Redlands Coast - Naturally Wonderful

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  Dancing Mangroves

  by jodicksondesigns, over 8 years ago
  

  
  
  

  
  

  I had a charmed childhood, growing up by Biggera Creek on the Gold Coast. My family frequently went by boat to Karragarra Island, where we owned Noyes Farmhouse, one of the earliest on the island. It was a little high-set cottage with a verandah overlooking the passage. The still original kitchen was connected by a walkway, presumably to prevent spread of a fire to the rest of the house. Situated on 3/4 acres, it was surrounded by neglected fruit trees. A large fig was surrounded by monstera deliciosa and crucifix orchids.

  There was a old... Continue reading

  
  
  

  
  

  I had a charmed childhood, growing up by Biggera Creek on the Gold Coast. My family frequently went by boat to Karragarra Island, where we owned Noyes Farmhouse, one of the earliest on the island. It was a little high-set cottage with a verandah overlooking the passage. The still original kitchen was connected by a walkway, presumably to prevent spread of a fire to the rest of the house. Situated on 3/4 acres, it was surrounded by neglected fruit trees. A large fig was surrounded by monstera deliciosa and crucifix orchids.

  There was a old wood stove in the rambling garden, which was the first port of call every visit, to see if the carpet snake was still hibernating in there. Eventually we stopped seeing the snake, or any snakes, as the human population increased.

  Under the house were an ancient tractor and plough, and a store room full of mysterious farm-related treasures, unfamiliar to a city kid and sparking the imagination of what life was like in the past.

  There was no electricity in the house, only a noisy generator, so we cooked over an outdoor fire and often slept in the boat. We had to walk over a long low path of oyster-covered rocks through the mangroves to the moored dinghy. At night the water seemed full of fairy lights as the phosphorescence was disturbed by the oars.

  Down on the rocky shore among the mangroves was the remnant of a dump site full of vintage bottles. I still have a large collection of these. Two decades later, long after my parents sold the place, I revisited it with a friend and was amazed to find one last nearly-intact vintage bottle of aqua glass, embossed with the words “Enos Fruit Salt”, giving a clue to a past industry.

  I have traveled to twenty countries and lived in five, but when I finally decided to put down roots, it was Moreton Bay that called me home. I explored all the islands in Southern Moreton Bay and settled on Russell Island. Although I think Karragarra is the prettiest, I thought I might go stir crazy on such a small island I already knew intimately. I often kayak across the channel to the swimming enclosure and immediately feel like I'm on holiday.

  There are few places in Australia you can go home by boat, enjoy the community spirit of a small country town with public transport access to the cultural benefits of a major city. It is not for everyone, but the inconveniences are far outweighed by the convenience of friends, clubs, facilities and activities all 5-15 minutes away. So blessed!

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  The Redlands, A childrens paradise

  by Renee12, over 8 years ago

  The Redlands has always been my home. I was raised in Cleveland, and loved it, our house was walking distance to Bloomfield Street, with views of the bay, but far enough from the centre to feel like a young child’s paradise. My grandparents lived next door, and we knew every family on our block, it really was a different time.

  I’m only 34 so it wasn’t that long ago, but the next generation will certainly miss out on a lot of what we experienced that made our childhood so great in the Redlands.... Continue reading

  The Redlands has always been my home. I was raised in Cleveland, and loved it, our house was walking distance to Bloomfield Street, with views of the bay, but far enough from the centre to feel like a young child’s paradise. My grandparents lived next door, and we knew every family on our block, it really was a different time.

  I’m only 34 so it wasn’t that long ago, but the next generation will certainly miss out on a lot of what we experienced that made our childhood so great in the Redlands. The prawn farm at Thornlands are now houses, where our beautiful family home once stood is now monstrous units, and the changes are numerous! Every storekeeper knew your name, and who you belonged too, many still do!

  Despite the changes, the Redlands still has its community heart. We live in Thornlands now, are fortunate enough to have beautiful neighbours who also embrace the wonder of the Redlands.

