Adopted master plan sets scene for the future
27 Aug 2009
After extensive consultation, feedback, debate and deliberation, Redland City Council last night adopted the Redland Bay Centre and Foreshore Master Plan.
The plan, which incorporates feedback from 389 public submissions, will now guide how publicly controlled and managed land is used long-term in the Redland Bay town centre and foreshore area.
It includes a range of initiatives that will form part of Council’s wider efforts to improve the foreshore and its links to services for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.
As a direct result of community feedback, the master plan now includes capacity for “main street” streetscape improvements, a village green in the Redland Bay centre, a café passenger services precinct close to Weinam Creek’s water transport terminal, increased pedestrian and cycling links and improved parklands with master planned facilities.
Redlands Mayor, Melva Hobson, said the master plan was a high level strategic planning tool that would not only guide the look and feel of the town centre and foreshore, but also provide a basis for ongoing liaison with the state government on key planning issues.
“The plan takes into account strategies for urban planning and design, open spaces, people, places, commerce and industry, population projections and community facilities,” Cr Hobson said.
“It also incorporates strategies to improve public transport, water taxi services and facilities, vehicle ferry services, boat ramps, parking and pedestrian and cycling networks.
“This is a very important and dynamic document for Redland Bay, and one that reflects the initiatives the community has told us it wants for the area.”
The master plan aims to strengthen the role and identity of the Redland Bay centre and its relationship to Moreton Bay, rationalise land use patterns to enhance the character and visual appeal of the area and identify sustainable development opportunities, It also aims to identify sustainable transport solutions and link the Redland Bay centre with neighbouring areas through effective pedestrian, cycle and recreation links.
“Now the master plan has been adopted, more detailed planning will take place on specific components, some of which may include further consultation,” Cr Hobson said.
The plan includes short, medium and long-term initiatives.
No changes to Weinam Creek parking until at least 2011
Meanwhile, Council has assured the Southern Moreton Bay Island communities there will be no change to pricing structure at the Weinam Creek passenger terminal at Redland Bay until at least 2011.
While the newly adopted Redland Bay Centre and Foreshore Master Plan provides a framework for a proposed upgrade at the site, it also includes detailed sequencing of steps before any pricing changes will be made.
Redlands Mayor, Melva Hobson, said the upgrade was only one of a number of initiatives Council would now pursue to improve transport issues associated with the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, now the master plan was in place.
“There are issues and challenges at Weinam Creek Council can’t ignore.” Cr Hobson said.
“We need to take action, to ensure we manage growth and address issues associated with public transport and safety. At the same time, we need to make sure we provide options for fair and affordable parking.
“Population growth on the four islands – Karragarra, Lamb, Macleay and Russell – has meant we need to make changes at the Weinam Creek car park.
“The planned upgrade will ultimately provide more parking bays, improve public transport access and safety, improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians, and improve overall security through lighting and staffing.”
Cr Hobson said the upgrade would not occur in isolation.
“One of the key actions to follow the adoption of the Redland Bay Centre and Foreshore Master Plan will be a review of the Redlands Integrated Local Transport Plan (ILTP). We’ll also be seeking a commitment from the state government to a joint integrated transport plan for the four islands.
“The review will re-examine the assumptions of the last study, in 2003, and consider alternative barge corridor links to Victoria Point and Cleveland, and Steiglitz on the Gold Coast.
“Council’s ultimate aim is to see public transport improved through more service connections to the ferry terminal at Weinam Creek, future island bus services, improved barge services, better integrated ferry and bus timetabling, integrated ticketing and a park’n’ride facility in the southern end of the city.
“These initiatives are within state government responsibilities and Council will continue to lobby to achieve these improvements.”
In the meantime, Council will follow a detailed sequence of steps as it plans for the car park upgrade.
“Once the ILTP review is complete – including an assessment of the social and economic impact of the proposed pricing structure – and the concept and design for the upgrade finalised, parking fees will be determined as part of the 2010-11 budget process,” Cr Hobson said.
“Council will develop a transition plan so that construction is undertaken to minimise disruption to car park users as much as possible, and the new pricing policy for car park users is responsibly introduced.
“Construction is likely to be completed around mid 2011.
“As part of its budget deliberations for 2010-2011, Council will consider and adopt a responsible pricing model, which won’t be implemented until at least 2011.”
