JOBS PLANNED FOR COOMERA

The State Government has given the go-ahead to a plan for a new community that could create around 20,000 jobs at Coomera, on the northern Gold Coast.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas has endorsed the Gold Coast City Council’s structure plan for Coomera town centre.

“This is a plan to create a new community at Coomera, providing thousands of jobs and injecting money into the local economy,” said Mr Lucas.

“In time, the Coomera town centre will become a destination in its own right and the Gold Coast City Council expects around 20,000 people will be employed there by 2026.

“The development will be centred around the Coomera Rail Station, on the Brisbane-Gold Coast Rail Line.

“This will be a transit oriented community, with about 10,500 residential dwellings supported by retail, tourism and commercial uses.

“The plan is designed to help protect the local environment with an open space corridor to preserve the ecological value and scenic beauty of Oakey Creek, which frames part of the town centre.”

Member for Albert Margaret Keech said the plan establishes the broad layout, land use mix, and infrastructure requirements for a 667 ha site.

“Initial development will occur around the rail station, which will be part of a transport hub that will also cater to buses, taxis, cyclists and pedestrians,” said Ms Keech.

“The precinct immediately surrounding the hub will be the town centre’s primary activity and employment node.

“The wider town centre will include medium- to high-density residential dwellings, education, health and community services, low-impact industry, green space and recreation areas.”

The Deputy Premier said a major north-south boulevard will connect the Coomera transport hub with the nearby Dreamworld theme park, effectively serving as the main street.

“The town centre will offer a range of dwellings types, from detached houses to units, to encourage diversity and affordability,” said Mr Lucas.

“Residential densities will be highest in the areas nearest to the transport hub, to get maximum use of public transport.

“Thanks to QR’s upgrade of the Brisbane-Gold Coast Rail Line, including a second track from Ormeau to Coomera, train services on this route are more frequent and comfortable.

“The proposed town centre is also close to the Gold Coast international marine precinct on the Coomera River.

“The Coordinator-General is currently considering a proposal to double the marine precinct’s size, which would potentially generate an extra 1,000 jobs in the area.

“My endorsement of the structure plan is the first major step towards realising the homes and jobs planned for Coomera town centre.

“The structure plan will now be incorporated into the Gold Coast City Council's planning scheme, enabling development applications to be lodged.”

Media Contact: Matthew Klar 0437 435 223 or Robert Hoge 0419757868