A CLEVELAND resident has condemned the presentation of the Redlands tourism office, describing it as a stark example of neglect in what should be a key community and visitor facility – concerns that have since prompted Redland City Council action.
Ian Neil said the previous condition of the tourism office reflected a broader lack of care for Cleveland and questioned whether elected representatives or Council staff were paying attention to the state of the city centre.
“Appalling presentation of Redlands Tourism office. Seriously??!! This is a prime example of the lack of care for this community,” Mr Neil said.
He also raised concerns about the visibility of Council leadership on the ground in Cleveland.
“Seriously, you wonder if any councillor or Council personnel ever walk the streets of Cleveland.”
Mr Neil warned the ongoing decline in presentation risked damaging the suburb’s reputation and its role as a gateway to Redlands Coast.
“The place is becoming a backwater,” he said.
Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell shared concerns about the standard of presentation in the town centre and believed Council should be leading by example.
“I agree that Council should be setting the example for all private and public land owners in Cleveland town centre regarding the standard of care and presentation of properties and streetscapes,” Cr Mitchell said.
“The town centre is unique across our city, and I have long argued with Council and councillors that it deserves a preferential and higher level of service.
“This is not the current policy however.”
Following community complaints and direct intervention from Cr Mitchell, Redland City Council has since moved to address the presentation issues at the tourism office.
Cr Mitchell said action was taken quickly once the matter was raised directly with Council, but said the situation highlighted a broader problem.
“Council responded fast once pushed, however great presentation of Cleveland town centre should be normal business,” he said.
“It’s what the community expects, and Council’s own surveys say just that.”
He said the outcome showed what could be achieved when residents spoke up, but agreed the standard of presentation in Cleveland should not require prompting.
Cr Mitchell reiterated his long-held view that Cleveland’s town centre deserved a higher level of service, and encouraged residents to continue contacting Council when expectations were not being met.
