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25.01.2022 Kids-A Note from Australia Post Australia Post is calling on kids to start now to let Santa know know they’ve been nice- Before he checks his list twice. Australia Post says it is once again gearing up to help kids connect directly with their number one hero Santa, and as such have geared up early their Santa Mail operations.... They say the precious letters will want to be sent early this year. Last year, 120,000 children wrote to the North Pole to let Santa know what presents they hoped to see under the tree. Australia Post’s General Manager Post Office Network David McNamara says Santa Mail is one of those Australian traditions that families look forward to every year. We want to give Santa time to respond to every letter, so we’re encouraging children and families to aim to get their letters in nice and early. You can also visit the Santa Mail website for helpful templates, and to keep an eye on your letter’s progress with our Santa Mail Tracker. To take part, letters should be addressed to Santa, North Pole 9999 with a 65c Christmas stamp on the front of the envelope and your name and return address on the back, so Santa knows where to send his reply. Parents and children who have low vision can opt-in to receive a large text reply from Santa by sending their letters to Santa Mail (large text), North Pole 9999. Santa Mail letters can be placed in any red street posting box, or a dedicated Santa Mail box in participating Post Offices, and families are encouraged to post letters before Thursday 26 November, so Santa can reply before loading up his sleigh. This year, Australia Post has also expanded Santa Mail with a new Santa letter kit available for $9.95. This includes an extra special response from Santa, stickers, bookmark and a 32-page activity book that will keep children entertained for hours with puzzles, a word find and many more activities. For further information on Santa Mail, including how to take part, letter writing tips, and the Santa Mail Tracker please visit auspost.com.au/santamail.

25.01.2022 Safe Work Month. It’s a month to think about work practicesBig and small, and about staying safe at work. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland says we all need to take the time to focus on our work health and safety whether that's taking the time to walk away from our desks and stretch to avoid back pain, prep healthy lunches for the week or taking a mental health day. ... For a full list of events during the month from @WorkSafeQueensland, visit bit.ly/35Sy0YP #SafeWorkMonth2020 provides an opportunity to consider and hopefully solve these challenges to make sure we go home safe to our families each night. There’s a series of workshops-completely free workplace e-health and safety events featuring expert speakers and panels across the month. Register at https://okt.to/I8REgt

21.01.2022 Telstra to Pay Back Over Charges. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has directed Telstra to comply with its billing accuracy obligations after an investigation found it had overcharged more than 10,000 customers a total of almost $2.5 million over a 12-year period. The overcharging, averaging of $231 per customer, occurred between February 2008 and February 2020 when customers were provided with an interim service, usually a mobile phone, during delays ...to their connection or repair of landline services. Telstra self-reported the issue to the ACMA and explained that the billing error resulted from mistakes made when introducing a new customer relationship management system in 2008. ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin says the errors were a clear breach of the Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) Code. The amount charged for an interim service must not exceed what a customer would have been charged under their existing or requested landline service. For Telstra to allow an issue like this to go unnoticed for such a long time and impact so many customers, is simply unacceptable. If telcos are relying on IT systems to meet their regulatory obligations then they must have appropriate testing and assurance processes in place to ensure compliance. She says Telstra also took the appropriate steps to address the issue including refunding affected customers and has committed to removing all ongoing charging for interim services to prevent the problem from occurring again.

21.01.2022 Police issue warning following QPS phone numbers used in scams Detectives from the Financial and Cyber Crime Group have issued a warning to Queensland residents about a scam using Queensland Police Service phone numbers to legitimise government or bank impersonation scams. Recent reports indicate the scammers are using a practice known as caller ID spoofing, where they inappropriately manipulate the telephone network to indicate the incoming call is from a different ... number (in these cases a QPS number). This scam involves you receiving a call from what appears to be a trusted or well-known government phone number and the caller impersonating an employee from the organisation (in this case a police officer) to legitimise the scam. The scammer threatens you in relation to an outstanding fine or fee, for example, a debt with the Australian Taxation Office or a warrant for your arrest or deportation. The scammer then demands a form of payment to prevent action against you. While this type of scam has been doing the rounds for some time, police are concerned this version of the scam using a QPS spoofed phone number has an additional layer which may result in more members of the community falling victim. Detective Acting Superintendent Vince Byrnes from the Financial and Cyber Crime Group urged Queensland residents to always be vigilant when receiving phone calls from people asking for money or personal details. Police, or any other legitimate government department or financial institution, will never call you and ask for your personal banking information or payments in gift cards, cryptocurrency or money transfers. It is important to take independent steps to verify a caller’s identity before providing any personal information or payments of any sort, irrespective of the phone number displayed, or who a caller claims to work for." Please make your own enquiries if you do receive a phone call from what appears to be a police station, take down the callers details, find a number yourself and dial it in, rather than returning a call you may have missed or were directed to. If you have received such a call and made a payment to a scammer, contact your financial institution immediately and report the matter to the Australian Cyber Security Centre ReportCyber. "If you did not lose any funds you can still report the incident to Scamwatch."

