Redlands islands get funding boost with ratepayers to pay more in new budget

Redlands Coast islands are to benefit from a $6.95 million spend on infrastructure projects with general rates to increase.

The spending and increase are contained in Redland City Council’s 2025–26 $503 million budget.

•  For more about the Budget, visit redland.qld.gov.au/budget

Council says projects approved for funding include a new community building, expanding the green seal program and the restoration of two swimming enclosures.

Councillor (Division 2) Peter Mitchell says there is funding to restore the Amity Point swimming enclosure on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah).

“There is also funding for a drainage renewal project on Kennedy Drive near the Point Lookout Surf Lifesaving Club,” he says.

Fellow councillor (division 5) Shane Rendalls says residents on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands can expect more work on the Weinam Creek Priority Development Area such as new parking, a boat ramp, bus stops, parks and roads.

Cr Rendalls says other funded projects on southern bay Islands include continuing the  green seal road program.

“On Macleay Island, there is funding for the design and construction of a building for a community youth centre and swimming enclosure renewal and park renewal projects at Pats Park.”

He says that on Russell Island, a footpath expansion on High Street will go ahead as well as design work on a foreshore protection project at Jock Kennedy Park and a Living Shorelines coastal protection pilot at Rocky Point.

A shelter with seating will be built at a park on Karragarra Island.

RATES INCREASE

Council also says its rates must increase annually to ensure it can maintain its normal service levels.

It is budgeting for an operating surplus of $704,000 for the new financial year.

Council says Redland City’s rates base is largely residential, unlike neighbouring councils that have a large commercial and industrial sector and extensive high-density housing and high-rise buildings.

It will increase the minimum general rate by $2.13 a week on average for category 1a (most of the city’s owner-occupied households).

There will be pensioner rebates of almost $3.5m with rebates of $335 per year for a full pensioner and $167.50 for a part-pensioner.