Category Archives: Parks

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 votes to allow dogs on lead in more public places

March 17, 2021

Dogs on lead will be allowed in more parks and open spaces across Redlands Coast after Council voted to remove some bans and restrictions in popular locations.

Redland City Deputy Mayor Julie Talty said the amendments to the Register of Animals in Public Places, which come into effect immediately, took into account significant feedback from the community.

“Council received 348 submissions on the proposed changes to the register during the 27-day consultation period late last year,” she said.

“There were two very distinct opinions in the community – those who believe dogs are members of their family and should be able to go where they go, and others who have concerns relating to safety and hygiene when people don’t pick up after their dogs.

“Council has to take into account the safety of all members of the public, as well as dogs, and I believe the amendments voted on today balance these expectations with those of people who want to explore our naturally wonderful open spaces with their pets.”

Cr Talty said dogs on lead would now be allowed at any time in Beth Boyd Park, along Redland Bay Esplanade, in Yeo Park, along the foreshore at Victoria Point and, for a six-month trial, in Wellington Point Reserve.

“Council decided to trial dogs on lead in Wellington Point Reserve as there was an even number of responses for and against the change,” she said.

“Wellington Point Reserve is one of the most popular locations in our city for both residents and visitors so Council wants to ensure we make the right decision in relation to this area.

“During the trial period Council compliance officers will continue to patrol the reserve to make sure dogs are on lead, including along the beaches and out to King Island during low tide.”

Cr Talty said that, as a result of the community’s feedback, Council would not be removing the ban on dogs at Swamp Box in Capalaba.

“A lot of people told us they do not want dogs there because it is a significant area for flora and fauna and they don’t want it disturbed,” she said.

“Considering there are other spaces nearby where dogs are allowed, the prohibition on dogs will remain in this location.”

Cr Talty said that, in areas where dogs were now allowed, they must be on a lead at all times, must not go within 10 metres of any playground and must not enter bathing reserves.

Previously, dogs were not allowed at Wellington Point Reserve and Yeo Park between 9am-4pm on weekends and public holidays, or on the Wilson Street foreshore at any time on weekends or public holidays.

“The amendments mean dogs can now be in these places, but we encourage all dog owners to be mindful of everyone else around them and keep their dogs on a lead at all times,” Cr Talty said.

AMENDMENT DETAILS

Dogs on lead will be allowed at any time at the following locations:

In the park area of Beth Boyd Park, Thorneside (but not on the foreshore/seashore)
On the foreshore/seashore along Redland Bay Esplanade, Redland Bay (where Grey and Bay streets intersect)
In Yeo Park, Victoria Point
Along the foreshore/seashore at the end of Wilson Street, Victoria Point.

There will be a six-month trial of dogs on lead at any time in Wellington Point Reserve, including in the picnic and playground areas and on a small area of the designated swimming beach. Dogs are still prohibited on bathing reserves.

The amendments also included an administrative change in the wording around the prohibition of horses, camels and donkeys along the foreshore/seashore in front of swimming enclosures.

The Register of Animals in Public Places is a requirement of Local Law No. 2 (Animal Management) 2015.

New barbeques, lights and playground equipment for Cleveland Point

March 15, 2021

Cleveland Point Recreation Reserve will receive a facelift over coming weeks with the installation of new barbeques, lights and playground equipment.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the improvements, budgeted at $243,779 out of an annual program of approximately $13.8 million to improve popular parks and sports fields, were scheduled to begin on 22 March and would refresh the iconic park.

“This great park is known for its spectacular location, which has helped make it one of the most popular parks on Redlands Coast,” Cr Williams said.

“It’s time to give the much loved beauty spot some attention to ensure it can continue to serve the community and visitors from near and far for years to come.

“New double barbeques will be complemented by the addition of a spinner toy, up-lighting to trees near the play area, bollards and bins, and coloured programmable lights in the paving area and around the upper deck of the historic lighthouse.”

Councillor Peter Mitchell and Mayor Karen Williams at Cleveland Point Recreation Reserve.

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell – who contributed $100,000 from his Community Infrastructure Program towards the new lighting – said the park would remain open during works, with specific areas only closed off while they were being worked on, to ensure safety.

“These improvement works to our beloved Cleveland Point park will be another positive outcome for locals,” Cr Mitchell said.

“With safety our priority, it is great that the community can continue enjoying the park and this fabulous location while improvements are being made with minimal disruption over the Easter school holidays.

“The car park and boat ramp will remain open throughout the works, with the toilet block only closing during tree lopping, which is expected to take around half a day.

“When barbeques are being cleaned and replaced, contractors will endeavour to close only one shelter at a time to ensure the community can still use shaded areas and seating.

The works have a completion date of 7 May 2021, weather permitting.