20.01.2022 Greater Brisbane Lockdown. Greater Brisbane heads into lock down for three days from 6 pm tonight. The trough restrictions come as authorities move swiftly to contain the spread of the mutant UK COVID-19 strain found after a city hotel quarantine worker tested positive.... Residents of Brisbane, Redlands, Logan, Ipswich and Moreton now go into lockdown from 6pm Friday to 6pm Monday. Under the lockdown residents must stay at home and only two visitors will be permitted to visit homes at any one time. People will be allowed leave their homes during the lock down period for four key reasons - essential work, health care, shopping and exercise in your local area. Masks will also be mandatory for anyone leaving their home. A child under 12 does not need to wear a mask. The Premier says the move is harsh but necessary with nine new coronavirus cases detected overnight and authorities warning that this UK strain is 70% more infectious than what we have seen in the past. We will do a very strong three-day lockdown. You will be allowed to go outside for ... to go to essential work ... you can leave home if you are providing healthcare or support for a vulnerable person ... essential shopping or to exercise in your local neighbourhood. Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young says we need to find every single case now and she urges people living in the Greater Brisbane region to avoid visiting the elderly, unless they were providing essential care.

19.01.2022 The Parliamentary Top Seats Begin to Fill The LNP has elected Gold Coast MP David Crisafulli, unopposed to be the Liberal National Party's leadership. Toowoomba South MP David Janetzki takes the Deputy leader role following a party room meeting today.... Mr Crisafulli is 41 years old, the father of two and a former journalist who grew up in Ingham and worked both there and in Townsville. He became the youngest person elected to Townsville City Council and was the member for the North Queensland-based electorate of Mundingburra from 2012 to 2015, during which time he also served as a Minister in the Newman Government.. He later moved to the South East and won the seat of Broadwater in 2017. Today he described himself as a ‘conviction Politician’. If something is good, I will be the first one to say we support it and we’ll back that, but by the same token, if something is wrong, I will be prepared to call it as such and will do it in a forceful manner. I won’t compromise my values." LNP deputy leader David Janetzki, says he’s honoured to take up the new role, describing it as a privilege. Mr Crisafulli says he will put his shadow Cabinet together in the coming days. Meantime the Premier has announced her Assistant Ministerial line up They are: Bart Mellish- Assistant Minister, with COVID Economic Recovery Charis Mullen-Assistant Minister for Treasury Julieanne Gilbert-Health Infrastructure. Nikki Boyd-Assistant Minister for Local Government. Brittany Lauga-Assistant Minister for Education Michael Healy- Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development. Lance McCallum- Assistant Minister for Hydrogen Development and the 50% Renewable Energy Target by 2030 Bruce Saunders- Assistant Minister for Train Manufacturing and Regional Roads

19.01.2022 Lock Down Explained. Brisbane will enter a three-day lockdown to stop the spread of the highly contagious UK strain of COVID-19. From 6pm tonight until 6pm Monday, people in the local government areas of Brisbane, Redlands, Moreton Bay, Ipswich and Logan will be required to stay at home except:...Continue reading

18.01.2022 Robbery appeal, Capalaba Police are appealing for information in relation to a robbery last Friday. The incident took place between 3pm and 3.15pm on Redland Bay Road in Capalaba, near the Ney Road intersection.... Police say a woman was getting into her car which was parked on her driveway, when she was assaulted by a man. A struggle occurred, which caused the woman to drop her purse. A second man took the purse and both men ran off towards Ney Road. The first man is described as olive complexion, around 175cm in height and of a slim build. He was wearing a beige hoodie with a cap over the top, black gloves, black sunglasses, blue jeans and canvas shoes. The second man was around 180cm tall and of a proportionate build, wearing a red hoodie, black gloves and blue jeans. He was carrying a possibly green and pink coloured scooter. Detectives from Cleveland Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) are investigating and asking anyone who witnessed the alleged incident or can identify the offenders to come forward. If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.

18.01.2022 Individuals Fund supports local artists and arts workers to expand skills Applications are now open for the Individuals Fund, providing financial support for Queensland-based artists and art workers to gain professional and career development opportunities. This year, the Individuals Fund has been re-shaped to offer a wider criteria to acknowledge the shift in development and delivery of arts product by including building digital skills, delivering digital work, and purchasin...g equipment. Funding of up to $7000 per applicant is available, including $1000 in equipment purchases, encouraging artists to expand their art, practice and professionalism. Expanded access to the Individuals Fund means that artists who do not have an ABN can still apply as part of an auspicing process, with a Queensland based arts or cultural organisation managing the application on the applicant’s behalf. The Individuals Fund is open until 28 March for projects commencing 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022. For more information: https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation//funding/individuals/fund

