Category Archives: Parks

Enjoy safely all that Redlands Coast has to offer

May 15, 2020

There’s a lot to do at Redlands Coast as restrictions ease and we head into the cooler months that are perfect for hiking, cycling and exploring.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said that with people able to travel up to 150km from tomorrow, Saturday 16 May 2020, there were many naturally wonderful hidden treasures and little adventures to explore on Redlands Coast.

“Please remember to exercise social distancing and buy local where you can,” Cr Williams said.

So what will it be for you this weekend?

Redlands Coast has everything from hiking in the bush at Venman Bushland National Park at Mt Cotton, to the all-abilities playground at Capalaba Regional Park to the King Island walk at Wellington Point Recreation Reserve.

Mountain bikers can get an adrenalin rush on the tracks at Redlands Track Park at Cleveland while all cyclists can enjoy the Moreton Bay Cycleway from Thorneside through Wellington Point and Cleveland to Victoria Point and Redland Bay.

You can also get out on our waterways kayaking, windsurfing, paddle boarding or boating, with restrictions removed from Saturday 16 May 2020 for boating around North Stradbroke Island.

All Redlands Coast Islands are also open for day trippers, with restrictions on North Stradbroke Island lifted on Saturday 16 May 2020.

Venman Bushland National Park

West Mount Cotton Road, Mount Cotton (Jungalpin/Tungipin)

Within the beautiful hinterland of Mount Cotton you’ll discover this reserve, with a variety of walking tracks amongst the forest of eucalypt and melaleuca trees. You may even be lucky and spot a koala so keep an eye out! The reserve also acts as a haven for many other native animals including greater gliders, powerful owls and red-necked wallabies, so it is the perfect place to explore.

Raby Bay Foreshore Park

Masthead Drive, Cleveland (Nandeebie/Indillie)

Raby Bay Foreshore Park boasts sprawling parklands with sandy beaches, a playground and scenic walking and bike paths. It’s a great place to take the family to cool off, enjoy a picnic and relax overlooking the bay. The calm waters are suitable for swimming and you can hire a kayak or stand-up paddle board right on the shore. Coffee, drinks and snacks are available from the coffee trailer. Don’t forget your furry friends. The park is dog-friendly, with a popular designated off-leash beach area.

Wellington Point Recreation Reserve

Main Road, Wellington Point (Cullen Cullen)

Wind surfing, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, boating and coastal fishing are just some of the water activities that entice people from far and wide to the Wellington Point peninsula.

Surrounded by coast on three sides, Wellington Point Reserve is popular for picnics, launching a boat into Moreton Bay, and, at low tide, walking to King Island – home to an abundance of coastal wildlife.

Scattered with historic Moreton Bay Fig Trees, with a sandy beach, wooden jetty and brilliants, it is an Instagrammers delight.

Children love the established playgrounds that weave among the shade of Moreton Bay fig trees while the adjacent café and takeaway store offers a great menu and superb view.

King Island Walk

Main Road, Wellington Point (Cullen Cullen)

‘Walking on water’ across the spectacular low-tide sand bridge from Wellington Point to King Island is a Redlands Coast signature experience and one of the most unique walks in South-east Queensland.

A stunning sand causeway emerges from beneath the Moreton Bay waters between the Wellington Point (Cullen Cullen) mainland and the tiny, uninhabited King Island at low-tide, forming a natural bridge for walkers.

It’s a 2km return walk – great for kids who can paddle along the way and spot birds and crabs and you can take your dog (on leash) on week days too.

Make sure you check tide times before you head out too – it’s a strictly low-tide affair.

Put this one on your weekend bucket list for some time soon!

Cleveland Point Recreation Reserve

Shore St West, Cleveland (Nandeebie/Indillie)

With magnificent Moreton Bay on three sides, Cleveland Point is one of the most iconic, must-visit sites on Redlands Coast.

Cleveland Point is family-friendly with a park, children’s playground, shaded picnic areas and toilets, plus a picturesque pathway around the point for leisurely strolls and cycles – it has a significant link to the city’s past too with the historic Cleveland Point Lighthouse, a Redlands Coast and South-east Queensland icon.

There are plenty of reasons to stop and stay a while at the Cleveland Point Reserve too. Aside from the picturesque location and mesmerising views, the fish and chippery serves up great seafood.

Moreton Bay Cycleway

Redlands Coast

Start at Thorneside or at the other end at Redland Bay and cycle through Redlands Coast’s naturally wonderful villages taking in taking in the unique coastline and mangrove vegetation.

Redlands Track Park

Cleveland (Nandeebie/Indillie) and Alexandra Hills

Looking to discover a new coast this weekend? You can in Redlands Coast. The Redlands Track Park is a multi-use trail for mountain biking, walking and cycling. You may even spot a wallaby or two in the Scribbly Gum Conservation area. Add some excitement to your day by exploring the Scorpion Rock, the Hammer, and the Upper and Lower Magic trails.

