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Redland celebrates 50 years of achievements

Wednesday 9 June marked the 50th Anniversary of the first meeting of Redland Shire Council. It was also the official launch of six months of activities to celebrate this milestone.

Mayor Eddie Santagiuliana said it will be a community based celebration with community groups encouraged to stage events themselves. A Community Advisory Committee has been working with Council to plan the extensive calendar of events as listed adjacent.

Council is also encouraging former residents to return and celebrate with current residents. "We are inviting anyone who lives in the Shire now or who has lived here at some point in time to celebrate with us," the Mayor said.

Using the theme 'Let's Celebrate', key events include the 200th anniversary of Matthew Flinders' voyage to Moreton and Hervey Bays. This includes a visit in July of Flinders' reconstructed sloop, the 'Norfolk'. The Redland Green and Grow Expo in October celebrates the Shire's agricultural origins and its current day vibrant horticulture industry.

The first European settlers in Queensland landed in the Shire at Cleveland in the 1820s. This area was first considered as the location for the State's capital, however, the Brisbane River area was ultimately selected.

"Early in our history the area was predominantly farming," said Mayor Eddie Santagiuliana. "From this, a thriving horticulture industry has grown up. "Today we are a premier residential location. We are very fortunate to have achieved what we have, particularly our strong environmental ethic."

When Redland Shire was formed in 1949, with the amalgamation of the former Cleveland Shire and a large part of Tingalpa Shire, the population was around 2,500 people. Today, the Shire has 108,000 residents and, as one of the fastest growing regions in Queensland, Redland is expected to have a population of 120,000 by 2005.

For those who want a tangible reminder of the area's history and the current celebrations, the Shire is preparing a CD which will trace Redland's past history and future plans. Including film, stills and sound, this multi media CD will also be distributed to local libraries and schools and be available for purchase.

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