Category Archives: Roads and transport

Redlands Coast closer to hosting Olympics events as Brisbane 2032 proposal firms


June 11, 2021

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams is pleased the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive has recommended Brisbane’s proposal be advanced to a full committee session vote expected ahead of the opening of the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo on July 23.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced early this morning that it would progress Brisbane’s proposal to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to a full vote and that Redlands Coast was set to be the location for the canoe (slalom) events if it was endorsed.

“A purpose-built Olympic-standard Redland Whitewater Centre is part of the integrated Redlands Coast Adventure Sports Precinct for which Birkdale Community Precinct on Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale, is the preferred site,” Cr Williams said.

“The Olympic venue will be funded by both the Federal and State governments and would help support other attractions at the site, including Willards Farm and the WWII radio receiver station, both financially and through attraction of visitors.

“In April 2021, the Federal Government committed to a 50/50 funding arrangement with the Queensland Government for all venues and critical infrastructure associated with the potential 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“What is so very exciting about this venue is that it will be a legacy facility for generations to come.

“It will also bring forward significant infrastructure, in particular, road, rail and bus projects for Redlands Coast.

“Our community is particularly keen to see the much-needed duplication of the Cleveland railway line and the completion of the Eastern Busway to Capalaba.

“Similar Olympic facilities elsewhere demonstrate substantial local economic benefits, including during construction and for ongoing operation.

“It is anticipated that about 150 jobs could be sustained through the building and delivery of the adventure sports precinct, with an annual contribution of $52 million to the local economy.

“It also has significant opportunities as a swift-water rescue training facility for emergency services.

“The whitewater centre will be part of a larger adventure sports precinct proposed to be integrated into Birkdale Community Precinct with its overall legacy opportunities being compelling.

“A whitewater facility featured strongly in the community’s list of preferred ideas for the Birkdale precinct during Council’s recent extensive community engagement campaign.

“At 62 hectares, Birkdale Community Precinct provides more than enough space to accommodate the Redlands Coast Adventure Sports Precinct and a variety of other uses in an integrated way.

“As well as strong support for the whitewater facility, the community told us they wanted picnic facilities, cycling and walking paths and circuits, access to Tingalpa Creek and natural areas, café and dining areas, community markets, camping and overnight stays, an amphitheatre and performance spaces, education and training facilities, paddock to plate, wildlife tourism and night walks.”

Cr Williams said the Council of Mayors (SEQ), which has been instrumental in the Brisbane 2032 proposal, is honoured the IOC Executive has recommended the proposal go to a full session vote.

“While we acknowledge this exciting milestone, there is still a lot of work to be done and all partners look forward to a final decision by the IOC and stand ready to assist in providing any further information,” Cr Williams said.

“The potential benefits of a Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are massive – some $8.1 billion in economic and social benefits for Queensland, and $17.6 billion nationally.”

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Council lights up suburban street


May 13, 2021

Redland City Council is spending up to $85,000 to light up a residential street in Alexandra Hills.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council would install four street lights along the footpath between 1 and 31 St Anthony Drive.

“These lights will increase safety for both pedestrians and road-users in the area,” she said.

“It is important for our residents to have safe and well-lit pathways so they can walk and cycle in their neighbourhoods in the evening.

“This new lighting will also make it easier for vehicles to navigate along the street.”

Division 8 Councillor Tracey Huges said she had been advocating for the street lights and was very pleased they were now being installed.

“The residents of St Anthony Drive have been keenly anticipating these lights so I am very happy that this project is now a priority and works have started,” Cr Huges said.

“It can sometimes take a while for identified projects to make their way into Council’s annual operational budget.

“The future is now looking much brighter for residents in St Anthony Drive.”

The lights are expected to be installed by 1 June 2021, weather permitting.

Disruption to residents is expected to be minimal.

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EOI to steer Weinam Creek car-share scheme at Redland Bay Marina


April 21, 2021

Plans to establish a long-term car-share scheme at Redland Bay Marina, Weinam Creek, are pushing ahead.

At today’s general meeting, Redland City Council resolved to support an Expression of Interest and subsequent tender process for the scheme.

Mayor Karen Williams said the move followed the conclusion of a car-share trial conducted at the marina from August 2020 to April 2021.

“An existing local car-share operator provided the service and Council officers monitored the progress to determine if a permanent scheme was viable,” Cr Williams said.