17.01.2022 Have Your Say Redland City Council is inviting feedback on its new draft corporate plan: Our Future Redlands A Corporate Plan to 2026 and Beyond. It is also looking for feedback on its plans for the Southern Thornlands Potential Future Growth Area... On the Corporate Plan, Mayor Karen Williams says the draft corporate plan outlines Redland City Council’s priorities for the next five years. Unlike previous corporate plans, the draft Our Future Redlands also sets a long-term vision and goals to 2041.The new draft plan has been informed by what our community has told us is important. We have a draft corporate plan and now we want to hear from the community on whether we have it right, with the final plan to include revisions based on what we hear back from the community. Consultation closes on 11 November 2020. Go to Council’s Your Say site https://yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/ for a copy of the plan and other information, including an online survey that can be completed. Those that participate go into the draw for one of five $100 gift cards. Meantime Council is also seeking community input for its Southern Thornlands Potential Future Growth Area. Mayor Williams says the land has been the subject of almost 20 years of planning and community debate, disrupted by changing directions. The State Government previously included part of the area in the urban footprint, which would have seen the area used for residential development. But this decision was then reversed, with the State Government then nominating it as a Potential Future Growth Area and directing Council to undertake planning investigations to determine the preferred future use of the area. Council has been firm that this area should be used for jobs, not small lot housing and so we have developed a plan to reflect this commitment. The proposals include areas for mixed industry and business, intensive horticulture, education, training and recreation, a transport precinct, storage and larger home-based industry enterprise activities. Cr Williams said Council had also drawn a line in the sand by clearly stating that land not used for economic uses should only be used for larger rural living blocks (i.e., with a minimum lot size of 1 hectare) and not small lot housing. For more information about the Southern Thornlands Potential Future Growth Area, and to have your say on the draft proposals for preferred future land uses, visit the project’s page on Council’s Your Say site: https://yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/.

16.01.2022 Border restrictions eased This Week What you need to know Queensland border restrictions have now eased, allowing all Queensland residents to travel to the defined New South Wales border zone and return into Queensland. Police want to remind everyone of what the new restrictions now mean.... From 1am, yesterday,(Thursday, October 1), the defined New South Wales border zone has been extended to include further New South Wales Local Government Areas (LGAs): The New South Wales border zone (PDF) has been extended The Queensland border zone no longer exists Queensland residents can travel anywhere in the New South Wales border zone for any purpose New South Wales border zone residents can travel anywhere in Queensland for any purpose. Click Here: https://www.health.qld.gov.au//map-border-zones-qld-border The remainder of New South Wales and the state of Victoria remain declared COVID-19 hotspots and are closed to people travelling via road, unless an exception applies, or the individual has been granted an exemption by the Chief Health Officer (CHO). Queensland residents intending on travelling within the New South Wales border zone and re-entering Queensland, will need to apply for the updated ‘X’ pass, also known as ‘Border Zone Resident Declaration Pass’. The eased border restrictions also include, New South Wales border zone residents who have not travelled to a declared COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days, to travel anywhere in Queensland for any purpose. Providing false information on the declaration or entering Queensland unlawfully could result in a $4,003 fine or a notice to appear in court. Anyone with information about potential breaches of the Queensland COVID-19 Border Direction should report the matter online or call Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. For more information including questions and answers about the new restrictions click here https://www.qld.gov.au//public-health-/border-restrictions.

16.01.2022 The Local Impacts. Brisbane will enter a three-day lockdown to stop the spread of the highly contagious UK strain of COVID-19From 6pm tonight until 6pm Monday, people in the local government areas of Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Redlands and Logan will be required to stay at home. Here’s Mayor Karen Williams.... https://www.facebook.com/RedlandCouncil/videos/722166385392491 Further restrictions include: No more than two visitors to the household per day (in addition to anyone else currently staying in the household), excluding care workers or volunteers All businesses that can remain open must adhere to one person per 4 square metres with maximum of 20 to 50 with COVID Safe or Industry Plan Restaurants and cafes to provide takeaway service only Cinemas, entertainment and recreation venues, gyms etc to close Places of worship to close Weddings involve a maximum of 10 people, including the celebrant and witnesses Funerals involve a maximum of 20 people Mandatory mask wearing anywhere outside of your home No visitors to aged care facilities, hospitals, disability accommodation services or correctional facilities. Here are the exceptions to lock down: Shopping for essentials, food and necessary supplies Medical or healthcare needs, including compassionate requirements Exercise with no more than one other person, unless all from the same household Providing care or assistance to an immediate family member Work, or volunteering, or study if it is not reasonably practicable to work or learn remotely Child custody arrangements Legal obligations Visit for end of life Attend funeral or wedding in line with restrictions For more information, please visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/.../curr.../greater-brisbane-lockdown