Council upgrades tennis courts and cricket nets at Thorneside sportsfield

March 10, 2021

Redland City Council is renewing all four tennis courts and relocating two public cricket nets at William Taylor Memorial Sportsfield, Thorneside.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council’s investment in the renewal was part of a budgeted program of approximately $13.8 million to improve popular parks and sports fields.

“William Taylor Memorial Sportsfield is used by a number of local clubs involved in soccer, netball, tennis and cricket and these upgrades will ensure the facilities continue to meet their needs and those of the community,” she said.

“All four tennis courts will be renewed as they have reached their end of life, and the public cricket nets are being relocated in order to better manage concerns between the soccer players and people using the practice nets.”

Cr Paul Bishop and Mayor Karen Williams at William Taylor Memorial Sportsfield.

Cr Williams said Council was currently in the concept phase for the future development of William Taylor Sportsfield.

Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop said the tennis facilities had been managed for many decades by past and present members of Thorneside Community Tennis Association.

“These improvements will help to ensure the facilities remain accessible for all users, and managed for increased access and enjoyment by the Thorneside Community Tennis Association,” Cr Bishop said.

“The renewal works will include premier sport surfacing, new light fixtures to existing poles, new posts and nets, fencing and gates.

“The tennis court shelters will also receive new lighting, door and roof repairs, and will be fully repainted.

“In addition, Council will be relocating and renewing the two public cricket nets, with new surfacing and fencing to current standards, which will provide a great benefit to the area.

“I look forward to proposed future upgrades of the park, which will be informed by consultation with local clubs and park users.”

The tennis courts and public cricket nets will be closed for the duration of the upgrade, which is expected to be complete by 6 May 2021, weather permitting.

All other park facilities will remain open to the public.

Council continues improvements to Apex Park in Wellington Point

March 9, 2021

Redland City Council is breathing new life into Apex Park in Wellington Point with a $1.15 million facelift.

Mayor Karen Williams said the project was the second stage of the park’s renewal, which was sure to be a hit with local families.

“Last year we installed an in-ground trampoline, climbing unit and fairy play space in the toddler area, as well as renewing the much-loved flying fox,” she said.

“Now in this next stage we add new amenities and picnic facilities, a renewed multi half court and improvements to the BMX track.

“These enhancements are part of an approximate $13.8 million budgeted program to improve our city’s valued parks and sports fields this financial year.

“In a linked project, and also planned for this year, is an upgrade of the existing bitumen path to a 2 metre wide concrete pathway which connects Old Cleveland Road East to Starkey Street and Heritage Drive.”

Mayor Karen Williams and Cr Wendy Boglary at Apex Park, Wellington Point.

Division 1 Councillor Wendy Boglary said the current renewal would make the park’s facilities more appealing and accessible for all users.

“Last year’s upgrade was focused on the playground so I’m excited to see work now starting on other key areas of the park,” Cr Boglary said.

“The renewed multi-sport half court will include a soccer goal along with a basketball and netball hoop, and the existing gravel BMX track will be reformed and sealed into an asphalt pump track suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced users.

“The new public amenities will be located in a more central location within the park and will include two fully-accessible unisex toilets.

“There will also be a new shelter over a double barbecue and another with informal seating near the BMX track, and a new pathway connection linking the half court, shelters and track.”

The playground will remain open during the works, as will the existing amenities block until the new facility is installed and then it will be removed.

All other construction-affected areas will be fenced off until the project is complete.

Work is expected to be completed by late May 2021, weather permitting.

Council tees off for opening of first Redlands Coast disc golf course

March 5, 2021

Plastic discs will be flying in Alexandra Hills on Sunday 14 March with the official opening of the first Redlands Coast disc golf course.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the construction of the nine-hole course at Valantine Park was part of Council’s commitment to add exciting and active elements to the city’s suburban open spaces.

“Disc golf, which is sometimes referred to as frisbee golf, is played much like traditional golf with tees and fairways, and Valantine Park’s trees and terrain make it the ideal location for a course,” Cr Williams said.

“The community park is big enough to accommodate a range of recreational activities, and recently-installed public amenities allow visitors to stay and play longer.

“As disc golf is free to play and is designed to be enjoyed by all ages, it’s an exciting new addition to this popular park and offers an extra incentive for families and visitors to get out and enjoy our naturally wonderful open spaces.”

Dale McFarlane and Gavin Cowan at the disc golf course in Valantine Park, Alexandra Hills.

Division 8 Councillor Tracey Huges said she was thrilled Valantine Park had been chosen for the city’s first disc golf course, and funded the project through her divisional Community Infrastructure Program.

“I saw a mini version at a school fete and it was so much fun,” Cr Huges said.

“In disc golf, a disc replaces the ball, a person’s arm replaces the club and a target, such as a metal basket, replaces the hole.

