IT has been a fabulous start to the year, celebrating the very best of Redlands Coast at the Australia Day Awards.
A special mention must go to inspiring Ormiston local Malakai Keen, who was named Young Citizen of the Year.
His achievement is a credit not only to him, but to the community that has supported and encouraged him.
Congratulations also to every nominee — your contribution to Redlands Coast does not go unnoticed and is deeply appreciated.
The year has also commenced in earnest on the ground, with several long-awaited community sporting upgrades now underway.
At EGW Woods, the netball courts are being resurfaced to accommodate both netball and pickleball, alongside the installation of new lighting.
This will significantly improve access and increase usage of the facility.
Next door, Redlands Cricket is also benefiting from new lights, enabling greater night-time use and expanded competition opportunities.
Meanwhile in Ormiston, new lighting is being installed at Redlands Softball — an exciting development for the future of the sport.
Should softball be included as a 2032 Olympic sport, this investment may even place us in a position to host training, if not games.
Sport plays a vital role in the lives of so many Redlanders, across all ages and abilities, and it is encouraging to see these important community projects now underway.
Beyond sport, a range of other local projects are progressing.
These include a new park at Belford Drive, safer pedestrian crossings on Sturgeon Street, drainage works, and several local economic and social initiatives in partnership with the Wellington Point traders and other community groups.
I continue to liaise closely with local police and encourage residents to report antisocial behaviour when it occurs.
Reporting ensures police have the information they need to respond appropriately and identify patterns of concern.
A major city-wide focus this year will be the commencement of consultation on the revision of the City Plan.
This is a critical opportunity for residents to have their say on how our city grows and develops.
Decisions around building heights, density, land use, commercial areas and lot sizes will all be shaped through this process.
I strongly encourage everyone to engage — this plan will guide the responsible design and layout of our city for decades to come.
In my role on the Audit and Risk Committee, several reviews are planned for 2026 to strengthen corporate governance through effective oversight and advice to Council.
This work aligns closely with my responsibilities as Finance Portfolio holder.
Every Council project and service ultimately depends on sound financial management, and a clear understanding of risk is essential.
As more detailed costings become available, I am hopeful that funding streams for future committed projects can be clearly mapped.
I remain very mindful of the impact that capital costs, ongoing maintenance, operating expenses and depreciation place on ratepayers and Council’s long-term financial sustainability.
My second portfolio, Water and Waste Infrastructure, covers Council’s largest and most critical asset base.
The health of our city depends on this infrastructure functioning reliably.
For many years, I have raised concerns about ageing assets, and this year Council is progressing increased maintenance and renewal programs.
I am keen to support these efforts and advocate for sufficient funding through the budget process to ensure long-term resilience.
It is a busy and fulfilling year ahead, and I look forward to catching up with residents at P&Cs, sporting clubs and community events.
Please do say hello — I value the opportunity to hear your views and ideas.
Most importantly, take care of yourselves and check in on one another.
Strong communities are built on connection, and looking out for each other has never been more important.
