Category Archives: Feedback

Have your say on the Draft Birkdale Community Precinct Master Plan

April 28, 2022

Redland City Council has adopted the largest and most exciting draft masterplan in the city’s history, with draft plans for the Birkdale Community Precinct getting the greenlight from Councillors at a Special Meeting today.

Mayor Karen Williams said the Draft Birkdale Community Precinct (BCP) Master Plan outlined an exciting concept for the 62-hectare site on Old Cleveland Road East at Birkdale over the next two decades.

“It will be one of the largest community spaces in South-East Queensland, and will include a Southbank-style public lagoon that the community has been asking for over many years,” Cr Williams said.

“It will also include restoration of the heritage-listed Willards Farmhouse and outbuildings, the heritage-listed former World War II Radio Receiving Station and the Redlands Whitewater Centre, which will be a host venue during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as a host of entertainment and recreational facilities.

A public lagoon is proposed for the Birkdale Community Precinct.

“Birkdale Community Precinct is the largest and most diverse project of its kind ever delivered in the city and the Draft Master Plan shows what a truly superb showcase it is going to be for all of Redlands Coast.

“Flanked by conservation areas that represent some two thirds of the entire site, the Plan reveals seven Hubs which have been centred on what the community told us they wanted on the site during consultation last year.

“Some of the Hubs offer education, inspiration, adventure and activity, while others are more passive, offering quiet reflection on the surrounding landscape and affording relief from the urban environment.

“Although intrinsically connected, each offers a unique destination with its own experiences and uses.”

Cr Williams said the draft masterplan followed a decade of lobbying the Federal Government to secure the land for the community.

“We have been trying to secure this land so it can be preserved and enjoyed by the community, including meetings with no fewer than six Ministers and Assistant Ministers and two Prime Ministers,” Cr Williams said.

“We knew this property held exciting potential for the community and today is a red-letter day that will help us realise that potential.”

Community consultation on the next stage in the creation of Birkdale Community Precinct opens Saturday 30 April and will continue until 6 June through the project’s Your Say website as well as via two community Info Days to be held onsite on 27 and 28 May.

“This is a chance for the community to provide feedback on the concept plans for the site, which were created following community feedback last year,” Cr Williams said.

“I’m particularly excited that our young people have played a key role in shaping this draft plan and are responsible for some of the most exciting elements including the public lagoon.

“Council has opted to include a public lagoon rather than an aquatic centre in response to feedback from the community who have been calling for a South Bank style lagoon for years.

“Instead we will focus on upgrading the existing Cleveland aquatic centre.”

Cr Williams said the Hubs are defined in the Plan as follows:

Cultural Hub – A meeting point and launching pad for all the precinct has to offer. A melting pot and learning place for ecological and cultural information.
Willards Farm (Food) Hub – With the historic Willards Farm as its centrepiece, this is where you can connect with the area’s farming heritage and where you can sample artisan produce or dine in style.
Innovation Hub – A showcase, literally, where the future of farm methodologies and techniques, agricultural technology and food production, is on display in static and interactive exhibition spaces.
Communications Hub – Anchored by the former US Army-built World War II Radio Receiving Station, this is where you can connect to the past, come to understand the bonds formed between Redlanders, Aussie troops and Allied US forces, and pay homage to their war and peace-keeping services.
Entertainment Hub – Touring artists and local performers share outdoor spaces in an ever-changing composite of community choruses, concerts, crowds and creatives. BBQs, picnic areas and tables, oversized games and outdoor movies add to the fun.
Recreation & Adventure Sports Hub – Redlands Coast’s first public lagoon will be the ultimate summer destination as will the adventure playground. Nearby, the whitewater centre will be home to Olympic and Paralympic athletes and adventure enthusiasts alike with its world-class training and competition course which has flexibility for use as a swift-water rescue training and exercise venue.
Conservation Hub – Walking trails, interactive tours, wilderness experiences and education combine in a stunning showcase of ways to appreciate the valuable and protected natural habitats.

“The tagline for this next phase of Birkdale Community Precinct’s growth is, ‘Create a place with a space for everyone’,” Cr Williams said.

“And I encourage you to help Council along on the creation process by giving your feedback on the Plan.”

To read the Draft Birkdale Community Precinct Master Plan go to the Your Say website

DIARY NOTE:

Birkdale Community Precinct Info Days, 302 Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale, Friday, May 27 & Saturday, May 28, 10am to 4pm both days. Entry via Jones Road. More details: yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au

Community backs plans for popular Thorneside sports park

December 1, 2021

Consultation about the upgrade of William Taylor Memorial Sports Field at Thorneside has revealed strong community backing for the draft concept plan.

Mayor Karen Williams said the plan was developed by Redland City Council in collaboration with the primary tenant sporting clubs that call the sports field home – Mooroondu Sport and Recreation Club, Mooroondu Football Club, Wellington Point Cricket, Thorneside Community Tennis and Raiders Netball Club.

“It was reassuring to see club members, park users and locals felt confidence in the benefits the plan would provide, Cr Williams said.

“Nearly 300 survey responses, including written submissions, were received during the consultation period, and nearly three-quarters of those indicated support for the plan.

“Knowing the plan is on the right track, making the most of the space for the clubs and the wider community, is a strong step towards progressing the project.

“Council officers will continue to work with clubs, including smaller clubs like the Petanque Club Brisbane Southside, as the planning and design phases progress.

“Consultation outcomes also revealed that Redlands Coast is fairly evenly split between preferring a natural environment or sports theme for the new play space, with the project team appreciating the suggestion from numerous respondents of combining the two to create a natural/sports theme.

“For the BMX and skate park area, it was not too surprising to hear that the half pipe is a well-loved if ageing feature, with respondents also telling us they liked the range of elements, community-friendly feel, shady position, and co-location with other activities.

“Our skaters and BMX riders are excited about the prospect of better facilities, and we will soon be in touch with respondents who indicated interest in the targeted skate and bike facilities consultation that will be led by an external skate and bike park design consultant.

“Having users involved in the planning will help ensure a great space for people from all sections of the community, now and into the future.”

Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop said he appreciated the time that so many community members took to have their say about the upgrade.

“It was really wonderful to hear that nearly 300 engaged local people took time to not only find out about the plans for William Taylor Memorial Sports Field but to let Council know what they think of them.

“Community feedback and input is invaluable when the aim is to create a space for everyone.

“I have been aware for some time that there has been a desire for changes in the area and am pleased that residents have expressed their views to council officers, so they can design for local needs.

“I thank every respondent for this expression of community spirit and participation.

“Consultation outcomes will now play a part in designing the new play space, further developing the site plan and informing the upcoming targeted consultation about the skate and BMX facilities.

“We know that many people really enjoy the relaxed feeling and natural environment within the area, while others like to exercise formally or informally at different times of the day, week and year.

“After feedback from clubs and individuals, I’m looking forward to seeing plans that make the best use of the space, with features that will maintain natural values yet also offer exciting options for skaters, scooters and BMX riders of varying ages and abilities.”

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.

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

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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

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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