New private hospital planned for Meadowbrook

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A private hospital and health hub development being assessed by Logan City Council could help alleviate health service demands in the city.

Australian Unity has lodged an application for a $150 million facility to help meet the demands for medical and surgical services in one of South-East Queensland’s fastest growing health precincts.

The first stage of the proposed Meadowbrook development will deliver up to 90 inpatient beds, nine operating theatres, 60 specialist consulting suites, an onsite pathology laboratory and diagnostic imaging centre.

It will sit opposite Logan Hospital and is well connected to public transport services.

If approved, construction could begin in early 2023.

Meadowbrook will become a major health and wellbeing precinct, with recent Council upgrades improving pedestrian access to vital services.

View the transcript for this video

Mayor Darren Power welcomed the project application as Council continues to drive private health investment in the city.

“The Australian Unity Private Hospital lodgement aligns with Council’s vision for the Meadowbrook health and wellbeing precinct and will help address the huge demand for health services in our city,” Cr Power said.

“A new private hospital will attract doctors, nurses, specialists and health operators while also creating new local jobs.

“While the development application still requires approval, Council welcomes this project and other health investments proposed for the City of Logan.”

Australian Unity’s General Manager of Health Care Property, Chris Smith, said the facility would deliver critical services to the local community.

“Australian Unity is delighted to be leading the delivery of this high-quality asset, which will improve health outcomes and provide long-term income and capital growth for our investors,” he said.

“It builds on our well-established track record as one of Queensland’s most trusted private healthcare developer-managers.”

More than 30,000 square metres of private health and medical services are expected to be delivered across the city in the next 12 months to three years.

Artists render of planned Meadowbrook Private Hospital

Artists render of planned Meadowbrook Private Hospital

Council has a history of campaigning for more medical services in the city.

In 2018, Council commissioned research to identify medical development and investment opportunities in the city.

“The research analysed current and future demand for health services, identified service delivery gaps and explored investment drivers in health services,” Cr Power said.

Earlier this year, Cr Power called on the Queensland Government to work with the private sector to ease the burden on Logan Hospital and state health services.

City of Logan benefits from SEQ City Deal

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Improved transport connections and new community facilities are on the way for the City of Logan following the announcement yesterday of a $1.8 billion South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal.

Planning for priority transport and lifestyle projects will be kick-started through $78.46 million in funding, while more than $400 million in regional funding will be accessible for future infrastructure projects.

City of Logan Mayor Darren Power said the investment highlighted the crucial role Logan will play in the future prosperity of Queensland and Australia.

“Logan City Council was the first local government to formally approve our SEQ City Deal commitments, recognising the benefits coordinated investment would give our rapidly growing city,” Cr Power said.

“The initial investment will launch priority projects across the city, including initial investment of $46 million towards better transport connections into the Meadowbrook Health Precinct and planning on the Southern Gateway Corridor.

“This investment in Meadowbrook will improve the connection between major transport projects in the region, adding to the important works already underway in Meadowbrook, including the expansion of the hospital and the relocation of the Loganlea train station.

“The investment in a business case for the Southern Gateway Corridor will be the critical first step in opening the next section of employment land in the city, ensuring our region remains the best place to invest.”

Artists impression of a future Meadowbrook

The Australian Government, Queensland Government and Logan City Council will support the revitalisation of the Loganlea/Meadowbrook precinct through improved connectivity and mobility investments. Image: Artists impression of a future Meadowbrook 

Cr Power said Council’s community infrastructure would receive an investment of $32.46 million as part of the SEQ Liveability Fund.

“This means Council will be able to deliver improved community facilities such as pools, libraries, performing arts centres and sport centres to cater for our future community needs,” he said.

He said while it was disappointing that Logan missed out on an Olympic venue in the initial draft Master Plan for 2032, Council was actively working with the Queensland and Australian governments to capitalise on opportunities leading into the Olympics. This includes developing a Roadmap to 2032.

“The SEQ City Deal is a good start, and we look forward to progressing opportunities as our city continues to grow,” he said.

“As one of the fastest growing regions in the country, the City of Logan ticks so many boxes and we will continue to push our case to unlock the Olympic potential in our city.”

Cr Power said the City of Logan would benefit from a $20 million regional funding pool set aside for Green Urban Infrastructure – enabling Council to improve street scaping and boosting our green canopy to improve heat mitigation across the city.

The prioritisation of a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in the City of Logan as part of the Sub-Regional Waste Alliance with Redland City Council and Ipswich City Council is also underway

“We know our communities want a cleaner, greener environment and this combined approach will further the South East’s transformation to a more sustainable region,” Cr Power said.

The $150 million Innovation Economy Fund and $40 million Local Digital Priority Projects will be other key funding pools Council can access to support existing innovation initiatives and projects.

