Advanced Air Mobility Centre of Excellence planned for Logan

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Thales and Underwood Innovation Labs have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish an AAM Centre of Excellence. The AAM COE, supported by the Mayor of Logan City, Hon Jon Raven, will operate as a membership-based, open-ecosystem, enabling organisations to utilize and access state-of-the-art innovation, technology and resources. ​

The location of the AAM COE, in South East Queensland, is one of Australia’s fastest growing regions, with population numbers expected to reach 5.4million by 2041. As a key economic hub, the establishment of a centre of excellence will cultivate advanced technology and develop skills for Queensland’s future workforce.

The AAM COE is modelled after a successful initiative in Paris, France, known as Centre d’Excellence Drones Ile De France (CEDIF). CEDIF operates with an approved 40km Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) airspace corridor extending from Saint-Quentin en Yvelines to Bretigny sur Orge. Supported by Thales, Eurocontrol, and Systematic, CEDIF aims to provide a comprehensive platform for incubating, validating, and industrializing all aspects of drone activities, both direct and indirect.

“Thales is thrilled to be the initial founding partner in establishing the forthcoming innovation ecosystem centred on a Centre of Excellence for AAM in Queensland, alongside Underwood Innovation Lab and the City of Logan. Our shared commitment to trust, innovation, and results will unite innovators in addressing everyday challenges, integrating drones and other advanced air mobility systems safely into our daily routines, and contributing to the decarbonization of the future aviation industry.”
– Bobby Pavlickovski, Head of Uncrewed Services, Thales Australia.

 

“Underwood Innovation Lab is delighted to be partnering with Thales Australia to establish and deliver this catalytic project for Queensland which will propel the Advanced Air Mobility sector in the State and ultimately Nationally. As a first in kind, local government backed innovation Lab this project aligns well with the UiLab mission to positively impact the Australian innovation ecosystem through strategic global partnerships and transformative projects such as this that will create high-value jobs, attract further investment, and ultimately improve National productivity.”
– Dr Paul Mathiesen (UiLab Chief Innovation Officer).

This center will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research, development, and innovation in the rapidly growing AAM industry, further cementing Logan’s position as a key player in Australia’s tech and innovation landscape. This collaboration will not only bring world-class expertise to Logan but also drive advancements in autonomous systems, urban air mobility, and smart city solutions.

Together, these initiatives mark the beginning of a new chapter for Logan’s economy, attracting high-tech industries, creating tech jobs, and fostering innovation that will have long-lasting impacts on both the local and global stage.

Mayor Jon Raven with Bobby Pavlickovski (Thales) and Frank Erb (Systematic)

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies specialized in three business domains: Defence & Security, Aeronautics & Space, and Cybersecurity & Digital identity.

It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.

The Group invests close to €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key innovation areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, cloud technologies and 6G.

Thales has close to 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2023, the Group generated sales of €18.4 billion.

From Thales Australia and Underwood Innovation Labs sign an MoU to establish a collaborative Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Centre of Excellence inQueensland, Australia | Thales Group

New indoor stadium delivers long-term legacy

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A new $142.1 million Olympic-standard indoor stadium will accelerate progress in Queensland’s fastest-growing city, creating lasting opportunities that benefit the City of Logan community.

The City of Logan’s new Olympic-standard multi-purpose indoor stadium will kickstart a legacy that will benefit the local community for generations to come.

The Logan Indoor Sports Centre (LISC) will be a universally accessible facility featuring 9 indoor courts across 2 separate halls that can accommodate a range of sports, para sports and large-scale events.

The new facility, capable of hosting 7,000 spectators, could potentially be used as a training and competition venue during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

It will be built on the corner of Jacaranda Avenue and Democracy Way in Logan Central. Construction is expected to be completed by 2028.

The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments.

Council is providing the land for the new facility and will be the owner and operator over the venue’s lifespan, ensuring it continues to provide future community benefits.

Mayor Jon Raven says Council has locked in a modern, multi-purpose facility that will support the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games while also addressing a high demand in Logan for indoor sporting facilities.

‘The chance to potentially host Olympic and Paralympic events and training in the City of Logan will put us on the world stage to show off the beauty, culture and talent of this great city,’ Mayor Raven says.

