REDLAND City councillors have narrowly rejected a proposal to regulate parking at Cleveland Central, leaving the South Mall and North Mall carparks under private management.
The decision came during Wednesday’s general meeting, with the motion defeated 6–5.
Councillors Wendy Boglary, Paul Golle, Tracey Huges, Jason Colley, Paul Bishop, and Mayor Jos Mitchell voted against the proposal.
Cr Peter Mitchell spoke in support of the amendment, highlighting the shopping centre owners’ request for council assistance.
“Just to remind councillors and the public, the shopping centres — Cleveland Central and Haben — requested this for the North and South Malls,” he said.
“These are really significant car parking areas within Middle Street, in the Cleveland CBD and town centre.
“They essentially asked Council, ‘Can you give us a hand with the regulation there?’”.
Cr Mitchell said the consultation process, which attracted 166 visits to the project page and 19 submissions, had been “worthwhile” and allowed councillors to consider community feedback.
“Looking at this coolly, I think on balance it’s in the public interest,” he added, noting the proposal supported collaboration between council, businesses, and the Chamber of Commerce.
Several councillors opposed the plan.
Cr Paul Bishop warned that council involvement on private land could set a concerning precedent.
“Using Council authority to enforce rules on private land crosses that line and effectively subsidises private enforcement,” he said.
Cr Rowanne McKenzie defended the proposal, citing previous arrangements where council regulated parking on private property.
“We keep saying we want more customers in Cleveland — but where will they park if staff take all the spaces? I fully support this — it supports business and encourages customer turnover in the CBD,” she said.
Other opponents included Cr Paul Golle, who said private businesses should manage their own carparks.
“If shopping centres want regulation, then install boom gates. I’m not going to send officers into a private shopping centre to regulate car parking. No way,” he said.
Cr Tracey Huges also opposed the plan, describing the carparks as “major assets with big dollars and big investment” that Council should not oversee.
With the motion defeated, Cleveland Central’s carparks will remain privately managed.