“Assessment criteria included general community feedback as well as car-share vehicle usage and trial enforcement.

“Over the course of the trial, local community feedback was generally supportive and the operator reported a consistent increase in usage and registrations as a result of having dedicated car parks in close proximity to the ferry terminal. “

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said Council would seek applications that proposed a suitable number of spaces, site location close to Redland Bay Marina and ways to ensure parking compliance at the proposed site.

“One of the issues to emerge during the trial was parking enforcement and ensuring there were enough spaces for car-share vehicles only,” Cr Edwards said.

“As a result, Council will be requesting proposals that include ways to ensure exclusive use of the spaces, and that may be via a lease, licence or permit arrangement.

“It is proposed that the car-share scheme operate for approximately two years.”

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Redland City advocates for new Redland Bay precinct


April 21, 2021

Redland City Council is advocating to the state and federal governments for their continued support of Redland Bay’s Weinam Creek precinct as a coastal village of regional and intergenerational importance.

At its general meeting today, councillors also endorsed the updated Weinam Creek Priority Development Area (PDA) masterplan, which is also being assessed independently by Economic Development Queensland (EDQ).

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council wanted to ensure the revitalised Weinam Creek transport hub was supported with health and other vital services for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) and Redland Bay communities and provided job opportunities for locals.

“The masterplan and Weinam Creek PDA Development Scheme supports the social and economic viability of the project as a coastal community and gateway to Moreton Bay and the SMBIs, stimulating island tourism and economies and enhancing public open space and services for existing and future generations,” Cr Williams said.

“We want to ensure the state and federal governments are part of this and will continue to push for commitments to utilise the precinct for services such as a satellite hospital.”

The Weinam Creek PDA project, which is managed by Redland Investment Corporation (RIC) in consultation with Council, covers about 20ha of land-based works across the existing site that will improve civic open spaces and include new retail, commercial, marine, health and public services.

“The project is now transitioning from the first stage of construction of the public carpark and residential precinct on the southern side of Weinam Creek to detailed master planning of the northern side of the Weinam Creek transport and ferry terminal,” Cr Williams said.

“As the masterplan has evolved from the conceptual to construction stages, minor changes have been made to refine the access and boundaries of the carpark to improve amenity for residents in the area. There are also slight refinements to the siting of the pedestrian bridge, boat ramp and residential zone.

“The result is a masterplan that will make a significant contribution to the community through the revitalisation of the waterfront precinct and the provision of a range of public and community infrastructure.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the proposed development would deliver a high-quality mixed-use development and improved public realm for shopping, working and socialising.

“This will create an appealing, safe and vibrant hub for the mainland and Southern Moreton Bay Island communities,” he said.

“Southern Moreton Bay Island residents and commuters using the Redland Bay Marina ferry terminal will benefit from improved access to services without the need for additional transport.

“This will also fill a gap which currently exists for Redland Bay and surrounding suburbs, while creating a significant number of new jobs, especially for the area’s younger residents.”

 

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Council recycles road materials to create better roads


April 8, 2021

Redland City Council is using recycled road materials to deliver better road conditions for the community.

Mayor Karen Williams said the re-use of profilings (the waste by-product collected when roads are resealed) offered a number of benefits to both Council and road users.

“Recycling the profilings and using them in place of gravel not only results in cost savings for Council, but also offers a high quality structural surface and reduces dust,” she said.

“Profilings are a mix of surface bitumen and asphalt and some of the gravel below which are removed as part of the road resealing process, and are reused as part of Council’s support of the circular economy, where materials and products are recirculated for as long as possible.

“They have been used to build Council roads on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) for the past few years as part of the Green Seal program.

“We have also completed several big projects on the mainland, including Billiau Road in Mount Cotton and School of Arts Road in Redland Bay, which used thousands of cubic metres of profilings.”

The road profilings are screened and stored at Council’s quarry and then transported to sites as required.

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said profilings had also been used for SMBI road maintenance for about the past two years.

“There is a need for continuous maintenance of unsealed gravel roads and roadside drains on the islands and Council’s road maintenance crews use road profilings – laying it, watering and rolling it to form a better surface,” Cr Edwards said.

“The profilings compact and hold better, reduce dust and have greater longevity than gravel alone.”

