News from your local councillor Cr Rowanne McKenzie
Division 7: Capalaba/Alexandra Hills/Thornlands/Cleveland
Dear Residents,
As Christmas draws near and we decorate the tree and turn the festive lights on, may we all take the time to pause, reflect and be thankful for being blessed to live in this wonderful city.
This year, Redlanders showed incredible community spirit during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. In the face of adversity, neighbours came together to lend a hand with sandbagging, share generators and phone chargers, and support one another through the cleanup and recovery. It reminded us of the power of uniting together to overcome our challenges.
The festive season is also a time to celebrate the achievements we have made throughout the year and look forward in hope to what the New Year can bring. Personally, this year I continued to develop my leadership capabilities by completing a Diploma of Leadership and Management.
Many of us are preparing for endof-year celebrations countdown to Christmas with an Advent calendar. The four themes of Advent are hope, peace, joy and love. So as we countdown to December 25 may we also remember the true meaning of Christmas – the
birth of Jesus and the hope, peace, joy and love He brings.
I wish you and your family a safe and blessed Christmas and I look forward to building community with you in 2026.
Cr Rowanne McKenzie Division 7
Connect with me on Facebook @rowannemckenzie7
Just real conversations
Community Chats are your opportunity to meet with me – and at times, other Councillors – face-to-face to share ideas, seek information or solve a problem.
No suits, no speeches – just real conversations about making our community better.
I host several of these a month so follow my Facebook page by scanning the QR code and find out when and where the next one is being held.
Christmas on the Field
Alexandra Hills Australian Football Club will combine with local churches to hold a free Christmas concert for the local community.
It will be held on Saturday 6 December from 5pm at the Bombers’ home field at Keith Surridge Park, Windemere Road, Alexandra Hills.
There will be food trucks, fireworks, a Christmas concert on the big stage and much more.
The event has been partly funded by a $12,000 Community Grants Program project support grant from Council.
Taking the right path forward
Footpath upgrades and new path constructions are happening throughout Division 7 as we continue to make it easier for the community to unlock the benefits of active transport.
Encouraging more people to walk and ride not only reduces congestion and pollution but also helps build thriving, vibrant communities.
New and repaired concrete footpaths contribute to a more walkable, bike-friendly, and connected community.
Active transport is about supporting healthier lifestyles, reducing car dependency, and enhancing the overall liveability of our city.
Here is an example of one of the upgrades being done – before and after at the connection between Sallows Street and Finucane Road, Alexandra Hills.
On the road again
Road resealing and repair work is also continuing across Division 7. The work improves safety for road users, extends the life of the asset and delivers a smoother and quieter surface.
The largest road works in the division by far, of course, is the upcoming upgrade to Kinross Road and the intersection of Kinross and Boundary roads at Thornlands.
The upgrade includes new median separated lanes, footpaths and roundabouts between Boundary Road and East Ridge Street.
With the support of $35.5 million in Federal Government funding through the
Housing Support Program – Community Enabling Infrastructure Scheme, this project will provide better transport connections to support new homes in the Kinross Road estate and improved safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.
Construction starts early 2026 (subject to approvals and funding) with completion expected in late 2027 (weather permitting).
Traffic management will be in place to assist pedestrians and road users around active work sites. And remember, when works start please follow signs and slow down when approaching the works area.
Division 7: Capalaba/Alexandra Hills/Thornlands/Cleveland Office: 3829 8732
Email: rowanne.mckenzie@redland.qld.gov.au
Playgrounds in for upgrades
As part of Council’s capital works program for 2025–2026, David Parr Park and the playground at IndigiScapes are in for upgrades.
David Parr Park is a popular spot in Alexandra Hills, particularly since its extensive renewal back in 2018 where a multipurpose court and other facilities were built. In the next round of works, Council will be adding a barbecue unit and bollard solar lighting.
Also very popular is the play space (pictured) at IndigiScapes, Capalaba, and upcoming enhancements include new play equipment, wheelchairfriendly pathways, improved lighting, and soft-fall safety surfaces.
The improvements are part of planned key capital works at the environment and education hub, including expanded car parking, a central pedestrian promenade and advanced stormwater management.
