Category Archives: Roads and transport

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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Council’s Green Seal program expands on Southern Moreton Bay Islands


October 15, 2020

Redland City Council has commenced upgrades to almost 9 km of gravel roads on Russell and Macleay islands.

Mayor Karen Williams said the work, undertaken as part of the Green Seal program, underscored Council’s commitment to improving infrastructure on the SMBI.

“Since the Green Seal program was established in 2014, Council has sealed about 48 kilometres of gravel roads,” she said.

“These latest upgrades will boost that further, with 28 streets on Russell Island and 13 streets on Macleay Island being improved with a two-coat bitumen seal.

“These works will significantly improve conditions for island residents.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the upgrades, which cost more than $3 million, were co-funded by Council and the State Government, with the Federal Government providing funding towards work on Tingara Street Macleay Island and Rampart Drive Russell Island.

“Preliminary drainage works started on Russell Island in early September, and works on Macleay Island are expected to start at the end of October,” he said.

“The upgrades are expected to be completed by 30 April 2021, weather permitting.

“This is great news for our island residents, and I’m pleased to see even more gravel roads being sealed on the SMBI.”

The 2020-21 Redland City Council budget allocated $1.5 million for the Green Seal program on Southern Moreton Bay Islands.

The funding formed part of an $11.1 million package for major infrastructure and roads projects to benefit Redlands Coast island communities.

This includes:

  • $3.5 million for the Russell Island pontoon upgrade,
  • $3.4 million for the Weinam Creek car park at Redland Bay,
  • $1.1 million to upgrade Point Lookout’s Headland Park on North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah,
  • $795,000 for the Canaipa Point Drive off-road footpath on Russell Island,
  • $404,000 to upgrade island waiting sheds and shelters,
  • $270,000 for park and streetscape asset renewal on Coochiemudlo Island, and
  • $259,000 to upgrade Macleay Island Community Park.
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Council to trial car-sharing at Redland Bay Marina car park


July 6, 2020

Redland City Council will soon be seeking community feedback on a car-share trial that will be held at the Redland Bay Marina car park from Monday 3 August 2020 to Friday 5 February 2021.

The trial will provide Southern Moreton Bay Island residents with access to short-term, mainland car hire.

Mayor Karen Williams said the six-month trial was ideal for those SMBI residents who only infrequently used a mainland car.

“The trial will offer residents access to a mainland car without associated ownership costs,” she said.

“We know there are island residents who only need access to a vehicle on the mainland for short periods and car-sharing is a handy alternative to maintaining a vehicle at the marina car park.

“Parking near the ferry terminal is in high demand and, while work is underway to provide more parking facilities in the area, car-sharing is convenient for short trips without needing to own a private vehicle, and also frees up parking space.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the popularity of car-sharing was increasing across Australia.

“Council has been working towards facilitating a car-share trial at the marina since last year,” he said.

“Unfortunately, the trial, which was scheduled to start earlier this year, was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but Council has continued to work to find a solution that would deliver this trial for the island community.

“Under the trial, four parking spaces between the Coast Guard building and the marina will be set aside for car-share vehicles.

“Residents can book a vehicle online and pick it up when they arrive at the marina, and then return the car without parking hassles.

“We’ll be seeking public feedback on the trial; and this will help Council decide what to do after it ends.”

For more information about the trial, visit yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au

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Redlands Coast island infrastructure boost


June 25, 2020

Redlands Coast island communities will benefit from more than $11.1 million in major infrastructure and roads spending in the 2020-21 Redland City Council budget.

Mayor Karen Williams said the allocations to projects across the Southern Moreton Bay, North Stradbroke and Coochiemudlo islands underscored Council commitment to improving island infrastructure.

“And we hope this is just the start of the post-COVID investment, with Council continue to push hard for state and federal government funding assistance to bring forward shovel-ready projects for island communities,” Cr Williams said.

“We see projects such as the Glendale Road emergency access road on Russell Island and a range of footpath projects and road improvements as vital to the islands’ futures.”

Council’s 2021 budget, adopted today, includes multi-million-dollar investments in the Southern Moreton Bay Islands as part of a total of a $21.6 million to be spent directly on caring for Redlands Coast island communities – up $1.7 million on last financial year.

“Big ticket projects such as the Russell Island pontoon upgrade, which will cost $3.5 million this financial year, the Weinam Creek car park, which will cost $3.4 million, and another $1.5 million for the islands’ Green Seal program will help to significantly improve conditions for islanders,” Cr Williams said.

