Infrastructure the key to Waraba’s success

Published 02 August 2024

City of Moreton Bay welcomed today’s declaration by the State Government of Waraba as Queensland’s newest Priority Development Area (PDA).

Mayor Peter Flannery said the assurance that City of Moreton Bay will retain authority for development assessment, was important to ensure Council’s commitment to housing diversity and liveability was prioritised in Waraba.

“We’re planning a new city of 30,000 dwellings and an expected population of 70,000 people so it is important we get this right.

“We’re calling on a commitment from the State Government to stump up the funding and hurry up with the delivery of critical infrastructure, so this future community can reach its full potential.

“We want to ensure the development of Waraba, and growth of City of Moreton Bay, does not come at a cost to current residents or the environment, so we will continue to put an emphasis on the need for robust planning and advocate for critical infrastructure upgrades.

“Waraba will address much-needed housing supply for our City, enabling us to contribute towards the Shaping SEQ 2032 housing targets that have been set by the State.

“There is no doubt the PDA declaration is a huge step forward to bring this enormous greenfield site online, but it’s important that we balance expected growth with environmental factors and key infrastructure to ensure we get this right.

“I am pleased Council will retain its authority for development assessment in Waraba however we’ve made it clear to the State Government that funding is required to future proof our infrastructure networks.

“I have sought, in conjunction with the declaration of the PDA, a commitment from the Queensland Government to bring forward actions that will advance the time frames for the delivery of critical infrastructure.

“We need funding for the Bruce Highway Western Alternative and a commitment to a date to commence construction. 

“The upgrading of Buchanan Road to take the pressure off our already busy local road network is also essential and while $7 million from the State Government is welcome for initial design, all levels of Government must come to the table to fund this road.

“We look forward to advice from the Minister in this regard, and in working with the Queensland Government to enable Waraba to reach its potential, building on the lead role Council has taken in the first stages by approving over 2,000 lots and overseeing the start of construction of the first communities in Lilywood.

“We are ready and able to work proactively with other levels of Government on these critical infrastructure requirements.

“It is also important to us that Waraba aligns to our City’s commitment of preserving 75% of landmass as green space so our residents can keep the connection to nature that we all love about living in Moreton Bay, protecting our wildlife like koalas, gliders, and native birds and ensuring we have beautiful open spaces for recreation. 

“As Australia’s third largest local government area and one of the fastest growing areas in the country with an expected population of 1 million by 2050, I can’t express strongly enough just how vital it is that we have these robust planning, development assessment and infrastructure funding processes in place, to ensure growth is sustainable. 

“We will continue to work collaboratively with all levels of government and developers to ensure a sustainable and liveable city for everyone in Moreton Bay.”