A GOLD award-winning Redlands tourism operator is considering relocating his business to the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast, citing years of frustration with Redland City Council and a lack of support for local operators.
Ashley Scott and Karen Robertson, from Bay Island Lifestyle, say they will make the call after winter on whether to leave the region.
The business, which secured a Gold for Excellence in Accessible Tourism at the 2025 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, said the tipping point came after being excluded for a second year from a major Council-backed tourism activation – the Water Lantern Festival – at Raby Bay Foreshore.
Following direct consultation with the US-based owners of the Lantern Festival, Bay Island Lifestyle has now reached an agreement that will allow the business to continue operating over the festival weekend.
“We’re told we’re a valued part of the community – a gold award winner – and then we’re told we can’t be there for the second weekend of their biggest tourism promotion,” Karen said.
The long-running dispute has now escalated into a broader warning for the region, with Mr Scott confirming the pair are actively exploring opportunities outside the Redlands.
“Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast – absolutely we’re looking,” he said.
“Hell yeah, we’d move. I don’t care if it costs us a lot more. We just want to be somewhere we’re valued.”
Mr Scott said the business, once described as a “busted ass mum and dad business”, had recorded more than 28,000 hires over the past eight years.
Despite that, he claims the business still operates without basic infrastructure, including a permanent base or dedicated landing space.
“All our gear is at my house. I drive it in every day. We’ve got no shed, no premises – nothing,” he said.
“What we’re asking for isn’t huge, just a dedicated space where we can operate without having to drive through puddles every day.”
Mr Scott said short-term permits and uncertainty around access made it difficult to plan or invest.
“Everywhere else you get three-year permits. Here it’s 12 months, because that’s all the guidelines allow,” he said.
“How do you make long-term decisions on that?
“If nothing improves, we’ve got to look at it.
The potential departure of Bay Island Lifestyle would be a huge blow to the Redlands tourism sector, given its recent national recognition.
Mr Scott said the business had even offered to display its gold tourism award at Council’s tourism office – an offer he claims was declined.
“They said it might get stolen or fall off a bench,” he laughed.
The situation has sparked questions about how the region supports tourism operators, with Mr Scott warning a perception of being “too hard” could drive investment elsewhere.
“We go to meetings and get told, ‘we’ll just replace you with someone else’,” he said.
“That’s not how you build a tourism industry.”
While he acknowledged support from the Mayor, Mr Scott said ultimately the decision would come down to business viability.
Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said it would be “a shame” to lose the award-winning business from the city.
Cr Mitchell said he was aware of ongoing Council support through minimal fees and charges and collaborative promotions but also acknowledged “there has been some frustrations needing fixing”.
“Following my Notice of Motion in April, Council is in the process of setting up a Raby Bay Foreshore Park service co-ordinator for the first time,” he said.
“This should further assist commercial operators and community interests.”
