Residential boost for Central Highlands

Published Wednesday, 19 June, 2013 at 01:37 PM

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Jeff Seeney

Residential housing supply in the Central Highlands will be boosted after the Queensland Government’s declaration of the Blackwater East Priority Development Area (PDA).

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jeff Seeney said the Newman Government was serious about addressing land supply issues and working collaboratively with local governments to solve the housing crisis in Queensland’s resource rich communities.

“The Blackwater East PDA will identify additional areas for residential development, continuing the work of my department to increase residential living choices in resource communities,” Mr Seeney said.

“Essentially the Blackwater East PDA will allow for further residential development to enable people to own a home close to where they work, improving the lifestyle of local families.

“While the site was identified in the Newman Government’s Regional and Resource Towns Action Plan released in March, importantly the PDA has been declared at the request of Central Highlands Regional Council.”

Mr Seeney said the government would continue to work closely with Council in preparing the Blackwater East PDA Development Scheme, which would provide the overarching guide to future development.

“The scheme preparation is a 12-month process and during this time the community will have the opportunity to comment on draft proposals put together by the Queensland Government in association with the Council, to ensure plans complement the community’s expectations,” he said.

“An Interim Land Use Plan will be in place during this time to enable development to be proposed on priority sites within the PDA.

“The declaration of the PDA highlights the strong, collaborative relationship between the State Government and Central Highlands Regional Council, which to date has resulted in excellent residential developments at Aurora Close in Arthur Street and Blue Ridge in Bauman Way.

“We value the partnership with the council as it creates jobs and boosts economic development and community focussed outcomes.”

Central Highlands Regional Council Mayor, Councillor Peter Maguire, said the declaration of the Blackwater East PDA demonstrated Council’s commitment to building communities and encouraging people to work and live in the region.

“This Council encourages people to call the Central Highlands home and it is only through working with our State Government partners that we will achieve this,” Cr Maguire said.

“The success of the Aurora Close and Blue Ridge projects gives us great confidence in continuing this partnership with the Blackwater East PDA.

“We appreciate the proactive approach of the State Government in providing more housing options to the people of Blackwater.”

The Blackwater East PDA is approximately 130 hectares of rural state government owned land on the eastern edge of the Blackwater Township.

Further information about the Blackwater PDA is available from www.EDQ.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 19 June 2013

Media Contact:
Kate Haddan 0418 373 516