Cr Michael Enright has announced his intention to retire from local politics, saying he will not contest the upcoming election in March 2024.
Cr Enright has held the position of Scenic Rim Regional Council’s Division Four Councillor since he was elected in 2016.
“It has been an absolute privilege to represent my community, where I grew up, where my wife and I raised our family and where my previous careers have led me to this most challenging but rewarding role,” he said.
“My only motivation as a Councillor has been to provide the best opportunities and outcomes for our communities and the region, and to help shape the future for the benefit of today’s and tomorrow’s residents.”
He plans to retire and spend time travelling with his wife Jenny and spending more time with their family.
Service to community to continue
Cr Michael Enright will continue his involvement in the community, following his retirement in March.
“I am continually amazed with the selfless efforts of our community-based volunteer groups who contribute so much to the social fabric of our community, and I would like to continue my involvement which I started over 40 years ago,” he said.
Cr Enright reflected on his eight years in office, praising the Council officers he has worked with to see many projects to fruition.
“Perhaps the most significant project for Beaudesert and the one I’m most proud of, is the Beaudesert Town Centre Revitalisation.
“This five-stage project will be transformational for our town when the final three stages are completed in the next 12 to 18 months.”
“It addresses flooding in our town centre, traffic flows, parking, pedestrian safety, amenity and it will provide a critical green space in our town centre that will be the driver of economic and social benefit for our town.”
During his first term in Council, land was secured in Kooralbyn for Billabong Park where a playground, covered picnic area, barbecue and gardens now provide a gathering place for the community.
“I’m also delighted that after almost eight years Council have secured Federal Government funding of $5m towards the total $9.75m for the replacement of the Hinchcliffe Bridge.”
Cr Enright said his focus for Beaudesert has been improved lifestyle for residents, where the adoption of the Scenic Rim Planning Scheme in March 2020 increased future lot sizes from a minimum of 400m2 to a minimum of 450m2 and an average of 700m2.
“Securing land for future community needs as our town grows has been a priority,” he said.
During Cr Enright’s time in office, 32 hectares of land on Lupton Road was secured for a sporting precinct and an additional 10 hectares secured for expansion of parkland along Spring Creek to adjoin Lions Bicentennial Park.
Other projects include amazing playground upgrades in Jubilee Park and LED sports field lighting and facility upgrades for Selwyn Park.
“A meeting I had in 2018 with a local businessman looking for a larger light industrial lot to expand their business, resulted in Council revisiting the undeveloped council-owned land off Enterprise Drive.”
“This culminated in the expansion of 30 new light industrial lots launched last November in the Beaudesert Enterprise Precinct with support from the Queensland Government.”
Cr Enright’s focus after 16 March will be quite different.
“I have lots of projects at home that haven’t progressed in the last eight years, so I’m looking forward to that!”
