BLIGH LAUNCHES VARSITY LAKES 2010 PLAN AND WELCOMES 3000TH EMPLOYEE

VarsityLakes: In launching Varsity Lakes 2010 Economic Development Strategy Acting Premier Anna Bligh today also welcomed its 3000^th employee.

“The strategy sets an impressive target for this master planned community of another 1500 employees by 2010,” said Ms Bligh.

Ms Bligh commended initiatives like VarsityLakes and its Strategy for the way in which they worked with the objectives of the State Government’s South East Queensland Regional Plan.

“In 2002 then State Development Minister Tom Barton launched the first Economic Development Strategy for VarsityLakes.

“That Strategy represented a combined government - private sector approach to generate investment, build prosperity and in doing so create jobs”

“It has now grown into a community of 5700 employing 3000 people. By any measure this is a great result.

“More than 274 businesses are located here; including Minter Ellison, Goldman Sachs JBWere, Billabong and IBM, proving its claim as a premier business destination.”

“The ideal Gold Coast location, proximity to BondUniversity and a focus on IT is what these businesses seek. It is proving a winner for all,” she said.

The project’s growth matches that of the Gold Coast. The Gold Coast is now Australia’s sixth largest city and one of country’s fastest growing regions.

She said with growth there were challenges and governments also needed to manage future development and to preserve Queensland’s unique quality of life.

The State’s South East Queensland Regional Plan had been developed to manage that growth in a sustainable way. That planning included designated corridors for future development and the preservation of more than 80% of SEQ from urban development.

Ms Bligh welcomed Megan Reed, Human Resource and Training Manager, with IBM, as the 3000^th employee.

Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 4379