BLIGH GOVERNMENT LOOKS FOR NEW HOUSING LAND AT BOWEN

The Bligh Government has begun a major study of vacant State land in Bowen to identify land that could be used for new community purposes, especially housing, Natural Resources Minister Craig Wallace and Whitsunday MP Jan Jarratt said today.

Mr Wallace said the Department of Natural Resources and Water (NRW) will conduct a review of 116 parcels of state land – covering 1548 hectares - east of the Don River and immediately south of the Cheetham Salt Works.

This area includes land in and around Cape Edgecumbe, Flagstaff Hill, Dalrymple Point and the Bowen township.

Mr Wallace said the Bowen community would be fully consulted about the study and he expects that they will take this opportunity to put forward their suggestions on how best to utilise any land that may be made available to the public following the outcomes of the study.

"The Bligh Government is planning for strong growth in Bowen," Mr Wallace said.

"Demand for housing land is increasing in Bowen due to mining and industrial development, including the recent announcement that Bowen is the preferred site for the $2.2 billion Chalco aluminium refinery," he said.

"The study will also look at land that could be provided for environmental and recreational uses."

The study is expected to be completed late this year or early next year.

Along with Townsville and Mt Isa, Bowen forms the Northern Economic Triangle, a special Bligh Government economic development zone based on mineral processing and industrial development.

When studying the future use of public land, the government must consider issues including the land’s social, economic, cultural and environmental values, and the wishes of the community.

"For this reason we are asking the community to help us decide on the most appropriate use and tenure for the land," Mr Wallace said.

Jan Jarrat said: "I encourage the entire Bowen community and all interested stakeholders to get involved in the planning process, and have their say on the future use of the land under review."

"Future uses for state land in Bowen could include housing developments, industrial uses, community facilities, transport and other public services," she said.

"If land is being under-utilised, we need to know so that we can think about a new use that is in line with community needs."

Further information including a map of the study area is available by contacting project officers Jeanie Heaslop on 4760 7422 or Tara Cully on 3224 2774.

Submissions close on Friday 22 August, and should be addressed to: Tara Cully, Policy Officer, GPO Box 2454, Brisbane Qld 4001.

Media inquiries: Paul Childs, Craig Wallace's office, on 0407 131 654.