DRAFT TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR NORTHEAST BUSINESS PARK EIS TO BE RELEASED THIS MONTH

The draft terms of reference for an Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed $880 million Northeast Business Park project at Burpengary will be available later this month, Acting Premier Anna Bligh said today.

Northeast Business Park Pty Ltd plans to develop a major integrated business, residential and recreational precinct on a 760 hectare site on the southern banks of the Caboolture River.

“This proposal includes mixed density residential development, a 160 hectare business and industry precinct, a marina, golf course and recreation areas,” she said.

“It is proposed that over half of the site will remain as open space and wetland areas.

“There is a shortfall predicted for land for business and industry in the Caboolture area over the next 20 years, so we need to look now at how we can meet the growing need for infrastructure to support economic development,” she said.

There is also a predicted shortage of marina facilities in South East Queensland, with a steadily increasing demand for berths and limited opportunities for development sites.

“The EIS will look into potential effects of the park’s construction and operation, and strategies to minimise its impact on the Moreton Bay Marine Park, nearby fish habitat areas and wetlands,” Ms Bligh said.

The Coordinator-General, which has declared the development a Project of Significance, will facilitate the EIS process, including consultation that calls for submissions from interested members of the public.

Advertisement of the release of draft Terms of reference for the EIS are scheduled to run on Saturday 14^th October.

The draft Terms of Reference and an Initial Advice Statement on the project will be available for viewing at http://www.coordinatorgeneral.qld.gov.au/eis or offices of the Caboolture Shire Council from Monday 16 October 2006.

Written comments will be accepted by the Coordinator-General until the close of business on Monday 13 November 2006.”

“The proposal includes a number of potential environmental improvements, including revegetation of degraded areas and strategies to improve water quality in the Caboolture River,” Ms Bligh said.

The majority of the site is degraded former pine plantation land.

“Early estimates suggest the project has the potential to generate about 3,300 jobs during construction, and the equivalent of up to 9,000 full time jobs when it is fully operational,” she said.

Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office – 3224 6900