New group meets to discuss active travel across Redlands Coast

The Redlands Coast Active Travel Reference Group has held its first meeting, bringing together representatives from Council, relevant organisations and the community.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said group members would work with Council officers and contribute their expertise and local knowledge about all modes of active travel across Redlands Coast.

“This new reference group will help Council engage with local stakeholders and community groups to identify and address initiatives that promote and improve active travel options and participation,” she said.

“Council is serious about active travel. It is one of the top priorities of the Redlands Coast Transport Strategy and is a catalyst project in the Our Future Redlands – A Corporate Plan to 2026 and Beyond.

“Active travel can help to improve community connectivity, health and wellbeing, and can also help to reduce the burden of parking and transport infrastructure dominated by cars.

“We are looking to the new group members’ advocacy and passion to help drive and support active travel and transport infrastructure and innovation.

“This group was formed following an open expression of interest process for community members, and I am very pleased it will include genuine input from those most directly affected – our community.”

The first meeting was attended by representatives from Council’s Transport Planning Unit, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Walks, Bicycle Queensland, Minjerribah and Tattersalls Cycling Clubs, RACQ, Sharks Triathlon Club and five community members.

It included a briefing on upcoming active transport projects for Redlands Coast, a background on end-of-trip facilities at transport nodes and schools, and a presentation on e-scooters. The latter two items will be discussed further at the next meeting.

Group chairperson and Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said he was very happy with the cross section of membership, with representatives from many active transport backgrounds and expertise.

“This group of highly skilled and motivated individuals has been formed from the community itself, and out of a strong community demand for safer and more connected active travel options,” Cr Mitchell said.

“It builds upon the past good work done by bicycle advocacy groups but broadens the input to include that from walkers, and people with disability and personal mobility devices.

“There is a shared vision that everyone has the right to travel how they chose and to do it safely, legally and respectfully of other road and path users.

“The naturally wonderful Redlands Coast has some strong active travel bones, but it is both timely and necessary to double down on infrastructure and education to realise the vision of a pedestrian-friendly city and lifestyle that is the envy of Australia.

“I am looking forward to collaborating with the team to help Council get our active travel projects and resourcing just right.”

The group will initially meet every two months and then on an ‘as needs’ basis.

For more information on the Redlands Coast Active Travel Reference Group, visit Redland City Council’s Transport planning webpage.