Toolooa PDA Development Scheme approved

The Toolooa Priority Development Area (PDA) Development Scheme has been approved by the State Government, signalling the next phase for the area to support Gladstone’s economic development.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the approval provided the outline for future development within the PDA and supported ongoing housing availability for the Gladstone community.

“The Toolooa PDA will help ease housing pressure by providing affordable housing in the Gladstone region and facilitate economic development, Mr Seeney said.

“It will play an important role in meeting the demand for housing for more than 3,000 people in the region, and will help the Gladstone community handle the impact of population growth related to growth in the resource industry.

“The approved development scheme maximises existing natural features and the character of the site, maintaining natural waterway corridors and green spaces as well as linking the established neighbourhoods via bike and walking paths.

“The Gladstone Regional Council, other key groups and state agencies have given their input during the preparation phase of the Toolooa PDA Development Scheme.

“The Toolooa and broader Gladstone communities have also been very interested during the planning phase and a number of submissions received by the State Government supported development of the Toolooa site.

“The 180 hectare site has the potential to be a vibrant community for Gladstone, incorporating new and well-designed neighbourhoods with existing residential areas of Toolooa and Glen Eden.

“Approximately eight hectares of the PDA is designated as a business and industry area.”

Activity is already underway with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines currently auctioning a 10 hectare parcel of land fronting Dalrymple Drive within the PDA.

The vacant property is within a largely residential area. The development scheme zones this land residential which will allow up to 15 homes to be built.

The Toolooa PDA is bounded by Gladstone - Benaraby Road, Philip Street, Glen Eden Drive and Glenlyon Road and comprises only State owned land.

Public notification for the Toolooa PDA Development Scheme was undertaken between 29 June and 13 August 2012 under the former Urban Land Development Authority (ULDA) Act 2007.

On 1 February 2013 the ULDA Act was repealed and replaced with the Economic Development Act 2012 (ED Act).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

[ENDS] 26 April 2013

Media Contact: John Wiseman 0409 791 281