16.01.2022 A Very Redlands Christmas Redlands Coast is set to ring in a COVID-safe Christmas with a fun-filled five-day community festive celebration in December. Redland City Council will host its’ Christmas on the Coast festivities again this year and will combine the annual lighting of the city’s Christmas tree and community carols events into a five-day ticketed celebration from Wednesday 16 December to Sunday 20 ... December at Cleveland’s Raby Bay Harbour Park. Mayor Karen Williams says this year’s celebration doubled as a special thank you to residents for the exceptional way they overcame the challenges presented by this year’s pandemic. While COVID restrictions affected mass events such as Christmas by Starlight, Council believed that this year, more than ever, our residents needed something special where they could get into the spirit of the holiday season in a COVID-safe way. As a five-day festival, it will also give our local traders and suppliers a much-needed boost after such a tough year and help us all to recover from the coronavirus’s impact on our community with some great family entertainment, fun and food. From 4.30pm to 8.30pm on each day of Christmas on the Coast, there will be live stage entertainment by some of our finest local talent, children’s rides and family activities, along with the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree, movies in the park and a boutique Christmas market complete with food vendors. The Mayor says features include a traditional carousel, inflatable jumping castles and the kids will even be able to get a socially distanced photo with Santa. There will also be an ‘ice-skating’ rink at the park next to the event for use during the day and evening, To meet COVID safety requirements, bookings are essential, with each evening restricted to 1500 people. Tickets are $5 per person or $15 per family (12 years and under free) and include free train travel to and from the event. Tickets for ‘ice-skating’ are sold separately online. Council is currently calling for expressions for interest from Redlands Coast local performing artists and market stallholders who want to be part of the event, so please check our website for details. Proceeds from event tickets will help some of the most vulnerable in our community with the proceeds of ticket sales supporting local charities such as domestic and family violence support services. Christmas on the Coast When: 4.30pm-8.30pm, Wednesday 16 Sunday 20 December 2020 Where: Raby Bay Harbour Park, Shore Street West, Cleveland Tickets: $5 per person or $15 per family (12 years and under FREE) PIC: Santa with Mayor Karen Williams, Sophia Ross and Carter Brown (in sleigh) at Raby Bay Harbour Park.

15.01.2022 Be Bright About Christmas Lights Nothing says Christmas like a sparkly strand of decorative lights and Ergon Energy is encouraging everyone to remain electrically safe when stringing them in the coming weeks. Area Manager Graham Burke says dangers ranging from electric shocks to house fires are a real risk, which can easily be avoided by following a few safety procedures when you’re installing powered Christmas decorations.... Ultimately Christmas lights and powered decorations are electrical appliances and, like any appliance, if they’re used incorrectly or they’re faulty, they can be dangerous, So before plugging them in check for signs of obvious damage, such as frayed cords and exposed wires. If you’re satisfied they’re in good condition, plug them in and stay with them for five or more minutes to check that concealed or less obvious faults aren’t at play and there’s no burning smell or damage occurring, such as melting insulation. Mr Burke also says we need to make sure any powered decorations you’re using on the outside of your property have been manufactured to withstand the elements. Quality decorations should always specify if they’re built for indoor or outdoor use. Of course, using outdoor lights inside the home is perfectly fine, but never use lights built for indoor use outdoors because they are not water-resistant and can deteriorate, quickly becoming a hazard. Christmas is about spending quality time with loved ones and you want to keep them safe by following a few simple precautions.

15.01.2022 Firearms Oversight Committee Established Queensland Police have established a Firearms Oversight Committee. They say the group has been established to ensure Balance between community safety and public interest with the rights of firearms applicants and licence holders.... The committee is coordinating the implementation of all 13 recommendations from a Queensland Audit Office (QAO) report into the regulation of firearms in Queensland. The QAO report identified the QPS could regulate the acquisition, possession, use and disposal of registered firearms more effectively. The QPS is addressing the recommendations across three key themes of deciding who can access firearms, monitoring firearm licence holders, and regulating dealers and firearm movements. Committee chair Deputy Commissioner Tracy Linford says the QAO recommendations largely relate to opportunities previously identified by the QPS, with a number of projects already commenced to renew processes and systems. Finding the necessary balance between community safety and the rights of the lawful firearm owning community will continue to be the focus of the QPS as action items are implemented and assessed. It is important to acknowledge the ongoing commitment of the QPS to enhance the service Weapons Licensing delivers to the community. The community can have confidence that the work is well under way and over time will provide a better framework for all stakeholders.

