Moreton Bay Regional Council Archives

Queens Beach North Now A Permanent Off-leash Dog Beach

Photo credit: Michel_van_der_Vegt/Pixabay

Queens Beach North is now a permanent 24-hour off-leash dog beach! Moreton Bay Regional Council announced the final decision after analysing survey responses from the community from December 2020 to February 2021.

Effective 1 April 2021, dogs will be allowed to roam free 24 hours, seven days a week. However, this comes with a compromise: a shorter 357 metre stretch of Queens Beach North will be designated as a permanent Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA).

A reduction of 68 meters from the current trial area is needed to provide a clearer demarcation of the end of the area, and increase the distance from nearby houses.

“The adjusted boundary has moved north of the southern trial limit and has utilised the existing steps onto the beach to provide a physical reference point as well as an access point. Outside of the permanent dog off-leash area, the area south of the steps requires dogs to be on a leash at all times,” Council stated on the website.

It took four years and multiple trials before Council made a decision. During the trial period, dogs were only allowed to roam free on the beach before 8:00 am and after 4:00 pm daily.

Photo credit: yoursay.moretonbay.qld.gov.au

During the 10-week consultation period, a total of 2452 residents participated in the survey. Around 77 percent of all the respondents agreed to make Queens Beach North a permanent off-leash dog beach. Council added that it only goes to show that there’s a growing demand for off-leash areas on beaches within the region.

Still, the Council needed to make some arrangements to balance the interests of all residents. They considered legitimate concerns of nearby residents, which includes noise and property impacts.

To ensure patrons are aware of the extents of the area and obligations for use of the facility, Council will install regulatory and advisory signage in the area. Rangers would also patrol the area and issue infringement notices to anyone doing the wrong thing.

Cr Peter Flannery also reminded dog owners to maintain effective control of their pets at all times, even within the DOLA, and dogs must be leashed while walking from vehicle to the DOLA.

Redcliffe’s Dolphin Stadium to Get $6M Expansion

Photo Credit: Dolphin Stadium/Facebook

To meet the rising demand for games at Dolphin Stadium, Moreton Bay Regional Council has signed off on a $2.5-million contribution to finish the stadium’s expansion. The Federal Government also committed $3.5 million towards the project.

Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland, a long-time supporter of the club, said it made economic sense to contribute towards Stage 3 of Dolphin Stadium. Once complete, this will increase the stadium’s seating capacity from 7,000 to 10,000.

The stadium had 4,000 seats when it reopened in 2016. More seats were added during the second stage of the project in 2018. Stage 3 involves the development of the northern end of the ground. It is part of the five-year expansion project funded by the state and federal governments and the Moreton Bay Regional Council. To date, the project has cost $15 million, including $6 million for the second stage.

Mayor Sutherland believes it’s an investment that’s returning massive dividends for the region through tourism and events. He said it allows council to continue to invest in other facilities as there are no ongoing maintenance and depreciation costs for ratepayers.

More than being a home to the Redcliffe Dolphins, Dolphin Stadium (formerly Dolphin Oval) served as the venue for the Brisbane Roar women’s teams high-profile home matches. The A-League soccer club announced in June 2019 that it will move three of its home matches in the 2019–20 season to the venue. Their match against Melbourne City in November 2019 attracted a total of 9,387 spectators filling the stands at Dolphin Stadium.

Regarding the expansion plan, Spokesperson for Economic Development, Events and Tourism Cr Peter Flannery added: “Attracting visitors to the stadium is fantastic as many travel to the region and then stay overnight or longer. On average these visitors spend $278 per visitor per day in our local businesses.”

What to Expect with Redcliffe Art Gallery and Community Space Upgrades

Photo Credit: moretonbay.qld.gov.au

Redcliffe Administration Centre will undergo a major enhancement with the addition of a new art gallery and community space.

The Moreton Bay Regional Council has allocated $5.5 million to the project which will see the Redcliffe Art Gallery relocate from its current location to provide additional space for exhibitions and public programs.

The new 1000 square metre gallery will feature display areas, new front counter, a courtyard, studio space, storage, curatorial space and general amenities.

Other enhancements will include the establishment of a new customer service area and space for community groups on the ground floor.

With the upgrades underway, council’s customer service will be temporarily relocated to Redcliffe Library. Council’s regular public meetings will continue to be held on the upper level of the building.

About the Redcliffe Art Gallery

The Redcliffe City Art Gallery has been home to Moreton Bay local talent since 1957. It is located right outside the Redcliffe Library, a short walk from the Entertainment Centre.

Getting there is easy because it is just 40 minutes drive north of Brisbane City Centre and there is a bus stop just metres away at Oxley Avenue.

It offers a lot of activities for people of all ages. Kids can have a world of adventure at the interactive initiative called G.A.M.E (Gallery and Museum Explorers) whilst adults can find a variety of beautiful things in the gift shop from the Redcliffe City Art Gallery.

It is located at 470-476 Oxley Avenue, Redcliffe. On a regular day, the art gallery opens Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.