August 2022 - Logan Office of Economic Development

Council’s Economic Development Strategies Report

30 August 2022/in City of Logan

This month the Economic Development and Strategy Branch (ED&S) at Logan City Council tabled the annual Economic Development Strategies Report, to inform Council of the implementation of strategies and action plans for the 2021/22 financial year.

ED&S Branch, through the implementation of the new Economic Development Strategy 2022-2027, enables, facilitates, and promotes economic development to deliver thriving businesses and valued employment opportunities that strengthen our communities.

This is achieved with a focus on close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders across 5 strategic areas – Business and Employment Support, Investment Attraction, Emerging Industries, Youth Pathways and Place Development.

Key highlights include:

A month-long program for Small Business Month saw 18 events delivered in Logan during May 2022, including the How to Start a Home-based Business workshops, partnering with our Libraries team for events and the Multicultural Small Business Expo hosted by DESBT.
Continued successful allocation of the Investment Attraction Incentive Fund which attracted/retained 7 businesses, 403 new and retained jobs and $24 million in capital expenditure.
Australian Unity proceeded to Development Assessment of a proposed multi-faceted healthcare precinct with development plans including a new private hospital, medical centre, medical office space, aged care facility, and health education service.
In response to the severe weather event in February 2022, the Logan Office of Economic Development (LOED) led several initiatives in conjunction with the Local Recovery Economic Sub Group, including the launch and delivery of the Small Business Recovery and Reinvigoration Fund.
Launched the Mayor’s Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce.
Progressed various reports and internal workshops towards identifying new sporting facility opportunities and a roadmap that assists in capitalising on Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
Launched a new destination brand ‘Explore Logan’ and associated marketing campaign, including the development of 6 hero videos. Gained 2000 new followers across digital channels.
Delivered major improvements to the LoganJobs.com.au platform, providing users with more flexibility and access to significant job support information.

A more detailed overview of key activities in the strategic areas is detailed below.

Business support

Through Logan Office of Economic Development, Council provides business support services to help business start, grow, employ and thrive. The annual report highlighted key activities for 2021/22:

157 of Logan’s major businesses were directly engaged and supported.
12 events were coordinated or directly supported for delivery to the small business community, including the Multicultural Business Engagement Forum.
8 workshops on How to Start a Home-based Business were delivered at various Logan community centres, empowering 51 individuals, with 13 Logan start-ups.
A further 71 events were sponsored or actively promoted to further enhance the growth of Logan businesses, including collaboration with The Yunus Centre at Griffith University.
3 Joint Chamber of Commerce breakfasts were delivered by guest speakers Shane Webcke, Karen Jacobsen and Michael Kasprowicz, sharing a common theme of business resilience.
61 one-on-one business advisory sessions were provided to small business owners.
20 local businesses were assisted with export opportunities into existing or new global markets. This was done through one-on-one business meetings, introductions to potential buyers and networking events held by Local, State, Federal and Chamber Events in Logan and Brisbane.
Queensland Small Business Month was celebrated with LOED hosting 11 events and supported an additional 7 events.
Council joined the Small Business Friendly program (September 2021), led by Queensland Small Business Commissioner (QSBC), Maree Adshead. The QSBC enhances the operating environment of small businesses through collaborative advocacy, fast and fair assistance.

Mayor’s Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce (The Taskforce)

The Taskforce focuses on delivering practical solutions in the fields of employment, job placement, youth unemployment, workforce skills, career pathways, training and further education. Since launching in November 2021, it has:

Developed a Local Jobs Action Plan and undertaken an unemployment analysis.
Delivered major improvements to the LoganJobs.com.au platform.
Untaken 140 employment related businesses engagements.
Placed 121 jobseekers in employment.
Created 7 skills shortage programs with business and network providers.

Investment attraction & emerging industries

A total of 16 projects were attracted and facilitated to the city. This included a diverse range of businesses, ranging from health and medical, shopping centre developments, transport and logistics and manufacturing.
A combined value of $70.95 million of capital expenditure was invested in the city from these projects, which created 231 new and retained 624 jobs.
Successful allocation of the Investment Attraction Incentive Fund attracted/retained 9 businesses, 1,071 new and 1,424 retained jobs and $462.10 million in capital expenditure.
59 engagements were made with key state and federal government stakeholders to raise the profile of the City of Logan in identified target markets, promote investment opportunities and gather current information related to target markets.
85 engagements were undertaken with industry networks, intermediaries and contacts that can assist in the process of facilitating trade related opportunities.
Australian Unity proceeded to Development Assessment of a proposed multi-faceted healthcare precinct with development plans including a new private hospital, medical centre, medical office space, aged care facility, and health education service.
Progressed various reports and internal workshops towards identifying new sporting facility opportunities and a roadmap that assists in capitalising on Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games opportunities.
Supported various Logan Plan 2025 studies including the Logan Tourism Opportunities Report and Economic Review (Centres).
Ongoing investment-focused marketing campaigns and collateral were undertaken to position the City of Logan as an ideal investment location, with a focus on both greenfield and infill development.

