Cr Peter Mitchell’s Division 2 Update
Division 2 (Cleveland / North Stradbroke Island) Councillor
I PROUDLY facilitate opportunities for Government, businesses, and residents to work together as one team seeking shared success through practical action — and I invite your help.
Division Two and Redlands boast an enviable location, lifestyle, and natural environment.
We are blessed not only with stunning coastal beauty, but with something even more powerful — our people.
The wealth of skill lived experience and genuine engagement from residents is second to none.
Our local economy is robust, and our business community is impressive, diverse and growing.
Together, we hold in our collective grasp the toolkit to tackle historic, current and emerging challenges.
We can do so clear-eyed about what needs fixing, but also confident in our capacity to deliver both essential services and strategic opportunity for the future.
As Mother Teresa said: “Together we can do great things.”
That is why I ask everyone for just a 1 per cent contribution.
When thousands of people contribute 1 per cent, extraordinary outcomes follow.
Federal and State MPs and Ministers need our united voice to continue delivering expanded hospital services and major roads, improvements to Dunwich and Toondah harbours, better public transport, and the delivery of a multi-deck park and float facility in Cleveland.
I meet regularly with MPs, canvassing joint efforts and fighting fiercely for ratepayers.
I also invite you to support our local MPs in securing the infrastructure Redlands Coast needs and deserves.
A year ago, I welcomed new responsibilities as councillor for the Economic Portfolio.
My colleagues and I have wasted no time working collaboratively across portfolios.
We are focusing efforts, removing roadblocks and delivering tangible community benefits as a result.
But I need your help to keep momentum strong on several projects of genuine regional significance:
First, the progression of the Cleveland Town Centre major project — delivering core community requirements such as improved lighting and security, better access for vulnerable residents and pedestrians, ample parking and first-class civic open spaces.
At the same time, we must attract both Government and private investment in quality key-worker housing, medium and high-rise accommodation, hotel and office facilities, and expanded health, professional and knowledge-economy opportunities.
Second, locking in plans and budget for a new Cleveland Aquatic Centre and progressing an indoor sports centre — facilities that will serve families, young people and sporting groups for decades to come.
Third, Raby Bay Foreshore Park.
This is a must-do.
With its myriad popular uses — dog beach, events, commercial activity, walking, swimming — and its associated pressures of litter, parking and erosion, it deserves enhanced maintenance, careful planning and broad portfolio support.
Fourth, the Cleveland Showgrounds land use planning.
Defining its long-term uses and tenants must be crystallised through to 2027.
Anything less would be unfair to our community.
I sincerely thank every individual, business and community group already exceeding their 1 per cent by proactively working with me to improve our area.
I will risk highlighting just a few standouts: Minjerribah elders, Minjerribah Wildlife Rescue and NSI Potters, the Straddie Chamber of Commerce; the Cleveland Residential Body Corporate Chairpersons Group, Raby Bay Residents Association, Redlands Touch, Redlands FC, the Old Schoolhouse Gallery, NSI and Redland Museum, and the Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce.
For community groups, I offer quarterly email outreach.
For individual ratepayers, more than 50 mobile offices, hundreds of community engagements, and 24-hour access to Council and your Councillor make it easy to contribute your 1 per cent.
As Jerry Maguire taught us all: “Help me help you.”
If we each bring our 1 per cent, together we will build a stronger, more resilient and more prosperous Redlands Coast — not just for today, but for generations to come.