“The aim is to complete each hole in the fewest number of throws.

“There will be plenty of challenges and, no doubt, plenty of excitement and frustrations just like in traditional golf – whether it’s making a long basket straight off the tee or hitting a tree halfway down the fairway.

“A course map will be installed to guide players, so you just need to bring your discs.”

Redlands Coast disc golf fan Dale McFarlane said he was pleased to have a course just a few minutes’ drive from home.

“Prior to this course being approved by Council, Redlands Coast players were required to drive upwards of 30 minutes in order to play, so you can only imagine the excitement surrounding the news of this new course,” Mr McFarlane said.

“Although disc golf is new and relatively unknown in Redlands Coast, the recent success of other new courses nearby shows that it is only a matter of time until plenty of people will be hooked on the game.”

Council will monitor the success of the Valantine Park disc golf course to determine whether the concept might suit other Redlands Coast parks.

The course includes nine tee areas and baskets traversing the length of the park. The first tee and basket, along with a ‘how to play’ sign, are located in the southern end near Mackay Court.

EVENT DETAILS:

What: Official opening of Disc Golf Course

Where: Mackay Court entrance of Valantine Park, Alexandra Hills

When: 3-5pm on Sunday 14 March 2021

Activities: Exhibition game will tee off at 3.30pm, which visitors can join, followed by a BBQ. There will be 50 Council-sponsored discs for people to borrow. Specialist discs will also be available to purchase from Redlands Coast Disc Golf Club; for information on the club email redlandscoastdiscgolf@gmail.com or follow them on Facebook.

Join the events to Clean Up Australia Day on Redlands Coast

February 22, 2021

Redland City Council is encouraging the community to become involved in this year’s Clean Up Australia Day.

Mayor Karen Williams said local residents could join an existing Clean Up group or create their own, with registrations for the March 7 event now open.

Businesses, community groups, schools and individuals can all take part.

“Getting involved will benefit the Redlands Coast community by creating a cleaner environment and protecting our waterways for everyone to enjoy,” Cr Williams said.

“Clean Up Australia Day is as much about preventing rubbish from entering the environment as it is about cleaning it up.”

Council will supply bins to event organisers, if requested by Friday 26 February, for waste and recyclable materials collected on the day.

Clean Up Australia chairman Pip Kiernan said now was the time for all Australians to step up and help.

“Last year saw disruption to our lives, not least of all to our local environments which have been impacted by increased uptake of single-use, disposable items,” Ms Kiernan said.

“COVID-19 has significantly impacted local environments with a surge in single-use disposable items such as takeaway coffee cups, food packaging, masks and sanitised wipes – all of which have polluted parks, bushland, streets, waterways and beaches.”

According to The Pact Group Community Attitudes to Waste and Recycling Report (July 2020), more than a third (34%) of Australian households reported producing more packaging waste during lockdown periods compared to previous years. More than half (55%) of those surveyed said they were now more concerned about product packaging waste than they were in 2019.

“By planning ahead and signing up to a Clean Up event, you are making a pledge to help conserve the environment for the long-term future, and taking an important action by stepping up for your community,” Ms Kiernan said.

Cr Williams said that in response to COVID-19, additional conditions would be put in place to ensure the health and safety of Clean Up volunteers. There will be limits to volunteer numbers at each event and Clean Up kits will include hand sanitiser and QR codes for registration.

Redlands Coast Clean Up events have already been registered at the following locations:

goochie mudlo (Coochiemudlo Island)
Victoria Point foreshore
Cascade Gardens and Ern Dowling Parklands, Victoria Point
South Street Conservation Area, Cleveland
Point Lookout, Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)
Peel Street, Redland Bay
Merrill and Rob Ovendon Park Creek Catchment, Birkdale
Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club, Thorneside.

The Clean Up Australia Day campaign also includes a Business Clean Up Day on March 2 and School Clean Up Day on March 5. To sign up to an event, register your own or make a donation, visit cleanup.org.au.

Habitat protection top-of-mind for Council and community

February 19, 2021

Redland City Councillors have asked officers to investigate options to purchase land in Ormiston in an attempt to bring it into public ownership.

Mayor Karen Williams said a report would be presented at a future Council meeting to consider the cost and logistics of purchasing the land and detail proposed funding sources.

“The Ormiston land was subdivided more than 100 years ago so Council’s hands were tied when the owners recently started clearing it,” Cr Williams said.

“No Council approval was required and we had no ability to prevent the clearing.

“Nor did State Government koala mapping, which was introduced over the land last year with an exemption for vegetation clearing of less than 500m2 per lot.”

Cr Williams said this week’s decision followed a Notice of Motion from local Councillor Wendy Boglary.

“Cr Boglary has been working with officers to look at a number of options regarding this land. This includes asking Council to previously consider purchasing the entire site with its Environmental Levy.