  Some of my favourite memories of living in the Redlands include riding our bikes in the empty Raby Bay Harbour with my Grandpa. Buying lollies from the little corner store near the Cleveland Primary School with Pop after riding around Cleveland for hours. My Dad tells me when he was a kid they used to get milk at school and it used to come from that little corner store. My dad’s 70, and he’s always lived in the Redlands. My Grandpa built his house with his bare hands, it was a masterpiece. We grew strawberries in the backyard, and Macadamias, oh the memories of cracking Macadamias in the workshop vice! We even had a coconut tree, which would infrequently provide coconuts! We handfed Magpies, Butcher Birds, and Kookaburras mince every afternoon at the back door, and sometimes the Frill Neck Lizard would pop by for a visit too! My Grandma kept the most gorgeous roses, and orchards, in a thriving patio and greenhouse. Growing up in the Redlands, was growing up in Paradise.

  On the hill where the ANZAC Memorial now stands we would ride our home-made go-cart down the little path as fast as we could! Oh the grazes, I still bear the scars! Those were the days with not a care in the world!

  My Parents were married in our front yard, and they had there photo taken in front of the Cleveland lighthouse, the photos look simply magical. When my husband and I got married 2 years ago, we had the same photos taken, in front of the lighthouse, it’s so special, so magical.  

  I hope to be able to share with my children one day the wonders of the Redlands. They are still there behind the progress you just have to look! I love the Redlands and would not live anywhere else, ever.

  There’s no where else I’d rather be. 
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  Let me give you my redlands

  by Wello, over 8 years ago

  Redlands wellington point  is amazing,  beautiful  sunsets. Marvellous  sunrises,  great cafes.

  Live work and enjoy.  Enjoy  sun  and the beautiful  community. 

  You wont want to leave.

  Redlands wellington point  is amazing,  beautiful  sunsets. Marvellous  sunrises,  great cafes.

  Live work and enjoy.  Enjoy  sun  and the beautiful  community. 

  You wont want to leave.
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  Warning: Once you visit, you won't want to leave!

  by Emybrown90, over 8 years ago
  

  From the mountains to the bays, the wineries and the cafés, the Redlands is an entertainer’s dream. From the wildlife to the shores, the night-life and the outdoors, the Redlands has something for all.

  If you love sun, sea and sand, then the Redlands is for you!

  Whether you enjoy wining and dining at award winning restaurants, bushwalking, experiencing beautiful wildlife, visiting the Twilight markets, eating fresh Prawns straight from the Trawler, live music, walks along the Gorge at Straddie, grabbing an ice-cream at Raby Bay Marina, walking to King Island from Wellington Point at low tide, drinks... Continue reading

  From the mountains to the bays, the wineries and the cafés, the Redlands is an entertainer’s dream. From the wildlife to the shores, the night-life and the outdoors, the Redlands has something for all.

  If you love sun, sea and sand, then the Redlands is for you!

  Whether you enjoy wining and dining at award winning restaurants, bushwalking, experiencing beautiful wildlife, visiting the Twilight markets, eating fresh Prawns straight from the Trawler, live music, walks along the Gorge at Straddie, grabbing an ice-cream at Raby Bay Marina, walking to King Island from Wellington Point at low tide, drinks overlooking Coochiemudlo Island from the iconic Redland Bay Hotel, playing barefoot cricket on the beach, Island Hopping through the Bay Islands, camping or feeding ducks at the Mount Cotton park, there is truly something for all ages!

  The Redlands will always hold a special place in my heart. Meeting my High school sweetheart at 16 years of age, my now husband and I are born-and-bred Redlanders. We reminisced often about our picturesque and adventurous childhoods which consisted mainly of fishing, building cubby houses, picking wild Mulberries and climbing trees; so much so that we decided to settle in the Redlands permanently when we purchased our first house here, became engaged and got married, all within the Redlands! We have travelled the world and have experienced the many wonders of life, however are still yet to find somewhere as special as this wonderful place we call home.

