COUNCIL CONTINUES SUPPORT FOR ECOMARINES PROGRAM IN REDLANDS COAST SCHOOLS
Redland City Council has committed to another year of supporting local schools with environmental initiatives through the Tangalooma EcoMarines program.
Mayor Karen Williams said the sponsorship of EcoMarines supported Council’s waste reduction objectives of decreasing waste to landfill by 15 per cent by 2030.
“Council is excited to continue to spread the word of caring for and protecting our naturally wonderful Redlands Coast through sponsorship of Tangalooma EcoMarines,” Cr Williams said.
“Council’s involvement started in 2022 with a pilot sponsorship and continued this year with the involvement of 13 schools across Redlands Coast.
“More than 55 initiatives were implemented this year, from litter pickups, feeding food waste to chickens and litter art projects to waste-free lunch boxes, compost campaigns and tree plantings.
“Council is proud of the incredible achievements of our youngest eco warriors and we look forward to seeing what they do in 2024.”
Cr Williams said the EcoMarines program aligned with the suite of environmental education programs Council offered to early childhood and school groups.
“Council’s partnership with EcoMarines allows us to include some of our key environmental messages into their primary school programs across Redlands Coast,” she said.
“This includes developing activities around positive litter behaviour, waste minimisation and behavioural change, and waterway health and connectivity.”
EcoMarines CEO Louise Yates said the organisation welcomed Redland City Council’s continued sponsorship of the program.
“Council’s support ensures our programs are sustainable and can be expanded to even more local schools,” Ms Yates said.
Redlands Coast schools enrolled in the EcoMarines program in 2023 were: Alexandra Hills State School, Capalaba State College, Cleveland State School, Coolnwynpin State School, Dunwich State School, Hilliard State School, Macleay Island State School, Russell Island State School, Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School, St Rita’s Catholic Primary School, Victoria Point State School, Vienna Woods State School and Wellington Point State School.
For more information on EcoMarines, visit ecomarines.org
COUNCIL SAYS REGIONAL PLAN NEEDS INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITMENT
Redland City Council says the Queensland Government’s long-term housing strategy, ShapingSEQ Regional Plan, will require a strong infrastructure commitment from the state for its proposals in Redlands Coast to proceed.
Mayor Karen Williams said Council has previously advised the Government that a new regional plan would have to be supported by requisite upgrades to the relevant state infrastructure networks.
“This is despite Redland City's strong objection to further growth without infrastructure commitment.
“At a minimum, it would be reasonable to expect the SEQ Infrastructure Supplement to identify additional emergency and education facilities, public transport infrastructure and critical upgrades.
“However, there is no mention of supporting infrastructure.”
Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the ShapingSEQ Regional Plan also failed on a regional scale to provide the funding, or a commitment to delivering the infrastructure ahead of the growth it predicted.
“It is a 20-year plan for 2.2 million new people and 900,000 new homes with a supporting infrastructure plan that only has four years of committed funding,” Cr Schrinner said.