BROMELTON STATE DEVELOPMENT AREA DECLARED

The Queensland Government has declared a new State Development Area at Bromelton near Beaudesert, which will preserve land for future industry in a dedicated area separated from residential developments.

“This State Development Area is about smart planning to create jobs for South East Queensland’s growing population,” said Mr Lucas.

“It is strategically located for industrial uses and logistics operations and is the only area available for future industrial development in the South East corner with access to the national standard gauge rail network.

“Bromelton is an ideal location for a road/rail freight terminal to alleviate pressure on the existing Acacia Ridge rail terminal, which is expected to reach capacity in 7 to 10 years’ time.

“This development site will be carefully designed with the environment and nearby communities in mind, with a buffer zone inside the State Development Area around all industrial activities.

“In the past, we have seen industrial estates located too close to residential areas.

“This is about having due regard for the nearby residential communities and ensuring industry is appropriately located.

“The end result will be jobs for the Logan and Scenic Rim Regional Council areas, where the population is predicted to grow to around half a million people over the next 20 years.

“Depending on when industry wants to realise the potential provided by this industrial area, we could see the first employer move in by 2012-2013.

“Potential developers will have to show how they will provide a range of infrastructure and services for this 15,000-hectare area.

“A Development Scheme will now be developed to lay out buffer zones and establish what types of industry will be permitted in which areas.

“The Development Scheme will be subject to community consultation before it is finalised.”

The area has been earmarked for industrial development since the late 1970s, and was first identified as an investigation area and then later as a Major Development Area, in the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2005-2026.

Potential for the State Development Area includes:

• Large lot industrial uses requiring rail access
• Freight and logistics operations (major intermodal freight terminal)
• Large scale distribution/warehousing centres with road/rail requirements.
• Industry support services, freight and logistics/transport servicing depots.

The Coordinator-General Colin Jensen, said the new SDA would encourage economic and industrial growth while the impacts on communities would be carefully managed.

“The next step is further work on the review of the draft development scheme proposed for the SDA taking into account the outcomes of the South East Queensland Regional Plan review.

“This work is being undertaken over the next 12 months and will also be informed by the Queensland Government’s Special Industry Estates study, which is currently being undertaken."

Media contacts: Matthew Klar – 0437 435223 Chris Bishop – 322 78423