Council adopts new corporate plan for the city of Redland

Redland City Council has today adopted its new corporate plan, Our Future Redlands – A Corporate Plan to 2026 and Beyond.

The plan, which commences on 1 July 2021 and focuses on finding a balance between sustaining the lifestyle enjoyed on Redlands Coast and the community’s desire for a thriving and progressive city, will help inform Council’s operational plan, budget and decision-making over the next five years.

Our Future Redlands also introduces a new city vision – Naturally wonderful lifestyle. Connected communities. Embracing opportunities – and describes seven goals for 2041 that are supported by initiatives and catalyst projects.

Mayor Karen Williams said Our Future Redlands – A Corporate Plan to 2026 and Beyond was a forward-looking document that would help ensure Council decisions over the next five years helped shape a city that met the community’s current needs and future aspirations.

“The new plan will support an enriched and sustainable future for our city and the people who live, work and play here,” she said.

“The community provided input into helping shape our new 2041 vision for Redlands Coast, as well as the seven strategic goals that will be the roadmap to delivering key projects and services.

“The seven goals include city leadership, strong communities, Quandamooka Country, natural environment, liveable neighbourhoods, thriving economy and efficient and effective organisation, with each supported by projects and initiatives that lay the foundations for their achievement.”

Catalyst projects include:

• a Redlands Coast Adventure Precinct to add to the sport and recreation activities in the area
• opportunities to harness new forms of energy from Council’s waste water treatment plants
• investing in active transport through improved cycling and pedestrian facilities
• revitalisation of Cleveland Central Business District
• a Redlands Health and Wellness Precinct
• dual naming way-finding signage that incorporates Quandamooka Jandai language
• a shared vision for Birkdale community land, Willard’s Farm and the Tingalpa Creek Corridor
• a Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island Coastal Walk between Point Lookout and Cylinder Beach

Cr Williams said today’s adoption of the plan followed a six-week community consultation period during which Council delivered a range of engagement activities, including 10 externally-facilitated workshops, an online survey, and advertising in local media to encourage community feedback on the draft plan.

“During the consultation period a total of 3660 people were engaged, with 583 submissions received from predominantly Redlands Coast residents (95 per cent) across all age bands, including those who have historically been difficult to engage, such as under 18-year-olds and 18- to 25-year-olds,” she said.

“Respondents were deeply engaged, with more than half choosing to complete a long survey and provide detailed feedback to open response questions about the vision and each section of the plan.

“Analysis of our community’s feedback revealed some common themes that were addressed by changes to the draft plan, including adding a Quandamooka Country section, outlining key performance indicators for each strategic theme and changing the wording of the city vision.

“The plan Council adopted today reflects our community’s views and will help guide us to a city that is fit for purpose, where future generations experience the environmental, social, cultural and economic benefits of calling Redlands Coast home.”

Our Future Redlands – A Corporate Plan to 2026 and Beyond is available on Council’s website.