Government precinct consultation underway

Consultation on the proposed redevelopment of the Government Precinct will start in the Queens Street Mall tomorrow (16 July).

The community will have the opportunity to talk to project officers at events at key locations in Brisbane's CBD for the next three weeks and Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney called on all interested parties to come forward and have their say.

“This is an incredible opportunity to provide a landmark redevelopment of a significant part of Brisbane City,” Mr Seeney said.

“The Queensland Government is seeking all ideas on how to breathe new life into the Government Precinct and I urge the people of Brisbane to have their say on reviving this tired end of the central business district.”

Project officers will be on hand to take feedback and provide information on the proposed redevelopment. The timetable of events is:

• Queen Street Mall: 16, 17, 18 and 24 July (12pm to 3pm)
• Reddacliff Place: 23 and 25 July (12pm to 3pm)
• BCC Library in Brisbane Square: 30 and 31 July and 1 August (12pm to 2pm)

Mr Seeney said no decisions had yet been made regarding the potential redevelopment outcomes, despite recent media speculation regarding a casino.

“There are plenty of questions - should a casino be ruled in, or out? If in, on what terms? What are the best uses for the heritage buildings that will be preserved as part of the precinct redevelopment?

“Given the number of heritage buildings and some public places it is important that we conduct community and stakeholder consultation to explore a wide range of options.

“We are also talking to Brisbane City Council, the National Heritage Trust, the Property Council of Australia, Brisbane Development Association and many others to canvass their views.”

Mr Seeney said public consultation would close on 2 September.

He said Expressions of Interest (EOI) were set to be lodged by November this year and the government aimed for a potential commercial outcome by early 2015.

To have your say complete the online survey at http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/precinctsurvey, complete a written submission form at http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/resources/form/government-precinct-written-submission-form.doc or email precinct@dsdip.qld.gov.au

Feedback can also be submitted by post to:

Government Precinct Redevelopment
Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
PO Box 15009
City East Q 4002

[ENDS] 15 July 2013

Media Contact: Kate Haddan 0418 373 516