Masters Home Improvement store in Bundaberg called in

The Queensland Government has decided to call in the development application for the proposed Masters Home Improvement store in Bundaberg.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said Bundaberg Regional Council approved the proposed $30 million development and had later requested the State Government consider calling the significant potential project in.

“On 24 January this year, Bundaberg Regional Council approved the proposed Masters Home Improvement store in Kepnock, Bundaberg,” Mr Seeney said.

“Later, council requested the proposed development be called in following three appeals lodged in the Planning and Environment Court against its decision to approve the development.
 
“Following the council’s request, I invited affected parties to have their say on the project through written representations from 16 April 2014 to 12 May 2014.

“I received that feedback and I have considered all of the matters raised prior to arriving at my decision to call in the development application.

“My decision to call-in this development means the State Government undertakes the role of assessing this project.”

Mr Seeney said it was important that the proposed development in Walker Street balanced community expectations with the need to rebuild the region’s economy following the devastating floods that hit the area in 2013.

“The proposed development has the potential to create 186 jobs during construction and 130-150 ongoing operational jobs,” he said.

“It also has the potential to spur on other business investment in the Kalkie/Ashfield growth corridor, areas identified in council’s draft planning scheme and the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan 2009.”

Mr Seeney said he will now undertake an assessment of the application against the relevant planning instruments and make a final determination about whether the proposed development will proceed.

Affected parties will receive notice of the final decision, which is expected to be made later this year.

For more information about a Ministerial call in visit http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/development-applications/ministerial-call-in.html

[ENDS] 6 June 2014

Media Contact: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754 or Elizabeth Spry 0418 928 744