REDLAND City Council has voted to progress long-stalled plans to revitalise Cleveland’s CBD, just a week after frustrated local traders issued a front-page plea to “Do Something Now” amid growing concern over neglect and empty shopfronts.
More than 20 premises across the town centre currently sit vacant – some for years – highlighting what business owners describe as a lack of coordinated planning and investment to bring life back to the area.
In response, councillors backed a motion requesting a detailed report by the end of July outlining specific project scopes and resourcing requirements– signalling a renewed push to break years of inertia.
Mayor Jos Mitchell said the move marked a crucial first step in responding to community demand.
“There is a strong appetite within our community and among councillors for revitalising the Cleveland Town Centre,” Cr Mitchell said.
“Over the past two years, through conversations with local businesses and discussions in these chambers, it’s clear this project is both highly desired and long overdue.
“While I acknowledge ongoing community concerns about the Redland Investment Corporation (RIC), I believe many of those can be addressed through improved communication and transparency.
“RIC brings valuable expertise in working with industry. Not everything has been perfect, but a number of successful projects have been delivered – even if some have taken longer than expected.”
Cr Rowanne McKenzie, who strongly supported the motion, said the years of delay had left both the Council and RIC without a clear path forward.
“We’ve now been sitting on this for four years without real decisions being made. It’s just not good enough,” Cr McKenzie said.
She stressed the importance of Council investment to help leverage private sector interest, citing the transformation of nearby Wynnum as an example.
“When someone started injecting money, it changed. The hotel added a cinema, and now they’re building a rooftop function room overlooking the bay,” she said.
“That kind of private investment followed because someone took the first step. We must ensure this is a genuine partnership – not just RIC acting alone.”
Cr Paul Golle also urged action, pointing to Cleveland’s natural advantages and unrealised potential.
“If we don’t invest in Cleveland – which has all the potential to be the ‘Manly’ of the Redlands – we’re missing a massive opportunity,” he said.
“Cleveland is the gateway to the islands. It has tourism appeal and investment potential, but now, it’s so disjointed.”
Cr Golle also floated the idea of revisiting development incentives and said the upcoming Brisbane Olympics provided a timely opportunity to boost the local economy.
However, not all councillors were convinced.
Cr Wendy Boglary raised concerns about RIC’s governance, noting the resignation of two CEOs in recent months and cautioning against rushing into new resolutions before completing existing transition work.
“At the moment, RIC is unstable,” she said. “Now is not the time, in my opinion, to be changing past resolutions.”
Cr Lance Hewlett echoed those concerns and said he could not support the motion under the current circumstances.
Despite the dissent, the motion passed with strong support, reflecting a clear majority’s desire to move forward.
RIC Acting CEO Anca Butcher welcomed the vote.
“This is an exciting opportunity to revitalise Cleveland,” Ms Butcher said.
“Capalaba is now in the delivery stage, Toondah Harbour has a defined roadmap, and we have a long-term board and experienced staff overseeing these projects.
“We’re confident we can bring the same approach to Cleveland.”
