Message from the Mayor
Good consultation on priority development areas
Coochie Jetty – Have your say
Recycle clutter for a good cause
More accolades for IndigiScapes
New vandalism-busting phone app
More fun in the Redlands
Step up with a Redland City Council traineeship
Date claimer: 2013 koala count
Message from the Mayor
Redland City has entered an exciting new era that provides great opportunities for our city.
For more than a year we have been spreading the message that we are open for business and investment.
We have early runs on the board with the declaration of Priority Development Areas (PDAs) at Toondah Harbour in Cleveland and Weinam Creek at Redland Bay (two of the first three PDAs declared by the State Government), interest in the Cleveland CBD revitalisation and a number of major developments being considered for our city.
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But we need investment to make it happen. With this in mind, I will be taking the Redlands–Open for Business and Investment message to Asia.
Increasing business and tourism opportunities and attracting foreign students and investment will be top of my agenda during a trade mission to Taiwan, China and Japan.
I will be attending the 8th Asia Pacific Cities Summit (APCS) in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, from 9-11 September with other South East Queensland Mayors and businesses. The summit involves more than 100 cities and provides a fantastic opportunity for us in the growing Asia Pacific markets. Its focus is business growth, trade, investment and economics.
Redland City will gain access to a wide range of international business and civic leaders, which will enable us to forge strategic relationships with other cities to stimulate economic growth and create new business and trading opportunities.
I will then join Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk on a business mission to China to support the Council of Mayors South East Queensland (COMSEQ) companies conducting business in these regions.
While in China, I will visit Redlands’ sister city, Qinhuangdao, as part of Council’s goal to foster economic development, education, culture and staff exchanges. I am keen to develop a mutually rewarding relationship that goes beyond just a cultural exchange.
The China visit is a vital opportunity to explore and develop much-needed trade and investment opportunities.
Redland City is base to businesses that offer innovative products and services in areas such as sustainable energy, mining technology and professional services – all of which will be in demand by the rapidly changing Chinese market. It will encourage Chinese companies to access the high value-added goods and services provided by enterprises in the Redlands.
Our City also boasts high-standard schools that will be highly attractive to Asian families.
Education and training is an area where we have a distinct competitive advantage. I have written to local schools offering to lay the foundation for new relationships for them in Asia and have been pleased with the response from them.
The mission concludes with a visit to Japan, where I plan to visit Kani City and hope to join Premier of Queensland Campbell Newman for a trade function in Tokyo.
I believe the mission will open a gateway into new markets and opportunities while enhancing Redland City’s reputation as a great place to do business and to invest.
Good consultation on priority development areas
Great progress has been made gathering community and stakeholder views and information for Redlands’ two special interest areas.
The Weinam Creek and Toondah Harbour Priority Development Area (PDA) projects are a partnership between Council and the Queensland Government to create local jobs and economic growth.
Recent community engagement meetings, forums and surveys have produced a wealth of good ideas for both of these prime waterfront areas.
Possible suggestions for busy Weinam Creek include improved parking and traffic control, ‘drop in’ facilities for cruising boaties, shopping and eating precincts, adjacent health hub and an artificial beach.
At Toondah Harbour, our gateway to North Stradbroke Island, feedback has suggested that facilities such as boating facilities, and a mix of entertainment and hospitality facilities, must fit with the local environment while allowing residents to continue to enjoy cooling bay breezes.
This information is now being turned into practical planning options, from which two proposed development schemes will be released for public comment early next year.
Read more about the PDAs.
Coochie Jetty – Have your say
This Saturday is the day for Coochiemudlo Islanders to see and provide feedback on the proposed design of their new all-weather jetty.
Council and the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads planners will be on hand at the Kiosk, 22 Victoria Parade on Saturday 31 August from 1pm-3pm to talk about the design and hear what islanders think.