14.01.2022 Bring on Your Artistic Talent Redland Art Gallery has put out a call for local artists, curators, performers and workshop facilitators. The gallery was seeking expressions of interest for involvement in exhibitions, workshops and events from 2021 through to 2024.... Redland City Mayor Karen Williams says one of the gallery’s key priorities is nurturing local arts and culture and supporting the representation of Redlands Coast’s diverse culture and heritage. Every year the gallery invites artists, both individuals and groups, and curators to submit a proposal for an exhibition. At the moment the gallery is inviting expressions of interest for 2022 to 2024. There is also a callout for facilitators of arts workshops for children and teens throughout 2021, normally during the school holidays. The workshops can encompass anything from drawing, digital media, printmaking and weaving through to dance, singing, jewellery making and photography. The gallery is also looking for performers to add to its database. We encourage all interested parties to have a look at the criteria for each of the areas and to read the gallery’s policies and conditions. Expressions of interest close in late November. Pic: Artistic Endeavour will be on display at RAG Cleveland from 13 December: Anne Hayes, Banksia serrata, old man banksia, gabiirr (Guugu Yimithirr) 2017, watercolour on paper, 63 x 45 cm. Image courtesy of the artist.

13.01.2022 Coastal Hazard Strategy Input Redland City Council is inviting the community to visit its Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy (CHAS) project webpage to view the community survey results and an update on the project. The CHAS is a city-wide strategy for the city’s coastline and islands that will assess the vulnerability of infrastructure, assets, and property to coastal hazards.... It will also recommend actions for adapting to the challenges now and into the future. Mayor Karen Williams says the project update followed Council’s community survey in June 2020. Community members will be able to download a project fact sheet that provides an update on the strategy’s progress to date and provide their feedback, if they wish. Cr Williams, who also chairs the project’s steering committee, says that due to COVID-19 restrictions, engagement activities would be held online via the project’s page on Council’s Your Say website until further notice. It is important that we all work together to help keep everyone safe during these times, and I encourage community members to visit the project’s page to submit any questions or comments via the ‘Ask a Question’ tab. By reading the updated information, the community can see the strategy’s development so far and the work being done on Council’s comprehensive plan to assist current and future climate adaptation work. The CHAS is scheduled for completion in early 2021 and community members would have an opportunity to provide feedback on the final draft CHAS in November this year. To see the update, new September 2020 Project Update fact sheet, and to have your say, visit the project’s page at yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/CHAS

12.01.2022 Government backs skills boost for kindies Queensland kindies and early childhood services can now bid for grants from a $3 million pool to boost the skills of their staff as the State government rolls out its Plan Your Future Workforce Grants. The grants of up to $30,000 aim to allow services to plan for their future workforce needs, support educators to meet national qualification requirements, and assist with staff retention.... The grants will be prioritised for eligible kindergarten services without a qualified early childhood teacher, single or small service providers, and services within economically disadvantaged areas of Queensland. Funding can be used for paid study leave for educators, tutoring expenses, travel and accommodation costs for staff to complete their subjects or practicums, on computers and software, text books and e-books, and on professional development on leadership or building staff capability in inclusive practice of all children. Grant applications close on Friday, 12 March 2021 and the Education Department is holding information sessions by teleconference on the funding criteria and application process. For more information, visit https://earlychildhood.qld.gov.au//plan-your-future-workfo

11.01.2022 The Stars Are Out Redlands Coast residents will be on star alert for the next two weeks as filming starts on reality television show Holey Moley at Thornlands from this week. Redland City Mayor Karen Williams is encouraging the city to extend a warm welcome to the cast and crew, which includes popular presenter Sonia Kruger, Australian Olympian Matt Shirvington, American comedian/actor Rob Riggle and Australian golfer Greg Norman.... Filming on Holey Moley starts tonight, so if you’re lucky you might spot one of the stars at your local or buying a coffee. Holey Moley will provide an economic boost for our city, with contestants and stars staying in local accommodation during filming. Our restaurants and cafes will also benefit. Redlands Coast prides itself on being a film-friendly city, and this series provides an excellent opportunity for our naturally wonderful region and community to shine. Sonia Kruger will host the show, with Matt Shirvington and Rob Riggle sharing commentary duties. Greg Norman will be resident golf pro of the course. Eureka Productions is filming Holey Moley at a custom-built miniature golf course at Thornlands and has implemented COVID-safe plans so Redlands Coast residents can be in the audience. Division 7 Councillor Rowanne McKenzie says she's thrilled that local residents were able to be part of the Holey Moley experience. This is an amazing opportunity for local families to take part in a free family-friendly event which is sure to be a lot of fun.

