Priority Development Area status sought for Petrie mill site
Published 24 June 2016
Moreton Bay Regional Council is seeking activation of a Priority Development Area (PDA) centred around the Moreton Bay Region University Precinct as a learning and employment hub of state significance.
Mayor Allan Sutherland said this week council would seek formal declaration for the former Petrie paper mill site and surrounding areas from the State Government under the Economic Development Act 2012.
“PDA status will help facilitate the planning and development of this job-generating regional hub, while fostering appropriate management of wildlife and environment corridor conservation,” Mayor Sutherland said.
“Rejuvenation of the former paper mill site will create thousands of local study and job opportunities for our region through the development of the new University of the Sunshine Coast campus.
“This site also presents many ongoing benefits for our community including additional health, sport and recreation and business development and employment opportunities.”
Mayor Sutherland said PDA activation was an effective legislative tool of the State Government to help streamline necessary planning and approvals across a number of different government departments.
“Council has been working closely with the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and the Department of Transport and Main Roads over a number of months to get ready for this site to be considered for a PDA,” the Mayor said.
“I commend the State Government and its officers for their work to date and welcome consideration of a PDA to provide certainty for the opening of the Moreton Bay Region University Precinct.”
Mayor Allan Sutherland said a declaration would give the site state significance and bring huge benefits for our region.
“A PDA declaration would drive this project forward for the benefit of our local residents and local businesses,” Mayor Sutherland said.
“It will help develop this site into an exciting and thriving hub of learning and economic activity that will help sustain up to 2000 ongoing local jobs for local people.
“Part of that process is bringing the community with us on this journey and there will be ongoing opportunities for local residents and businesses to share their ideas and feedback on the site’s concept plan and designs.”
Council’s PDA application will be considered by the Deputy Premier, Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning.
A recent consultation phase on the project revealed more than 90 per cent of people were supportive of the Petrie mill site being redeveloped into the Moreton Bay Region University Precinct.
The Moreton Bay Region University Precinct is expected to generate hundreds of jobs each year during its planning and construction phase, and sustain a further 2000 ongoing jobs on site.
University of the Sunshine Coast is expected to open its Moreton Bay campus by 2020. In the first 10 years the university is expected to cater for up to 10,000 students.
Council has this week also welcomed the commitment of Federal Government funds from both the major parties for the development of the university precinct.