Place Development

The Place Making and Urban Design Program have delivered a range of projects and initiatives that support the objectives and action plans of the current Economic Development implementation plan, including:

Delivered a number of city centre implementation fund projects for key activity centres in Beenleigh, Meadowbrook and Logan Village and are progressing projects in Springwood,
Jimboomba and Logan Central over the next 2 years.
The City Centre Implementation plans are being updated to identify priority projects completed as well as identifying short term projects to be prioritised over the next 5 years.
The first round of the Facade Improvement Program has been allocated to 15 applicants. The next round of funding will be launched by the end of the year, which will contribute towards
rejuvenation of smaller centres.

Destination Management Plan

The Destination Management Plan (DMP) 2018-22 has come to completion and a new DMP is being developed. There were 6 activation categories, with 31 actions established that set the groundwork to activate the City of Logan’s vision for its visitor economy. Of these actions, 4 game changing projects and 17 actions were prioritised by the external Tourism Advisory Group and Councillors. 16 of these actions were successfully delivered or progressed.

Being Council’s first DMP, significant investigations of new experience opportunities and industry development initiatives were completed including:

Launched Logan’s new destination brand “Explore Logan” with an experience framework, marketing campaigns and new image library.
Feasibility/concept and business case development for the catalyst projects: Riverine Discovery Centre, a White-Water Park, Destination Holiday Park and the Bethania to Logan Village Rail Trail.
Various studies and strategic analyses: short-term accommodation demand study, business case and investment attraction incentives, Food Tourism Development Plan, events economic analysis and review of tourism uses to inform the new planning scheme – Logan Plan 2025.
Delivered a range of business development workshops, including mentoring, packaging, and collaboration programs and facilitated industry networking nights.

Tradie jobs showcased

30 August 2022/in Jobs and Employment

Employers and job-seekers will be matched at a Logan City Council event next week.

The Tradie and Construction Jobs Expo is on at Logan Metro Sports and Events Centre on Thursday, September 8.

It will allow local firms to showcase training opportunities for those looking for trade certificates in automotive, construction, civil or wet trades.

Local businesses can also attract and recruit employees.

The expo is being delivered by the Mayor’s Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce.

City of Logan Mayor Darren Power encouraged people to attend the expo.

“If you are looking for a job in the construction industry, this event is for you,” he said.

“Demand for tradies is unprecedented at the moment, and if you want a job in high-vis, you will get one.”

The purpose of the Tradie and Construction Jobs Expo is to connect employers, registered training organisations and peak bodies with job-ready and job-willing individuals.

Economic Development Chair, Councillor Jon Raven, said the expo would help anyone looking to get a job in the trades.

“No matter what stage of your career you’re at, come along and learn what you can do right now to start or progress your journey as a tradie,” Cr Raven said.

The Mayor’s Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce, launched in November last year, has already put more than 100 people into work locally.

Unemployment across the city has shrunk to 7.7 per cent over the past two quarters, while the annual labour growth is the highest in the region at 8.1 per cent.

The event is being hosted by the Logan Office of Economic Development.

Best of Queensland recognises tourism businesses

29 August 2022/in Tourism

Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) have recently announced the Best of Queensland Experiences for 2022.

We are pleased to share that 12 Logan businesses have been identified as a Best of Queensland Experience! 🎉

The Best of Queensland Experiences Program (BOQEP) is an innovative program that guides the Queensland tourism industry to deliver exceptional transformational experiences.

The program is based on an independent set of criteria that incorporates online customer reviews, responds to consumer expectations, and reflects industry best practice. All operators assessed in the program receive an individual report providing valuable insights on consumer perceptions of their experience to drive business performance.  The Best of Queensland Experiences are assessed on an annual basis.

Congratulations to:

Australian Sunset Safaris
Bayside Wake Park
Beenleigh Artisan Distillery
Devon Pixies
Extraction Artisan Coffee
Hotel Gloria
Kingston Park Raceway
McNevins Logan Park Motel
Poppy’s Chocolate
Simply Beans
Spirits of the Red Sand
The Whitehouse of Waterford

Accreditation is increasingly becoming a necessity for businesses operating in the tourism industry. It is valued by operators, government, industry bodies and guests alike.

Learn more about the Best of Queensland Experiences Program

Best of Brisbane Regional Support Program – Mentees:

This year, Logan Office of Economic Development selected 6 Logan businesses to take part in the Best of Brisbane Regional Support Program. Developed in collaboration with TEQ and Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA), this was a joint local government program with all Brisbane LGAs participating.