  I am a Guidance Counsellor at a local High school, as well as a volunteer at a local community organisation, and am very passionate about making the Redlands a better place for all! I feel so lucky to wake up each day knowing that I am making a positive change within my own community, and for future generations to come.

  The Redlands is more than just a place to live; it is a lifestyle full of rich heritage, with an abundance of community spirit and a laid back feel. 

  Warning: Once you visit, you will not want to leave!

  Emily Brown - Redland Bay.
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  Hold my hand and let me show you My Redlands

  by Snjben, over 8 years ago
  

  A sunset stroll at Wellington Point any day of the week will certainly relax you. When the tide is out a walk out to King Island is a must. To see all ages taking a leisurely stroll around Wellington Point makes you realise we live in a beautiful part of south east Queensland.  You can see the sunrise over the Wellington Point jetty and then see it set over the water and city and mountains.  We have it all in our own backyard 

  A sunset stroll at Wellington Point any day of the week will certainly relax you. When the tide is out a walk out to King Island is a must. To see all ages taking a leisurely stroll around Wellington Point makes you realise we live in a beautiful part of south east Queensland.  You can see the sunrise over the Wellington Point jetty and then see it set over the water and city and mountains.  We have it all in our own backyard 
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  a young family's paradise

  by Loumick1, over 8 years ago
  

  The Redlands has been a fantastic place to raise a young family. From the community spirit, to the amazing library programs, to the parks and waterways. We are never short of an activity to keep our young one entertained, best of all it is all free.

  The Redlands has been a fantastic place to raise a young family. From the community spirit, to the amazing library programs, to the parks and waterways. We are never short of an activity to keep our young one entertained, best of all it is all free.
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  One of the Redlands best kept secrets - Point Halloran

  by hazelporteous, almost 9 years ago

  My husband and I were fortunate enough to be able to immigrate to Australia, the land of opportunity, more than 20 years ago.  Our dream was to live somewhere with a climate that was conducive to an outdoor lifestyle all year round. Having travelled extensively around the world, we feel blessed to now live in the Redlands.  It was only a few years ago we moved from Sydney to this warmer sub-tropical climate. A more relaxed pace, away from the chaos and commotion of the cities, and a less metropolitan community also beckoned us.

  Being keen... Continue reading

  My husband and I were fortunate enough to be able to immigrate to Australia, the land of opportunity, more than 20 years ago.  Our dream was to live somewhere with a climate that was conducive to an outdoor lifestyle all year round. Having travelled extensively around the world, we feel blessed to now live in the Redlands.  It was only a few years ago we moved from Sydney to this warmer sub-tropical climate. A more relaxed pace, away from the chaos and commotion of the cities, and a less metropolitan community also beckoned us.

  Being keen mariners, we hoped to find somewhere idyllic to settle where we could sail in sheltered waters. So we followed the coastline looking for moored boats in a protected waterway.  This led us to Point Halloran in Victoria Point.  The appeal of Moreton Bay Marine Park was enticing and a pertinent choice for water sports and recreation, so we chose this spot to relocate to. 

  According to the sign on Point O’Halloran Road, Point Halloran is an environmental precinct, however initially we were oblivious to this, not realizing how lucky we were to be able to call this area home.

  On first walking through Point Halloran Reserve, we were surprised to read on the placard that it was home to the largest colony of koalas in south-east Queensland.  We followed the boardwalk through stands of phragmites. These beds of reeds provided concealment for an array of colourful birdlife. The area transformed into a forest of tall trees, eventually interspersed with lush foliage and elegant tree ferns. The late afternoon sun’s rays penetrated the canopy of the dell, spikes of light piercing the shadowed haze creating a magical effect, where I could imagine fairies and elves hidden in their homes. Dragon lizards, frozen like statues on the pathway, were camouflaged by their inertness.  On our approach they quickly scuttled away, rustling through the undergrowth and disappearing without a trace. On the other side of the trail scenic ponds were home to egrets, ibis and a variety of ducks, including coots and mallards. Vibrant water lilies, a fragile life projecting from the gloomy waters, bloomed in shades of white, lilac and mauve.  An orchestra of bird calls filled the atmosphere with music as brightly coloured butterflies danced in front of my eyes.

