State development scheme to boost Bundaberg industry

The first development scheme for the Bundaberg State Development Area (SDA) has been approved, and is set to boost industrial growth and create jobs in the region.

Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the scheme would make it much easier for industry to invest in the 6076ha SDA, which includes land around the Port of Bundaberg and on both sides of the Burnett River.

“The demand for development in Bundaberg is evident by completion of the $19.8 million gas pipeline to the Port of Bundaberg, the construction of the Knauf plasterboard manufacturing facility and the $30 million Pacific Tug proposal to establish a marine industry facility at the Bundaberg Port,” Mr Dick said.

Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said the approval was great news for export businesses on the Fraser Coast and surrounding areas.

“This approval will be the green light for jobs in our region,” Mr Saunders said.

“Having an export facility on our doorstep to the fastest growing region in the Asian Centre will bring great economic benefits.”

Mr Dick said a key advantage of an SDA is that the Coordinator-General provides a one-stop shop for proponents and has the powers to ensure assessments are efficient and timely.

“The scheme was developed in collaboration with the Coordinator-General, state government agencies, Bundaberg Regional Council, Gladstone Ports Corporation and infrastructure providers and community consultation,” he said.

The Bundaberg SDA was declared in February 2017 and is one of 10 Queensland SDAs established by the Coordinator-General to foster the development of large-scale, heavy industry and supporting infrastructure.

A development scheme is a planning instrument used by Queensland’s independent Coordinator-General to assess and decide development applications similar to a local government planning scheme.

The Bundaberg SDA Development Scheme can be viewed at www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/current-sdas.

Media contact: Anika Hume 0447 320 039