Council sets out on Redlands Coast transport journey

How residents travel around the Redlands Coast was at the centre of two decisions made by Redland City Council in today’s General Meeting.

The first decision saw Councillors endorse the Draft Redlands Coast Transport strategy for community engagement, while councillors also unanimously supported a Mayoral Minute for Council to make a submission to a State Government inquiry into the future of transport technology.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the endorsement of the Draft Redlands Coast Transport Strategy would give residents the opportunity to have their say on the future direction of transport planning on Redlands Coast.

“Transport, both road and public transport infrastructure, is undoubtedly one of the most consistent topics of conversation in our community, which is why Council identified an updated transport strategy as one of our key priorities,” she said.

“In 2015 we held a series of transport forums across the city and this draft strategy is informed by those forums, as well as engagement with key transport organisations and providers.

“Our community has told us they want to be able to get around the city faster and safer and want to see the major roads in and out of the city upgraded along with key public transport infrastructure such as the Cleveland Rail line.”

Cr Williams said an important next step of the strategy was hearing from residents, businesses, schools and transport partners on what transport issues were important to them.

“As part of the consultation process we will ask residents what they think our priorities should be to help guide delivery of Council’s transport initiatives and advocacy to state and federal governments, transport providers and neighbouring local governments.

“State and federal MPs will also be engaged directly, and information will be provided to raise community awareness about the transport network and which level of government was responsible for which transport corridor and service.

“Our journey to a more effective and efficient transport network is just starting. This won’t be completed overnight, nor can Council take this journey alone.

“The State Government is responsible for many of the major transport opportunities across Redlands Coast, including the majority of roads in and out of the Coast, public transport and rail.

“This is why a key part of this strategy will be to advocate to other levels of government and encourage them to prioritise the projects, road upgrades and public transport services our community needs.”

“The Redlands Coast Transport Strategy will be followed by a series of implementation plans, which is where the rubber hits the road through the identification of on the ground priorities and projects our residents will see in their neighborhoods and along their daily commute.”

Cr Williams said Council would make the case for better transport technology to meet local challenges as part of their submission to the State Government Transport and Public Works Committee inquiry into Transport Technology.

“The Redlands Coast has some unique transport challenges and our submission will encourage the State Government to remove some of the existing barriers to the technology that may meet these challenges,” she said.

“An example of these technologies is Autonomous Vehicles, and we have been trying to encourage the State Government to trial these vehicles on our island communities.

“We will also use our submission to highlight the transport challenges and increased transport costs for our island communities, as well as the challenges our island based residents face in accessing employment and social services.”