  On our return we followed the interpretive plaques along the dirt paths through more forests of scribbly gums, eucalypts and paperbark trees. Tree roots crossed the pathway in a maze of designs and the pungent odour of rotting leaves teased our nostrils. With our necks tilted and eyes scanning the top branches of trees for koalas that we thought we would never see, we placed our feet carefully so as not to trip over. Daring to hope for the unexpected, I was amazed when my husband spotted one in a tree.  I had difficulty making out its shape as its woolly white and grey coat camouflaged against the silvery trunk whilst it relaxed, munching on a complimentary supply of gum leaves.  Through the lens of my SLR camera, I could see its outline more clearly and realized there was not one koala in the tree, but two, perhaps even a mating pair.  My heart melted watching these endearing marsupials.  Not wanting to leave, I had to tear myself away. What a memorable moment to be honoured with the experience of seeing unique wildlife in its natural environment.  Since then I have seen koalas in this reserve on two other occasions as well as wallabies and each time this reminds me of the beautiful area I now live in, and I cherish these moments. 

  Not only does Point Halloran have this beautiful reserve but also the Egret Colony Wetlands.  Following the path from Marianne Street, I discovered colonies of flying foxes hanging from the trees. It was the smell of their droppings that initially alerted me to their presence. Hanging upside down from branches with their wings cloaked around their bodies and only their furry heads protruding, they were startled by my close proximity. The noise, as they alerted each other of the danger, was nothing compared to the whooping of their wings as they flew too close to me for my liking. The goose pimples on my arms stood out, and the hairs on the back of my neck were raised, only disappearing when my attention was drawn to four tiny ducklings waddling behind their mother as she traced the pathway back to the water.  I have since visited the area to discover these fruit bats have moved on.

  Further along the bay, I navigated the walkway along the esplanade where people were exercising their dogs or cycling, and children rode their scooters or were roller skating.  Most people had a friendly smile and many stopped to chat.  Sitting on one of the benches provided, I breathed the fresh briny seawater scent, clearing my sinuses and settling my mind. The windless day left the surface of the sea as smooth as a mirror, with only the tiniest of ripples in the wake of a pelican resting motionless before it rose, flapping its wings as it soared to higher elevations. The sapphire sky, reflected in the depths of the azure sea, mirrored the images of boats moored in the bay.

  I watched the brahminy kites as they rode the thermals high into the air. Their snowy head and chests stood out against the chestnut plumage of their wings, which made them easily visible in the cloudless powder blue skies as they tried to spot their next target.  In amongst the gnarly roots of the mangrove trees that were tangled in the shallow mud flats, tiny fish or crabs were secreted by the tidal waters, hidden from my sight but clearly visible to this bird of prey.  It released a mewing scream as it called to its partner and they circled together, searching for food.

  With the palm trees behind me, I watched the shorebirds at low tide as they congregated in flocks, noisily communicating to each other on the sand banks littered with pebbles and tiny rocks.  They probed for the tiny crustaceans burrowed down holes on the sandy beach and upturned stones looking for worms, before the tide turned and buried their feeding ground.  Taking off together, they flew a V-shaped formation like military aircraft and were a sight to behold.

  Longing to be out on the water, I returned home to wheel my kayak down to the bay.  The new ramp installed made it easy to transport it down to the shoreline, and with the tide now high, it floated easily without me having to drag it across the sand or mud.  Out in the bay, I felt the warmth of the sun caress my face and my legs, which were already tanned to a golden hue. The gentle breeze tousled my hair as I rhythmically dipped each end of my oar, propelling my craft forward.  The sun sparkled creating a mosaic of diamonds on each ripple or wave.  A movement caught my attention, and I held my breath as a turtle surfaced in the shallower waters, close the shore.  It was only for a moment as it dived back underwater in search of seagrass to feed on.

