IN a significant move to address the unique challenges faced by residents of the Redlands Coast Islands, Redland City Council has called on the Federal Government to commit to a series of key initiatives aimed at improving the islands’ liveability, infrastructure and safety.
With the islands grappling with issues that closely align with those experienced by remote and regional communities, the Council is pushing for federal recognition of the islands’ regional status, continued funding for mobile black spots, and significant investments in wastewater infrastructure.
One of the most pressing requests from the Council is for the Redlands Coast Islands to be officially recognised as a regional area for federal and state planning and funding purposes.
Currently classified as part of the major metropolitan area of Brisbane, the islands face challenges that are more in line with those faced by rural and remote communities.
As a result, they miss out on crucial funding and services that are tailored to the unique needs of others.
Federal Member for Bowman Henry Pike said the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and North Stradbroke Island had long faced challenges similar to those experienced by regional and remote communities, yet the Labor Government had effectively excluded them from critical regional funding opportunities.
“This is a significant step backwards for our islands, which urgently need support for infrastructure, economic development, and community services,” he said.
“In 2017, community-led efforts successfully convinced the former Coalition Government to make these islands eligible for the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).
“However, the Albanese Government’s replacement program, the Growing Regions Fund, has changed the eligibility conditions, excluding our islands.
“This is deeply disappointing and completely unjustified.
“It is baffling that while areas like Noosa and Surfers Paradise can still access regional funding, our SMBI islands – where median family incomes are less than half the national average – have been cut off.
“I will continue to push for an amendment to the Growing Regions Fund to reinstate SMBI and North Stradbroke Island’s eligibility.”
Mobile coverage on the Redlands Coast Islands has long been a concern, with significant black spots disrupting communication and posing safety risks.
The Council is calling for continued investment in mobile black spot funding to improve telecommunication infrastructure on the islands.
In late 2023, a major mobile outage on Russell Island during the busy Christmas period left residents unable to contact emergency services, highlighting the critical need for reliable mobile coverage.
The Council argues that increased investment will improve safety, connectivity, and resilience during power outages or natural disasters.
With more than 1400 island properties still relying on aging septic systems, the need for an upgraded, fit-for-purpose sewerage system is becoming increasingly urgent.
The Council is seeking federal support for the expansion of wastewater infrastructure to replace outdated systems and prevent environmental and health risks.
The cost of upgrading wastewater infrastructure is estimated at $37 million, a significant investment that the Council hopes will be supported by federal funding.
Greens candidate for Bowman Kristie Lockhart said we need to make sure our Redland Coast islands have as much access to vital infrastructure and essential services as our big cities.
“Federal funding should be allocated according to public need, not splashed around for political gain,” she said.
“The Greens support expanding the Mobile Black Spot Program to regional and remote areas to improve telecommunications infrastructure and make sure everyone has access to mobile phone coverage, especially in emergencies.”
Independent candidate for Bowman, Shaun Holloway, said he had visited the islands many times over the election period.
“The community on the islands is amazing, and just like the mainland, in some cases more so, they have not been listened to by all levels of government,” he said.
“My first and main goal if elected would be to change that status from Greater Brisbane to regional.
“The three most pressing issues are lack of infrastructure, that being sewerage and communication blackspots, and roads; investment in local businesses and job creation plus increased public services; and environmental issues such as flooding and bushfire risks.”