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Six-month Cleveland parking trial begins


December 11, 2020

A six-month trial of 26 one-hour parking spaces in Cleveland CBD has begun to help identify the benefits of providing more short-term parking spaces.

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said that balancing parking time limits was one way of ensuring town centres, such as Cleveland remain accessible to all users.

“We need to ensure our centres remain vibrant parts of the Redlands Coast community,” Cr Mitchell said.

“Currently, on-street parking in the Cleveland CBD is dominated by three-hour and longer parking options.

“This reflects past responses to parking, but the needs of the Cleveland town centre, visitors and businesses have changed over time.

“An over-emphasis on long-term parking can limit business turnover and frustrate those in the community who are unable to conduct their business because they cannot easily access available parking.

“To help strike a balance, Council has agreed to reduce the three-hour limits to one hour for 26 parking spaces in Middle Street and Bloomfield Street, Cleveland.”

The new one-hour parking spaces are in the following locations:
• 17 parking spaces on Bloomfield Street running from approximately outside Westpac Bank (on the corner of Bloomfield and Middle streets) to Stephen Dibb Jewellers
• 6 parking spaces on Middle Street, running from approximately Gisler’s Pie Café and Subway to Westpac Bank (on the corner of Bloomfield and Middle streets)
• 3 spaces on Bloomfield Street approximately outside Bloomfield Street News.

Cr Mitchell said the parking spaces chosen were those that regularly experienced high demand for parking with retail and pedestrian activity nearby.

“Some businesses cater to quick turnover customers, while others may need more extended parking times for their customers,” Cr Mitchell said.

“Having a mix of timed parking spaces is designed to cater for these differences.”

Cr Mitchell said parking was not the only solution.

“Good public transport access and walking and cycling-friendly spaces are also vital ingredients,” Cr Mitchell said.

“I expect the newly announced Redlands Coast Active Travel Reference group I will be chairing will also make an essential contribution to better urban transport, accessibility and active travel outcomes across the city.

“In the meantime, I hope that the trial of reduced on-street parking times limits may also help to improve parking access and turnover of available spaces.

“The data collected from the trial will be important for a future report to Council, and I encourage as many people as possible to contribute to the Yoursay Redlands Coast project page survey.”

Visit Council’s Your Say site at yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au

 

 

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New Redlands Coast reference group to support active travel


December 2, 2020

Redland City Council has cemented its commitment to active transport by establishing a new reference group to advise on and advocate for all modes of active travel across the Redlands Coast.

The new advisory group of up to 15 members will focus on all modes of active travel, continuing Council’s recent investment in active transport infrastructure and innovation.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the new group would expand on the Redlands Bicycle Advisory Committee first formed in 2000.

“The Redlands Coast has a great cycling culture with hundreds of kilometres of on-road and off-road tracks and pathways.

“While recreational cycling continues to grow in popularity across the Redlands, it is equally important to focus on other forms of active travel for both recreation and everyday journeys.

“The rising popularity of scooters is an example of an active travel mode being used in many urban areas for both recreation and journeys to work.

“Having attractive, safe and accessible pathways and routes as alternatives to motor cars can contribute to both a healthier community and help to reduce road and parking congestion.”

The new reference group will be Chaired by Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell, with Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop to be Deputy Chair.

“The new reference group will help Council form strategic partnerships with community and transport groups and advocate for more active travel opportunities or projects of benefit to the Redlands Coast,” Cr Mitchell said.

“This group is as much about finding new active transport modes as it is perfecting those we already enjoy and as an advocate for modes like e-transport.

“I am excited by the potential for this group, including the opportunity to consider pedestrian access and safety within our villages and centres and all ages mobility issues encompassing personal mobility devices.”

Cr Bishop said the reference group continued the momentum created by the Redlands Coast Transport Strategy.

“Council’s decision to establish and widen the reference group scope is a clear call to action for those in the community with a passion for more active travel, especially in the post-COVID environment,” Cr Bishop said.

“Membership of the new group will be by both direct invitation and advertised expressions of interest. We hope to complete this process by the new year.

“In the meantime, I would encourage those with an interest to keep an eye out for the opportunity on Council’s Yoursay page or to contact council if they would like to learn more about the active travel group.

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RACQ Smart Shuttle hits the road at Raby Bay


November 26, 2020

The RACQ Smart Shuttle is now taking passengers along Raby Bay streets as phase two of the Redlands Coast Smart Mobility trial goes live.

