SUPPORT TO PROTECT COOCHIE

Coochiemudlo Island is the hidden gem of Redlands Coast.

This beautiful piece of paradise has the closest sandy bush beaches to Brisbane and is just a 10-minute boat ride from Victoria Point. The island’s ‘Emerald Fringe’, a natural green zone that encircles the island, is rich in diverse birdlife and its Indigenous past. Something that sets Coochiemudlo Island apart is the fact the entire foreshore is public land reserved for recreation and conservation.

Protecting it is the passion of the local volunteers who make up Coochiemudlo Island Coastcare. Working as part of the national network of Coastcare organisations around Australia, they help with issues such as shoreline erosion, plastic pollution and turtle death, loss of native flora and fauna, rehabilitation of degraded areas, storm- water pollution and protection of sensitive habitats. You’ll find them picking up litter around the foreshore, replanting beach spinifex and re-profiling dunes, restoring native habitat, monitoring wildlife and removing invasive weeds. They actively work with Redland City Council and other levels of government, Traditional Owners and other agencies to protect and enhance their island home.

I am delighted that Council granted Coochiemudlo Island Coastcare Inc $5000 from our 2022/23 Capital Infrastructure Community Grants program to assist with site development and stage one construction of its Environmental Hub. The Hub will provide storage for work equipment including two trailers, as well as a community space for meeting, training and sharing of environmental knowledge. The Environmental Hub will be a wonderful

Victoria Point schools pitch in

Council puts much effort into programs that help protect our precious environment. One such program is the environmental education program Council sponsors with Tangalooma EcoMarines, a not-forprofit organisation delivering programs to schools that educate students on a variety of environmental messages empowering them to become conservation leaders in their community. EcoMarines offers mentoring to student ambassadors, who lead environmental activities or challenges within their school and local community

To Protect

our

Environment

to raise awareness and advocate for the protection of the environment.

It is wonderful to see St Rita’s Primary School and Victoria Point state primary and high schools are part of the 2023 program. The schools are among six new Redlands Coast schools signed up to participate in the environmental program. I’m proud Council is helping to increase awareness on the importance of waste reduction, improved recycling behaviour, and inspiring young people to care for our naturally wonderful Redlands Coast.

addition to Coochiemudlo Island and will support the important work of Coastcare. The grant coincided with Coochiemudlo Island Coastcare’s 10th birthday celebrations, which also marked the anniversary and recovery from a devastating storm surge caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald in 2013.

New waste centre hours

Redland City Council has extended the opening hours for Coochiemudlo Island Recycling and Waste Centre, opening an extra six hours a week.

The new hours are from 10am to 2pm on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The centre is closed Tuesdays and Thursdays. The recycling and waste centre, at 47-49 Elizabeth Street, is closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Cr Mark Edwards

Division 5: Redland Bay and Southern

Moreton Bay Islands

Ph: 3829 8604 M: 0407 695 667

E: mark.edwards@redland.qld.gov.au