Normal traffic arrangements resume today at the entrance to Birkdale Recycling and Waste Centre and Judy Holt Recreation Reserve on Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale.
A temporary speed limit reduction and traffic management had been in place during the traditionally busy Christmas holiday period.
Redland City Council would like to thank motorists for their patience and adherence to the directions during this time.
Redland City Council is asking residents to slow down in their rush to the Birkdale Recycling and Waste Centre this festive season.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council would improve safety by temporarily reducing the speed limit and implementing other safety measures near the popular Birkdale facility, which traditionally experienced an increase in traffic during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
“It’s a great time for a clean-out at home or in the garden, but Council wants to make sure the trip to the local recycling and waste centre is as easy and as safe as possible,” Cr Williams said.
“To do this we will implement some temporary traffic controls during this busy time from 18 December.”
Division 8 Councillor Tracey Huges said the objective was all about safety for customers.
“It is to reduce the risk of incidents occurring, and improve the flow of traffic in and out of the sites,” Cr Hughes said.
Please note the following changes:
Birkdale Recycling and Waste Centre
From 18 December 2021 to 9 January 2022:
Redland City Council will soon submit its feedback on the Queensland Government Draft Minjerribah Public Transport Strategy (Draft Strategy) after endorsing the submission at the General Meeting on Wednesday 17 November 2021.
The State’s Draft Strategy recommends a suite of priorities and actions to improve the public transport system on and to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah).
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council was pleased with the opportunity to review the State’s Draft Strategy that aims to support the Redlands Coast community, economy, and environment.
“With the Queensland Government proposing different ways to enhance the island’s passenger transport network, there are several infrastructure projects that need to be delivered to achieve these goals,” Cr Williams said.
“Council noticed during its review of the Draft Strategy it had been nominated to lead many of these projects, such as new bus stops and parking facilities and, for Council that is simply financially impractical.
“Our island communities know that Council continually advocates for improvements to the public transport network across our islands, but the reality is Council needs funding commitment from the Queensland Government to help deliver the work.
“Thankfully, Council was able to provide feedback on the Draft Strategy.
“Our feedback outlines these concerns and requests for the development of an implementation plan, detailing lead and partner agency responsibilities, indicative costings, funding sources and delivery timeframes.
“I am hopeful that Council’s feedback on the Draft Strategy leads to future conversations between Council and the Queensland Government so that we can arrive at a mutually beneficial agreement and provide our community with better and easier ways to travel.”
Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said he was optimistic about the Draft Strategy and hoped it would kick-start future development of public transport infrastructure on North Stradbroke Island.
“While the island has a permanent population of about 2,000 people, it can swell to over 10,000 during peak tourism season, making transport to, from and around the island critical for residents and the local tourism economy,” Cr Mitchell said.
“Advances to bus stops, bus operations, active transport access and bicycle parking, a review of parking services and lighting and security enhancements are just some of the facilities and features that I know would be welcomed by residents and visitors.
“With the Draft Strategy developed and feedback submitted, I think the Queensland Government is moving in the right direction to provide the island community with the public transport improvements they need.”
Consultation on the Draft Strategy closed on Friday 19 November 2021, however the document can be viewed on the Queensland Government’s website.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams has today thrown her support behind a region-wide effort to force urgent action on key transport and liveability projects in time for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympics Games.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams at the launch of the Let’s Get Moving! campaign today.
South East Queensland’s Mayors launched the Let’s Get Moving! campaign in Brisbane today, to draw attention to the fact that there was only a small window of time to begin major projects and have them completed in time for the Games.
Cr Williams said the Let’s Get Moving! campaign would highlight the pressing need to get started on many of the projects needed to host a world-class sporting event.
“The Council of Mayors started the bidding process for the 2032 Games to put a clear deadline on building the roads, bridges and rail our region will need for the next 20 years and beyond,” Cr Williams said.
“We need to invest in projects that protect and improve our way of life – not because of the Games but in time for the Games.
“But we don’t have a lot of time. Major road and transport projects can take a decade or more to plan and build, so we need to get moving to ensure we put our best face forward to the world in 2032.”
Cr Williams said delivering the elements needed for a good Games experience would require all levels of government, with the SEQ City Deal offering the opportunity for that collaboration.
“The Foundation City Deal currently on the table is a good starting point for us to begin work on those regionally important projects. There are certainly more projects that we would like included, but the SEQ
City Deal is a starting point for all three levels of government to work together,” Cr Williams said.
“Along with all my COMSEQ colleagues, I urge all levels of Government to sign up to the deal; we are out of time for talking. It’s time to start the hard work. Let’s Get Moving!”
COMSEQ Chair, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, said the Let’s Get Moving! campaign would highlight the pressing need to get started on planning the world’s greatest sporting event.
Mayor Karen Williams (third from right) with the other CoMSEQ mayors at the launch of the Let’s Get Moving!
“The mayors of South East Queensland put our state on this journey to hosting 2032 Games because they recognised it was a unique opportunity to get all levels of government working together to deliver for our region,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Now the Games are locked in, we need to start developing a detailed plan on what investment and infrastructure we will need to ensure the Games deliver an economic and social dividend for all residents.
“That’s what our Let’s Get Moving campaign is all about, starting the conversation about what’s required to not only deliver the best ever Games but what’s needed to ensure we protect our region’s incredible lifestyle.
“Things like cleaning up our river and waterways, creating new greenspace and delivering better transport connections between venues can be achieved so they deliver benefits before, during and after the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympics Games.”
Redland City Council has awarded a contract for a two-year car-share scheme at Redland Bay Marina, Weinam Creek.
Mayor Karen Williams said the recent Expression of Interest and subsequent tender process followed a successful car-share trial conducted at the marina from August 2020 to April 2021.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams with Bay Islands Car Share owner Aaron Pipkorn, left, and Cr Mark Edwards, right.
“The trial offered island residents access to a conveniently parked vehicle on the mainland without the overheads associated with owning one,” Cr Williams said.
“It proved very popular, with the trial operator reporting a doubling in car-share members and a 60 per cent increase in the number of car-share trips each week.
“The trial clearly demonstrated the viability of the initiative in the long term, so I am delighted Council is able to extend the scheme for another two years from 4 October 2021 through a contract with Bay Islands Car Share.
“Hopefully the trend of increased usage will continue and there will be a corresponding rise in the number of car parking spaces which will become available.”
Cr Williams said the car-share scheme was one of a number of options Council was investigating to help alleviate the high demand for car parking at Redland Bay Marina.
“Car-share schemes have been identified in the Redlands Coast Transport Strategy as a potential solution to deliver good transport outcomes, with benefits such as increased turnover and supply of car parks in the area,” she said.
Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said Bay Islands Car Share, which also conducted the trial, would operate eight dedicated car-share spaces between the Coast Guard building and the bus interchange.
“These spaces are located opposite the four which were used during the trial, and are still in close proximity to the ferry terminal,” Cr Edwards said.
“The trial showed island residents supported the scheme and there was a consistent increase in usage as a result of having dedicated car parks.”
The eight car-share parking spaces will be clearly identified with signage.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”