KOALAS, trees, a $6million budget deficit, wi-fi in Cleveland and developer discounts on infrastructure fees, are all up for discussion at Redland City Council’s last general meeting for the year on Wednesday.
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More than 20 protesters are expected to wage a campaign outside chambers calling for council to save 27 koala trees at Ormiston.
Rally spokesman Adelia Berridge said the group wanted council to ask the developer, Fiteni Homes, to redesign the project around the trees.
Trees will be mentioned during the meeting when council debates introducing a $115 charge for a “tribute tree” and $150 for tribute plaques.
Officers have recommended dropping the price on a tribute park bench from $2781 to $1870.
The council will also discuss introducing free wi-fi in the city’s four main business areas of Victoria Point, Cleveland, Capalaba and Wellington Point at a cost of $14,718.
Council will defer its 10-year financial strategy, which will now be tabled at a special meeting to be held on December 17.
The document is likely to show a turn-around in the city’s finances with a forecast $11million deficit being clawed back to $6million.
An Anzac memorial precinct to be built in Kinsail Park, Cleveland, is also up for discussion and is expected to be put on a fast-track to be built in time for next year’s April ceremony.
The state government last month approved a land management plan for the park which includes building a concrete memorial wall into the side of a small hill in the park.
Residents have complained they were not adequately consulted.
A 10 per cent discount for online development applications, first introduced in 2008, will also be discussed.
Next year, council will start using a different electronic application system.