  Another day we sailed out to Peel Island.  At Horseshoe Bay I discovered an empty stretch of sun-bleached sand without a mark on it.  As I walked along the shore of this national park, I briefly left behind my foot prints, before the cerulean water gently lapped away any evidence of my presence.  Dolphins play in the shallower waters, the occasional whale has been sighted breaching, although many more can be seen from Point Lookout as they migrate north, and there are also dugongs in the bay.

  Back home as dusk descended, I watched stone curlews blend motionlessly into my front garden, inconspicuous amongst the earthy tones of pebbles. These large birds, with their multi-coloured cream and brown feathers, and round yellow eyes thought we could not see them, but I couldn’t take my eyes off them. Two adults and a juvenile, overturned gravel and probed their beaks into the rich red soil of the Redlands in search of insects or beetles. When I moved inside, I listened to the cacophony of their wailing to each other.

  I had never envisaged the extent of natural wildlife we would encounter in the Redlands, and I hope all residents and visitors can be guardians of these unique creatures and landscapes, so they are around for future generations to enjoy.
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  My Redlands, My Home, My Heritage.

  by jennifermayparker, almost 9 years ago
  

  I can't really remember how my love affair with the Redlands started, I know I was only a very little girl when I first started coming here though. My Grandparents were the Schoeck Family, early settlers in the Mt Cotton area, my Grandfather, John Richard Schoeck, was a Foundation Student at Mt Cotton School and he always had a soft spot for this beautiful area.  I remember going to a function at the School when I was very young in the Founding student's honour and seeing pictures of him and his siblings ( My Great Aunt and Uncle) on horseback... Continue reading

  I can't really remember how my love affair with the Redlands started, I know I was only a very little girl when I first started coming here though. My Grandparents were the Schoeck Family, early settlers in the Mt Cotton area, my Grandfather, John Richard Schoeck, was a Foundation Student at Mt Cotton School and he always had a soft spot for this beautiful area.  I remember going to a function at the School when I was very young in the Founding student's honour and seeing pictures of him and his siblings ( My Great Aunt and Uncle) on horseback riding from their farm to school back in those heritage days. I would love to find a copy of that photo now that so much time has passed and my memory is fading. I often wonder,  that if he was still alive, what he would think of his old school now and how much Mt Cotton has grown.

  My own parents honeymooned in a flat at Victoria Point in the mid 1960's as that was all they could afford to do back then but they had each other and that was all that mattered. My dad tells of stories of watching the stockman swimming the cattle across from Coochie on low tide back before then when he was a lad. I think even back then, they knew our family would always have an affinity with the area I have grown to love and cherish so much. 

  As children if we were not coming down here from nearby Beenleigh, where I grew up, for day trips with fishing and billy tea with my Nan and Pop on the banks of the bay around Point Talburpin from memory, we were holidaying in their on site van at the Redland Bay Caravan Park with them and my Aunts and Uncles and our cousins as well. What happy memories  I have of those times. Koalas were abundant back then, look up in the big old gums and it wasn't if you would see one, it was how many would you see.  

  My Uncles, young men back in those days, would take the old boat out with my Pop and pull in the crab pots which were always full and they were then cooked in a big old pot outside over an open fire under the Moreton Bay figs. I remember I used to become quite upset about them talking about putting the Jennys  back, as that is my name, however I didn't understand the difference of male and female crabs at my tender age."Oops, that's a Jenny,  we'll put her back" they would say, meanwhile smiling at my sad face wondering why they were releasing crabs called Jenny back to the Bay.  :) 

  We would then begin the long wait of letting the crab cool down enough once they were cooked, before the sweet, delicious goodness was then sandwiched between thick hunks of deliciously fresh, soft, white bread, lashings of real butter and a little dust of pepper. Sometimes we would go for a drive to the avocado farm on the corner of School Of Arts Rd that used to be there and have avocado with them, custard apples for dessert and bananas and strawberries when they were in season. We were so spoilt with such beautiful, fresh produce, no one ever went hungry with the abundance of local goodies that the Redlands has since become quite renowned for.  Such happy memories of a simpler, gentler time.

