A new Youth and Community Centre planned for Macleay Island will service the needs of the growing community and will also be designed so it can support community recovery following a disaster.
Redland City Acting Mayor Julie Talty said plans for the new building were revised following the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March 2025.
“The Southern Moreton Bay Island communities were severely impacted, enduring about eight days without power and communications after the cyclone and were isolated as the ferry was unable to operate,” Cr Talty said.
“As part of Council’s cyclone recovery process, investigations were undertaken into how to make the island communities more resilient for future events.
“This includes incorporating disaster resilience features into community facilities, especially new buildings, so they are equipped to function as a coordination point and hub for recovery efforts, providing a place of support, communication, service provision to the community as well as a base for emergency workers.”
Cr Talty said the new building would be designed to be resilient to a category three cyclone.
Resilience features to withstand cyclonic wind speeds and loadings in the construction will include upgraded materials, frames with cyclone-rated connectors, tie-down rods and brackets to prevent roof uplift, improved bracing, and shutters to prevent window breakage.
Disaster resilience features will include gas supply, solar panels, battery and a back-up generator to allow the building to function for extended periods.
Division Five Councillor Shane Rendalls said the dual purpose of the building would meet a need for the Southern Moreton Bay Island communities.
“This new centre represents a significant opportunity to provide a resilient youth and community centre with spaces for multiple uses such as bookable meeting and counselling rooms, a youth space and training rooms,” Cr Rendalls said.
“The aim is to increase recreational, education, health and social opportunities for residents living on the SMBI.
“The new plans, which mean the centre will be able to operate as a resilience hub, also align with Council’s desire to ensure disaster resilience features are applied into the new building.”
The Macleay Island Youth and Community Centre project is proudly supported by the Queensland Government’s South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program.