“Ultimately this did not proceed as it would have cost residents many millions of dollars and the habitat on the land was fragmented,” Cr Williams said.

“Following this week’s decision, we will now look at buying this land if it provides value for money for our ratepayers.”

Cr Boglary thanked the community for their advocacy and passion.

“As our first Koala Safe Neighbourhood, Ormiston is passionate about koalas and I appreciate the emails and calls I have received from the community about this property.”

Cr Williams said following this week’s General Meeting, Councillors would also be consulted on options to protect wildlife and habitat corridors in the City’s Urban Footprint.

“In February 2018 we adopted the Wildlife Connection Plan 2018-2028 which identifies key wildlife corridors across the city that provide habitat and connections for local wildlife across the City,” Cr Williams said.

“Since 2018 we have been working hard to strengthen these corridors through partnerships with private landowners and ongoing plantings, including our one million native trees and plants program, which has so far seen 413,819 plants planted across the city.

“As part of this week’s decision, Councillors will now be briefed on options to further protect these corridors in the urban footprint, with a report to come back to Councillors by May this year.”

Work begins on next stage of Thornlands Community Park

February 5, 2021

Redland City Council has started work on the next stage of Thornlands Community Park.

Mayor Karen Williams said the works included the installation of a shaded outdoor fitness area, an agricultural-themed play space, picnic facilities and a bike rack.

“I know Redlands Coast residents love their open spaces and soon they will have even more reasons to love this park,” Cr Williams said.

“Last year Council introduced a major play area to the park, including all abilities play elements, a double flying fox and water elements, along with picnic settings, barbecues, shade and seating in a fenced space.

“Future stages will seek to expand on the activity and picnicking options for our youth, families and older members of our community.

“This is part of our $13.8 million investment in upgrading local parks and open spaces this year, giving local families even more reason to love our Redlands Coast.”

Division 3 Councillor Paul Golle said the Stage 2B works would provide distinct spaces for a variety of community activities and uses.

“The agricultural-themed play space will be located within the existing play area,” Cr Golle said.

“It will celebrate the area’s heritage with a three arch mound climber, small and large tractor tyres for climbing, leaf play elements, sandstone seating, embankment climbing rope and slide, and a tunnel.

“The shaded outdoor fitness area is located to the east of the park, along the circular path.

“It will include a cross trainer, chest press, bike, multi-function fitness unit, step ups and a platform seat.

“The picnic facilities will incorporate a barbecue, drinking fountain, seating and a bike rack near the park path entrance coming from Pinklands Sporting Complex.”

The works are expected to be completed by mid-April 2021, weather permitting.

All other areas of the park will remain open, with traffic and pedestrian management practices in place.

Council rolls out improvements to parks and playgrounds in time for school holidays

November 13, 2020

Exciting new play spaces and equipment are being installed across Redlands Coast’s parks and playgrounds with many to reopen for the summer school holidays.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the renovations were part of a $13.8 million budgeted program for parks, open space and conservation this financial year.

“Some of these works are part of larger staged park projects that will see improvements to facilities for a cross section of visitors,” she said.

“They include not only new play equipment, but in some cases half courts, picnic facilities, fitness equipment, barbecues and shade sails.

“I know Redlands Coast residents love their parks and these enhancements will ensure they remain great family locations for everyone to enjoy.”

Denham Boulevard Park at Redland Bay

A renewal project was completed last month at Denham Boulevard Park in Redland Bay.

It included the replacement of playground equipment, the installation of new rubber and sand softfall, and landscape features such as sandstone blocks, a sandstone play feature, topsoil and turf.

Current park improvement projects include:

Liner Street Park, Wellington Point. Work includes the installation of new play equipment such as a net climbing unit and double swing, a table setting, sandstone seating, a new water bubbler and landscaping. Work is anticipated to finish early December (weather permitting).

Raby Esplanade Park, Ormiston. Stage 2 includes the installation of an outdoor ping pong table, upgrade of the basketball half court with a multi-sport half court and goals, a new barbecue, drinking fountain, renewal of existing bollards, a new shelter with picnic facilities and connecting paths, additional car parking and shade sails over playground equipment. Construction is expected to finish mid-December (weather permitting).

Sandalwood Street Corridor, Thornlands. This project includes the creation of a new play and park space with the installation of a play unit, track ride, double springer seesaw, double swing, climbing hut, a shelter with table setting, sandstone blocks, shade sail and a water bubbler. Work is hoped to finish late December (weather permitting).

Plantation Place Park, Wellington Point. The refurbishment includes replacing the play unit with rope nets, slide, double swing and interactive play panels, along with an upgrade to the bike track to include safety elements for learner riders, and new seating. Construction is expected to be completed late February 2021 (weather permitting).

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