  My husband and I moved to Victoria Point nearly thirty years ago now as newlyweds. We had nothing except each other,  a pile of old hand me down furniture and a huge 17.5% Mortgage on a small old timber house in Thompson Street.  We always had our hopes and dreams though,and so we have raised a daughter here, we have made lifelong friends here, we have made some of the happiest memories of our lives here. We have moved house three times here, all within about a one and a half kilometre radius each time which tells you something about our love for the area. 

  The other day I was on my daily walk at Thompson's Beach, it was high tide, the sun was shining, the beach just looked too perfect. It stopped me in my tracks and I had this huge smile on my face looking out  over our beautiful Moreton Bay towards Coochie and Straddie and the other beautiful Bay Islands. A gentleman passing by that I do see regularly on my walks, stopped and asked me what I was smiling at.. "This" I said, outstretching my arms to the view before us.."This" " It still stops me in my tracks even after thirty years"  My Beloved Redlands.. Thank you for reading. ( Photo above: The view from the Straddie Pub, a favourite destination for us).
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  Destination: unknown

  by PlanRed, almost 9 years ago
  

  As I drove over the hill on Boundary Road, trees stretched out far into the distance eventually giving way to a deep blue ocean where pastel coloured islands rose up on the horizon. I still couldn’t believe this incredible scene was only half an hour from where I had lived my whole life and yet I almost never found out about it. Fortunately, a local youth pastor had invited me to visit his church and, on my first visit, I decided I was home.

  I re-lived that feeling as I drove down Boundary Road once again after 6... Continue reading

  As I drove over the hill on Boundary Road, trees stretched out far into the distance eventually giving way to a deep blue ocean where pastel coloured islands rose up on the horizon. I still couldn’t believe this incredible scene was only half an hour from where I had lived my whole life and yet I almost never found out about it. Fortunately, a local youth pastor had invited me to visit his church and, on my first visit, I decided I was home.

  I re-lived that feeling as I drove down Boundary Road once again after 6 months studying abroad in Japan. I had come back with a new appreciation for everything I saw in the Redlands: the trees, the bay and, in particular, a youth leader with sandy brown hair and a cheeky smile.

  Over the next four months I fell head over heels in love with this good looking South African. He was smart, he was charming and he also seemed to be completely oblivious of my affection for him. Fortunately, I had made many friends since becoming an honorary “Redlander”, and I had several eager volunteers ready to play the role of matchmaker.

  On Easter Friday in 2012, I received a text asking if I would like to join a group of young adults on a trip to Straddie, and it was with great despair that I explained I was out of town and couldn’t make it. Little did I know that my friends were hard at work in the backseat of that white Jackaroo as it bounced over the sand dunes of Stradbroke Island.

  “Everyone was pitching in,” one friend recalls, “but eventually someone just called out, ‘You know she’s into you right?’ ”

  On Saturday night, I received another text: “Would you like to go on a picnic tomorrow?” My eyes filled with tears of joy. A date! He had asked me on a date; my very first date.

  After church, I asked him where we were going. “Just follow me,” he said with a grin. So, I followed him. I followed him on main roads and down side streets, through the Cleveland shopping district and all the way to Cleveland Point. “Surely this is where our picnic will be,” I thought to myself, looking around at the crowd of happy faces enjoying the beautiful sea breeze. However, as we completed the loop around the point and started driving inland once more, I realised that this particular South African had other ideas.

  I continued to follow that white Jackaroo back down the road and through a few more side streets until I was utterly and completely lost. After all, I didn’t know the Redlands that well. Where was he taking me? Finally I caught sight of the water again and realised that we were in a dead end road. I looked around at the quiet little park with its single picnic shelter and tiny playground until I spotted a sign revealing what this mystery destination was called: Oyster Point.

