Federal Minister’s visit puts City of Moreton Bay on the map

Published 11 April 2024

Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Hon. Kristy McBain MP, today met with City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery to explore upcoming projects and key opportunities to support the city’s development.

Mayor Flannery said the Minister’s visit could not have come at a better time with Moreton Bay being declared Australia’s newest city and one of the fastest growing regions in South East Queensland, if not Australia.

“We’ve hit the ground running in week one of the new term of Council by meeting with the Federal Government to discuss priorities across City of Moreton Bay,” he said.

“With a population of over 500,000 people expected to grow to 800,000 by 2046, the visit from Minister McBain has been critical to discuss the infrastructure and funding support needed for this projected growth.

“It’s important that we continue to work in partnership with the Federal Government to invest in the future of Moreton Bay and bring long-lasting benefits to our communities.

“Becoming a city has certainly put us on the map in Canberra.

“One of the major developments in City of Moreton Bay will be Waraba - the site of our newest housing development which will become home to over 70,000 residents, making it alone the size of Mackay.

“We are thankful to both the State and Federal Government’s commitment to the Growth Area Compact (GAC) for Waraba under the SEQ City Deal which will bring more affordable and diverse housing options to this area.

“But we need the infrastructure in place now to support those future developments before they’re completed, which is why we’re lobbying for funding toward a Bruce Highway Western Alternative and a much-needed major upgrade to the Buchanan Road corridor.

“The national housing and homelessness crisis was also top of the agenda as Council steps up to fill the gaps in services locally, through groundbreaking initiatives outlined in our Homelessness and Housing Action Plan such as our Attraction of Affordable Social Housing Policy.

“Our holistic and unified approach is working successfully with all levels of government, and industry stakeholders, to make a difference to people experiencing homelessness.

“The Minister also visited the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex, where Stage 2 construction is underway thanks to $3.5 million in funding from the Federal Government and a further $3.5 million investment from Council.

“This $7 million project will create three brand new fields, improved field lighting and spacious car parks for our growing city.

Minister McBain and Mayor Peter Flannery discussed further opportunities and projects in the pipeline including:

• Major upgrade to Buchanan Road corridor
• Federal Government’s $32.75 million investment into the critical upgrade of Youngs Crossing, which has been closed for 8 days this year already
• Improved transport network efficiency through the Bruce Highway Western Alternative
• Critical upgrades to NBN internet services in rural areas of Moreton Bay
• Growth opportunities at City of Moreton Bay’s flagship innovation precinct, The Mill following Federal Government’s $35 million investment into essential infrastructure in 2016
• $10 million Federal funding confirmed for a new hub for Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) in Caboolture with land supplied by the Queensland Police Service, a $2.5 million grant from City of Moreton Bay and further backing from the Queensland Government ($5 million)
• The development of a new wildlife hospital to provide critical care for native animals which Council is seeking Federal and State Government support to progress.

“As the third largest Council in Australia and one of the fastest growing, we have 12 major growth fronts across the city, which is more than double any other Council in Queensland.

“So, it was important to show Minister McBain a sample size of the growth and opportunity happening across Moreton Bay as we continue to play a significant role in the development of South East Queensland as a world class destination to live, work and play. As a former Mayor, she gets the challenges local council’s face.

“I would like to thank Minister McBain for visiting our great city and we’ll continue to work with all levels of government to ensure our communities here in Moreton Bay have the infrastructure, opportunities, and homes for thriving, vibrant lifestyles.”

Minister McBain said City of Moreton Bay is ripe for growth and opportunity and recognised the need for significant infrastructure investment from the federal government.

“It’s clear that the projected growth for City of Moreton Bay is significant and I understand the critical need for timely infrastructure and investment into a local government of this scale.

“The Albanese Government is committed to working with local governments such as City of Moreton Bay to bring big projects like those I visited today to communities across Australia.

“We welcome a collaborative approach to projects with such great community outcomes particularly in parts of Australia that are growing like Moreton Bay.