Cutting-edge recycling plant leading the way in Logan

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Queensland’s first solar panel recycling plant have established their operations in Logan. Pan Pacific Recycling will recycle discarded solar panels, dismantling them and breaking down the materials to be reused. The facility is expected to take apart 240,000 panels a year.

The new facility in the Crestmead business park features a cutting-edge recycling plant within a 4,000sqm warehouse. Equipped with unique technology for efficient material extraction, valuable materials like silicon, aluminium, and cobalt will be recovered and reused, conserving natural resources.

The facility also includes eco-friendly waste management processes and a research centre dedicating to continuous process improvement and developing innovative recycling techniques.

The Logan Office of Economic Development team have worked with Pan Pacific Recycling over the last 18 months, facilitating investment in their Crestmead facility. The team aided with site selection, planning and guidance, engaging with valuable local supply chain connections and facilitated introductions with Government officials and relevant grant programs. Pan Pacific Recycling also received assistance through council’s Investment Attraction Incentive Fund. Businesses looking to invest in Logan and who meet certain eligibility criteria can apply to be considered.

Director of Pan Pacific Recycling, John Hill said that working with the LOED team was a valuable step in realising two decades of work to open the facility. “The efforts by the Logan City Council’s Economic Development team were instrumental in turning the vision of the Pan Pacific Recycling facility into a reality. Their proactive approach and strategic initiatives significantly influenced our decision to establish Pan Pacific Recycling in Logan. The team have been a steadfast support for our business, providing valuable resources and assistance”.

The new facility has brought 32 jobs to the area and further establishes Logan in the resource recovery sector, enhancing our region’s long-term economic sustainability. Resource recovery is an emerging industry in Logan, and we are proud to support innovative leaders in

this space such as Pan Pacific Recycling, BlockTexx and V Resource.

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

Dining solutions on offer in after dark trial

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In a move to support a bustling hospitality after dark industry, the City of Logan is offering access to a range of furniture and temporary infrastructure as part of a new trial.

Council recently endorsed a Night Time Economy Strategy to pave the way for more businesses to thrive after the sun goes down.

A part of that strategy includes supplying interested businesses with outdoor furniture and infrastructure to create parklets – small extensions of public space on streets.

The expression of interest period in the trial runs until Saturday, August 31.

Mayor Jon Raven said the trial was designed to help grow the City of Logan after dark.

“We want to support Logan’s nighttime economy any way we can,” Cr Raven said.

“This trial will help local businesses to trade outside and stay open longer.

“As the youngest and fasting growing city in Queensland, I’m sure our residents will love the extra options for a night out.”

Successful applicants will be loaned associated infrastructure and equipment at no cost through the trial.

The parklet option includes the temporary provision of a prefabricated removable structure consisting of decking, barriers and built-in seating which can be located on an existing on-street parking bay.

Businesses seeking only outdoor furniture will have the opportunity to loan furniture and obtain assistance to progress outdoor dining permits.

The duration of the loan period depends on interest in the project and the number of successful applicants.

The trial is supported by a grant from the Queensland Government’s Department of Employment, Small Business and Training’s Locally Led Economic Recovery Program.

For more information about the trial, including how to lodge an expression of interest, visit our Outdoor Dining & Furniture Trial page.

Jobs Expo provides career pathways

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City of Logan job seekers can lay the foundations for future careers at the annual Logan Jobs Expo this week.

The free event connects those looking for work with local businesses that provide employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities in the construction, manufacturing and trade industries.

The 2023 Logan Jobs Expo is at Logan Metro Sports & Events Centre, 357 Browns Plains Road at Crestmead from 9 am until 2 pm on Thursday, September 14.

Last year’s Expo attracted more than 800 attendees and saw 17 people secure local employment on the day.

This year’s event is expected to attract more than 70 exhibitors.

The Jobs Expo is another initiative of the Mayor’s Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce, which helped 213 people – including 58 youth – find employment in the 2022/23 financial year.

Mayor Darren Power said it would help job seekers of all ages prepare for success.

“Our taskforce was launched in 2021 to empower local job seekers to unleash their potential and take control of their employment journey,” Cr Power said.

Economic Development Chair, Cr Jon Raven said the Expo supports local businesses seeking employment-ready staff.

“We know that growing businesses need good staff to provide great service, which is why we want to help Logan businesses find local staff who are ready to work,” Cr Raven said.

Division 8 Councillor Jacob Heremaia said the Jobs Expo caters for all ages.

“Whether you are a school-leaver, or looking for a career change, there will be plenty of advice and options available,” Cr Heremaia said.

Job seekers can register their attendance at Logan Jobs Expo.

 

REGISTER NOW

Time to share our brightest visions for city’s golden future

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When the eyes of the world turn to South East Queensland for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it won’t be just the City of Logan’s sports stars shining bright.

Logan City Council has outlined a plan to help residents, businesses and organisations put their best foot forward, and make the most of the opportunities the Games will bring to the city.

