Peter Carroll (1948 – 2025)

Peter Carroll (left) with his twin brother Andrew at Coles Bay, Tasmania

By Sue Boggan

Peter Carroll arrived in Shoreham around 1980 to design and build his parents’ house in Nelson Street on the newly subdivided Coryule Estate. This was at a time when the streets were all unmade and often more like tracks, and where land was cleared down to the beach.

He went on to design and build longstanding ABC journalist and presenter, Peter Couchman’s house in Lexington Street and the shed at what is now the Shoreham Nursery in Blake Street.

But his real contribution to Shoreham came in the form of fighting for the preservation of the semi-rural coastal village features of the area. 

During the late 80s, residents had to contend with the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s proposed $1.5 million scheme to develop Nelson Street, a scheme which would have financial implications for many residents. Peter was quick to argue that the community mount a challenge.

The community came together and residents stopped the initial proposal. However, ultimately Council prevailed. This prompted Peter to set up the ‘Road Reform Group,’ traveling across the Peninsula to inform residents how to respond to the many road schemes that were being laid out and at their cost. As matters escalated, residents decided to come together to form a larger active group.

In 1990, the South Eastern Peninsula Residents Association’ (SEPRA) was formed, bringing together residents from Red Hill, Shoreham, Balnarring, Merricks and Somers. As secretary of the SEPRA, Peter led the next action to stop a huge shopping centre being built at Red Hill.

At that point he was chosen to run for the Australian Democrats and although unsuccessful, Peter again demonstrated his commitment to local causes.

During this time the Shoreham Community Hall was the responsibility of, and managed by, elected members of the Shoreham community.

As secretary and treasurer, he organised the repainting of the hall and repair of the roof.

At this time, the community had to contend with a stream of planning applications and planning changes. Peter’s knowledge of planning matters was invaluable.

In 1992 the Buxton Woodlands Committee was created with Peter as secretary.

It was some time before Shire Council obtained funds to assist in the management of Buxton Reserve.  The blackberry canes were more than three metres in high in places.  A small group of volunteers met regularly to remove the many invasive weeds.

The reserve is now one that is held in high regard for its pristine environmental value.

After some time away from the area, Peter returned and joined the Shoreham Foreshore Committee, becoming the park manager from 2002 to 2018.

In 2006, the community discovered that the new owners of the general store on Byrnes Road and the former post office site on the corner of Byrnes and Cliff Roads wanted to build three story aged care apartment blocks with underground parking on the sites.

After Peter located a planning problem with the owners’ proposal, residents voted in favour of an elected community Taskforce to fight what was regarded as inappropriate development.

With full support from the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, the Taskforce convinced the state planning minister to amend the planning scheme to restrict the size and height of any development within the Shoreham village.

Soon after that, Peter retired to Tasmania, building himself a small cottage near Wine Glass Bay.

He passed quietly on 9 October, 2025 in Hobart Hospital.

We have planted a manna gum near the Community Hall in memory of him.

The commemorative sapling is growing near near the Community Hall in Byrnes Road.