Freedom of Entry to the City
An Epic Day Out for local youth
Help plant a koala habitat
Give me #Redlandsanyday
How engaging
School holiday activities
Redland Retail Awards
Dob in a dumper
What’s on?
Mayor’s message: Redland City – a strong financial performer
Redland City Council’s financial performance has been given a big tick by the Queensland Audit Office.
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The QAO singled Council out for special mention as a continuous improver. Our efforts were acknowledged in its report – tabled recently in the Queensland Parliament. Our relatively debt-free financial standing makes us the envy of other South East Queensland councils.
The result also drew an accolade from Local Government Minister David Crisafulli, who sent me a personal message of congratulations on our improved position.
Our current financial position has not come easily. It is the result of two years of hard work and tough decisions and is a credit to Council’s finance team.
What makes our result even more impressive is that it has been achieved at a time other councils are struggling under the weight of debt and rising costs of doing business.
I am committed to keeping rates as low as possible.
I am proud that Redland City Council has reduced debt and therefore the cost to ratepayers, and delivered two consecutive budgets with the lowest headline rate in SEQ, again lessening the cost of living impact on residents.
To get to this enviable position we have re-thought our long-term financial strategy, cut costs and reduced waste. We have been able to absorb millions of dollars that normally would have been passed on to ratepayers in higher rates.
We have made many tough decisions to put Council in its current financial position, but it will get much tougher in coming years.
We continue to face hurdles over which we have no control – such as revaluation of assets, increasing water regulation and electricity price hikes. Each impacts on our bottom line and each will need to be addressed in coming years.
I am committed to continuing to provide cost of living relief to Redlands residents wherever we can, but as the cost of living continues to rise, so too will our cost of delivering services and infrastructure.
We have managed for two years to stall passing on costs – in fact we have absorbed millions of dollars of charges imposed by other levels of government.
Maintaining this focus will require more tough decisions and we are currently assessing our options as we prepare the budget for 2014-15.
Find out the latest from your local Councillor by reading their latest community newsletter >>
Freedom of Entry to the City
The military brass is being polished as the final preparations are put on this weekend’s Freedom of Entry to the City.
The unique event will see the centre of Cleveland transformed into a military parade, with 150 armed RAAF personnel to march up Middle Street before requesting entry to the city.
The tradition dates back to medieval times when armed forces would march to a city’s walls where they would be challenged by city representatives before being allowed to enter with weapons sheathed, colours cased and drums silent to ensure their peaceful intention.
This weekend’s event will include military members parading in ceremonial attire displaying operational medals, carrying swords and rifles and military colours as well as battle honours being flown and a band supporting.
There will be plenty for the kids to see and do with Mounted Police also taking part in the parade through the city and a variety of medieval events to be held in the Cleveland Library Square.
- 10.30am
Around 150 members of No. 95 Wing of the RAAF, supported by local air cadets and a band,will gather outside the Redland Performing Arts Centre for the march along Middle Street, Cleveland - 10:45am
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams will inspect the parade and present the official scroll offering Freedom of Entry to Redland City to Group Captain Peter Davis, who will formally request permission to march through Cleveland. - 11:00am
Official parade commences along Middle Street, Cleveland
An Epic Day Out for local youth
Tomorrow (Friday 11 April) promises to be epic for the youth of the Redlands, as the annual National Youth Week celebrations wrap up.
With food, music, skateboarding, BMX and scooter riding, dancers and plenty more, the Epic Day Out will be held at Capalaba’s Skate Park, Cleveland and is sure to be a hit.
The largest celebration of young people in Australia, National Youth Week kicked off last week with a variety of activities including the Australian Skate Tour held Monday 7 April Thornlands Skate Park.
All events are sponsored by Redland City Council and Redlands Youth Network and are drug and alcohol free .
For more information visit Redlands City Youth Facebook page or the National Youth Week website.
Help plant a koala habitat
You can help provide homes for our local koala population by taking part in the annual Koala Community Planting on Sunday 4 May.
The initiative will see 1000 trees planted to expand the Moogurrapum Creek Corridor for the furry friends of Redland Bay.
The event will include a free sausage sizzle after the planting event and native plants will be available to take home to make your backyard that little bit more animal friendly.
Event details:
Sunday 4 May, 9am – 11am
Moogurrapum Creek Corridor, Main St, Redland Bay, UBD Reference: Map 226 J17
Give me #Redlandsanyday
The beauty of the Redlands was showcased to 400,000 people with the click of a button recently thanks to the magic of social media.
Redland City welcomed four of Australia’s leading Instagrammers who captured local tourist locations and shared them with their combined following of 391,662 from across the world.
As part of the Brisbane Marketing initiative, locations visited included Straddie, Wellington and Cleveland Point with some amazing photos taken along with a breathtaking up close video of dolphins off Straddie.
You can see the great photos and video on our news site.