Now, Council wants to hear the community’s best and boldest ideas.

The 2032 City of Logan Legacy Roadmap – including 19 initiatives to set up the city for success – will be released for public consultation on Monday, September 4.

Interested locals will be able to provide their feedback on the plan via Council’s Have Your Say platform, at: haveyoursaylogan.com.au.

Mayor Darren Power said having the world’s biggest sporting event in the city’s backyard was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“Our city is perfectly positioned to support and supply the Games, and has talent, experience and cultural advantages,” Councillor Power said.

“Council’s draft Roadmap is a fantastic starting point, but we know we aren’t the only ones with an Olympic-sized passion for the future of our city.

“We want to hear from everyone with ideas on how we can position ourselves for success.”

The 2032 City of Logan Legacy Roadmap focuses on Council’s vision for:

  • the delivery of new community facilities and infrastructure
  • stimulating economic growth
  • improving the health of Logan residents
  • leveraging the cultural diversity of the local community.

The Have Your Say survey is the first of many community engagement opportunities planned ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Survey participants will be able to contribute their own ideas, and indicate their support for those posed by others.

The survey will close on Monday, October 2.

 

HAVE YOUR SAY

Logan Plan 2025 – Blueprint for the city

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Options to create more housing choices, along with a range of policy decisions to manage unprecedented local growth, are key platforms of the new draft Logan Plan 2025, endorsed today for submission to the State Government for their review.

Terrace housing is proposed for the first time as Council looks for different ways to achieve increased density in appropriate locations without the overhead of body corporate fees which apply to most townhouses and unit blocks.

Logan Plan 2025 (LP25), once finalised, will build on what is working well from the current planning scheme (Logan Planning Scheme 2015) as it guides city growth over the next 20 years.

The proposed new policy decisions aim to enhance the liveability, amenity and function of the city, which is one of the fastest-growing areas in South East Queensland.

Proposed changes include:

  • Promoting high-quality urban design with stronger guidance for subdivisions, apartments, landscaping, urban greening and streetscaping
  • Providing appropriate employment land where new businesses or industries can be established, and existing ones can grow
  • Prioritising more housing choices near public transport and major commercial centres
  • Protecting the city’s heritage by clarifying criteria relating to the preservation and use of places of historical and cultural significance
  • Introducing a new tourism code to provide confidence for investors, operators and residents to enable appropriate and economy-boosting experiences in the city
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Council also aims to flick the switch on a bustling night-time economy to give residents more local entertainment options after 6pm while putting the brakes on the impacts of service stations on surrounding areas and nearby shopping centres.

City of Logan Mayor Darren Power said LP25 was essential to manage a future where the local population is projected to surge past 500,000 in the next decade and reach more than 600,000 by 2046.

“New residents are coming in droves to live in our great city, and we need to have a robust, well-balanced Planning Scheme to best manage the serious growth we have ahead of us,” Cr Power said.

“We want to ensure we have quality, well-designed development in the right areas, and in a way which reflects the values of our community.”

Planning Chair, Cr Jon Raven, said the draft LP25 introduced improvements on the previous planning scheme that would better serve the community and local lifestyles.

The new policy positions were shaped by input from the community, Councillors, specialist consultants, the development industry and university researchers.

“We already live in a fantastic city, but we want to make it even better,” Cr Raven said.

“We need to plan for the future so that our residents can benefit from the growth we’re experiencing over the next decade.”

The draft LP25 will now be submitted to the Queensland Government for a mandatory state interest review.

Once that review is completed, Council will share the draft LP25 with the community for consultation. Council will use that feedback to further improve the plan.

A final Queensland Government review follows, before the plan is expected to be adopted in late 2025.

Visit the Logan Plan 2025 Online Portal for more information.

Congratulations to Logan Business Distinction Awards 2023 winners

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Last week the Logan Chamber of Commerce hosted their 2023 Business Distinction Awards, supported by Diamond Sponsors Logan City Council and Bendigo Bank.

Held at Logan Entertainment Centre, it was a fantastic opportunity to congratulate and celebrate businesses in the City of Logan.

This year, there were 19 industry categories for businesses to nominate for and 6 major awards, and 2 Business of the Year awards.

2023 Major Award Winners

  • Large Business of the Year – Munster Services
  • Small Business of the Year – Bee All Natural
  • Services to the Community – DMH Realty
  • Accessibility and Inclusiveness – Munster Services, TechPath Pty Ltd
  • Environmental Conscientiousness & Sustainability – Munster Services
  • New and Emerging Business – Adopt a Beehive
  • Most Innovative Business – B&C Plastics
  • Woman Led Business – Bee All Natural

