CQU Rockhampton PDA Development Scheme approved

The Newman Government has approved the development scheme for the Central Queensland University (CQU) Rockhampton Priority Development Area (PDA).

The approval will support Rockhampton’s growth and economic expansion, and is a key step in transitioning the CQUniversity campus into a new urban community for Rockhampton that will deliver broader community benefits.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the development would incorporate educational, business and recreational facilities within a high quality residential community.

“The site will transform from a stand-alone educational campus to a vibrant mixed use precinct which will become a major hub of employment as well as providing services to the region,” Mr Seeney said.

“The development scheme paves the way to create a university village with a main street central to the precinct and brings together the CQUniversity, business and the community.

The State Government, CQUniversity and the Rockhampton Regional Council have worked together on the final development scheme for the campus and share the vision set for its transformation.

“The State Government, through Economic Development Queensland will continue helping the university during the development phase of the CQUniversity site whenever needed, so we can achieve the development scheme’s vision,” he said. 

CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman said the approval of the CQU Rockhampton PDA Development Scheme signalled a dynamic new phase for the university.

“Being able to create a sustainable and fully-integrated village around the campus will be the ultimate form of engagement with the community,” Professor Bowman said.

“The opportunities to partner our academic offerings and students with businesses that are hard-wired into the university community will unlock tremendous economic potential within this region.

“Adding a range of suitable accommodation and recreational options to this employment and learning hub will drive the necessary vibrancy to make the model complete.

“This is an exciting opportunity for CQUniversity and Rockhampton, however the campus has its own very distinct identity, so it’s important the university consult with staff, students and traditional owners to ensure we don’t lose what makes this campus so special.”

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Margret Strelow said development within the precinct presented an opportunity for a unique development in the city, incorporating a variety of housing styles close to learning and employment opportunities.

“Development of this site will play a valuable role in supporting long term economic development of central Queensland,” Mayor Strelow said.

“Importantly the site will continue to be home to the CQUniversity campus and sporting facilities while providing opportunities to develop new offices and housing in the future and the benefits that has for the region.”

The CQU Rockhampton PDA covers 189 hectares located approximately five kilometres north of the Rockhampton CBD in the suburbs of Norman Gardens and Parkhurst.

Public notification for the development scheme for the CQU Rockhampton PDA was undertaken under the former Urban Land Development Authority (ULDA) Act between 29 June and 13 August 2012.

On 1 February 2013 the ULDA Act was repealed and replaced with the Economic Development Act 2012 (ED Act) and the CQU Rockhampton PDA Development Scheme will be implemented under the new Act.

[ENDS] 26 April 2013

Media Contact: John Wiseman 0409 791 281