🗑️ Bin tax backlash is brewing
Volume 57: Arj Barker at RPAC | Straddie's jetty overhaul | Child monitoring app spyware warning | Cleveland Aquatic Centre petition and more
Welcome back to The Redland City Minute, a windy last 24 hours 💨🥶
It’s July 3.
In today's email:
One Big Thing: Safety overhaul for Straddie’s Yabby Street Jetty
Sea World wins: New $10m wildlife hospital
Bin tax backlash is: Brewing locally
Trending: A petition to fix Cleveland Aquatic Centre
Around the Web (Snippets): Redlands residents caught in Qantas cyber incident, Sunscreen labels fail SPF testing, Amazon Prime Day 2025 deals and more
Upcoming Events
Redlands Weather Forecast and Tides
Live National Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: Safety overhaul for Straddie’s Yabby Street Jetty
What’s Happening: Repairs to North Stradbroke Island’s One Mile Jetty (Yabby Street Jetty) kick off from 14 July, with Mitchell Marine Constructions on deck to restore the ageing structure.
Why It Matters: These repairs are vital for the safety of all users and for maintaining essential marine infrastructure on North Stradbroke Island given the Yabby Street Jetty serves as a key access point for recreational and commercial boating, fishing activities, and ferry operations.
By the Numbers
Works begin the week of 14 July 2025
Completion expected in six week by late August, weather permitting
Just one berthing pontoon to be repaired (damaged during Cyclone Alfred)
Local Impact: The jetty will close during works, with nearby options remaining available, including the One Mile Pontoon, Junner Street facility (2km south), and unchanged ferry services.
Smooth sailing ahead: These upgrades aim to futureproof a vital piece of Straddie’s marine infrastructure for the long haul.
What The People Say
“These important works will ensure the jetty remains fit for purpose and is safe for all users for years to come,” — MSQ spokesperson
What to Look For Next
Expect updates from MSQ as works progress toward a late August wrap-up—weather permitting.
2. Sea World wins $10m wildlife hospital
By Marshall Hall
What’s Happening: The Sea World Foundation has landed a $10 million State Government grant to build a public-facing marine hospital on the Gold Coast, enhancing rescue and rehabilitation for dolphins, turtles, whales, seals, and seabirds.
Why It Matters: In addition to being a win for wildlife, the facility is also set to become a key ecotourism draw, combining conservation with public education in a region where marine life is everywhere and mishaps are frequent.
By the Numbers
Last year alone, there were 400+ marine animals rescued by Sea World, ranging from sea snakes to dugongs and more
The Foundation has assisted with over 30 years of marine rescue experience
Local Impact: From jet ski collisions to fishing line injuries, marine threats are real here, and this hospital puts help and public awareness closer to where the action is.
Sea Change with Science: Live vet work, conservation talks, and behind-the-scenes access will give visitors a front-row seat to marine science.
What The People Say
“Our $10 million in funding means more animals can be rehabilitated and released on the Gold Coast, where dangers like boat propellers pose a threat to native wildlife,” – said Minister Andrew Powell.
“The marine hospital will also create a unique ecotourism experience for the Gold Coast, a sector in which our Destination 2045 20-year tourism plan has set a clear goal to become a world leader.”
“The project would allow the Sea World team to have an even greater impact on Australian marine life.” – said Clark Kirby, Village Roadshow CEO
“The state-of-the-art marine hospital and conservation hub will allow our specialised veterinary and marine animal experts to help more animals, and educate the millions of guests who visit Sea World on conservation efforts to minimise impacts on the environment.
What To Look For Next: The full article, below.
3. Bin tax backlash brewing
What’s Happening: Redland City ratepayers are set to foot a bigger waste bill, with the State cutting its waste levy offset from 100% to 70% from 1 July.
Why It Matters: The LGAQ has launched its #BinTheTax campaign, urging a pause on changes until the Queensland Waste Strategy review is complete.
Without the full offset, councils face a growing funding gap, forcing tough choices between rate hikes and service cuts, all while lacking the infrastructure to support better recycling.
By the Numbers
$2.2 million shortfall for Redland City Council in 2025–26
$8.6 million projected annual gap by 2030–31
19 Queensland councils impacted by the reduced waste levy offset
Local Impact: Redland Mayor Jos Mitchell says the shortfall will hit already stretched families, as councils struggle to plug the funding gap without raising rates.
Smells like trouble: Without a policy reset, the bin tax burden is set to grow, and so is public backlash.
What The People Say
“Millions of Queenslanders will be forced to pay a state waste levy, a bin tax” said Alison Smith, LGAQ CEO
“The gap… is forecast to rise to $2.2m next year, and $8.6m by 2030–31.” Said Mayor Jos Mitchell
What to Look For Next: The Queensland Waste Strategy is under review, residents should stay tuned and weigh in before the bin tax costs pile even higher.
4. Trending
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Cleveland ferries lead to: Prime whale viewing points
Australian sunscreen labels are under fire after: Failed SPF testing
Local Redlands residents have become victims in: The Qantas cyber attack and data breach this week
It has been decided that Tasmania will host the nation’s largest: AI facility, with the creation of a world-first AI Factory Zone in the northern part of the island
Bayside District Crime Prevention Unit, in partnership with Cleveland Police, are inviting the community to join local: Officers at Cleveland Central Shopping Centre on Tuesday 8 July for a Coffee with a Cop.
Amazon Prime Day 2025, date and early deals have been: Released with all the latest news on this year's upcoming mega-sale
Anglicare Southern Queensland’s Killara Day Respite Centre has become a: Vibrant hub of connection and creativity thanks to a stunning First Nations mural
Beware of Catwatchful, a spyware masquerading as a child monitoring app that claims: To be “invisible and cannot be detected,” all the while uploading the victim’s phone’s private contents to a dashboard viewable by the person who planted the app.
Microsoft will lay off: 9,000 employees, or less than 4% of the company, amid hefty AI bets
In case you missed it, last week’s newsletter👇
6. Upcoming Events
🤣 Comedian Arj Barker - The Mind Field: 5 July, RPAC Concert Hall. Arj sets out to answer some of life’s biggest questions:
Why are we here?
Are we alone in the Universe?
Why does it hurt when we pee..?
🎨 Canvas Creations: Highland Cows: 5 July 2025, Redlands Sporting Club, Wellington Point. Guided painting session where you’ll create charming highland cow artworks, perfect for beginners and art lovers alike.
🎶 Redlands Coast NAIDOC Cultural Celebration: 6 July 2025, Raby Bay Harbour Park, Celebrate the culture and history of First Nations people with performances, workshops, food stalls, and a traditional smoking ceremony.
💻 Butterfly Tie‑Dye Craft: The Science Behind the Rainbow!: 7-11 July 2025, Redlands Libraries (Victoria Point & Cleveland). Combine STEM and art, discovering the science of colour through hands-on dyeing activities.
🎭 Mariachi Continental de San Diego: 8 July 2025, Redlands Bowl, Cleveland Free evening performance by a dynamic mariachi ensemble, celebrating rich musical traditions.