2023 Industry Category Winners

  • Automotive and Transport – Wheelnutz Garage
  • Beauty, Health and Wellbeing – Hedz Up Hair and Beauty
  • Building, Construction, and Real Estate – DMH Realty
  • Business-to-Business Services (Large) – TechPath Pty Ltd
  • Business to Business Services (Small) – Speech Perfect
  • Creative Industries – The Flower Crew Originals
  • Charity and non for profit (Large) – Able Australia
  • Charity and non for profit (Small) – YMCA Schools Breakfast Program
  • Health and Wellbeing – Bee All Natural
  • Home Services – Laser Tag in a Box
  • Hospitality and Events – Simply Beans Coffee Roast Specialists
  • Manufacturing and Production – Munster Services
  • Media and Advertising (Large) – Rebel Media
  • Media and Advertising (Small) – Obsidian Marketing
  • Medical and Vet Services – Choice Dental Browns Plains
  • Professional Services – Cornerstone Law Offices
  • Retail – Simply Beans Coffee Roast Specialists
  • Technology – TechPath Pty Ltd
  • Trade Services – Munster Services
  • Tourism – Hello World Travel Rochedale Shopping Village
  • Encouragement Award – Stick Mob

See the photos HERE.

Logan Office of Economic Development and Logan City Council proudly support 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.

Night Time Economy Strategy

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Logan City Council will pave the way for more businesses to open their doors at night, allowing the economy to thrive after the sun goes down.

Council’s Night Time Economy Strategy will include a range of measures to grow the City of Logan after hours, creating a safe, diverse and inclusive city which champions local business.

Council will review costs for businesses applying to open later, and revisit requirements placed on venues such as bars to reduce noise which impacts the surrounding area. Development application fees will be reviewed.

Council will also look to utilise vacant shopfronts as ‘pop-ups’ for businesses and services. Land acquisition for a standalone dining precinct is also being considered.

It is hoped targeted investment attraction funding will encourage large food and entertainment brands to open in the city.

Economic Development Chair, Councillor Jon Raven, is excited about creating new evening dining and entertainment options, while ensuring residents’ safety.

“Our residents and families want to enjoy a night out in Logan and support local businesses rather than travel to another city,” Cr Raven said.

“We can build something tailored for the needs, tastes and budgets of our residents.”

The strategy will also encourage more footpath dining.

Division 10 Councillor and Deputy Economic Development Chair, Miriam Stemp said the strategy was a priority for locals.

“The development of a night time economy has been a common theme from our residents in giving feedback at city centre summits undertaken by Council,” Cr Stemp said.

The strategy follows a month-long public survey answered by more than 300 respondents.

Of those, 67 per cent said they wanted more to do in the city at night, while 50 per cent said they didn’t feel safe after dark.

DoorDash pilots drone delivery in Australia through first-of-its kind partnership with Wing

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Alphabet company Wing is taking a first step toward opening their platform so Wing’s drone delivery service can be accessed via third party apps.To kick things off, they’re partnering with global on-demand delivery leader DoorDash for a pilot of this new functionality in Logan, Australia.

Starting this week, selected customers in the City of Logan will be able to order a range of convenience and grocery items, pantry staples, snacks, and household essentials directly through the DoorDash App and have them delivered by a Wing drone, typically in 15 minutes or less. Initially available to a small number of households, Wing will gradually expand availability in the coming months.

We’ve been working on this integration to allow Wing’s delivery service to be accessed through a third party app for some time, and we’re excited to be piloting it for the first time with DoorDash in Australia. It’s yet another step in our efforts to build a drone delivery service that is highly integrable and capable of scaling quickly.

To this end, Wing has already started to transform their operations, moving them closer to retailers so the service can be deployed more quickly, easily, and economically. In Australia, Wing has set up a drone delivery hub on the rooftop of Grand Plaza shopping centre at Browns Plains. In Dallas, they have evolved this concept into their first “store-to-door” operation. And just recently Wing announced an expansion of this model to Australia’s Gold Coast.

We see this new functionality as a logical step on this journey to make drone delivery a plug-and-play option for more businesses and consumers – no matter what app they use.

The pilot program in Logan continues Wing’s advancement in drone delivery services and technologies in the City of Logan, and consolidates Logan’s status as the drone delivery capital of the world.

Related news:

Wing brings drone delivery options to DoorDash customers in Logan, Australia | TechCrunch

Wing Blog: DoorDash pilots drone delivery in Australia through first-of-its kind partnership with Wing

Business Launchpad expands to all industries

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Business Launchpad has had over 27,000 users since it went live with food and beverage and residential construction businesses in March 2021. Logan was one of two pilot cities for the platform, before expanding to other locations. Business Launchpad presents information from the Australian Business Licence and Information Service and improves the user experience to make it easier for businesses and business intenders to manage their licencing requirements.

The Queensland Government has recently announced that Business Launchpad had expanded to all industries.

This means no matter where business operators and intenders are located in Queensland or what industry they are in, they have access to location-specific and industry-specific licencing and regulatory information through Business Launchpad.

The information available on Business Launchpad includes licences, codes of practice, regulatory information and support services across all tiers of government. Each guide is tailored to suit the business and location.

Businesses can sign-in and can come back as licences and permits need renewing.

For further information visit Business Launchpad or call 1300 654 687.