- Mayor’s Message
- City honour for RAAF
- Five in a row for Redland SES
- Green light for Macleay’s marine project
- Let’s all shop small
- Warm Redlands welcome
- TransLink info sessions
- Caring for Straddie
- A very Redland Christmas
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Mayor’s Message
Residents of the Redlands’ island communities are now covered by their own specific disaster management plans.
Compiled into a booklet available free online and at Council Customer Service Centres and libraries, it offers detailed hazard assessments, safety information and potentially life-saving tips for each of the islands.
As Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group, I commend this latest phase of the City’s Local Disaster Management Plan, recently adopted by Council, as an especially valuable emergency blueprint for our City’s most isolated residents.
Ex-tropical cyclone Oswald showed us this year how a severe weather event can have a massive impact on our island communities and we have all learnt from that.
Each of our islands has specific needs in an emergency situation, whether it’s a severe weather event, fire or an oil spill, and we have responded to that.
Should an emergency threaten, Council and its partners such as the police, fire service, SES and Energex, will swiftly swing into action.
But it cannot be stressed strongly enough that any emergency plan is reliant on residents also being prepared.
With storm season upon us, residents should be making sure they have prepared their homes, yards and themselves for the possibility of an emergency.
If an emergency looms, everyone needs to keep themselves informed via ABC Radio, Bay FM and social media and have a properly prepared plan to deal with it.
Quick and easy to use, Island residents can use the new booklet to check the potential risks on their islands and get potentially life-saving information on evacuation routes and assembly areas, with up-to-date contact numbers for getting information and help.
It completes the second phase of the City’s four-part emergency management blueprint, with the final phase – parts 3 and 4 for mainland coastal areas and the mainland hinterland – due by next March.
Council’s Disaster Hub also contains relevant information on “Prevention, Preparation, Response and Recovery’’, together with the first two parts of the new plan.
City honour for RAAF
The Redlands will celebrate its proud military past and build stronger links with the Royal Australian Air Force by granting Freedom of Entry to the City to an RAAF unit.
During the major community event, about 100 personnel from RAAF Base Amberley, supported by local Defence Force cadets, will march into the City on Saturday April 12, 2014.
The celebration will take on added significance in the lead-up to Anzac Day and next year’s centenary of the start of World War I.
“We want to make the parade and ceremony a big community event open to all Redlanders and I encourage residents to put April 12 in their diaries so they can show their support and cheer on the contingent along the route,’’ said Redland City Mayor Karen Williams.
“This will be a wonderful way for Redlanders to show their high regard for the role of the Australian Defence Force in defending our way of life and promoting peace and stability around the world.’’
Granting Freedom of the City is accepted as the most honourable distinction a City can bestow on a Defence Force contingent.
During the event, the 395 Expeditionary Combat Support Wing will march into Cleveland where they will be challenged by the police officer in charge.
Councillor for Division 6 Julie Talty, who championed the cause, said Freedom of Entry to the City would be a great asset for Redland City.
“And being planned for April next year it will make for an especially significant Anzac commemoration,’’ Cr Talty said. “A greater partnership also develops between the units granted Freedom of Entry and the city’s cadets, so I am confident that Redland cadets will benefit.’’
Five in a row for Redland SES
Redlanders are supported by one of the best State Emergency Service units in the State.
The local unit was recently awarded its fifth consecutive accolade for excellence, named the 2013 Regional Unit of the Year. It has won the award every year since being named State Unit of the Year in 2009.
Redland City Deputy Mayor Alan Beard, who represented the City at the awards, said the unit exemplified the selfless spirit of the SES in times of adversity.
“This is a record which speaks volumes of the professionalism and excellence of the dedicated members of Redland SES Unit,’’ Cr Beard said.
“Our SES volunteers are often out in the elements, working in tough and dangerous conditions when most of the community are sheltering. And they keep going when disasters end, helping communities to recover and rebuild.
“The Redland SES Unit continues to show it is an exceptional team.’’
Mayor Karen Williams, who is also Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group, said the award was fitting recognition.
“I have seen first-hand how the members of this unit have responded selflessly to local emergencies, for which I again extend Redland City’s heartfelt thanks,’’ Cr Williams said.
“The residents of the Redlands can be justifiably proud.’’
Redland SES Acting Local Controller Peter Gould, who also is Redland City Council’s service manager of workplace health, safety and wellbeing, said the unit grew more capable every year.
He paid tribute to former local controller Tom Short, who led the unit for most of the past five years.
“The special thing is they were the five years we won this award,’’ he said.
During the ceremony, individual awards were presented to:
Outstanding Service Award: Tristan Hardwick and Jane Cook in recognition of their dedication and commitment.
Meritorious Service Medal (with 15-year clasp): Gesualdo Lo Presti, Cleveland SES Group; Anne-Marie Bennett, Stradbroke Island SES Group; and Wayne Whitrod, Redland Bay SES Group.
National Medal: Anne-Marie Bennett, Stradbroke Island SES Group; Gesualdo Lo Presti, Cleveland SES Group; Anthony Daniel (with 35 year Clasp), Redland Bay SES Group.
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Green light for Macleay’s marine project
Construction of a new recreational boat ramp, sea wall and car parking facilities on Macleay Island has been given the green light by Redland City Council.
The estimated $6.5 million project is designed to resolve long-term conflicts over the shared use of limited space at Macleay’s ferry zone.
The decision means Council can now finalise the necessary State Government development permits, expected by mid-2014, to allow for work to start.
Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the development would substantially increase available commuter, disabled and recreational parking spaces, provide a new recreational boat ramp facility for islanders and visitors and provide a better design for the area.
“Council will contribute the funds for capping and the car park, while $800,000 in State Government funding will deliver the boat ramp,’’ he said.
“Funding for the works will be assessed each year through the Budget process and allocated as required for each stage of the development.
“Work will start next financial year and, subject to final design, will provide up to 89 new parking spaces, comprising 68 car spaces, two disabled spaces and 11 car and trailer spaces.”
Council’s plans for the construction of a sea wall to the Mean High Water Springs (MHWS) and capping of the land at 14-22 Russell Terrace Macleay Island for parking will provide a permanent asbestos treatment solution in the area.
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Let’s all shop small
Redlanders are being urged to “shop small’’ for the rest of this month. It’s part of a national campaign to support small businesses at a local level.
These are businesses which define the Redlands’ character – family enterprises, start-ups and the independents stores who are invested in their neighbourhoods and usually offer top service.
Redland City Council is proud to support the campaign as it’s no secret that thriving local shops create thriving local communities.
And that, in turn, creates local jobs. So while you are doing the regular shopping or ticking off your Christmas gift list, join the Shop Small Movement and give local stores an opportunity.
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Warm Redlands welcome
A record 181 people took the Australian Citizenship Pledge at Redland City’s biggest ever citizenship ceremony this month.
It brings the number of Redlanders awarded citizenship this year to 763 and surpasses the previous record for a single ceremony (180) set in October.
Mayor Karen Williams, who presided over the ceremony at the Redland Performing Arts Centre, said the increasing numbers of people who wanted to make the Redlands their home was a positive sign for the City.
“People come from throughout the world to settle in Redland City, drawn by our beautiful bush, beach and bay environment, relaxed village atmosphere and great amenities,” Cr Williams said.
“We welcome them all and the contribution they make in ensuring our city truly is the best place to live, play and do business.’’
TransLink info sessions
There is still time to catch a Translink information session ahead of changes to the public transport network next year which affects Redlanders.
From early 2014, the local bus network will be restructured and a new train timetable will be introduced on the Cleveland line.
The TransLink changes include more peak train services on the Cleveland line; better bus, train and ferry connections; improved access to key locations and transport interchanges; more reliable services; and consistent departure and journey times on bus and train.
You can talk to TransLink at the following information sessions as well as see route maps and find out what your new services will look like:
- Capalaba Central Shopping Centre – Friday 15 November 9am – 5.30pm
- Capalaba Central Shopping Centre – Saturday 16 November 9am – 4pm
- Cleveland station – Tuesday 19 November 6am – 9am
- Cleveland station – Thursday 21 November 3.30pm – 6.30pm
- Cleveland station – Monday 25 November 6am – 9am
- Victoria Point Shopping Centre – Friday 22 November 9am – 5.30pm
- Victoria Point Shopping Centre – Saturday 23 November 9am – 4.30pm
Caring for Straddie
Redland City Council, island businesses, holiday letting agents, police and community members are getting behind the new “Caring for Straddie” summer holiday campaign.
Its key focus is to encourage North Stradbroke Island holiday makers to think of the island environment and community when holidaying on Straddie.
Council has been working with the police and island businesses to produce a range of promotional materials based around the successful ‘Caring for Straddie’ theme adopted several years ago.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council wanted holiday makers to enjoy their stay and to take away wonderful memories.
“Intending island visitors are encouraged to start by booking their holiday home with Island letting agents who have agreed to the Holiday Letting Agent (HLA) Voluntary Code of Practice (VCOP),’’ she said.
“Three of the islands four major letting agencies have already agreed to the Voluntary Code of Practice (VCOP). This is helping to manage holiday behaviour and support well-managed properties for both holiday property owners and holiday makers.”
Division 2 Councillor Craig Ogilvie said the key message for holiday makers was to remember that their holiday spot was someone else’s home.
“The campaign will encourage visitors to think of their neighbours and the environment, with helpful information on websites, Facebook, print advertisements and ‘Tips for a top stay’ flyers for holidaymakers,’’ he said.
“A fridge magnet and other information will be available for distribution by agents to the island’s lettable properties, including key police contacts for reporting excessive noise and behavioural incidents.’’
The Caring for Straddie messages also cover responsible dog ownership, taking care while driving on island roads, parking information, and environmental and waste disposal reminders.
For more information, go to www.redland.qld.gov.au/straddieholidayhouses.
A very Redland Christmas
The countdown has started to the Redlands’ very popular festive season opener – Christmas by Starlight. So mark down Saturday 7 December in your diary.
Festivities will get underway at 3pm in Norm Price Park, Redland Showground, Long Street, Cleveland, with free children’s activities, a visit from Santa, food, rides, a children’s stage show at 5.30pm, and a fireworks finale at about 8pm.
The main twilight carols concert kicks off at 6pm and will feature Redland’s own musical theatre star Connor Crawford, who has performed all over Australia in professional productions including City of Angels and West Side Story and most recently as a Frankie Valli cover in Jersey Boys. Joining Connor will be a variety of top Redland’s talent.
The event is run by Redland City Council, with the generous assistance of the Bayside Bulletin, GoldCat-Stradbroke Flyer, JJ Richards, SS Signs, Mr Fireworks, Koala Graphix, Energex, Christmas Festivities and Fetini Homes.
Christmas by Starlight is an alcohol-free event.
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