‘As the fastest growing city in Queensland with a young and diverse population that has Olympic-sized dreams for the future, this investment by the state and federal governments will be a legacy from the Games that our community will benefit from for decades to come.

‘The indoor sports stadium will be owned and operated by Logan City Council and will become a beacon for state, national and international sports and events, while also increasing the number of courts we have to offer for local residents.’

Council’s Economic Development Chair, Councillor Miriam Stemp, said the indoor sports centre would catapult the City of Logan into the future in both sporting and economic terms.

‘Council provided valuable input into the design to create a broad-scale facility that will support a wide range of community activities including sports competitions and training, conferences, meetings and exhibitions,’ Cr Stemp says.

‘These major events will, in turn, bring significant economic benefits and growth for our city for many years to come.’

Division 2 Councillor Teresa Lane says the new venue would be welcomed by locals as much as elite sportsmen and women.

‘This fabulous indoor facility in the heart of Division 2 will provide much-needed all-access sporting courts along with function and meeting spaces that can be used by everyone,’ Cr Lane says.

‘The LISC also perfectly complements Council’s Master Plan to expand and upgrade Logan Central Gardens and will join our exciting new Wilbur Street Youth Centre as another top-class facility that can be enjoyed by our community.’

An artist’s impression of the inside of the sports centre, showing basketball courts

An artist’s impression of the new Logan Indoor Sports Centre to be built in Logan Central.

The new indoor stadium will be the shining jewel across a range of Logan facilities with the potential to support competition, training and preparations for the 2032 Games. These include:

  • New heated Olympic 50m swimming pools at Logan North Aquatic Centre (Underwood) and Beenleigh Aquatic Centre (currently under construction).
  • BMX freestyle ramps designed by Olympic gold medallist Logan Martin at Doug Larsen Park in Beenleigh.
  • Various fields and other facilities that could cater for sports such as football (soccer), rugby 7s and futsal, which is touted as a future Olympic sport.
  • An existing collaboration with the NFL Australia ahead of NFL Flag football being staged as a demonstration sport at the 2028 Los Angeles Games and possible inclusion in the 2032 program.

Logan Basketball Inc General Manager Mitchell Young says the investment from all levels of government would deliver significant benefits for the community.

‘The Logan Indoor Sports Stadium will create generational opportunities for Logan Basketball and our community that will be welcomed as vital indoor sporting infrastructure pre and post games,’ Mr Young says.

‘We have experienced record participation growth as one of fastest growing sports within one of the fastest growing cities and the stadium will be another example of the power of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to create legacy infrastructure that will be used as a platform for positive impact.

‘We have youth Logan Basketball athletes that have recently represented Australia and are focused on Brisbane 2032. The delivery of this venue will provide greater opportunities through competitions, programs, pathways and events that engage and inspire young people and the next generation within our community.’

The new multi-purpose venue will help boost several strategies Council is exploring to capitalise on Queensland hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Council has already developed a 2032 City of Logan Legacy Roadmap which outlines 19 key initiatives designed to:

  • promote active living and participation in sport
  • leverage multicultural roots within the local community
  • secure new infrastructure and facilities
  • stimulate economic growth

The new venue also supports Council’s plan to kickstart urban renewal in targeted locations across the city, including Logan Central.

It will help Council advocate for the development of more hotels and other short-term accommodation options while also showcasing Logan as a key logistics hub for the entire SEQ region.

Toyota races to the City of Logan

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Australia’s largest car company has joined thousands of Australians in making the move to the City of Logan.

Works have started on Toyota’s major new parts distribution centre in Crestmead.

The 31,000 square metre facility will relocate 90 jobs to the area and is anticipated to open in 2026.

The company, which chose the location strategically to improve logistical operations and enhance its distribution network, was supported in its move by Logan City Council’s investment attraction team.

A fast-tracked development approval process has also allowed construction work on the new, 60,000 hectare site to begin sooner than anticipated.

The new facility will achieve 100 per cent carbon neutral operations with solar panels, a hydrogen refueller and EV charging.

Toyota says its improved safety standards and next generation technology will support a more streamlined goods to person process and provide greater and more inclusive employment opportunities.

