Signs of strengthening growth in the local economy and jobs are evident right across the Redlands as infrastructure and investment projects start to take shape. Council’s promotion of the City as the best place in South-East Queensland to live, play and do business is also bearing fruit.
The involvement of the Walker Group in the exciting redevelopment of the Redlands’ most important coastal hubs, at Toondah Harbour and Weinam Creek, has brought the skill and expertise of one of Australia and the region’s most respected and award-winning developers.
Walkers’ interest in these billion-dollar developments sends a strong message that the Redlands has truly arrived as an exciting tourism and investment destination.
Council’s $1.5 million Cleveland CBD revitalisation and tourism accommodation incentives scheme is also attracting new investor attention. Two applications are now in the pipeline for 7,767 square metres of vacant land that would be transformed into a vibrant inner-city accommodation and commercial precinct totalling 94 tourist accommodation rooms and 243 apartments.
After extensive public consultation (see the story below) State Government and Council plans for a major revamp of the Bloomfield Street Park are also beginning to take shape. This newly designed precinct is at the heart of other planning that will bring activities and creative ideas to the city centre supported by an additional focus on helping attract and manage events in the city.
This year the Redlands has seen close to 20 per cent increase in development applications compared to last year. Almost 2,500 dwellings are currently approved across the city, a further 6,000 are at the lodgement stage and many more are in pre-lodgement discussions. In October more than $30 million worth of building and civil works were approved by Council, which does not include the value of the developments themselves!
While Council’s presence at the recent G20 business cafe was a chance to wave the flag for the Redlands to thousands of G20 delegates, North Stradbroke Island experienced one of its busiest weekends on record as G20 holiday makers escaped the city to this perfect island getaway right on Brisbane’s doorstep.
Council has been conducting a series of workshops with tourism industry representatives and industry consultants across the city to help refine tourism planning and support within the Redlands
With a City budget now in surplus for the first time in 15 years and the drafting of the new City Plan 2015 expected to provide clear direction and simpler access to planning decisions and process, the conditions seem right for a strong Redlands future.
Mayor Karen Williams
Redland City