  I was so happy to finally be on a date with him that I didn’t even mind how many of the dishes included pumpkin, or how our romantic stroll included taking my shoes off and walking bare foot on the mud flats. In fact, when we got married 8 months later on a friend’s acreage in Sheldon, neither of us wore shoes. I guess it sums up what kind of life we have created here in the Redlands over the past 5 years. Like two pairs of bare feet walking out on the mud flats, our life is simple, natural and always open to adventure.
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  Where The Past and Future Meet in Harmony

  by ronh, almost 9 years ago

  It is said that the present is simply a mirror reflecting the past! It is also said that you should never plan the future by the past. Redland’s past has its fundamentals rooted firmly in the waters of Moreton Bay, the rich red soils of the land, the abundance of nature which thrived on an almost idyllic climate and hard-working people who worked the farms, fished the bay and grew a community which most of us zealously want to protect.

  However today most of the land which fed a significant population of SE Queensland with fresh... Continue reading

  It is said that the present is simply a mirror reflecting the past! It is also said that you should never plan the future by the past. Redland’s past has its fundamentals rooted firmly in the waters of Moreton Bay, the rich red soils of the land, the abundance of nature which thrived on an almost idyllic climate and hard-working people who worked the farms, fished the bay and grew a community which most of us zealously want to protect.

  However today most of the land which fed a significant population of SE Queensland with fresh vegetables and fruit is now covered in houses and other structures, the bay though still picturesque is only a mirage of itself in regards to marine life and animal population. The native land animals are struggling to maintain a foothold on existence in every bit of remaining bushland.

  Yes we do need to reflect on the past and learn from it but whatever we plan for the future we must ensure that we never repeat the mistakes we have made. The past and future meet in harmony.

  At the time I moved to the Redlands in the early 1990’s, I worked in an environmental laboratory and was looking to locate my family in as natural an environment as possible. Since that time the Redlands has changed but let us look at what we have left as a raw material with which we can work. We still have an idyllic climate, approximately 3000 hours of sunshine per year, 1000mm of rain per year, ocean breezes predominate and an air quality rated as one of the best in the country. We have plenty of shopping, sporting facilities, local transport, a train to the capital city, low density local traffic allowing for easy parking and commuting. We have beaches, a bay, bay islands, parklands and the list goes on. Not bad a start if you want to build a future! Add to that significant educational facilities and a population which thrives.

  It is my belief that we do not want to replicate a Gold Coast or an Ipswich – we are different, very different! Geographically what controls us is that we are not a corridor, we are a destination and this has huge benefits as well as constraints. We cannot depend on through traffic hence we have to be almost totally dependent on our local population and visitors who have a reason to come here and want to spend some time with us. These visitors can be tourists, family, friends, commercial suppliers, educators, health specialists and many other. However to make people come and spend time with us we must provide facilities to service their needs. We also need an identity or brand.

  Cleveland provides an almost perfect environment for research, innovation, technological development and this can cover a plethora of sciences. A Technology Park which offers the best in all those facilities required by “white coats”. Marine sciences, biological sciences, IT, horticulture, environmental sciences, telecommunications, geosciences, metallurgical, space, the list is almost endless. Sure we will need broadband and a location for such a development but we already have the beginning of such a precinct in and around the Redland Hospital. Why wouldn’t a scientist come researcher want to live in an environment like the Redlands and raise his or her kids in a place still open for play and stimulating growth in a relatively natural environment?

  Such people need conference facilities, they need to have entertainment and intellectual and artistic stimulation. With enough drive, want and initiative all of this can be provided as we already have the fundamentals in place.

  Even getting to the domestic or international airport should not be a problem, a fast cat or hovercraft can get to within a couple of kilometres of each terminal via an unrestricted and protected waterway.

  As is often said “build it and they will come”. As is already promoted – Redlands, a great place to Live, Work, Learn and Play.  (Ron Howick, 3 Trio St., Cleveland, 4163. Ph: 0423089100)