11.01.2022 More Movies. Raby Bay Foreshore Park and a nearby canal residence were the latest Redlands Coast locations to be selected for new NBC Universal television series Young Rock. Redland City Mayor Karen William says the filming took place at Sentinel Court, Raby Bay and a private home as part of the US series about the life of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson....Continue reading

11.01.2022 Road Map Out of Restrictions. The State Government has launched au updated plan to ease COVID-19 restrictions during October, November and December. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the new roadmap gives more certainty to the community and businesses through to the end of this year by outlining monthly easing of restrictions including increasing gatherings in public spaces, unseated drinking and eating, dancing at weddings and removing some border restrictions.... From 4pm today, Queenslanders will be able to celebrate this achievement by getting a drink or a meal out without having to be seated. Stage 4 of the Roadmap started at 1am on 1 October by extending the Northern NSW border zone and moving Queenslanders outside, where a Summertime Taskforce will also be established to identify more outdoor opportunities. Unseated drinking and eating will come into effect from 4pm 2 October. If there is no unlinked community transmission in NSW for 28 days, Stage 5 could start from 1am 1 November and will see the Queensland border open up to NSW visitors and return travellers, while also increasing public gatherings to 40 people, permitting unseated drinking and eating at venues with a COVID Safe Plan and allowing up to 40 people to dance at a wedding with a COVID Safe Plan. Stage 6, anticipated from 1am 1 December, will see public gatherings increase to 50 people, increased attendances at outdoor events and no restrictions on people dancing at weddings. The Queensland border will remain closed to Victoria until community transmission is under control.

10.01.2022 COVID Affect Your Club? Applications are now open for Council grants to help Redlands Coast community and sporting groups which are still feeling the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Redland City Mayor Karen Williams says the $400,000 funding pool would support local community organisations and their members as they recovered from the pandemic.... We know there are still groups within our community struggling due to the pandemic and so we surveyed them to see how our grants program can best support their needs., Based on this feedback the 2020-21 Community Grants Program has been revised to ensure it helps our local community groups do what they do best support our residents. Grants up to $5000 will be available in two categories Organisation Support (Sustainability) and Capital Infrastructure (Maintenance). The Sustainability grants aim to help community organisations and sporting clubs to stabilise and continue to operate over the following 12 month period, The grants can be used to pay regular bills or operational costs, fund financial or strategic planning assistance, or for initiatives to increase membership. Maintenance grants will help organisations address urgent building compliance work for community facilities to meet relevant laws and codes. This could include minor structural repairs, pest management, fire safety and emergency equipment, or disability access. Cr Williams says eligible organisations were welcome to apply for both grants. Applications for the 2020-21 Community Grants Program open today (15 February) and close on 28 March 2021. Eligible items for Organisation Support (Sustainability) Grants include: Payment of regular rates and other bills Financial and strategic planning assistance (including accounting, business consultancy, legal services, human resources services and other business specific advisers) Day to day operational costs (including staff wages, rent and insurances) Initiatives designed to increase membership (including incentive programs, direct mail and other advertising) Eligible items for Capital Infrastructure (Maintenance) Grants include: Electrical infrastructure Disability access and associated issues Fire safety and emergency equipment Replacement of residual-current devices (RCDs) Minor structural repairs Pest management Renewal of Asbestos Management Plans (AMPs) For information on eligibility criteria and how to apply for either of the grants, visit the online application portal on Redland City Council’s website.

10.01.2022 Monday Lockdown End Not Certain. There have now been no new cases of COVID 19 recorded in Queensland since Thursday with another 24 hours of no cases recorded. And while Chief medical Officer Dr Janette Young says she is relieved, she adds it is too early to celebrate and she has refused to confirm the greater Brisbane Lockdown will be lifted tomorrow at 6 pm as originally planned.... We will be updating you again tomorrow at 9am. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirms no new cases in the 24 hours to this morning and says there are 20 cases active in the state. The Premier also says there’s been a great response to testing, with more than 19,000 tests conducted in the 24 hours to Sunday morning. The 147 close contacts of the cleaner who tested positive for the mutant UK strain of the virus after working in hotel quarantine at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Brisbane are have now all been identified and are in quarantine. Authorities’ say 112 of them have tested negative and results are pending for the reminder. New public health alerts in the past 24 hours include orders for anyone who had visited Coles at Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown on January 5, 7.30am-8am, or Woolworths Calamvale North on January 3, 11am-noon to get tested and quarantine for 14 days. Alerts are also current for places visited by a COVID-positive woman, who travelled into Brisbane and onto the Sunshine Coast while infected with the UK strain. Queensland Health urges anyone who has symptoms and visited the Cappriccios Italian Pizza Restaurant at Malaney while getting takeaway and waiting outside on January 6, between 6.30pm and 7pm, to get tested. They also call for people who visited Purple Palate Cellars at Malaney between 4.15pm and 4.25pm on January 7 as well as the Maleny Woolworths supermarket on the same day between 4.30pm and 4.50pm to get tested. In another alert, Queensland Health has advised of viral fragments of COVID-19 found at a wastewater treatment plant at Redcliffe on Friday. They are urging people in Clontarf, Deception Bay, Kippa-Ring, Margate, Newport, Redcliffe, Rothwell, Scarborough and Woody Point to get tested and isolate if feeling unwell.

08.01.2022 Missing 12yo girl, Birkdale Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a 12-year-old Birkdale girl missing since September 28. The girl is known to use public transport and travel to locations such as the City, South Brisbane, Woodridge and the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.... Police hold concerns for her safety and wellbeing due to her age. She is described as Aboriginal, approximately 165cms tall, with a solid build, long brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a purple jumper, black adidas track pants and black thongs. Anyone who has seen the girl or has any information in relation to her current whereabouts, is urged to contact police (details below). If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.