The SEQ City Deal also includes:

  • $5 million to jointly identify the infrastructure and land-use planning needed to keep pace with population growth
  • $2.1 million to improve transport and freight route planning and to identify priorities for infrastructure investment to increase service reliability and safety along critical routes such as the Mt Lindsay Highway
  • $40 million over the next five years towards delivering priority, on-ground works to improve the overall health and resilience of local rivers and waterways through the Council of Mayors (SEQ) Resilient Rivers initiative.

The SEQ City Deal is a 20-year partnership between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and 11 Councils, which make up the Council of Mayors (SEQ). It provides a shared commitment to transform SEQ and deliver region-shaping infrastructure.

The SEQ City Deal will deliver a significant foundation investment of more than $1.8 billion that will generate thousands of local jobs, boost digital and transport connectivity, enhance liveability and support one of the fastest growing regions in the country.

Healthy Street is perfect tonic for hospital precinct

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Loganlea Road at Meadowbrook has never looked better.

That’s due to the competition of Stage 1 of Logan City Council’s Loganlea Road Healthy Street project.

The project, which included $2.4 million from the Queensland Government’s Unite and Recover Fund, has created safer and improved pedestrian and cycling connections as part of Council’s vision for the suburb to become a major health and well-being precinct.

It also better connects Logan Hospital to proposed medical facilities and the Meadowbrook Shopping Centre on the other side the road.

Upgrades to Loganlea Road include a new off-street shared pathway on both sides of the road, landscaping works, shade structures and a new signalised pedestrian crossing.

Street lighting has been improved and new 24/7 safety cameras are now operating across the precinct.

Economic Development Chair, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven, said the project is the first capital works to be completed through Council’s $5 million Meadowbrook Implementation Fund.

It has been delivered in conjunction with the Council-led Meadowbrook Partnership Group.

“This project is another example of Council enhancing public spaces for benefit of residents and visitors to our city,” Cr Raven said.

“Meadowbrook is well on the way to becoming a major health hub and these upgrades make it easier and safer for everyone to access the Logan hospital and other nearby health services.”

The project includes artwork along the Loganlea Road footpaths and other parts of the precinct. The art is in the form of installations, shelters and murals painted on the footpath.

Some designs were laser cut into double-sided, brightly coloured aluminium circular discs, which have been positioned along pedestrian thoroughfares.

Streetscape upgrades along Loganlea Road

works include shade structures and a new pedestrian crossing linking the hospital to the retail precinct

City of Logan artists who attended today’s opening of the Healthy Street project included Vikki Kinderman, Evangeline Goodfellow, Rachel Lee, Missy Knox, Therese Flynn-Clarke and Chloe Wigg.

Many of the artists have exhibited in Logan Art Gallery and some have artwork and street art along pathways and other locations across the city.

Division 6 Councillor Tony Hall said the new eye-catching artwork and extensive landscaping are a welcome addition to the Meadowbrook health hub.

“While the safety and access upgrades will be welcomed by those who visit the hospital and other health services in Meadowbrook, the addition of art and place-making improvements is also important for those who live, shop and work in the suburb,” Cr Hall said.

Loganlea Road as seen from the sky by drone

Loganlea Road as seen from above

The project also received funding from the Queensland Government’s Cycle Network Local Government Grant (CNLGG) program.

Stage 2 of the project is expected to include the design and construction of an extension of the shared pathway on the eastern side of Loganlea Road to connect with Armstrong Road.

It will include a new pedestrian bridge to provide safe access to the proposed relocated Loganlea train station.

Better connections for growing health hub

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Work is now underway to construct safer and improved pedestrian and cycling connections as part of Logan City Council’s vision for a major health and well-being precinct at Meadowbrook.

The Loganlea Road Healthy Street project will better connect Logan Hospital to proposed medical facilities and the Meadowbrook shopping centre on the other side other the road.

A new signalised pedestrian crossing will be installed across busy Loganlea Road along with upgraded street lighting and new 24/7 safety cameras.

The project also includes a wide shared pathway for pedestrians and cyclists from Loganlea train station into the precinct as well as additional seating, shade trees and public art.

Loganlea Road will be widened from four lanes to six in some sections and parts of the verge will be reclaimed to improve pedestrian safety.

The $3.6 million project is funded by Logan City Council and a grant from the Queensland Government’s COVID Unite and Recover fund. Design of the project was supported by the Local Government Cycle Network fund.

Deputy Mayor Jon Raven, Division 6 Councillor Tony Hall and Division 3 Councillor Mindy Russel at the launch of the Loganlea Road Healthy Street project

Deputy Mayor Jon Raven (centre), Division 6 Councillor Tony Hall and Division 3 Councillor Mindy Russell at the launch of the Loganlea Road Healthy Street project

Economic Development Chair, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven said the project is the first capital works to be delivered through Council’s $5 million Meadowbrook Implementation Fund.

The fund was created to advance priority projects based on significant community and local business feedback from the 2018 Meadowbrook Summit.

