What’s happening?
Redland City Council has responded to recent commentary in local media by confirming its support for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands remains strong and ongoing.
Council says the bay islands continue to be a high priority, with decades of advocacy to other levels of government while also delivering a broad range of local services and infrastructure.
In recent years, completed projects have included Council’s significant contribution to new ferry terminals across all four islands, upgrades to the Russell Island ferry terminal car park, road surfacing works under the green seal program, and a series of park renewals.
The current budget continues this focus, outlining new community facilities, coastal protection trials and local infrastructure upgrades across Russell, Macleay and Karragarra islands.
Why it matters
The SMBIs are established residential communities within Redlands Coast, and demand for improved roads and facilities has grown over time.
Council says its infrastructure program responds directly to residents’ calls for faster road sealing and stronger community facilities, while also improving resilience after events such as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March this year.
The aim is to support liveability, protect coastlines and strengthen essential services for island residents.
By the numbers
Here is the broader context behind Council’s ongoing program:
-
7,635 people were recorded as permanent residents across the four islands at the 2021 Census, highlighting their importance within Redlands Coast.
-
$6.95 million has been allocated in the 2025 to 2026 Budget for island infrastructure, including a new community building, expansion of the green seal program and swimming enclosure design work.
-
Since the green sealing program began in 2014, about 74 per cent of roads across the SMBIs have been upgraded, with a further $4 million committed to resurfacing in 2025 to 2026.
Zoom in
Projects in the 2025 to 2026 Budget include footpath expansion along High Street on Russell Island and three Living Shorelines coastal protection pilots at Jock Kennedy Park, Rocky Point and Sandy Cove.
A Community Infrastructure Project shelter will be delivered at Karragarra Island Community Park.
On Macleay Island, planning and design will progress for renewal of the Pats Park swimming enclosure, alongside broader park renewal design works.
The 2024 to 2025 Budget delivered footpath installation on Brighton Road, drainage upgrades on Mango Crescent and Bamboo Street on Russell Island, foreshore protection at Russell Terrace on Macleay Island, barge ramp traffic queuing improvements at the Macleay Island ferry car park, and ongoing road upgrades under the SMBI program.
Council also operates a library on Russell Island. Starlink was installed this year to support internet continuity, and an additional public computer was added due to limited private access for many residents.
Waste and recycling centres operate on Karragarra, Lamb, Macleay and Russell islands. Council maintains parks, sporting fields, swimming enclosures and community buildings, and provides grants to local groups. Citywide events such as Christmas on the Coast festive flicks are also delivered on the islands.
Zoom out
Council continues to advocate to the Australian and Queensland governments for stronger infrastructure, services and social support for island residents.
A detailed advocacy roadmap is now being developed to guide future funding discussions and long term planning.
What to look for next?
Residents can expect updates as coastal protection pilots progress and as road resurfacing and community facility designs move from planning into delivery.
Further detail is also expected as Council advances its island advocacy roadmap with state and federal governments.