IndigiScapes Centre

Runnymede Road, Capalaba (Kapallaba)

Immerse yourself in nature at Redlands Coast’s environmental education centre. Whilst the IndigiScapes building and café might be closed, you can still make the most of the tracks and trails that wind their way through the native bushland that surrounds the centre. Wander the paths that lead you through unspoilt greenery and follow the banks of Coolnwynpin Creek, or stroll the native botanical gardens and get inspiration for your own backyard. There is plenty of space for you to you pull up a picnic, and a playground for those looking to burn some energy! Keep an eye out for the local wildlife that like to call the area home – if you’re lucky you might spot swamp wallabies, lizards and an array of native birds.

For more places to discover on Redlands Coast visit visitredlandscoast.com.au.

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

May 13, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

Park facilities

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

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

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

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

Mainland Libraries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Island Libraries

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

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

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

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

Animal Shelter

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

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

Community halls

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

Dog off leash areas

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

Boardwalk and footbridge maintenance underway

May 11, 2020

It’s time to give our Redlands Coast timber boardwalks and footbridges some tender loving care.

Council’s Parks and Conservation folk have been busy cleaning these assets ready to for maintenance.

This will involve the application of a timber preservative to keep them in tip-top condition.

Boardwalks and footbridges being treated will be closed temporarily while the work in undertake and for up to five days afterwards, while the product dries.

These Redland Bay areas are scheduled for maintenance during the next fortnight, starting 11 May:

Weinam Creek Corridor – Collins Park, Valencia Springs Drive, Redland Bay
Jack Gordon Pathway, Redland Bay Foreshore.

Scheduled for maintenance from 22 May are:

The Cleveland Foreshore, including footbridges and boardwalks from Henry Zeigenfusz Park, Cleveland to George Thorne Drive, Thornlands
Footbridges between Beveridge Road, Thornlands and Aspect Drive, Victoria Point
Manning Esplanade Foreshore, Cleveland
South Street Foreshore, Cleveland
Goleby Esplanade Foreshore, Cleveland
Holden Street Wetlands, Cleveland

Signage has been placed at these boardwalks and bridges advising of planned closure dates.

We appreciate that this may disrupt some peoples morning walk and exercise routine for a few days and thank Redland Coast residents for their patience while the works are carried out.

Redlands Coast Dog Off Leash Areas Reopen

May 8, 2020

Walkies anyone? Redland City Council reopened its fenced off dog off leash areas on Friday 8 May 2020.

Residents are reminded to practise social distancing and gathering rules while at the parks.

Council’s unfenced and partially fenced dog off leash areas have remained open during the COVID-19 restrictions.

The latest reopening comes after announcements today by the Queensland Premier and Prime Minister regarding the roadmap for easing restrictions.

Council closes public recreation areas and animal shelter until further notice

March 30, 2020

Redland City Council advises it has temporarily closed its public playgrounds, skate parks, outdoor exercise equipment, basketball facilities and tennis courts.

Council has also closed its fenced and gated dog off-leash areas; and power to Council’s outdoor barbecues has been disconnected until further notice.

These latest closures follow the Australian Government’s decision on Sunday to further limit outdoor gatherings to no more than two people unless from the one household, and to close playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gyms to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

The Redland City Local Disaster Management Group and Council ask that people do not congregate in groups in parks and on foreshores, and to ensure appropriate hygiene is maintained:

If you are unwell, stay at home and do not visit a park
Stay 1.5m away from others
Regularly wash or sanitise your hands

While the State Government last week banned all non-essential travel to North Stradbroke Island, the LDMG and Council encourage people to reconsider their need for non-essential travel to the other Redlands Coast islands of Coochiemudlo (Goochie mudlo), Russell (Canaipa), Lamb (Ngudooroo), Macleay (Jencoomercha) and Karragarra.

This would help protect vulnerable island communities and better ensure social distancing measures could be observed.

In the interest of managing social distancing requirements, Council’s Animal Shelter at 264 South Street, Thornlands is also closed to the public until further notice, with visits available by appointment only.

To visit the shelter, contact 3829 8663 for an appointment.

For the latest health information, visit the Queensland Health website.

Track parks closed after recent rain

March 10, 2020

Due to heavy rain, Council has closed all tracks and trails at Scribbly Gums Reserve (Cleveland Track Park) and Bayview Track Park, Redland Bay.

The Bayview car park and staging area are also closed. Signs notifying of the closures are in place at all main entry points to the two reserves.

Council will continue to monitor conditions to determine when the track parks can be reopened.

Moreton Bay Cycleway extension continues

February 21, 2020

Work has commenced on stage two of the multi-million dollar Moreton Bay Cycleway extension project, to link School Road to Point O’Halloran Road, Victoria Point.

Mayor Karen Williams said the new works, assisted by a State Government grant of $1 million with Council matching the funding on a dollar-for-dollar basis, followed the completion of stage one works in November 2019.