07.01.2022 Parks Improved. New play spaces and equipment are being installed across Redlands Coast’s parks and playgrounds asnfd Redland City Council is working with the clock to aim to reopen for the summer school holidays. The renovations were part of a $13.8 million budgeted program for parks, open space and conservation this financial year.... Redland City Mayor Karen Williams says some of these works are part of larger staged park projects that will see improvements to facilities for a cross section of visitors. They include not only new play equipment, but in some cases half courts, picnic facilities, fitness equipment, barbecues and shade sails. A renewal project was completed last month at Denham Boulevard Park in Redland Bay. It included the replacement of playground equipment, the installation of new rubber and sand softfall, and landscape features such as sandstone blocks, a sandstone play feature, topsoil and turf. Current park improvement projects include: Liner Street Park, Wellington Point. Work includes the installation of new play equipment such as a net climbing unit and double swing, a table setting, sandstone seating, a new water bubbler and landscaping. Work is anticipated to finish early December (weather permitting). Raby Esplanade Park, Ormiston. Stage 2 includes the installation of an outdoor ping pong table, upgrade of the basketball half court with a multi-sport half court and goals, a new barbecue, drinking fountain, renewal of existing bollards, a new shelter with picnic facilities and connecting paths, additional car parking and shade sails over playground equipment. Construction is expected to finish mid-December (weather permitting). Sandalwood Street Corridor, Thornlands. This project includes the creation of a new play and park space with the installation of a play unit, track ride, double springer seesaw, double swing, climbing hut, a shelter with table setting, sandstone blocks, shade sail and a water bubbler. Work is hoped to finish late December (weather permitting). Plantation Place Park, Wellington Point. The refurbishment includes replacing the play unit with rope nets, slide, double swing and interactive play panels, along with an upgrade to the bike track to include safety elements for learner riders, and new seating. Construction is expected to be completed late February 2021 (weather permitting).

05.01.2022 $110m locked in for Cleveland Redland Bay Road The State Government has announced a further $40 million for priority upgrades to Cleveland Redland Bay Road. Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey joined Member for Redlands Kim Richards on the election trial today to make the announcement while inspecting roadworks currently underway at the Anita Street intersection.... This additional $40 million will allow us to continue the duplication into Thornlands. We’ve already got shovels in the ground on Cleveland Redland Bay Road upgrades and this extra $40 million means will be able to extend that four-laning even further, alongside $9.1 million locked in for the Serpintine Creek Road intersection and another $500,000 to plan for the Boundary Road intersection. Ms Richards says the booming population in Redlands was expected to reach almost 200,000 by 2041, meaning funding on the road was vitally important.

05.01.2022 Time to clean up the Yard-But. With the pre-storm season yard clean up now upon us here’s a timely warning from Ergon Energy. They’re reminding tree trimmers to be aware of overhead powerlines.... Community Safety Manager Aaron Smith says 77 electrical safety incidents involving vegetation management last financial year should serve as a powerful warning. We’ve seen potentially deadly incidents where tree branches and bamboo have contacted powerlines while being pruned, creating an electrical hazard and cutting power to the neighbourhood. "Don’t put your life or someone else’s at risk if there is overgrown vegetation near the service wire that runs to your home or on the footpath near overhead powerlines, consult a professional tree trimmer. Similarly, we’re urging home gardeners not to take shortcuts where powerlines are involved call a professional for your own safety.

04.01.2022 Coochie Erosion Plan Redland City Council has adopted the Coochiemudlo Island Shoreline Erosion Management Plan (SEMP), which outlines its strategy to manage current and future erosion risks. Mayor Karen Williams says the development of the SEMP allowed Council to obtain a detailed technical understanding of the island’s coastal processes and opened an avenue for community engagement.... Importantly, the SEMP recommends a number of management options for Council to protect the sub-tropical island from coastal erosion. The principal recommendation is for post-storm beach nourishment across the island to help accelerate the natural recovery process and provide a buffer against future coastal hazards. Other recommendations include implementing an ongoing beach monitoring program, vegetation and stormwater management, formalising beach access, and sustainably relocating dredged sand. It highlights the underlying causes of shoreline erosion through an assessment of the coastal processes occurring on the foreshore and a consideration of the island’s environmental, cultural and economic values. Home to hundreds of residents and an abundance of native wildlife, Coochiemudlo Island is a special part of Redlands Coast and is surrounded by an Emerald Fringe, a natural green belt containing within it woodlands, caves, beaches and wetlands. Like all islands it is subject to shoreline erosion which studies have shown is primarily linked to storm events. Division 4 Councillor Lance Hewlett says Council would continue to update the community on the progress of implementing the SEMP’s recommended actions. For more information and to read the Coochiemudlo Island SEMP, visit Council’s Your Say page. https://yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/Coochiemudlo-Island-Shor

