Council advocacy brings massive benefits

COUNCIL ADVOCACY BRINGS MASSIVE BENEFITS

RESULT: Cr Lance Hewlett at Victoria Point's Anita Street intersection, soon to get traffic signals as part of the duplication of a 2km stretch of Cleveland - Redland Bay Road. He is pictured with Redlands MP Kim Richards.

The duplication of a 2km stretch of Cleveland-Redland Bay Road is under way to improve the daily commute through Victoria Point, and safety for road users and pedestrians.

Division 4 Councillor Lance Hewlett said Council advocacy on behalf of the local community had been critical in securing the State Government’s investment in widening the busy section of the main link between Cleveland and the southern Redlands Coast.

Work on the second stage of the $60 million State Government project, already under way, is part of a package of significant infrastructure projects for Redlands Coast, with Council continuing to advocate for much-needed improvements to state-controlled roads.

“This is something Council and I have been working on for some time as a means to significantly reduce traffic issues in this area,” Cr Hewlett said.

“It will have massive benefits for southern Redlands Coast residents through improving safety and traffic flow for commuters, both in cars and on public transport.

“I’m also thrilled that we will get the traffic signals at the Anita Street intersection … another pressing need that we have been seeking for years. “Council has long advocated for a multi-functional corridor which safely and efficiently caters for all road users, including motorists, public transport, cyclists and pedestrians. This will deliver that.”

The project includes the duplication – or four-laning - of Cleveland-Redland Bay Road from Anita Street heading north, including the intersection upgrade at Anita Street, with the State Government expecting it to create about 100 jobs.

Work is under way upgrading the stretch between the Boundary Road roundabout and Magnolia Parade, along with preparations for the duplication.

The Anita Street intersection upgrade will also include a pedestrian crossing, upgraded footpath and better provisions for cyclists, making access to the bus stop north of the intersection safer.

“Traffic control may be in place during early works, so please drive to the road conditions and follow all road signs,” Cr Hewlett said.

It comes after an additional $15 million was locked in recently by the Queensland Government as part of a $400 million COVID-19 roads stimulus package, bringing the total investment on Cleveland-Redland Bay Road to $60 million.

Cr Lance Hewlett

Division 4: Victoria Point and Coochiemudlo Island

Ph: 3829 8603 M: 0421 880 371 E: lance.hewlett@redland.qld.gov.au

MAJOR MILESTONE NEARS FOR WEINAM CREEK PROJECT

MILESTONE: Redland City Mayor Karen Williams and Cr Mark Edwards mark the lowering of the connecting footbridge between the Weinam Creek ferry terminal and carpark.

Construction of Stage 1 of Redland City Council’s Weinam Creek Priority Development Area, which includes the new carpark on Moores Road, pathways and footbridge connecting to the ferry terminal, is nearing completion.

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the “final touches” to be made to the carpark on Moores Road would include the installation of permanent security cameras for public safety.

“We expect to have the carpark open for public use in September in what will be a substantial boost for Southern Moreton Bay Island residents and visitors,” Cr Edwards said.

“The addition of the new carparking on Moores Road is an integral part of the overall masterplan and will serve as overflow parking while works on the northern side of the creek commence.

“This is something that many people connected with the islands have been waiting for and it will also help to open Redland Bay and island communities to the increase in daytrippers that is likely as people holiday closer to home.”

Cr Edwards said the overall Weinam Creek masterplan would be submitted to Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) for assessment in the coming weeks, with works for improving Hamilton Street, Redland Bay, planned for next year.

“Once the overall masterplan has been lodged, it will be available for public consultation and for submissions to be made to EDQ,” Cr Edwards said.

“Further communication regarding the overall masterplan and this process will become available prior to the public consultation period.” The connecting footbridge between the ferry terminal and carpark, on the north and south sides of the Weinam Creek marina, was lowered into place in May in a move Cr Edwards said would make a big difference to the lives of residents.

“This footbridge and the additional 500 car parking will help to ease the congested parking situation at the ferry terminal, as well as removing congestion in local streets,” Cr Edwards said.

“Many residents have a car on the mainland as well as on the islands and this overflow parking area will be very convenient for longer-term parking, with an easy 5-10 minute walk over the footbridge to the ferry terminal.

“The Weinam Creek project will provide important community infrastructure for local families and retail options to attract visitors, as well as important community services such as medical facilities and employment opportunities.”

The staged development is being delivered in partnership with Redland Investment Corporation and includes more open space; new pedestrian and cycleways; rejuvenation of existing parkland; more car parks with a multi-storey park proposed for the later stage of the development; improved drop-off and storage facilities for island residents and visitors; a new boat ramp to separate emergency and public access; and a mix of residential and retail spaces including cafes, restaurants and potential for a medical precinct.

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