Published Tuesday, 15 July, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
BLIGH SETS TARGETS FOR PUBLIC SERVICE DECENTRALIZATION
Premier Anna Bligh today set a target for her plan to decentralize metropolitan Government agencies, saving almost $200 million over 20 years.
Ms Bligh told an Estimates hearing this morning that by 2017, 20 percent of the State Government’s CBD office space – accommodating approximately 5,600 public servants - would be moved out of the city centre.
“South-East Queensland continues to grow at an unprecedented rate and Brisbane’s CBD is busting at the seams as business flocks to Queensland,” Ms Bligh.
“Decentralization is the only way to sustain this growth into the future, and the Government will set an important example to larger employers that it can be done, it can save money and it can benefit employees.
“Relocating 20 percent, or 85,000 square meters of the Government’s CBD office accommodation will save Government approximately $188 million through reduced leasing costs.
“It will also ease pressure on public transport networks and give many employees the opportunity to work closer to home,” she said.
Ms Bligh said there would be a four-staged process to relocate public servants out of the city:
Stage 1 2011 20,000m2 North metropolitan (Bowen Hills, Chermside, Strathpine)
Stage 2 2012 15,000m2 West (Ipswich)
Stage 3 2013 20,000m2 South metropolitan (Buranda/Boggo Rd, Mt Gravatt, Logan)
Stage 4 2017 30,000m2 North and West metropolitan
“Delivery dates of the later stages are very conservative estimates – taking into account the high level of construction currently occurring in the South-East.
“We have made the decision to relocate 85,000 square metres and we will go to market now and test what they can deliver and how quickly.
“If we can deliver this sooner, we will.
“This targeted program is an opportunity to stimulate urban renewal and development and use existing or planned transport infrastructure.
“Agencies moving out of the CBD will be selected - where possible - to ensure they will be moving into a hub with agencies involved in similar service delivery or specialties:
Northern hub - will target transport based agencies including Department of Main Roads and Queensland Transport;
Western hub – as part of the Ipswich city rejuvenation it will include water infrastructure and statutory authorities;
Southern hub - health and eco science including components of the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Natural Resources and Water, Mines and Energy and Health; and
Suitable sites in the Eastern suburbs have also been earmarked as a potential location for smaller satellite nodes that will be located around the metropolitan area to support the major hubs.
Ms Bligh said the Government would seek Expressions of Interest from the market next month for the first 20,000 m2 to be delivered by 2011 and expected to name the preferred option early next year.
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
Media: 3224 4500 (Premier’s office)
http://www.thepremier.qld.gov.au
Ms Bligh told an Estimates hearing this morning that by 2017, 20 percent of the State Government’s CBD office space – accommodating approximately 5,600 public servants - would be moved out of the city centre.
“South-East Queensland continues to grow at an unprecedented rate and Brisbane’s CBD is busting at the seams as business flocks to Queensland,” Ms Bligh.
“Decentralization is the only way to sustain this growth into the future, and the Government will set an important example to larger employers that it can be done, it can save money and it can benefit employees.
“Relocating 20 percent, or 85,000 square meters of the Government’s CBD office accommodation will save Government approximately $188 million through reduced leasing costs.
“It will also ease pressure on public transport networks and give many employees the opportunity to work closer to home,” she said.
Ms Bligh said there would be a four-staged process to relocate public servants out of the city:
Stage 1 2011 20,000m2 North metropolitan (Bowen Hills, Chermside, Strathpine)
Stage 2 2012 15,000m2 West (Ipswich)
Stage 3 2013 20,000m2 South metropolitan (Buranda/Boggo Rd, Mt Gravatt, Logan)
Stage 4 2017 30,000m2 North and West metropolitan
“Delivery dates of the later stages are very conservative estimates – taking into account the high level of construction currently occurring in the South-East.
“We have made the decision to relocate 85,000 square metres and we will go to market now and test what they can deliver and how quickly.
“If we can deliver this sooner, we will.
“This targeted program is an opportunity to stimulate urban renewal and development and use existing or planned transport infrastructure.
“Agencies moving out of the CBD will be selected - where possible - to ensure they will be moving into a hub with agencies involved in similar service delivery or specialties:
Northern hub - will target transport based agencies including Department of Main Roads and Queensland Transport;
Western hub – as part of the Ipswich city rejuvenation it will include water infrastructure and statutory authorities;
Southern hub - health and eco science including components of the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Natural Resources and Water, Mines and Energy and Health; and
Suitable sites in the Eastern suburbs have also been earmarked as a potential location for smaller satellite nodes that will be located around the metropolitan area to support the major hubs.
Ms Bligh said the Government would seek Expressions of Interest from the market next month for the first 20,000 m2 to be delivered by 2011 and expected to name the preferred option early next year.
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
Media: 3224 4500 (Premier’s office)
http://www.thepremier.qld.gov.au