04.01.2022 Update: Homicide investigation, Wynnum Detectives have charged a 24-year-old man following investigations into a suspicious death at Wynnum earlier this week. Just after midday on Wednesday, January 6, police were called to a Ronald Street residence where a 45-year-old man was located deceased.... Investigations suggest the man died as a result of significant head injuries earlier on Wednesday morning. A 24-year-old Mount Gravatt man was arrested today and charged with murder. He is due to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday, January 11. If you have information for police, contact Policelink

04.01.2022 Power in Opinion. The Queensland Government-owned electricity companies are calling on the community to help shape the future of the state’s energy industry. Ergon Energy and Energex, as part of Energy Queensland, along with Powerlink are seeking participants in the Queensland Household Energy Survey, which is the largest of its kind in Australia, to gain an in-depth insight into Queenslanders’ changing electricity needs.... The input will help Queensland’s electricity distribution and transmission companies plan for the industry’s rapidly evolving future. CEO of Energy Queensland, Rod Duke says in the past, the annual survey had provided valuable information that is now being used to plan for the next generation power network. Previous survey respondents have clearly shown that Queenslanders are very keen to adopt new technology, such as home energy management systems, smart home assistants, electric vehicles and solar PV just to name a few. This includes developing new power tariffs, building a network that accommodates their needs and ensuring we’re providing services that remain relevant to everyone’s requirements. The companies say the survey’s annual insights on emerging technologies, particularly in storage and energy management systems, help to deliver better solutions for the future. Queenslanders keen on having their say on the future of the state’s electricity industry can participate in the survey and have the chance to win one of ten $100 gift cards by logging onto : https://bit.ly/2JcNiyz .

03.01.2022 Macleay Island Crime Wrap Here’s the latest update from Police on the Island. Good order offence... On Thursday, September 3, Macleay Island Police investigated a disturbance at a licensed premise. As a result, a 25-year-old Macleay Island man was charged with public nuisance. He will appear in the Cleveland Magistrates Court on October 1. A 52-year-old Karragarra Island man was charged with public nuisance. He will appear in the Cleveland Magistrates on October 13. A 20-year-old Macleay Island man was charged with public nuisance. He will appear in the Cleveland Magistrates Court on October 10. A 19-year-old Macleay Island man was charged with public nuisance. He will appear in the Cleveland Magistrates Court on October 8. All persons that were allegedly involved are now banned from the premises. Traffic Macleay Island Police investigated three non-injury traffic crash incidents. On September 7, a 74-year-old Macleay Island man was issued an infringement notice for driving with a recently expired licence. On September 19, a 44-year-old Macleay Island man was charged with driving whilst over the general alcohol limit. He will appear in the Cleveland Magistrates Court on October 19. On September 27, a 17-year-old boy was issued an infringement notice for driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle. Macleay Island Police issued six infringement notices for offences of speeding and parking. Domestic violence Macleay Island Police have investigated six domestic violence incidents.

03.01.2022 Missing 15yo Alexandra Hills girl Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a 15-year-old Alexandra Hills girl. The girl was last seen on September 24 leaving the family home and is possibly in the company of two other teenage girls.... It is believed the girl may be frequenting the West End, South Brisbane and City areas. Police and family hold concern for her safety and wellbeing. She is described as Caucasian, approximately 170cms tall with a slim build and shoulder length black hair. Anyone who has seen the girl or has any information in relation to her current whereabouts is urged to contact police (details below). If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.

02.01.2022 Smart Bus Hits The Road at Raby Bay The RACQ Smart Shuttle is now taking passengers along Raby Bay streets as phase two of the Redlands Coast Smart Mobility trial goes live. In a joint initiative between the RACQ and Redland City Council, the small driverless bus that travelled the quiet streets of Karragarra Island earlier this year has now moved to the more challenging traffic environment of Raby Bay.... Mayor Karen Williams says the smart shuttle would provide free public transport for up to six passengers at a time during off-peak hours, to minimise disruption. The automated vehicle (AV) will be travelling between Raby Bay Harbour and Raby Bay Foreshore Park a route not serviced by traditional public transport from 9am-3pm Wednesdays to Fridays and 10am-3pm on weekends. The trial will provide the public transport option until June 2021. The shuttle has been ‘mapped’ to follow a set route, using sophisticated sensors for navigation and detection lasers to identify obstacles and ensure safe stopping and slowing. The Mayor says a chaperone will always be on board the RACQ Smart Shuttle to assist passengers, the bus really does drive itself and reaches up to 20 KPH. Pic: At the bus stop: RACQ Head of Public Policy Dr Rebecca Michael, Redland City Mayor Karen Williams, Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell and Acting Senior Sergeant Chris Hale, Cleveland Police Station.