As requested, the proposed design will be a safe, covered well-lit jetty for passengers and island visitors, including disabled access. Designed for all weather and tidal conditions, the new jetty has been styled on the unique natural character and lifestyle of the island.
If you can’t make it on Saturday, we’d still like your comments and suggestions. Check out the design online and send us your comments by Monday 9 September.
Read more about the Coochiemudlo Jetty Project.
Recycle clutter for a good cause
With Spring on the doorstep, here’s the perfect opportunity to clear the cobwebs and get rid of unwanted clutter.
For the first time, Redland City Council is joining more than 110 other councils for the national Garage Sale Trail on Saturday 26 October and is encouraging as many local households and community groups as possible to join in.
One person’s trash is another’s treasure. This is a fun way of bringing people together, and reducing waste and relieving pressure on landfill, while raising money for a special family treat or favourite charity.
The initiative started four years ago in Bondi and last year each garage sale made about $400. Get together with your friends, hunt out all the things you can’t find a use for, and be part of one big day when everything must go and the social networking is free.
To sign up, register your details at the Garage Sale Trail website.
More accolades for IndigiScapes
Three cheers for the team at IndigiScapes. Redlands’ environmental education powerhouse has picked up two new awards as part of Keep Queensland Beautiful’s annual Sustainable Cities competition.
For the second year in a row, we have won the Environmental Innovation and Protection Award, recognising IndigiScapes’ valuable work on wildlife surveys, community awareness and public education.
The centre’s work on its kid’s club, fostering environmental and sustainability leadership in young people, also shared the gong for the 2013 Young Legends Award with Redland schools, RedWaste and young people’s library services.
It’s nice to be acknowledged for the care we put into our natural environment to help make the Redlands the best place to live, work and do business.
Visit the IndigiScapes website.
New vandalism-busting phone app
Helping keep the Redlands clean of graffiti is now easier with a new vandalism tracking system that locals can access from their phones.
The smart phone app can be downloaded from www.vandaltrak.com.au to photograph graffiti and report the location and time it was found. Council can then quickly remove it, to let vandals know their scribbles are not welcome in the Redlands.
Even if you don’t have a smart phone, you can still quickly report new tags around the city by calling Graffiti Stop on 1300 472 334 or emailing location details to [email protected].
Council also cleans graffiti from private property along main roads and fences adjoining parks where the graffiti is able to be reached from public land. Find out more about Council’s graffiti management.
More fun in Redland parks
If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure this weekend, seven parks across the city are winking at you.
Our network of open spaces are wonderful social hubs for people to meet and be active outdoors. Council has recently invested $180,000 to upgrade parklands and install safe but stimulating play equipment for residents, and particularly young families, to enjoy.
The makeovers include: Bailey Road, Birkdale ($47,000); Goodall Street Park, Wellington Point ($18,000); W.H. Yeo Park, Victoria Point ($36,000); Corroboree Park, Macleay Island ($29,000); as well as Pioneer Memorial Park ($18,000); High Street Park ($20,000) and Lions Boulevard Park ($12,000) on Russell Island.
Find out more about Redland City’s parks and facilities.
Step up with a Redland City Council traineeship
Each year, Redland City Council offers a number of full-time traineeships to positive and enthusiastic team players who are keen to learn.
Details will be available mid-September, with applications accepted until Friday 4 October for traineeships starting across varying departments including business administration, horticulture and water operations.
Co-funded by the Queensland Government, the program allows you to be paid while learning a trade or new skills. It’s an opportunity for people with no vocational or tertiary tickets to gain a nationally recognised qualification by combining practical work with on-the-job training.
From Monday 17 September there will be information available online on how to apply, as well as in our local newspapers, or by ringing Council’s Workplace Development team on 3829 8402.
Date claimer: 2013 koala count
A heads up that the annual Redlands koala count will take place on the weekend of 19-20 October.
Run by the Koala Action Group, the census keeps a close eye on the health of known populations around the city and is strongly supported by Council.
Watch this space for more information.
