About Us

Welcome to the Coochiemudlo Island Business Association Inc (CIBA), a not-for-profit organisation rooted in the heart of Coochiemudlo Island. We are more than just advocates for local businesses; we are a dedicated force committed to the prosperity and well-being of our community.

Our Story

CIBA was born during one of the most challenging times in recent history—the depths of the COVID pandemic. Our mission was clear: to support and uplift local businesses during an unprecedented crisis. Through determination and strategic action, we successfully assisted numerous businesses in securing grants and loans, helping them navigate the dark days of the pandemic. Our work didn’t stop there.

In 2021, CIBA orchestrated the last large-scale community event on Coochiemudlo Island—the Coochiemudlo Festival. This remarkable event brought together 450 visitors and locals for a six-hour celebration of music and arts, featuring seven incredible bands. Despite the challenges, we marshaled five local businesses to invest $1,000 each, making this landmark event possible without grants or significant external support. Our local member Kim Richards backed us with a donation of $1,000 to kick things off. Thanks to Kim, the faith of our local businesses and our leadership, these businesses were fully repaid, and our community experienced a joyous moment of triumph as we began to emerge from the pandemic.

Our Commitment

CIBA has consistently been the voice of reason, a listening ear, and a determined advocate for local businesses facing overwhelming challenges. Our 100% success rate in navigating red tape and overcoming obstacles speaks to our unwavering commitment to the community we serve.

Now, we are taking on a new challenge—leading the fight against the discriminatory Access Tax that burdens Moreton Bay Island residents. We recognise this injustice and are fully prepared to stand as warriors for the rights of our community. Our track record of success, resilience, and advocacy positions us uniquely to lead this critical battle.

Why Trust CIBA?

- Proven Leadership:

From pandemic relief to community events, we have consistently delivered results that uplift and empower our local businesses and community.

- Community-Centred:

Every action we take is guided by our commitment to the well-being of the Coochiemudlo Island community and beyond.

- Relentless Advocacy:

We fight tirelessly for what’s right, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every concern is addressed.

At CIBA, we don’t just talk about change—we make it happen. Join us in our mission to stop the Access Tax and ensure fairness for all residents of Moreton Bay Islands. Together, we can create a future where our community thrives without the burden of a tax to access our homes.

CIBA – Leading the fight for a fair and just community.

Russell Jackson gets to expose the scandalous Redland City Council cash grab on Radio 4BC

Published by Coochiemudlo Island Business Association CIBA President Russell Jackson had the opportunity to talk Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Drive with Gary Hardgrave. Gary was completely gobsmacked by the 1600% increase in landing fees levied by the Redland City Council which amounts the $500 per household on Coochiemudlo. It amounts to nothing more than a cash grab by RCC who didn't even pay for the jetty in the first place and will undoubtedly seek a government grant when it comes time to replace the jetties. Listen to the conversation. Please subscribe to updates and let's get this outrageous Access Tax stopped.

Bet you didn't know you are being exploited by an Access Tax

Written by Russell Jackson CIBA President 18 August 2024 Are You Aware You’re Being Exploited? Moreton Bay Island residents, it’s time to wake up and face the shocking reality: you are being exploited by the very council that is supposed to serve you. While your mainland neighbours go about their lives without any extra costs, you are being quietly squeezed for hundreds of dollars every year just to access your own home. The Unfair Reality of the Access Tax Russell Jackson, president of the Coochiemudlo Island Business Association, has revealed a scandalous truth that has gone unnoticed by most residents: every household on Coochiemudlo Island is paying around $500 per year as an Access Tax—just for the right to return to their homes. This tax is on top of the council rates, which are already the highest in Southeast Queensland before this extra burden is added. And it’s not just Coochiemudlo Island; residents of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands like Russell and Macleay are also b...

Redland City’s Ferry Fee Folly: How Coochiemudlo Island Residents Are Paying Three Times More for Basic Access

Written by Bill Wight, Secretary CIBA Council’s Ferry Fees: An Unjust Burden on Coochiemudlo Island Residents In the peaceful enclave of Coochiemudlo Island, a community of about 850 residents, an unjust financial burden looms large. Every year, each household is hit with a $500 fee by the Redland City Council—more than three times the $150 paid by their neighbors in the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI). This staggering disparity in ferry landing fees is not just an economic strain; it’s a glaring example of council-imposed discrimination that threatens the fabric of this small, close-knit community. An Unfair Playing Field The Council’s defense of these fees hinges on the claim that they’ve created a “level playing field” by charging $9.50 per ferry touchdown, aimed at equally funding the island jetty terminals. However, when one group is forced to pay three times what others do, it’s clear this playing field is anything but level. For Coochiemudlo Island, this means paying signifi...

Stop the Access Tax

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