uses for Birkdale Community Precinct during community open days on April 16 and 17.

Hosted by Redland City Council, the open days offer a rare opportunity for people to tour the 62-hectare precinct and learn more about its history, ecology and cultural importance.

Performing at various time throughout the days will be singer/songwriter Joe Geia and the quirky all-female band, Mama Juju & The Jam Tarts.

Expect an eclectic mix of songs and styles from the quirky Mama Juju & The Jam Tarts.

Geia, left, is a renowned guitarist, didgeridoo player and songwriter, and is an influential figure in the development of contemporary Indigenous music.

Mama Juju & The Jam Tarts are a four-piece band who play a variety of instruments and a variety of genres. Their music is an eclectic mix of old and new, original and re-envisioned songs with jazz, folk, country and rock influences

Free activities at the community open days include: displays about the history of the site, a guided tour of the land on a trackless train, animal petting zoo for children, and weaving workshops. Food and drinks, including Devonshire tea, will be available for purchase.

There will also be the opportunity to have your say on what the future holds for this important precinct while taking a look around historic Willards Farm and the fascinating World War II radio receiving station. Redland City Council is committed to engaging with the local and regional community to understand what they would like to see this land used for.

The community open days will run from 10am to 4pm on both days, Friday April 16 and Saturday April 17, COVID-safety requirements and weather permitting. Parking and access will be available via the Birkdale Baptist Church grounds, 1 Jones Road, Birkdale, turning off Old Cleveland Road East. Please follow parking signs on the day.

Bookings are required.

Visit yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au for more details and to register for your free tickets

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Council seeks input on draft Age-friendly Action Plan


January 22, 2021

Redland City Council is inviting the community to have its say on the draft Redlands Coast Age-friendly Action Plan 2021-2026.

Mayor Karen Williams said the draft plan was based on the World Health Organisation’s Age-friendly Cities model that was developed in 2004 as a planning response to population ageing.

“It explores how a city’s landscape, buildings, transport system and housing contribute to mobility, health behaviours, social participation and self-determination of older people,” she said.

“Consultation is an important element of creating an age-friendly community and the next step in Council’s commitment to the creation of environments that enable older Redlands Coast residents to live active and healthy lives.

“We know we have an ageing community and Council is committed to supporting their needs by planning for an age-friendly city.

“In 2016, 17.2 per cent of Redland City’s population was aged 65 years and, by 2041, this is expected to increase to 28.3 per cent.”

Cr Williams said the draft Redlands Coast Age-friendly Action Plan, which was presented at this week’s Council meeting, had its genesis in 2006 when Council’s Ageing Well in the Redlands Strategy 2006-2016 was developed in consultation with the local aged community.

“Council has surveyed older residents who live on both the mainland and island communities to identify their perceptions of living and ageing in Redland City, what they value and barriers to healthy and active ageing,” she said.

“Council also consulted with key community organisations who work with older adults in Redland City.

“The next step is for Council to formally engage the wider community on the draft plan between 22 January and 2 March 2021.”

The draft plan includes eight key themes and highlights actions and key initiatives that Council will undertake over the next five years.

Initiatives proposed in the draft plan include:

  • Cooperative Research Centre Longevity – to attract investment, testing and trialing of products and services that serve an ageing population
  • Centre of Excellence in Education for the Ageing
  • Investment in health services
  • Multi-purpose community centre
  • Intergenerational programs
  • Community transport solutions
  • Ageing in Place Project – to identify and advance opportunities for older residents on the SMBI to age in place
  • Increase the amount of shaded seating

For more information and to have your say on the draft Redlands Coast Age-friendly Action Plan 2021-2026, visit Council’s Your Say webpage.

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Have your say on Council’s draft coastal hazard adaptation strategy


November 18, 2020

Redland City Council is inviting community members to have their say on its draft Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy (CHAS) after the project’s consultation phase was endorsed at today’s Council meeting.

The CHAS is a city-wide strategy for the city’s coastline and islands that will assess the vulnerability of infrastructure, assets, and property to coastal hazards such as coastal erosion, storm tide inundation, and sea level rise.

The strategy also recommends actions for Council and property owners to adapt to the challenges up to the years 2070 and 2100.

Mayor Karen Williams, who also chairs the project’s steering committee, said this consultation period was an essential step in finalising Council’s long-term, comprehensive, climate adaptation plan.

“After years of extensive coastal studies and investigations to determine the risk of existing and future coastal hazard impacts on Redlands Coast, Council’s draft CHAS is ready to be reviewed by our community,” she said.

“As a city of islands with approximately 335km of coastline, it is vital that we do this work to assess the vulnerabilities and risks posed by potential changes to our coastline, and determine the best ways to manage our public areas and assets.

“The draft strategy considers land and assets that may be impacted by coastal hazards.”

Cr Williams said the draft CHAS had been developed in line with the Queensland Government and the Local Government Association of Queensland’s QCoast2100 program, with Redland City Council being one of more than 30 coastal councils in Queensland doing this planning.

“Ultimately, the CHAS will help us implement cost-effective mitigation measures, plan for development and growth, budget for higher costs, collaborate regionally, and seek investment opportunities,” she said.

“Now we want to receive the community’s feedback about the draft strategy.”

Cr Williams said that due to COVID-safe requirements, community workshops on the draft strategy would not be held, with community consultation to take place online via the project’s page on Council’s Your Say website.

“It is important that we all work together to help keep everyone safe during these times, and people can visit Council’s Your Say page for a copy of the draft strategy and make a submission on it,” she said.

“I urge all community members to participate in this important project to help protect the future of Redlands Coast.”

The CHAS is scheduled for completion in April 2021 following a review of community feedback and Council’s adoption of the strategy.

For more information about the project and to have your say, visit yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/CHAS  

Consultation starts on Thursday 19 November 2020 and closes on Friday 18 December 2020.

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Council calls for comment on future use of foreshore wetlands reserve


November 18, 2020

Redland City Council is seeking community comment on long term access options for the Bligh Street road reserve at Wellington Point.

The road reserve separates sections of the environmentally significant Geoff Skinner Wetlands Reserve, which Council acquired in 2018 with funds collected through its Environmental Levy.

The end of the Bligh Street road reserve has also been used as an unofficial launch point at high tide for canoes and small vessels, but it is not a legal boat ramp and the State Government’s Department of Transport and Main Roads has confirmed it has no plans to install a boat ramp.

In support of the area’s conservation values, Council has been trialling the temporary closure of Bligh Street, prioritising pedestrian access and allowing Council and conservation groups to safely undertake land restoration work.

The trial has helped Council understand the effects of the road closure on both the environment and recreational users of the area.

The reserve features salt pans, shorebird wetlands and habitat for koalas, birds and other wildlife.

Now is the time for the community to have a say about the future of this important area and how it could be managed.

For more information and to have your say, visit Council’s Your Say Redlands Coast website.

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