Division 4 - Helping the 'Y' go green

YMCA Victoria Point is going green after receiving almost $47,400 in Redland City Council funding under the 2021–22 Capital Infrastructure Grants round.

Funding will go towards the installation of a 99kW, fully integrated low-carbon solar PV system at the YMCA Victoria Point health and fitness centre.

Division 4 Councillor Lance Hewlett said the project was a great example of Council and community coming together to create intergenerational benefits.

“YMCA offer facilities that benefit many people across the City, so a project like this is a win-win for Redlands Coast,” he said.

“These works will not only make it more financially sustainable for YMCA to continue their works in Redlands Coast today, it also sets them on the path to greater environmental sustainability.

“This project embodies what the Capital Infrastructure Grant Program is all about, building capacity within our community now and into the future.”

YMCA Victoria Point Centre Manager Adrien Fitzpatrick said this project was part of their commitment to the environment and moving the centre forward to greener operation.

“YMCA Victoria Point is in the process of becoming a greener centre by introducing on-site renewable energy generation and reducing the business’s carbon footprint,” he said.

“Currently the power requirements of the centre are quite large, and include running a 24/7 gym, heated pools and a large gymnastics hall.

“The centre has already started moving forward with changes through the use of water tanks and installation of LED lighting

and the solar PV system will see a reduction in our power usage of at least 20 percent.

“These savings made will help offset the community-based programs that the YMCA Victoria Point offer.”

BOOST: Cr Lance Hewlett with YMCA Victoria Point centre manager Adrien Fitzpatrick

New shorebird signage for jetties

Victoria Point (Warrer Warrer) and Coochiemudlo Island (Goochie Mudlo) jetties now offer waiting passengers important shorebird information as a result of a collaborative project between the Queensland Government, Redland City Council and Coochiemudlo Island Coastcare.

The stylish anodised aluminium signage, designed by the Queensland Wader Study Group and Marine Parks, was sponsored by Member for Redlands Kim Richards.

At last month's launch, Dr Robert Bush from the Queensland Wader Study Group described the mudflats and sandbars surrounding Coochiemudlo (Goochie Mudlo) as valued habitat for migratory

waders, including the critically endangered eastern curlew.

The intertidal areas are Ramsar Wetland and part of the Habitat Protection Zone of the Moreton Bay Marine Park. Disturbing shorebirds or causing them to take flight can attract an on-the-spot fine.

Division 4 Councillor Lance Hewlett said it was hoped that greater public awareness of the needs of these protected birds would lead to higher rates of compliance.

“You can help by observing quietly from a distance, reducing boat speed near shorebirds and avoiding flocks,” he said. “Dogs can also frighten shorebirds and need to be kept under control and on a leash.”

AWARENESS: Dr Robert Bush, Kim Richards MP and Cr Lance Hewlett with the shorebird signage.

Cr Lance Hewlett Division 4: Victoria Point and Coochiemudlo Island

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