A computer image of the resilience facility, and, the plans for the project.
Work is expected to start soon on the Russell Island Sports Clubhouse and Resilience Centre.
The project is expected to cost more than $670,000 and has been aided with a $500,000 grant from the Commonwealth Government's Regional Development Australia Fund.
Redland City Council is making up the remainder of the construction and outfitting costs.
Tenders have been called for with the successful contractor to be selected before the end of the year. It can be assumed that construction will start in February or March of 2015.
The Russell Island Resilience Centre was identified as a 'priority' following the damaging storms of 2012 and 13, with the islands recognised as 'more vulnerable' than mainland areas.
It was announced that the sports clubhouse and resilience facility would be stage 2 of the Russell Island Sports Ground Development that involved the opening of the new sports fields and tennis courts exactly 12 months ago.
The facility will not only accommodate sporting and community groups; it will also serve as a disaster resilience centre for the prevention, preparation, response and recovery phases of a disaster event.
Mayor Karen Williams said at the time of the announcement of the project: “This need was well highlighted to Redland City Council by the Ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald storm event that greatly impacted the Southern Moreton Bay Island (SMBI) community.
“We are extremely grateful for the funding support of the Australian Government and the strong application support provided by RDA Logan and Redlands Inc in supporting our funding bid.”
Mariae Crawshaw, Chief Executive of Regional Development Australia Logan and Redlands Inc, said that the application was assessed as a high regional priority and was strongly endorsed for consideration for Federal funding.
Redland City Council Division 5 Councillor, Mark Edwards said: “This multi-purpose facility will serve the sport, recreation, social and community needs of the Southern Moreton Bay Island communities of Karragarra, Lamb, Macleay and Russell Islands and those of neighbouring communities in Redlands, Logan and Southeast Queensland.
“It has been innovatively designed to include a commercial kitchen and first-aid room and for dual use as a resilience training and evacuation centre, which maximises the output of the building,” he said.
Construction of the coming weeks and be completed by April 2015 offering employment opportunities to local people during construction and through the establishment phases of the project.