COSGROVE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT MOVES FORWARD

Natural Resources and Water Minister and Minister Assisting the Premier in North Queensland Craig Wallace today announced that Colliers International Townsville will market a 250-hectare parcel of land in Townsville for residential development.

"Colliers International Townsville has successfully tendered for the contract to market the state land in the recently named suburb of Cosgrove," Mr Wallace said.

"Under the contract, Colliers International Townsville will conduct an extensive and broad marketing campaign to attract international and national interest to develop the land."

The 250 hectares will be released for urban development via a public tender following recommendations made in a 2007 study by the Department of Natural Resources and Water (NRW). The study considered the most appropriate use and tenure of 14 parcels of land comprising 9460 hectares in the Bohle area.

Mr Wallace said the development was part of a key component of the Bligh Government’s Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland, which addressed current and future challenges for Queensland through its strategy.

"This project meets our ambition of a strong Queensland, with infrastructure that anticipates growth," he said.

"It forms part of the State Government’s commitment to providing affordable land and housing for home buyers. It is important, especially in these tough economic times, we do what we can to help first home buyers and others purchase their own home."

"This land release will help meet growing housing needs as a result of Queensland’s increasing population growth in regional centres," Mr Wallace said.

"Cosgrove is just 11 minutes from Townsville’s CBD, so it’s an ideal location for residential housing."

Member for Townsville Mike Reynolds welcomed the announcement and said he was pleased the land development was moving forward quickly.

"I'm delighted a local real estate agency has been selected to market this land and I'm pleased the Bligh Government is working to secure affordable housing for Townsville residents."

A steering committee made up of state and local government agencies is overseeing the land release project and will ensure the developer’s final master plan incorporates affordable land.

Mr Wallace said the master plan would include public open space and parkland and ensure the protection of the scenic amenity of Mt Louisa.