North Harbour Marina could become a Priority Development Area
Published 02 September 2020
Moreton Bay Regional Council is calling on the State Government to support a plan that will create new industries, more jobs and thousands of homes at this time of need.
Councillors today voted unanimously to request a Priority Development Area (PDA) be declared over the North Harbour Marina precinct at Burpengary East to fast-track development.
Mayor Peter Flannery said the project could create an estimated 7,735 jobs and boost the local economy by $2.74 billion during the construction phase alone.
“At a time when jobs and growth have never been more important for southeast Queensland, this is a tangible way the Queensland Government can help Moreton Bay with a plan to deliver certainty of work for years to come,” he said.
“Today we voted to request the State Government to declare a PDA over the site, to cut through the usual red tape and complete all the necessary planning and environmental considerations within two years.
“We already have strong local support across the political divide, and I thank both Federal MP Terry Young and State MP Chris Whiting for their enthusiastic support of this initiative to fast-track jobs and investment.
“The development would obviously provide a boost to the construction sector, and in the longer-term diversify the industry and tourism sectors of the Moreton Bay Region economy.
“This includes the creation of new specialised marine business services for the region such as boatbuilding, maintenance, repairs and more.”
Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said the project had a point of difference that would be a real gamechanger for Moreton Bay Region.
“It is crucial for our community, especially with the economic impacts of COVID-19, that red tape needs to be cut on job creating projects like this so they can progress as soon as possible,” said Mr Young.
“This prestigious estate will help attract much needed professional people to our community particularly in the medical sphere.”
State Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting said he would personally lobby his colleagues to consider the merits of the PDA request.
“I support this call by Council for a PDA at North Harbour,” said Mr Whiting.
“I have been working closely with the new Council on finding the best way forward for North Harbour, and I want to thank everyone for their hard work and persistence.
“This will mark a real turning point for the creation of job opportunities and a world-class community in Burpengary East.
“I voted for this when I was a councillor, and as the State Member, I am as keen as ever to see a job-generating marina built at Burpengary East.”
Councillor Mark Booth (Div 2) said Burpengary East is the geographical heart of Moreton Bay Region and the North Harbour development would put it on the map.
“It’s good to see this corner of Moreton Bay getting the attention it deserves, especially as we work to build the economy in our region,” he said.
“This is a hugely exciting development that will help steer Moreton Bay through the coronavirus pandemic and prosper on the other side – all that’s needed now is State Government support.
“Approving a PDA would support the construction and development sector by stimulating new marine industry, tourism, retail, commercial, residential development as well as significant community infrastructure.
“I’m also incredibly buoyed by the developer’s proposal for 319 hectares of open space along a 12km stretch of the Caboolture River, which has been in private ownership for over 160 years.”
The proposed development will also go a long way to accommodating Moreton Bay Region’s booming population growth.
The State Government set Council a target of delivering 88,300 new dwellings by 2041 in the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2017.
North Harbour Marina would include the construction of 600 new apartments and 600 detached homes as part of the marine village and another 800 dwelling canal estate with a focus on expansive open space living.
It’s also proposed to include a new 400-berth mixed use marina.