“These three key projects are critical to improving access to and around the Southern Moreton Bay islands, with the Russell Island pontoon the start of major marine transport infrastructure renewal program which will now to be accelerated to include upgrades to the jetties, gangways and pontoons at Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra islands over three years.

“One of Redlands Coast’s largest-ever marine projects, this partnership with the Department of Transport and Main Roads will have significant transport, tourism and recreational benefits for the region.

“Another $795,000 will be spent on the Canaipa Point Drive off-road footpath on Russell Island, with $259,000 allocated to upgrade Macleay Island Community Park.

“Island waiting sheds and bus shelters will be upgraded at a cost of $404,000.”

Other major island projects include the upgrade of Point Lookout’s Headland Park on North Stradbroke Island ($1.1 million) and park and streetscape asset renewal on Coochiemudlo Island ($270,000).

Go to our website at redland.qld.gov.au/budget for full budget information.

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Massive boost to make it easier to get around Redlands Coast


June 25, 2020

More than half of Redland City Council’s projected record capital spend for 2020-21 will go towards transport and traffic solutions, with a dozen big-ticket projects and programs alone costing more than $30 million.

The capital outlay in today’s budget also has a strong focus on active transport options, with more than $5.8 million directed at footpaths and cycleways alone to make it easier for our community to leave the car at home and get on their bikes or head out for walks.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council would continue to work with the state and federal governments to bring forward further funding for a multi-million-dollar catalogue of other shovel-ready road and transport infrastructure projects.

“The $80 million in budgeted capital expenditure is expected to hit a record more than $90 million once carry-over funds and anticipated state and federal assistance is factored in,” Cr Williams said.

“More than $9 million will be injected into the city’s Road Renewal Program, with $1.8 million going to Regional Road Alliance Program projects and another $1.7 million to the Roads to Recovery Program.

“Another $1.5 million will go towards our bus shelter and seat renewal program and $525,000 for the Cleveland Rail bus station. We want to encourage more residents to use public transport than just have machines laying bitumen.

“Our island communities will benefit from the start of a $28.6 million two-year project to upgrade the jetties, gangways and pontoons at Russell, Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra islands, with $3.5 million for the Russell island project.

“At Weinam Creek, the gateway to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, we have dedicated $3.4 million for the carpark development, and we have committed another $1.5 million to the sealing of island roads.

“All this is not only vital to our island residents but also to the development of a sustainable tourism industry to support local jobs creation.”

Cr Williams said Redlands Coast’s great attraction – its waterways and foreshores – came with a substantial cost.

“With more than 335km of coastline, our operating maintenance costs for marine infrastructure, including boat ramps and jetties, foreshore work and canals will total $8.5 million over and above the $10.2 million earmarked for capital works this financial year,” she said.

Cr Williams said Council was also seeking vital infrastructure commitments from the State Government under its Works for Queensland program and the Federal Government under its Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program and Financial Assistance Grants to add impetus to its infrastructure investment.

“We already have 64 projects worth almost $83 million that are shovel-ready and which, if funded, will support jobs growth and deliver improvements for our community,” Cr Williams said.

“These include community disaster resilience and infrastructure improvements worth
$10.4 million for North Stradbroke Island and $8.6 million for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, communities which have been particularly hard hit.

“It also includes millions of dollars’ worth of upgrades to the Redlands Coast transport network, including 6.2km of footpaths, 26km of resurfacing mainland roads and 3.7km of green seal for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands in the next financial year alone to help residents and visitors move around the city faster and safer.”

Major road, traffic and transport projects and programs

Road Renewal Program $9 million

Russell Island pontoon upgrade $3.5 million

Raby Bay revetment walls and groynes $3.7 million

Weinam Creek development carpark $3.4 million

Wellington Street and Panorama Drive road upgrade $3.3 million

Southern Redland Bay boat ramp $1.8 million

Regional Road Alliance Program $1.8 million

Roads to Recovery Program $1.7 million

Southern Moreton Bay Green Seal program $1.5 million

Bus shelter and seat renewal program $1.5 million

Canaipa Point Drive off-road footpath (Oasis Drive – Keats Street) Russell Island $795,000

Kinross Road upgrade, Thornlands $700,000

Main Road, Wellington Point, footpath and retaining wall upgrade $650,000

Cleveland Rail bus station $525,000

Moreton Bay Cycleway, Victoria Point (School Road – Pt O’Halloran Road) $500,000

Go to our website at redland.qld.gov.au/budget for full budget information.

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