Published Tuesday, 13 February, 2007 at 01:01 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure
The Honourable Anna Bligh
QUEENSLANDERS – HAVE YOUR SAY ON NORTH BANK: BEATTIE
The State Government has called on Queenslanders to have their say on a proposal to revitalise riverfront land at North Bank in the Brisbane CBD.
Premier Beattie Beattie and Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Anna Bligh today announced that Multiplex Developments Australia has been chosen as the preferred bidder for Stage 1 of the Queensland Government’s CBD riverfront revitalisation project North Bank
The North Bank project takes in riverfront land from the William Jolly Bridge to the Goodwill Bridge on the city side of the Brisbane River. Stage 1 is the stretch from Victoria Bridge to Alice Street.
“It was a Queensland Government’s requirement that the North Bank project be developed at no cost to Queensland taxpayers or not at all,” Mr Beattie said.
“Multiplex has offered a first-rate concept design as the basis for further negotiations with the Queensland Government,” Mr Beattie said.
“However, it is substantially different to the preferred strategic plan that was made public in 2004/05 as Multiplex has put forward a much larger development than originally envisaged.
“After testing the market it is clear that the redevelopment can only be achieved at no cost to taxpayers if significant high-rise development is included.
“This North Bank project, given it gets the final go ahead, could breath new life into a forgotten part of the city,” Mr Beattie said.
The project includes a new covered pedestrian walk (supported by the Victoria Bridge), public open spaces, public swimming pool, shops, restaurants, riverfront promenade, a new hotel, commercial and residential buildings, as well as a dramatic entry building from Queen Street to the new development, linking it directly to the heart of the CBD.
“More public spaces and greater pedestrian access are features, however we want the public to have a say.”
The Deputy Premier said the project had the potential to create a safe people place on the river that complements South Bank.
“Today’s announcement should not be seen as a Government endorsement of the Multiplex proposal – rather as an indication that the government wants to test its public acceptability.
“What we are seeking is the public’s view. Are they happy for a no-cost option if it includes some high-rise?” asked Ms Bligh
Mr Beattie said the government was building the modern Queensland.
“But it is important that our major projects are supported by the community and meet community expectations,” he said.
Ms Bligh said if there was public support for the project, Mulitplex intended to start construction next year and finish the development with in 10 years.
“We are inviting a month’s more public feedback on the proposal before a final decision is made.
“This period does not replace a full public consultation process, which will be conducted when the final design is being developed.
“A display – a model of the concept and drawings - is available for public viewing in the foyer of 100 George Street (Executive Building) for one month from today (Tuesday 13 February) or the public can visit the project website www.northbankbrisbane.com.au. People can contact freecall 1800 153 262 for further information.
“We are inviting people to have a say. The Courier Mail and ABC Local Radio and ABC On-Line are happy to host the debate and they welcome reader and listener input.
The multi-pronged process is to ensure as many people as possible get to have their say. The concept will also be presented to professional institutions for their comment.
Ms Bligh said the four-week public input period would help the government confirm or reject the project or determine if there is any room for improvement in the proposal.
“If it were to go ahead, the project would see Multiplex invest more than $1.5 billion and create up to 1220 jobs during construction over the next 10 years,” Ms Bligh said.
“Brisbane people love their city and Queenslanders love their capital - so it’s only fair and reasonable that they have a chance to have their say on the next major development planned for riverfront land in the CBD.”
Media inquiries: Premier’s office 3224 4500
Deputy Premier’s office: Steve Keating 3224 4379
Premier Beattie Beattie and Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Anna Bligh today announced that Multiplex Developments Australia has been chosen as the preferred bidder for Stage 1 of the Queensland Government’s CBD riverfront revitalisation project North Bank
The North Bank project takes in riverfront land from the William Jolly Bridge to the Goodwill Bridge on the city side of the Brisbane River. Stage 1 is the stretch from Victoria Bridge to Alice Street.
“It was a Queensland Government’s requirement that the North Bank project be developed at no cost to Queensland taxpayers or not at all,” Mr Beattie said.
“Multiplex has offered a first-rate concept design as the basis for further negotiations with the Queensland Government,” Mr Beattie said.
“However, it is substantially different to the preferred strategic plan that was made public in 2004/05 as Multiplex has put forward a much larger development than originally envisaged.
“After testing the market it is clear that the redevelopment can only be achieved at no cost to taxpayers if significant high-rise development is included.
“This North Bank project, given it gets the final go ahead, could breath new life into a forgotten part of the city,” Mr Beattie said.
The project includes a new covered pedestrian walk (supported by the Victoria Bridge), public open spaces, public swimming pool, shops, restaurants, riverfront promenade, a new hotel, commercial and residential buildings, as well as a dramatic entry building from Queen Street to the new development, linking it directly to the heart of the CBD.
“More public spaces and greater pedestrian access are features, however we want the public to have a say.”
The Deputy Premier said the project had the potential to create a safe people place on the river that complements South Bank.
“Today’s announcement should not be seen as a Government endorsement of the Multiplex proposal – rather as an indication that the government wants to test its public acceptability.
“What we are seeking is the public’s view. Are they happy for a no-cost option if it includes some high-rise?” asked Ms Bligh
Mr Beattie said the government was building the modern Queensland.
“But it is important that our major projects are supported by the community and meet community expectations,” he said.
Ms Bligh said if there was public support for the project, Mulitplex intended to start construction next year and finish the development with in 10 years.
“We are inviting a month’s more public feedback on the proposal before a final decision is made.
“This period does not replace a full public consultation process, which will be conducted when the final design is being developed.
“A display – a model of the concept and drawings - is available for public viewing in the foyer of 100 George Street (Executive Building) for one month from today (Tuesday 13 February) or the public can visit the project website www.northbankbrisbane.com.au. People can contact freecall 1800 153 262 for further information.
“We are inviting people to have a say. The Courier Mail and ABC Local Radio and ABC On-Line are happy to host the debate and they welcome reader and listener input.
The multi-pronged process is to ensure as many people as possible get to have their say. The concept will also be presented to professional institutions for their comment.
Ms Bligh said the four-week public input period would help the government confirm or reject the project or determine if there is any room for improvement in the proposal.
“If it were to go ahead, the project would see Multiplex invest more than $1.5 billion and create up to 1220 jobs during construction over the next 10 years,” Ms Bligh said.
“Brisbane people love their city and Queenslanders love their capital - so it’s only fair and reasonable that they have a chance to have their say on the next major development planned for riverfront land in the CBD.”
Media inquiries: Premier’s office 3224 4500
Deputy Premier’s office: Steve Keating 3224 4379