Ray Stevens MP
Member for Mermaid Beach
Who is Ray Stevens?
Ray was born in Townsville in 1953 and remained there while he studied initially at James Cook University before moving to Sydney and completing his studies at Macquarie University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Finance and Economics. Ray was admitted to the Australian Association of Accountants in 1974, and worked for Price Waterhouse in Sydney until returning to the family cattle and sheep station “Doncaster” in Richmond, North Queensland.
Ray moved to the Gold Coast in 1979 establishing local businesses around Pacific Fair, Surfers Paradise and Nerang before moving to make a community contribution to the area he had made his home.
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Ray is a member of various local sporting and community organisations. His interests include rugby, tennis, clay target shooting, horse racing and breeding, theatre and music.​
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Ray was a Councillor (1988 – 1994) and then Mayor of Albert Shire (1994 – 1995). In 1994 when the Government amalgamated the Albert Shire and Gold Coast City Councils, Ray was voted in as the first Mayor of the combined Gold Coast (1995 – 1997). After leaving office in 1997, he later served as the Chief of Staff to the Mayor of the City.​
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Ray was elected to the Queensland State Parliament in September 2006 for the seat of Robina, which was renamed to Mermaid Beach prior to the 2009 election.
A word from Ray
As part of the LNP Team in the Queensland State Parliament we are the Government charged with plotting the best economic and social pathway forward for the long-term betterment of the Queensland people.
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In my role as the member for Mermaid Beach, I am the conduit for local matters to support our leadership team of David Crisafulli as Premier and Jarrod Bleijie as Deputy Premier and together we are committed to pursuing a better Queensland for all Queenslanders.
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The LNP has always had a strong focus on law and order issues, to protect the communities of Mermaid Beach, the greater Gold Coast and all Queenslanders from antisocial activities of some members of our society. Any attempt to wind back the existing protective laws and reduce the capacity of our Law Enforcement Officers will be vigorously resisted.
​​Health issues and Child Safety are of paramount concern, and we will strongly pursue access and assistance for all Gold Coast communities.
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After what has been a most challenging few years, I will maintain lobbying hard for the tourism sector on the Gold Coast – it has been, and always will be, if we look after it, the economic lifeblood of the Gold Coast. Despite challenging world circumstances, the Gold Coast is still the best place to live, work and play. What we must make sure we do as your government, is to find the right balance between development and maintaining the liveability of the Gold Coast City.
The Gold Coast as a paradise for beautiful geography and glorious weather will certainly be best placed for future prosperity and I look forward to being part of the LNP Team that brings much needed growth and infrastructure to the Gold Coast going forward.
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As your local Member I am keen to ensure that my time is spent actively participating in the community supporting school events, service groups and community organisations.
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If you would like me to attend a civic event, require assistance regarding a State related matter or just have a general enquiry please contact my office.