In a joint initiative between the RACQ and Redland City Council, the small driverless bus that travelled the quiet streets of Karragarra Island earlier this year has now moved to the more challenging traffic environment of Raby Bay.

Mayor Karen Williams said the smart shuttle would provide free public transport for up to six passengers at a time during off-peak hours, to minimise disruption.

“The automated vehicle (AV) will be travelling between Raby Bay Harbour and Raby Bay Foreshore Park – a route not serviced by traditional public transport – from 9am-3pm Wednesdays to Fridays and 10am-3pm on weekends,” Cr Williams said.

At the bus stop: RACQ Head of Public Policy Dr Rebecca Michael, Redland City Mayor Karen Williams, Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell and Acting Senior Sergeant Chris Hale, Cleveland Police Station.

“Redlands Coast embraces innovation and this trial reflects Council’s commitment to overcoming Redlands Coast’s transport challenges while demonstrating our ambition as a progressive and forward-thinking city.

“The trial will provide a novel and fun public transport option until June 2021 while seeing the city involved in innovative research, building on the findings from Karragarra Island.

“The Raby Bay route will benefit both residents and visitors to this popular area, and I envisage the air-conditioned shuttle being a welcome transport option during summer.

“We are also seeing community interest in the shuttle’s technology, with people keen to experience a glimpse of the future.

“The shuttle has been ‘mapped’ to follow a set route, using sophisticated sensors for navigation and detection lasers to identify obstacles and ensure safe stopping and slowing.

“While a chaperone will always be on board the RACQ Smart Shuttle to assist passengers, the bus really does drive itself.”

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said Raby Bay was an ideal location for conducting the second phase of the trial.

“The wide streets and popularity of this part of Cleveland makes it a perfect location for further testing the capabilities of this autonomous vehicle,” he said.

“Now that the vehicle’s route has been mapped, it will speed up to approximately 20 kilometres per hour.

“I thank Raby Bay residents for their patience during the pre-deployment activities and ask that motorists continue to drive with care and only overtake when it is safe to do so, and give the shuttle a wide berth to prevent triggering the safety sensors.

“Nearby residents and businesses have been largely supportive of the trial, recognising the benefits to the local community and beyond.

“It’s pleasing to know that findings from the Raby Bay trial are expected to provide information that will see new, creative and better transport solutions for communities like ours in other parts of Queensland and even nationwide.”

RACQ Head of Public Policy Rebecca Michael said autonomous vehicles have the potential to change the way Queenslanders move and the Club was excited to partner with Redland City Council again.

“This is an incredible opportunity for ground-breaking research and we look forward to once again sharing the future of public transport with the Redlands community,” Dr Michael said.

“The trial is a critical step in the broader process of integrating driverless technology onto our roads and we welcome feedback from locals, as this will help us ensure current and future trials positively impact Queenslander lives.”

More information about phase two of the Redlands Coast Smart Mobility Trial can be found on Council’s Your Say website at yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/SmartMobilityTrial

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Explore Redlands Coast by bike on National Ride2Work Day


October 16, 2020

Redlands Coast residents are encouraged to use National Ride2Work Day on Wednesday 21 October as an opportunity to explore the region’s naturally wonderful attractions.

Mayor Karen Williams said Redlands Coast was a safe place for active travel, with many dedicated cycling paths and bike lanes.

“Cycling is a great way to stay active and to explore our beautiful region,” she said.

“Redlands Coast has an extensive network of bike trails, many of which take in scenic views of our coastline and meander through bushland and parks.

“We also have bike paths and tracks which connect to bus, train, ferry and barge terminals so, even if you have a long commute, there are safe options to travel part of the way by bicycle.”

‘Active Travel’ and ‘Behaviour Change’ are Council priorities, as identified in the Redlands Coast Transport Strategy.

“To this end we are focussed on delivering high quality infrastructure that protects cyclists and offers a direct route to key activity centres and services,” Cr Williams said.

“Many people already walk or cycle on a daily basis and Ride2Work Day is all about encouraging more people to swap the car for a bike, whether it’s for work, to visit a friend or for a trip to the shops or the library.

“Cycling is not only a pollution-free mode of transport, it also has great health and fitness benefits.”

