Council welcomes state election commitments on local projects

Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell has acknowledged and welcomed the current government’s election commitment to invest an extra $80 million towards parking facilities at Weinam Creek.

The Mayor said the election announcement of $80 million in additional funding for a multi-level Park ‘n’ Ride within the Weinam Creek Priority Development Area (PDA) was in addition to $15 million the Government had previously committed to the Redland Bay project.

The announcement followed a raft of others for Redlands Coast, including a commitment to deliver a business case for the extension of the Eastern Metro Busway to Capalaba, extend the 50 cent public transport fare to Coochiemudlo Island, and 118 new social and affordable housing on Redlands Coast including 43 new social housing units already contracted.

The Mayor said several of the election commitments were in line with priorities Redland City Council was asking all parties and candidates to commit to in the lead up to the state election.

“These announcements are very welcome. We understand they are election commitments and welcome them as a response to our election priorities,” she said.

“We are seeking strong support from all parties to seriously consider the needs of our local area and work with Council to fund solutions.”

In the lead up to the 26 October state election, Council is asking all parties to commit to 10 key priorities should they win Government.

Redland City Council’s election priorities are:

Weinam Creek transport connectivityRedlands Coast islands liveabilityBrisbane Metro network extensionHousing for vulnerable communitiesToondah Harbour port infrastructureUtilisation of state-owned facilitiesWellington Street / Panorama Drive upgradesCommunity residence planning regulationsClarity for Native Title processLocal health services aligned with population growth

The Mayor said that in the meantime, Council was progressing works within the Weinam Creek PDA with the construction of a temporary carpark and a new recreational boat ramp, the conversion of an area for boat trailer parking and the installation of new bus stops and shelters.

She said these works, which were occurring throughout September and October, would enhance the transport hub for users.

“We are working towards a solution,” she said.

“The phased redevelopment of the Weinam Creek PDA is not only about transforming it into a vibrant waterfront precinct but also into an effective transport hub and gateway to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI).

“This includes more carparks for island commuters.”

The Mayor said she encouraged SMBI commuters to familiarise themselves with the changes that would be in place during the new works.

“From the end of October, the existing boat ramp will be for exclusive use by emergency services,” she said.

“This will improve emergency response times to the SMBI and ease pressure on parking close to the ferry terminal.”

Division 5 Councillor Shane Rendalls welcomed the progress of current works within the Weinam Creek PDA.

“Council is working toward improving parking at the Weinam Creek PDA and temporary interruptions are to be expected and we appreciate everyone’s patience,” he said.

“The overall outcome will certainly be worth it.”

Works ongoing at Weinam Creek PDA:

Council has already delivered more than 500 new parking spaces within the Moores Road carpark to help reduce parking pressures.To facilitate the next stage of works, from Friday 20 September the northern section of the Moores Road carpark will be closed, and a temporary carpark will be available in Banana Street which will have 141 parking spaces.Works will then start to convert the northern section of the Moores Road carpark into about 40 boat trailer parking spaces that will provide access to the new recreational boat ramp being constructed at the southern end of Weinam Creek.The new boat trailer parking spaces are expected to be complete by 30 October and the new three-lane recreational boat ramp is expected to open for public use from 31 October.Two new bus stops and shelters in Meissner Street are also expected to be completed by the end of October.

Project updates for the Weinam Creek PDA are available on Council’s website at yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/weinam-creek