Council calls on State to declare PDA

September 5, 2020

Plans for the ‘game changing’ North Harbour Marina Precinct have been significantly advanced after a unanimous decision by Moreton Bay Regional Council to seek a Priority Development Area (PDA) from the State Government.

This week’s council decision is the latest example of strong local support for the project, which will create a world-class development for our region.

After announcing the Council move, Mayor Peter Flannery said: “At a time when jobs and growth have never been more important for southeast Queensland, this is a tangible way the Queensland Government can help Moreton Bay with a plan to deliver certainty of work for years to come.

“Today we voted to request the State Government to declare a PDA over the site, to cut through the usual red tape and complete all the necessary planning and environmental considerations within two years.

“We already have strong local support across the political divide, and I thank both Federal MP Terry Young and State MP Chris Whiting for their enthusiastic support of this initiative to fast-track jobs and investment.

“The development would obviously provide a boost to the construction sector, and in the longer-term diversify the industry and tourism sectors of the Moreton Bay Region economy.

“This includes the creation of new specialised marine business services for the region such as boatbuilding, maintenance, repairs and more.”

Praise for leadership

North Harbour Project Director Bryan Finney said: “This is tremendous news for our project, which has been rightly described by the Council as an economic and community ‘game changer’ for the region.

“The North Harbour Marina PDA will be world-class landmark destination that advances the identity, ecological health and prosperity of South-East Queensland.

“The declaration of a PDA will also deliver additional huge benefits, including a marine industry boom that will attract a significant slice of Australia’s $68 billion marine industry to Moreton Bay.

“It will also provide 8.9% of the new jobs needed in the Moreton Bay region, an ongoing $882 million annual economic contribution and the delay of $300 million in Unitywater infrastructure – a major saving for ratepayers.

“The wider community will benefit from an incredible new network of parkland and pathways, a heritage precinct and a water sports precinct on 12km of prime riverfront land that has been in private ownership for the past 160 years.”

Trask Land Corporation Managing Director David Trask said the Moreton Bay Regional Council, Mayor Peter Flannery and Division 2 Councillor Mark Booth had provided great leadership in advocating for a PDA.

“We have had strong support from all levels of government,” Mr Trask said. “Local MP Chris Whiting has also been a strong champion of our project and his support has been essential to creating 7,735 jobs over the life of the project.