REDLAND City Council says the vast majority of its major projects and strategic initiatives remain on track despite delays affecting several high-profile environmental and infrastructure programs.
A new quarterly Operational Plan Performance Report due to go before councillors next week shows 55 of council’s 71 operational activities were classified as “on track” as of March 31, while 12 had been completed and four were listed as requiring monitoring.
The report tracks progress across council’s major catalyst projects and key initiatives linked to the Corporate Plan, covering areas including the Birkdale Community Precinct, transport infrastructure, environmental programs, economic development and community safety.
Among the major projects continuing to advance is the controversial Birkdale Community Precinct and proposed Redland Whitewater Centre.
Council confirmed detailed design work continued during the March quarter, while procurement had begun for enabling infrastructure design works.
The precinct has also now been formally referred to the Federal Government for environmental assessment under the EPBC Act.
The report states progress on the broader Redlands Coast Regional Sport and Recreation Precinct remains partially stalled due to unresolved environmental offset requirements associated with Commonwealth approvals.
Council’s revised master plan delivery remains on hold pending further work around those EPBC obligations.
The quarterly report also reveals council is continuing to push major active transport and connectivity projects across the city.
Construction planning is progressing on sections of the Moreton Bay Cycleway at Redland Bay, while council says its Pathway Gap Program is “well underway” to close missing pedestrian and cycling links across the network.
On the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, council says planning work has continued around advocacy for regional status recognition and long-term infrastructure upgrades.
Council also confirmed workshops had commenced with the Department of Transport and Main Roads regarding the long-awaited Dunwich ferry terminal upgrade project.
Environmental programs also featured heavily throughout the report.
Council says its koala conservation program is increasingly focusing on major threats including disease and habitat fragmentation, while more than 4,600 plants have been established through environmental partnership programs during the reporting period.
The report notes council’s fire ant management, biosecurity and environmental education programs also continued throughout the quarter.
Meanwhile, council’s new Community Safety Action Plan progressed to 75 per cent completion during the quarter amid growing public concerns around safety and antisocial behaviour.
Among the completed projects highlighted in the report were the Wellington Street and Panorama Drive Stage 1 upgrade, the Minjerribah Panorama Coastal Walk, Southern Moreton Bay Islands ferry terminal upgrades and council’s fibre optic network rollout.
The report will be formally noted at next week’s Redland City Council General Meeting as part of council’s legislated quarterly operational performance reporting requirements.