“Meadowbrook is fast becoming a leading health, education and wellness hub. This project will connect and complement the public and private sector investment in the precinct,” Councillor Raven said.

Division 6 Councillor Tony Hall said the Loganlea Road Healthy Street project involved multi-faceted works undertaken simultaneously.

“My priority is making sure we reduce the impacts on locals during these works so we can and deliver improved safety and pedestrian movements for everyone,” Councillor Hall said.

The works are expected to be completed by later this year.

For more information on Meadowbrook projects, visit the Logan City Council website.

Ground breaks on essential new Medical Centre for Logan City Health Precinct

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Buildcorp has broken ground with project partners for a new medical centre, which forms part of a significant Health and Knowledge Precinct for the Logan and Greater Brisbane region.

The $20m Southwest Medical Centre is located on a prominent corner of Logandowns Drive, 200m from Logan Hospital. Project partners including Client Horwell Group, DMA Partners and Cottee Parker, gathered to ‘turn the sod’ to celebrate the commencement of  the new build project that will be delivered over the next 8 months.

The multi-level Centre is designed by Cottee Parker and comprises over 2,000m² of retail, medical and office space. UQ Health Care (owned by The University of Queensland) has been secured as the anchor tenant and will provide an extensive range of health services, as well as essential training opportunities for the next generation of doctors, nurses and allied health.

Artist render of Southwest Medical Centre

Artist render of Southwest Medical Centre

Family development group Horwell Property Investments has long believed in the potential for the Meadowbrook site, having owned the land for more than 35 years.

Horwell Property Investments’ Ben Horwell said, “As a family, we’ve maintained our belief in this 100-hectare site through many property cycles and it’s extremely pleasing to see the final piece of the puzzle put into place.

“In committing to the development of the Southwest Medical Precinct, we sought to build a project team that, like us, had a strong level of confidence in the area, excellent knowledge of the current market and a determination to get the job done.

“We’ve gotten to this milestone today thanks to the input, support and expertise of the project team and the City of Logan.”

Buildcorp has developed a plan to minimise the construction impact on the local area and protect the operations of the local retail and Childcare Centre. This includes the use of a double height precast concrete panels made offsite, a detail traffic management plan to protect access and an innovative design for the foundations that negated the need for heavy construction works.

The construction project will bring community benefit through opportunities for local suppliers, trades and employment opportunities. Over the course of the project over 400 workers will be inducted to help deliver the Centre.

Buildcorp’s Managing Director Tony Sukkar said: “Buildcorp is honoured to start work on this project that draws from our extensive experience in delivering new build construction, medical facility fit-outs and developing partnerships based on family values.

“This innovative facility will bring much opportunity to the area in essential medical services, education and training, and employment. Buildcorp is proud to be working with a team of aligned and experienced partners to bring it to life.”

DMA Partners Associate Director Matthew Cummins said:

“We were engaged right at the beginning before the concept phase and that allowed us to work closely with the client and the architect to create a project which had high market appeal.”

“The Southwest Medical Precinct is backed by a strong and experienced project team, which truly has allowed for the best possible outcome for the site and for the region.

The overall result is an innovative medical precinct, which has been delivered in a way that benefits the surrounding community as well as the developer.

Meadowbrook health vision takes shape

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Works will soon begin on the first stage of Logan City Council’s plans to upgrade areas around Logan Hospital at Meadowbrook.

Council aims to develop parts of the City of Logan suburb into a health, wellbeing and education precinct.

The works, which will continue through to the middle of the year, will develop a ‘Healthy Street’ environment that is safe for pedestrians and cyclists, improves local amenity and encourages local development and investment.

Upgrades include:

  • A signalised pedestrian crossing between Logan Hospital and Meadowbrook Shopping Centre across Loganlea Road
  • Road modifications to convert Loganlea Road from four to six lanes in some sections
  • Shared paths (up to 3 metres wide) from Loganlea rail station for pedestrians and bicycles
  • Additional safety cameras, upgraded lighting, public artwork, seating and shade structures

The works were identified as priority projects arising from the Council-hosted Meadowbrook Summit in September 2018.

They are being funded from the $5 million Meadowbrook Implementation Fund endorsed by Council and from grant funding by the State Government under the Unite and Recover program.

City Planning, Economic Development and Environment Chair, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven, said the upgrade of the precinct around Logan Hospital was one of several significant projects Council will undertake this year.

“These upgrades will not only make it easier for people to access health services in Meadowbrook, they will also help attract more investment in the area which will deliver more services and more jobs,” Cr Raven said.

Artists impression of Loganlea Road with trees and artwork.

Council’s works in the area coincide with the $460 million expansion of Logan Hospital which is well underway.

Several other health-related development projects in Meadowbrook have also been approved or proposed.

These include:

For more information on the upgrade, email meadowbrook@logan.qld.gov.au or call Council on 3412 3412