Selected businesses worked closely with a dedicated mentor, Linda Tillman, over a 12-week period. The aim of this program was to help these businesses work towards becoming a Best of Queensland Experience. From this program, we had 3x mentees highlighted below become a Best of Queensland Experience.

Bayside Wake Park
Beenleigh Artisan Distillery
Beenleigh Historical Village and Museum
Devon Pixies
Eagle Rider
Kingston Butter Factory

Indoor facility location studied

25 August 2022/in City of Logan

Logan City Council has completed a comprehensive study into the best location for a multi-purpose indoor facility.

While a large indoor complex is a much-needed community facility in the City of Logan, it also would have the potential to be used for training at the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A range of metrics identified Logan Central as best-suited for the construction of a venue that could be configured for a range of sports and other events with crowds of between 5000 to 10,000 spectators.

Mayor Darren Power said building a multi-purpose venue in Logan Central would revitalise the suburb and help build a stronger local economy.

“While our community needs this kind of facility, constructing it before 2032 might also provide an opportunity to capitalise on the city’s location between the two major Olympic zones of Brisbane and the Gold Coast,” Cr Power said.

“Logan Central ticks so many boxes with handy access to key rail and transport nodes and a local population that thrives on sport.

“It also makes sense economically as it would enable Council to bring forward and value-add to the already endorsed Logan Central Civic and Community Precinct Plan.”

Council’s study, led by industry experts, did modelling across the city based on the dimensions of the Coomera Indoor Sports Centre.

That venue was built for netball and gymnastics at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and has since been reconfigured into a multi-sports and community facility.

The study found there was significant demand within the local community for more indoor sporting facilities in the city.

Sporting trends and participation rates were also examined while access to transport and accommodation were taken into account.

The City of Logan was not included when 2032 Games organisers initially allocated sports to venues across South East Queensland including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Moreton and Redland council areas.

Cr Power said community benefit would be significant as sporting facilities in the city were stretched.

“I’ve made no secret of my desire to secure world-class venues and associated infrastructure to support our population growth,” he said.

“We understand Games organisers have a huge job ahead of them and their plans are already underway.

“But we just hope they can give some more thought to ensuring the City of Logan doesn’t miss out on being part of the Games action and legacy.”

Council will now conduct a feasibility study and business case into the proposed location, which can’t be made public at this stage because of possible commercial considerations.

$6 million brewery coming to Logan

25 August 2022/in Development, Tourism

Distillery Road Market (DRM) in Eagleby has revealed its brand new anchor tenant this month – Perentie Brewing Co. – a bespoke $6 million-dollar, 1 million litre, architect designed brewery specialising in independently crafted Lager beers, opening mid-2023.

Born from a passion for sessionable beers with a uniquely Australian flavour, Perentie Brewing Co. is helmed by Kenton Campbell, founder of Zarraffa’s Coffee and Tonken Property Group, (the developer behind DRM), with the support and guidance of renowned Burleigh Brewing’s Master Brewer and Founder, Brennan Fielding.

Taking shape inside DRM’s 17,000 square metre precinct in the heart of South East Queensland, in Eagleby, Perentie Brewing Co. will feature a purpose-built brewery and taphouse specialising in authentic Lager beers.

An idea conceived over 15 months ago and progressed during COVID, Mr Campbell’s vision was to create a beer house honouring the traditional German Lager brewing process; to produce a crisp, clean Lager beer with an unmistakably Australian taste.

“In 2015 when I acquired the DRM site, I had a vision to build a bespoke brewery housed in its heart that had the ability to serve up a sessionable craft Lager beer experience, which in my opinion is the heart and soul of beer,” Mr Campbell said. Utilising classic German lager brewing techniques and authentic German yeast and hops, Perentie Brewing Co. will have the capacity to brew up to 1 million litres.

“Launching Distillery Road Market was a dream come true for me, and now to be able to bring Perentie Brewing Co. to fruition with the support of Burleigh Brewing is simply incredible,” Mr Campbell said.

Perentie Brewing Co. is set to open to the public mid-2023 at Distillery Road Market, 124 Distillery Rd Eagleby QLD 4207.

Congratulations to Logan Business Distinction Awards 2022 winners

25 August 2022/in Business, City of Logan

Last week the Logan Chamber of Commerce hosted their 2022 Business Distinction Awards, supported by Logan Regional Chamber of Commerce and Beenleigh-Yatala Chamber of Commerce.

Held at Distillery Road Markets, it was a fantastic opportunity congratulate and celebrate businesses in the City of Logan.

This year, there was 17 industry categories for businesses to nominate for and 6 major awards including the coveted Business of the Year.