You can help fly the Redlands flag by taking a great photo of the Redlands and uploading it to Instagram and tagging it as #Redlandsanyday.
You can also be part of the Redlands fan-club through our other great social media platforms:
How engaging
SMBI Sport Clubs Partnership community workshop.
Redland City Council recognises the importance of community groups working together to build the capacity for sport and recreation at the local level. Register for this workshop which will discuss the concept of a Southern Moreton Bay Island (SMBI) Sport Clubs Partnership.
- When: Wednesday 7 May 2014, 3pm – 5pm (registration from 2:30pm)
- Where: Russell Island Community Hall, 1 Alison Crescent, Russell Island
- RSVP: Wednesday 30 April 2014, Karen Purdy on 3829 8512 or [email protected]
Local laws
The process of adopting a new set of local laws has begun. Local laws provide a framework for the city, helping to protect all the things we love about the Redlands.
Recently a set of draft local laws were adopted by Council, these have now been sent to the State Government for review and will then be made available to the public for comment.
Following this input from the community, the new local laws are then expected to come back to Council for adoption early in 2015.
To be part of the process you can register your interest online.
For more engagement opportunities check Council’s website.
School holiday activities
Local children have no excuses to be bored over the school holidays with some great activities on offer.
- Where’s Wally Afternoon
Tuesday, 15 April 2014, 2 – 3pm
Cleveland Library, Corner of Bloomfield and Middle streets
Ages 6-12
Dress up as your favourite striped character and enjoy a fun afternoon of craft, games and quizzes. Please note that parents/guardians must remain with children for the duration of the activity. - Holiday Story Fun
Monday 14 April and Tuesday 15 April 2014, 10 – 10:45am
Cleveland Library, Corner of Bloomfield and Middle streets
Ages Preschool Kids (2-5) and Kids (6-12)
Enjoy a fun morning of stories and craft. Please note that parents/guardians must remain with children for the duration of the activity
For a full list of School holiday activities visit our Libraries What’s on calendar.
Redland Retail Awards
This week the 11th annual Redlands Retail Awards were launched, providing a chance to acknowledge the city’s best retailers and nominations are now open.
The retail sector is not only one of our largest employers; it is also the face of the Redlands with retail employees welcoming customers to the city as well as their businesses.
The Redland Retail Awards encourages business development and job growth in the Redlands, as well as rewarding excellence in customer service.
Sponsored by Redland City Council there will be 26 separate categories on offer, including family entertainment venues, pharmacy, supermarket and department stores, news and books, auto service and hairdressers.
Voting is now open so show your support by nominating your favourite retailer.
Dob in a dumper
Council is asking residents to keep an eye out for people dumping asbestos illegally in the Redlands.
There has recently been an increase in reports of asbestos being left along roadsides and in nature reserves, prompting Council to issue a warning – either dispose of asbestos properly or face the consequences.
Council has cleaned up more than two tonnes of asbestos containing material over the last three years, costing ratepayers’ money and presenting potential health risks for the community.
Recently there was almost 600 kg of asbestos dumped along Rocky Passage Road, including one load of 300 kg.
Council has deployed CCTV cameras in an attempt to catch those responsible in the act, but help from residents is needed.
Anyone with information regarding illegal dumping can call Council on 3829 8999 or it can be reported directly to the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection on 13 74 68 or via a Smart phone or mobile device app available on their website.
What’s on?
- Kodo Dragons Toddlers Karate Classes
Thursday, 10 April 2014, 9:30 – 10:30am, Thursday, 17 April 2014, 9:30 – 10:30am
Alexandra Hills Community Hall, Cnr Windemere and Finucane Roads, Alexandra Hills,
Ages Preschool Kids (2-5)
Kodo Dragons aims to teach young children (aged 3-4 years) some basic, yet fundamental skills – such as self control, manners and confidence, among others. The aim is for children to learn valuable life lessons, as well as have fun, keep active, and develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
More information >> - Seniors Refresh
Thursday, 10 April 2014, 9am – 12pm
Capalaba Library, Noeleen Street
Ages Seniors
Enjoy a coffee, tea and biscuits and meet other seniors in the Art Space - Pinhole Photography workshop
Friday, 11 April 2014, 10am – 3pm
Long before selfies, there was another style of photography – Pinhole Photography.
An upcoming workshop will show participants how to make a pinhole camera, which can be made from anything – coffee tins, biscuit tins, biscuit boxes and learn the photo developing process using black and white photo paper.
Ages 12-18
Covered footwear must be worn during workshop.
Cost: $20 non refundable fee
Bookings: Are essential as sessions are strictly limited to 20 people. To reserve a place telephone (07) 3829 8463 or email [email protected]
Exhibition continues until Saturday 3 May 2014 at Redland Art Gallery, Capalaba.
For a full list of the great activities happening in the Redlands visit Council’s What’s On calendar