“Council wants to make it easier for people to walk and ride around our scenic coastline, and the cycleway is helping to achieve that,” she said.

“The first stage saw the construction of 850m of pathway added to the existing cycleway, linking Cameron Court Park and School Road, Victoria Point.

“Stage two will include a further 350m of boardwalk and a 360m footpath.

“Weather permitting, it should be ready by the end of May this year.”

Cr Williams said the final piece of the network would see an on-road link via Lakefield Drive.

“We hope to have the entire project completed and open for public use by mid-2020,” she said.

“When finished, the cycleway will provide stunning rides and walks along our foreshores and through natural bushland.”

Deputy Mayor and Division 4 Councillor Lance Hewlett said the cycleway ensured Redlands Coast remained accessible to pedestrians and cyclists.

“By creating boardwalks and cycle paths, we are improving the safety of pedestrians and cyclists as well as providing much needed amenities in this area,” he said.

“This is an exciting project for people of all ages and riding abilities.

“It enables residents and visitors to safely access some of our region’s most scenic areas.

“We hope this new network of cycle paths and boardwalks encourages more residents to enjoy the natural beauty of their neighbourhoods and for more people to visit and enjoy Redlands Coast.”

The fun part starts at Thornlands Community Park

February 17, 2020

Work is underway on the next phase of a multi-million dollar upgrade to Thornlands Community Park.

Mayor Karen Williams said works would include a raft of new playground elements and other fun features like water play elements.

“Once completed, Thornlands Community Park will be a major drawcard for residents and visitors – a destination people seek out for recreation and fun,” she said.

“Last year, Council completed below-ground works such as the installation of services that allow this next phase of work to be done.

“We are getting to the fun bit now, with all-abilities play elements, including a swing and orbit, accessible sand scoops and a sensory play centre to be installed.

“Nature and water play will also be incorporated, with the hope this stage of the park will be open by mid-year.

“I know Redlands Coast residents love their local parks, and this project is part of Council’s $9.5 million investment into local parks, playgrounds and sports fields this year.”

Division 3 Councillor Paul Golle said Thornlands Community Park was being created on land Council acquired on Cleveland-Redland Bay Road to meet the open space and recreational needs of the Thornlands community.

He said this phase of works would provide a range of facilities that would contribute significantly to local amenity and liveability.

“Thornlands Community Park has been designed to be a social, relaxing, dynamic and outdoor space, connecting distinct zones for a variety of activities and uses,” he said.

“Play spaces appeal to different ages and abilities – from a climbing structure, spinner and double cableway for the adventure seekers, to a farmer themed play centre in the toddler area to inspire young imaginations.”

The new additions will add to the existing picnic area, kick-about space, off-street parking, and public amenities.

The project is due for completion, weather permitting, by the end of May 2020.

UPDATE 5 February 2020 – Les Moore Park, Victoria Point re-opened for swimming

February 5, 2020

Update as at 5 February 2020

Redland City Council has re-opened the beach at Les Moore Park, Victoria Point for swimming and other recreational water activities.

The beach had been closed for a few days after routine monitoring showed an elevated level of enterococci bacteria, which is often found in waterways in urban areas.

As levels no longer exceed the Healthy Waterways Healthy Waterplay guidelines, there is no public health risk associated with undertaking water based activities at the beach.

However, Council does not recommend contact with the water during and after heavy rainfall.

Routine sampling will continue as part of Council’s recreational water quality monitoring program.

28 January 2020

Redland City Council has temporarily closed the beach at Les Moore Park, Victoria Point for swimming after routine sampling revealed elevated levels of bacteria.

Temporary “no swimming” signs have been erected and ongoing water sampling is being conducted.

While low levels of enterococci bacteria are often found in waterways, particularly after rain and weather events, routine testing has identified elevated levels and Council has made the decision to close the beach in accordance with Healthy Waterways Healthy Waterplay guidelines.

As exposure to enterococci bacteria can lead to mild illness such as stomach upsets or infections, Council is warning against swimming there in the interests of community health.

Once the beach is again suitable for swimming, the temporary signage will be removed and a further notification will be provided. This will be when water testing shows acceptable levels for several consecutive days.

Mowing schedule ramps up

January 31, 2020

Long-awaited and much-needed rain has fallen across Redlands Coast recently, bringing with it a surge of green grass.

Redland City Council has increased its mowing schedule across the City, with staff and contractors working extended hours, including rostered days off and weekends, to mow the more than the 5.6 million square metres of public space that make up our schedule.

Other areas in south east Queensland are facing the same issues with mowing, with grass growing exceptionally fast due to the ideal weather conditions of recent rain and above-20-degree night temperatures.

Council is taking advantage of every fine day to reduce the grass in local parks and reserves, noting that to avoid damaging the grounds after rainfall, parks need to be dry before mowing.

Council appreciates residents’ patience as we work hard to keep up with the growth.

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