2022 Major Award Winners

Business of the Year – B&C Plastics
Inclusiveness – Wheelnutz Garage
Sustainability – Bee All Natural
New and Emerging Business – The Picket Fence
Judges Encouragement Award – Moovn Coffee
Innovation – BathCalm
Community Contribution – DMH Realty

BathCalm team at the Logan Business Distinction Awards 2022

Caroline Woodman of BathCalm and team, winner of the Innovation 2022 Award and Beauty, Health and Wellbeing Award

2022 Industry Category Winners

Automotive and Transport – Browns Plains Mazda
Beauty, Health and Wellbeing – BathCalm
Education, Employment and Training (Large) – Marsden State High School
Education, Employment and Training (Medium) – YMCA Vocational School
Education, Employment and Training (Small) – Dr Karen Lonsdale
Event Services – Big Swing Golf
Financial Services – Bank of Queensland, Jimboomba
For Purpose (Charity and Not For Profits) – YMPCA Vocational School
Hospitality (Small) – Devon Pixies
Hospitality (Medium) – The White House of Waterford
Legal Services – McLaughlin & Associates Lawyers
Manufacturing and Construction – Snapfresh
Media and Advertising – Rebel Connect
Medical Services – Choice Dental, Browns Plains
Professional Services – Sentinel Safety Services
Real Estate, Building and Construction – Clarence Property, The Zone Underwood
Retail – Animal World Pet Resorts
Sports Services – Addictive Pole Fitness
Technology and Innovation – CE Group
Tourism – John Paul College
Trade Services (Small) – Signs Etc
Trade Services (Large) – Munster Services Group
Veterinary Services – Daisy Hill Vet

Bert Van Manen, Federal Member for Forde, Jim Chalmers MP, Federal Member for Rankin, Arwen McGregor of Devon Pixies, winner of the Hospitality (small) Award, and Jon Raven, Division 5 Councillor

Arwen McGregor of Devon Pixies, winner of the Hospitality (small) Award, with Bert Van Manen, Federal Member for Forde, Jim Chalmers MP, Federal Member for Rankin, and Jon Raven, Division 5 Councillor

See the list of winners and photos at the Logan Business Distinction Awards website.

Logan Office of Economic Development and Logan City Council are proud supporters of the Logan Business Distinction Awards. We have engaged and supported most of the winners and nominees through their business journey, and would like to congratulate their success.

Small Business Recovery and Reinvigoration Fund reopened

19 August 2022/in City of Logan, Grants

Due to community interest and need, Council has reopened the Small Business Recovery and Reinvigoration Fund. This is part of a wider flood recovery package in response to the 2022 floods.

The program will help businesses that were inundated by the 2022 flood event to improve their resilience, adapt their business for future growth and fast-track their recovery.

Support measures include up to $5,000 per eligible business to assist with the following:

Professional advice and support.
Digital and marketing activities to assist local businesses discover new customers and grow revenue.
Relocation costs for affected local businesses wanting to move to other locations within Logan.
Replacement, repair or restoration of essential items for business operations such as signage or furniture.
Rebates on approved business development courses to develop disaster preparedness and mitigation skills.

Apply

To be eligible you must meet the eligibility criteria, which includes

be a small business owner who provides local employment opportunities.
hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and have held that ABN at the time of the eligible disaster.
employ up to, but not exceeding, 20 full time equivalent employees.
located in the Logan City Council local government area and has suffered direct inundation and damage, caused by riverine and/or creek flooding to premises as a result of
the disaster.
have been engaged in carrying on the small business when affected by the eligible disaster.
be primarily responsible for meeting the costs claimed in the application.
intend to re-establish the small business in the City of Logan

Full eligibility, and terms and conditions can be found by downloading a preview form from the Smartygrants website

What assistance is available?

Businesses will have the ability to use any of the financial support programs outlined below to a combined value of $5,000 per eligible business.

Small Business professional services support: Connecting critically impacted local businesses to professional advice (preferably provided by businesses located in Logan) to assist in addressing and recovering from the disaster. Eligible businesses will be able to receive rebates for professional advice in four categories Accounting and Insolvency, Grant writing, Human Resources and Legal Services.
Small Business kick start and go digital: Kick starting promotion and marketing activities for critically impacted local businesses to discover new customers and grow revenue, through new digital and marketing campaign expenditure and participation in an approved digital shop front/ e-commerce programs.
Small Business Relocation: Relocation assistance provided for critically impacted local businesses seeking to relocate to other locations within Logan. Add in examples of costs that will be covered
Small Business owner development: Invest in business owner disaster preparedness and mitigation skill development on approved business development courses.
Small Business reinvigorate: Support the replacement, repair or restoration of essential physical items for business operations such as signage or furniture for critically impacted local businesses.