The Palaszczuk Government, Logan City Council, and nine developers have signed a landmark agreement to deliver $1.2 billion of essential infrastructure to the Yarrabilba and Greater Flagstone development areas (PDAs) in Queensland.
Across the two development areas, many services and facilities have been delivered, including the installation of two primary schools, retail precincts, the Yarrabilba Family and Community Place, sports and community hub, and recreational parks. A state primary and high school are scheduled to open in 2020 as well as independent schools.
Cameron Dick, Minister for State Development, manufacturing, infrastructure, and planning, said this is one of the largest infrastructure agreements of its kind to be carried out by any government in Australia. It will secure the infrastructure needs of the community over the next 45 years.
“Flagstone and Yarrabilba are in Queensland’s fastest growing population corridor, with estimates that by 2066 there will be more than 200,000 people living in these areas,” Dick said.
Dick adds that according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics data, during 2017 to 2018 Queensland had the highest interstate migration of more than 24,700 people.
“We boast amazing weather, beautiful natural landscapes, and opportunities for employment and investment, it’s no wonder Queensland is a magnet for interstate migration,’ Dick said.
“To support and service these emerging communities we need to deliver essential infrastructure, and this agreement proves the necessary funding and framework to deliver local roads, water, and sewerage facilities.”
The Queensland government says this agreement will see more than $400 million in infrastructure investment, which will support more than 130 construction jobs each year.
Tamara O’Shea, Logan City Council Interim Administrator, welcomes the agreement.
“The nine key developers will find the infrastructure through upfront charges, over and above their development costs within the PDAs,” O’Shea said.
“This guarantees the roads, water supply, and wastewater infrastructure needed to connect the emerging communities with the surrounding networks and delivered without placing an impost on existing ratepayers.”
O’Shea says these two PDAs will deliver a portion of the new housing needed in South East Queensland over the next three to four decades.
“This historic agreement provides the foundation for these new communities to become part of the city of Logan,” O’Shea said.
Charis Mullen, Member of Jordan MP, represents the Greater Flagstone area congratulated all parties on developing the landmark agreement.
“It has always been a priority to ensure that the infrastructure required to meet the needs of the community keeps pace with these new development areas,” Mullen said.
“This agreement paves the way for a strong and growing community in the area which will benefit new and existing residents.”
Guy Gibson, Yarrabilba Developer and Lendlease Communities General Manager for Queensland, says the collaboration will see major infrastructure improvements and support the ongoing planning and servicing for the Yarrabilba community and Greater Flagstone.
“New, high-quality communities like Yarrabilba have a vital role to play in accommodating the continues growth of the region,” Gibson said.
Minister of State Department, Dick says the infrastructure agreement is sustainable, encourages appropriate development, and provides landowners and developers with certainty.
“We are delivering the essential services and infrastructure to ensure our state can grow,” Dick said.