Mayor Jon Raven with Toyota Aftersales Division General Manager Jing Tadeo (centre) and Vice President Jack Hobbs

Mayor Jon Raven joined representatives from Toyota, partner Goodman and the De Luca construction corporation for an official Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony at the development site this week.

Mayor Raven said having Toyota in the City of Logan just made sense.

“Logan is the youngest, fastest growing and most diverse city in the state, so of course Toyota, arguably the best car company in the world, would want to base its parts business here,” Cr Raven said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to have Toyota coming here and partnering with De Luca to deliver this parts facility, we’re really excited to see it.

“Logan is the beating heart of South East Queensland. You can’t move people or products throughout this region without coming through our city so that’s why we’re the smart choice for businesses to base themselves here.

“We also know that when you relocate 90 staff here that many of those people will want to come and live in Logan. We’re building 5000 new homes in Logan every year, we want you to be part of it.

“Thank you so much to Toyota for making the smart investment decision to come to Logan.

“We’re excited to be a partner with Toyota and to talk about how great it is to have them here.”

An artists impression of the future Toyota site in Crestmead

An artists impression of the future Toyota site in Crestmead

Eurocold moves to Logan and expands business

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Eurocold, a refrigerated truck builder and fleet partner has moved to the City of Logan as part of the national expansion of the company.

The refrigerated truck rental and leasing agency has recently completed its new 8,677sqm facility at Berrinba in the ESR Gilmore Industrial Estate.

The new facility is eight times larger than their Wynumm assembly site, and allows Eurocold to expand its manufacturing and assembly capabilities.

The move has not only reinforced Eurocold’s premium standing but has also guided the entire organization onto a forward-thinking path for the future, where it can continue to be an Australian leader in operational, sustainable, and people-focused excellence.

The creation of the new facility coincides with the roll out of Eurocold’s electric vehicles.

According to Eurocold, it will utilise technology developed with Carrier and chassis suppliers to ensure more efficient practices in refrigerated transport.

All-electric powered vehicles and refrigeration cabinets will lower emissions and reduce waste through the course of delivery to end customers.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Eurocold, Avraam Solomon, said the Berrinba facility future proofs the company for expansion.

“We have a bold plan to take the number of Eurocold vehicles on the road from the current 500 to nearly 2000 by the end of 2029,” said Solomon.

“We’re committed to a significant investment into the refrigerated trucking industry over the next three years,” he said.

“This expansion will support our greater expansion into other states which we began last year. It gives us the ability to have four single-line production units in the one facility, on top of that the location will become the hub for all of Eurocold’s business operations with the three major motorways accessible.”

“This will see our footprint increase across Australia and into New Zealand. We hope to have all of our new facilities signed and operational within 12 months.

“This plan includes the launch of Eurocold Revora, which has created an incredible amount of interest throughout the industry.”

Solomon said Eurocold Revora would provide sustainable, electrified delivery solutions at multiple sizes from small utility type vehicles right through to larger, rigid units.

“Our developer partners at ESR are assisting us with the move to a carbon free future through the technology being implemented. ESR is built on a shared vision of building for a sustainable future in the new economy,” he said.

ESR Australia’s General Manager Development, Queensland, Craig Robertson welcomes Eurocold to Berrinba Industrial Estate.

“Their signing marks a significant milestone for the Estate, closing out the first two stages,” he said.

Logan Office of Economic Development and Logan City Council were proud to work with Eurocold and support their investment. Eurocold were successful in receiving funding from Council’s Investment Attraction Incentive Fund.

City of Logan Mayor Jon Raven attended the facility this month to welcome Eurocold to the city and to tour the facility.

“We’re excited that Eurocold has brought 45 jobs to the City of Logan.

They’ve made the smart business decision to choose the youngest and fastest-growing city in Queensland as the base of their national and international operations.

I’m looking forward to seeing how they will grow and innovate over the coming years.”

Eurocold joins CEVA Logistics in the ESR Gilmore Industrial Estate, with leasing opportunities still available for Warehouse 3.

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New beginnings, same Eurocold – Fully Loaded

Eurocold commences work on new facility  – Prime Mover

Eurocold champions zero emission transport with innovative refrigerated vehicles – Fleet HV News