- Buy local for Christmas supports Redland Small Business
- Senior Japanese diplomats visit the Redlands
- China’s internationally listed real estate developer looks over Redlands
- Forum points way to growing the education economy
- ‘Red Tape to Red Carpet’ to smooth way for SMBI business
- Redlands Business Expo 2014 – Booth bookings now available
Mayor’s Message
Buy local for Christmas supports Redland Small Business
Redland City Council has kicked of its support for ‘buy local’ this Christmas by supporting the growing international concept of ‘Shop Small’.
‘Shop Small’ began as a one-day event in the United States in 2010 and has now spread to three continents.
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Despite its international origins, the idea of ‘Shop Small’ is strongly parochial and designed to encourage support for local retailers and businesses and strengthen consumer confidence in locally sourced products.
The reality is that small businesses have demonstrated a commitment to service in support of their local communities that cannot be easily replicated by international shopping websites or shopping destinations outside the city.
Aside from their role in providing local jobs, these businesses are a vital ingredient in our Redlands’ economy.
The Redlands Chamber of Commerce’s 100% Redlands Christmas Challenge is a “buy local” campaign designed to increase patronage of Redlands businesses in the lead up to Christmas.
It is a challenge we want all Redlanders to take-up.
Before launching yourself into the stressful frenzy of shopping malls or internet sites outside the Redlands, why not stop and look for the local alternative?
No matter if you are after inspiring art, beauty treatments, the latest kitchen gadgets or a fun T–shirt there are many local retailers who are happy to serve you and look after your Christmas shopping needs.
I would encourage everyone in the Redlands to put a gift from the Redlands under their Christmas tree this year.
Shopping locally is bound to be a more relaxing experience and you will also be helping to support local jobs.
Senior Japanese diplomats visit the Redlands
The interest of international investors in the Redlands continues to grow with two more VIP groups hosted by Council this week as part of the city’s aim to strengthen economic, education and cultural ties with Japan and China.
Japan’s Consul-General to Australia, Ms Yoko Yanagisawa and Deputy Consul-General, Mr Shinya Machida were honoured guests of Redland City Council during the week for a familiarization tour of the Redlands.
As part of her trade relations role, Consul-General Ms Yanagisawa explored opportunities in the Redlands with the aim of communicating the Redlands unique investment opportunities back to the Japanese market.
and Education Foundation, Mr Shinya Machida, Deputy Consul-General,
CDSHS Principal Paul Bancroft, the Consul-General, Ms Yoko Yanagisawa, Redland City Mayor, Karen Wiliams.
This visit included a tour of local education facility, Cleveland District State High School; discussions around investment opportunities in the Redlands and visits to the city’s two Priority Development Areas.
Building on the international and national interest, the draft plans for Toondah Harbour and Weinam Creek Priority Development Areas will be available for public comment and interest from potential investors from mid January 2014.
The development schemes for both sites will be finalised by June next year (2014). Visit www.redland.qld.gov.au
China’s internationally listed real estate developer looks over Redlands
Three senior company officials for one of China’s top 10 overseas-listed real estate developers, the Beijing-based Chengdu Xingyuan Real Estate Development Co. Ltd, also visited the Redlands this week.
Established in 1997 by Mr. Lin Zhenxing, the company has already invested in the development of approximately three million square meters of land across China and has expressed interest in exploring development opportunities here in Australia.
The company is particularly interested in purchasing land over 5000 square metres in size to develop medium density residential property close to the city and with easy access to shops, schools, hospitals etc.
The very substantial capital backing behind Chengdu Xingyuan Real Estate Development Co, Ltd. means it is an ideal investment ready partner for new opportunities being identified in Redland City.
The visitors included Cheng Du Real Estate Development Company’s General Manager Hu Yua, Secretary of the Chairman Lin Wensheng and Lin Jinxiang – Vice General Manager (Sales and Marketing Management).
Employing over 300 staff, the company’s principle interest is in residential real estate development and property management services.
The visit is the latest of several that have flowed from Mayor Karen Williams’ recent South East Asian Trade Mission, indicating a real interest by foreign investors in the potential of the city. Main interest has focussed on the city’s two Priority Development Areas –Toondah Harbour at Cleveland and Weinam Creek, Redland Bay, but there has also been strong interest in the Cleveland CBD.
Forum points way to growing the education economy
A round table this month with Trade and Investment Queensland, Redland City Council and five of the leading education institutions in the Redlands, has given further support for the city’s developing education economy.
The forum considered how the city’s businesses, Council and the State Government could support and market both short stay and long stay opportunities as part of an education economy.
The group noted there were strong benefits from working as a city and region while cementing already established sister school and sister city relationships in the Redlands.
Redland City Council already has sister city agreements with Qinhuangdao, China and a friendship city relationship with Yong In, South Korea as well as an emerging relationship with Kani City in Japan.
Cleveland District State High School has been hosting international students for over 10 years and is a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS). Alexandra Hills State High has an international education unit and hosts international students while other schools are involved in cultural and educational exchanges in other countries.
While acknowledging international education market challenges such the high Australian dollar and visa processing times, there was strong agreement that the Redlands was a safe place to study with high quality education institutions already attracting overseas students.
Adding to the growing opportunity is Mater Health’s investment in a tertiary level nurse education facility in Cleveland.
Participants acknowledged that this provided a lead for other tertiary level education service specialisations such as age care education.
The meeting called on Redland City Council to help develop a “Study Redlands” prospectus and video to support international inquiry and marketing.
The prospectus and video will be made available online for both short term and long term education opportunities and provided as support for Trade and Investment Queensland’s already established network of offices with close links to trade commissioners and education agents.
‘Red Tape to Red Carpet’ to smooth the way for SMBI business
Southern Moreton Bay Islands community members are continuing to explore opportunities for economic growth on the islands following two island economic development forums and a major survey of island business this year.
A SMBI Draft Economic Development Strategy 2013 document has since been developed by Council. It provides a summary of the views and opportunities identified by islanders during these forums. It can be found by searching on Council’s website www.redland.qld.gov.au.
A common area of interest was the impact of red tape on the island economies.
Redland City Council has responded to what was aptly described as the ‘Red tape to Red Carpet’ initiative by organising a forum between city planners and some key island business to discuss the perceived impediments to establishing and running island businesses.
Tourism and tourism infrastructure, retirement living and on island transport were other areas of opportunity and focus identified in the report for future economic development.
Some inspiration has also reached back into the islands’ history with a community event at 11 am on Saturday 23 November at the Lemon Farm, Macleay Island planned to discuss agritourism and opportunities to re-establish some farming on the islands.
The idea of returning to shortened supply chains and producing food from paddock to plate will also be part of a presentation at The Red Place Cleveland on 9 December by visiting United Kingdom speaker Chris Walsh from the UK non-profit organisation ‘The Kindling Trust’.
Redland City Councillor Paul Bishop, who has helped arrange Mr Walsh’s visit, said grassroots food movements are changing revenue streams for local farmers, increasing the viability for farming entrepreneurs and customers who are seeking fresh, healthy, local and often organic food.
Highlighting local produce for tourists is already part of the very popular Redlands IndigiScape Centre which already includes locally grown produce and bush tucker on its café menu and gift shop.
Redlands Business Expo 2014 – Booth bookings now available
As 2013 draws to a close, planning is well under way for next year’s Redlands Business Expo.
As a showcase of businesses in the Redlands, next year’s event will aim to build on the success of this year and be bigger and better.
In line with feedback we received, the format has changed slightly on the first day, to allow for more business-to-business networking opportunities.
