News from your local councillor Cr Julie Talty
Division 6: Mount Cotton/Redland Bay
Dear Residents,
As the festive season draws near, I’d like to extend my warmest wishes to all residents of Redland Bay and Mount Cotton. Christmas is a time to reflect, reconnect, and rejoice in the spirit of community – and I’m proud to represent southern Redlands Coast, where the spirit shines so brightly.
This year has brought both challenges and triumphs and, through it all, our community has shown resilience, kindness, and unity. Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or neighbours, I hope your holidays are filled with joy, peace, and laughter.
Thank you for your continued support and for making Division 6 such a vibrant and caring place to call home. I look forward to working alongside you in the new year to keep our community thriving.
Wishing you a safe, happy, and magical Christmas – and a wonderful start to 2026.
Cr Julie Talty –Division 6
Connect with me on Facebook @CrJulieTalty
Let’s celebrate
Mount Cotton Carols in the Park
Sunday November 30
Mount Cotton Community Park 3.30pm to 7.30pm
Boat ramp on its way
I’m thrilled to share an update for our Redland Bay and Mount Cotton communities –construction is underway on the brand-new Wallaby Road boat ramp (location pictured). The project is being delivered through a partnership between Maritime Safety Queensland and Redland City Council, and it is set to be a game-changer for local recreational boaties.
From my family to yours ... Wishing you a safe and merry Christmas and prosperous 2026.
End-of-year reflections
As we wrap up 2025 and head into the festive season, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support, resilience, and community spirit throughout the year.
This year has brought its fair share of ups and downs, not just here on Redlands Coast, but across all 77 councils in Queensland. Rising costs, cost-of-living pressures, and reduced funding from State and Federal Governments have made it increasingly difficult to deliver services and invest in new infrastructure.
It’s worth noting that while councils collect less than 3 per cent of Australia’s tax revenue, we’re responsible for more than 12 per cent of public services and more than 30 per cent of public assets –including roads, parks, and community facilities. That’s a big job with limited resources.
Keep vigilant for fire ants
Redlands Coast residents are reminded to stay alert for fire ants. These invasive ants pose serious risks to the health of people, animals and pets with their aggressive behaviour and painful stings. With clean-ups going on around the garden over the Christmas break, residents are asked to check their property for any new mounds or nests that may have appeared.
It is vitally important to check there are no fire ants being carried on any garden material or soil that is being disposed of or relocated.
If you spot fire ants, report them within 24 hours by calling 13 22 68 or via the online form at fireants.org.au/report
For information about Council’s Fire Ant Management Program visit Council’s website.
Division 6: Mt Cotton/Redland Bay Office: 3829 8606 Mobile: 0418 218 847
Despite these challenges, Redland City Council delivered $89 million in capital works this year. Your rates dollars contributed about 31 per cent of the $431 million in revenue.
Council increased borrowing to fund long-term assets, and while our operating result showed a deficit – largely due to accounting for depreciation – our community’s equity in assets grew by $100 million.
We also received $22 million in grants and subsidies, helping us recover from unexpected events like ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which cost $9 million.
The Annual Report is now available for inspection, and I encourage you to take a look – it’s a transparent snapshot of how your council is working for you.
Let’s keep building a stronger, more connected Redlands together.
Rules around dog barking
Responsible pet ownership includes being mindful of how often your dog barks.
Some barking is acceptable, but excessive barking could become a neighbourhood nuisance and it is important to find out why your dog is behaving in this way.
Problem barking differs from one dog to the next. It could be because they are excited, stressed, bored, in pain, defending their territory, or perhaps lonely – and many dogs will bark when their owners are not at home.
Under Redland City Council's local law, owners are responsible for ensuring their animal doesn't cause a noise nuisance. A dog is considered to be creating a noise nuisance if:
• It barks/howls for more than a total of six minutes in any one-hour period between 7am and 10pm on any day
• It barks/howls for more than a total of three minutes in any 30-minute period between 10pm and 7am on any day.
There are more than 30,000 registered dogs on Redlands Coast.
Get kitted out for severe weather
Redlands Coast residents are being urged to be as prepared as possible for this year’s bushfire and severe storm season. Simple steps you can take include clearing debris from roofs and gutters, trimming branches that overhang dwellings and removing overgrown vegetation.
One of the most important things to do is to prepare an emergency kit for your household.
When you consider how Tropical Cyclone Alfred affected the city – areas were cut off, communications were down and many people were left without power for days – then the value of having an emergency kit is evident.
Many residents used the days before the cyclone hit to gather essentials, but we don’t always get advance warning of a disaster.
Emergency kit essentials
Here is a checklist of recommended essential items to have in your kit. They should be placed in a waterproof bag or container and stored in an easily accessible location.
; First aid kit
; Essential toiletries
; Water
; Non-perishable food
; Can opener
; Battery-operated radio
; Torch
; Spare batteries
; USB
; Important documents
; Phone and portable charger
; Sturdy gloves
; Hand sanitiser
; Sanitiser wipes
; Tissues
; Face masks
Email: julie.talty@redland.qld.gov.au