Cr Williams said there were plenty of options for longer or more advanced cycling which residents could enjoy at weekends.

“The Moreton Bay Cycleway offers some stunning rides along our foreshore and through natural bushland.

“There are also cycleways linking Cleveland and Capalaba, at Ross Creek and Weinam Creek and along the Point Halloran foreshore.

“For the more adventurous there are mountain bike trails in a number of local conservation areas, and there are also cycling tracks on our islands, with opportunities to explore diverse landscapes and take in panoramic views across Moreton Bay.”

 Local cycling paths:

  • Moreton Bay Cycleway – with 20 parks along the way with side trips to Cleveland Point and Wellington Point.
  • Cleveland-Capalaba Cycleway – follow the footpath markings from the Cleveland railway station to Sam Sciacca Park at Capalaba.
  • Ross Creek Pathway from Beach Street Thornlands to Shore Street Cleveland and onto Cleveland Point.
  • Weinam Creek path system.
  • Point Halloran foreshore and Point Halloran Conservation area.
  • Capalaba Regional Park – Killarney Crescent to Brewer Street with loops within Capalaba Regional Park.
  • Coochiemudlo Island, Emerald Fringe Loop – use existing paths, tracks and local roads to circumnavigate the island and finish with a cuppa at the foreshore café.
  • Raby Bay – Raby Bay to foreshore via Masthead Drive.

 Longer and more adventurous rides:

  • Bayview Conservation Area – around 60km of mountain bike and bushwalking trails.
  • Don and Christine Burnett Conservation Area – mountain bike trails and bushwalking trails. Part of a large trail system which also includes Neville Lawrie Reserve and Daisy Hill Conservation Park.
  • Redland Track Park (Scribbly Gums Conservation Area) – mountain bike trails and bushwalking trails.
  • Ford Road Conservation Area – mountain bike trails and bushwalking trails.
  • Sandy Creek Conservation Area – mountain bike, bushwalking, horse riding on fire trail system trails
  • Greater Glider Conservation Area – mountain bike, bushwalking, horse riding on fire trail system trails.
  • Emu Street Conservation Area – mountain bike, bushwalking, horse riding on fire trail system trails.
  • There are also cycling tracks on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah.

For more information contact the Redlands Coast Visitor Information Centre on 1300 667 386 or visit the Sport and Recreation page on Council’s website.

 

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New car park opens for SMBI commuters


October 16, 2020

Redland City Council this week opened the new Moores Road car park in Redland Bay.

Council partnered with Council-owned subsidiary Redland Investment Corporation to deliver the new car park, footbridge and connecting pathways which form part of Stage 1 of the Weinam Creek Priority Development Area (PDA) redevelopment project.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council is excited to provide this valuable infrastructure for the community, bringing some much-needed relief to some of the parking concerns for Southern Moreton Bay Island commuters.

“Council has listened to the community and is working to help meet the high demand for car parking,” Cr Williams said.

“The Moores Road carpark will include about 500 additional car parks for Southern Moreton Bay Island commuters, with time limits to be considered and assessed.”

The new footbridge and connecting pathways between the Moores Road car park will provide access to the Marina, accommodating foot traffic and bicycles as well as mobility scooters, taking an average of seven minutes to walk to the ferry terminal.

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the addition of the new car parking area on Moores Road is an integral part of the overall masterplan and will serve as overflow parking while works on the northern side of the creek commence.

“The overall masterplan and future stages are expected to be lodged for approval to later this month and will include additional on and off street car parks and secure and public multi-deck car parking within the Redland Bay Marina precinct,” Cr Edwards said.

“Other features of the plan include improved drop-off and storage facilities for Southern Moreton Bay Island residents to store goods in lockers at the ferry terminal while commuters park and walk back hands free. There will also be more than 21,000sq m of new public open space, the rejuvenation of more than 46,000sq m of existing parkland, new pedestrian and cycle ways and the construction of a new public boat ramp.

“There will also be mixed-use and medium-density residential development, retail and commercial spaces including cafes, restaurants and grocery outlets, as well as a health precinct for mainland and island residents,” Cr Edwards said.

Cr Williams said the project provided a valuable opportunity to showcase Weinam Creek as a community focal point and a regional gateway to the islands as well as creating jobs and supporting economic development within the region.

Once the overall masterplan has been lodged, it will be available for public comment.

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