Sky’s the limit for City of Logan entrepreneurs

What do holographic surgery, rocket motors and drones have in common?

They are the first industries set to be nurtured for global success through a new incubator that officially opened in City of Logan today.

Minister Stirling Hinchcliffe and Mayor Darren Power

Mayor Darren Power launched the coLab Growth Hub with Queensland Minister for Tourism Industry Development and Innovation, the Hon Stirling Hinchliffe.

“Logan City Council has developed the coLab Growth Hub in collaboration with global edu-tech company Go1 as a place where fast-scaling ventures can grow in a supported and globally-connected environment,” Cr Power said.

“These ventures will boost our region’s economy and establish the city as a world-leader in supporting fast-growing and innovative entrepreneurs.

“It only takes a spark of creativity and entrepreneurship to set the world on fire – and the City of Logan wants to become an innovative hotbed.”

Cr Power said highly qualified and certified entrepreneurs-in-residence would mentor business owners and their employees, with tailored development programs and fully serviced office spaces also on offer.

“The firms that will grow from the coLab already have significant capital investment and mature business models, as well as a demonstrated potential for growth and maturity,” he said.

“I’m so excited to see Black Sky Aerospaceakunah and National Drones signing on as the first Portfolio Companies at the coLab.

“These entrepreneurs have already shown they can take their ideas to the world from the City of Logan.

“We want our economy to be resilient to economic disruptions and able to deliver long-term growth, and innovation is the key to that transformation.”

Minister Hinchliffe said the Logan initiative would help to create great opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s Advance Queensland Program proudly backed the growth of Go1 from local start-up to a global edu-tech,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“It’s fantastic to see Go1 now sharing experience and worldwide connections with Logan entrepreneurs.

“We know innovation is critical to creating jobs and ensuring Queensland is the place to be to invest and thrive.

“Every product we use today started as an idea that was refined and developed into a job creating industry.

“Several Queensland innovators are already filling multi-million-dollar overseas orders and supporting new jobs at home.

“That’s what makes incubators like the coLab Growth Hub so important for nurturing local innovators to grow ideas into the Queensland industries of the future.”

Entrepreneur-in-residence and Go1 co-founder, Vu Tran, said the organisation was thrilled to be playing a pivotal role in establishing the coLab.

“Go1 was born and bred here, and we’re looking forward to doing our bit in growing Logan’s scale-up community,” he said.

“We have a strong belief that Logan’s future as a globally viable and exciting place for innovative and high-growth companies to call home is well within reach.

“As a community and as an ecosystem, we will all benefit from attracting and growing great, innovative companies in our city and helping them succeed.”

Council has appointed an independent Advisory Board to review Portfolio Company applications and make recommendations. The board has been appointed for an initial one-year term and is made up of experienced entrepreneurs and experts in developing and scaling new ventures.

In addition to Go1, Council has partnered with the Los Angeles-based Network for Global Innovation to deliver the coLab program.

For more information about the coLab Growth Hub, phone 3412 4328, email admin@thecolab.online or go to thecolab.online

Jimboomba Central is City of Logan’s best in urban design

A shopping centre in the heart of Jimboomba, which utilises clever and practical design, has scooped a double at the Logan Urban Design Awards (LUDA).

A record number of entries were received for the awards, which recognise the best in urban design that help create innovative and inclusive social environments.

Jimboomba Central was named the 2020 LUDA Overall Winner after also collecting the Architecture Award.

The Cusack Lane structure was described by judges as a ‘clever design’ that was likely to be a reference project for similar future retail projects across the City.

The project was commended for its spatial sophistication, choice of materials and generous landscaping.

In winning the Architecture Award, Jimboomba Central was praised for its appealing streetscapes and internal court space which together created a ‘dynamic centre’.

Councillor Bannan in front of Jimboomba Central

Councillor Scott Bannan (Division 9) at the award-winning Jimboomba Central shopping centre

The 2020 LUDA awards, delayed from last year because of pandemic restrictions, were presented at a ceremony at Kiwanda Café in Eagleby on Wednesday night.

Other winners were:

  • Master Planning Award: Everleigh
  • Landscape Architecture and Urban Infrastructure Award: Brookhaven – Discovery Park
  • Businesses and Events Award: Beenleigh Town Square Night Markets (Goodwill Projects)

The judging panel included Richard Coulson (Cox Architecture), Nicholas Marshall (The Urban Developer) and Nathalie Ward (Lat27).

Planning Chair, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven, said the high standard of entries was inspiring.

“This year’s winners have set a new benchmark for excellent urban design as we continue to see unprecedented growth in the commercial sector across the city,” Cr Raven said.

“It is great to see Jimboomba Central named as Overall Winner and shows why Council has allocated $5million in funding to continue to develop the Jimboomba City Centre into a popular and vibrant destination.

“The quality of entries across all categories demonstrates that the City not only embraces practical development, we also embrace projects that are visually appealing and suited to our landscapes and environment.”

The Logan Urban Design Awards are sponsored by gold sponsor, EPOCA and silver sponsor, Colin Biggers & Paisley Lawyers.

Photo of trophies

To see a full list of nominees, winners and commendations, visit Council’s website.

 

Modelling paves the way for growth in Logan

Logan City Council has developed a growth modelling strategy to assist with future planning of the city.

City of Logan has experienced unprecedented growth over the past 15 years and indications are the trend is set to continue for another 15 years.

It is projected that Logan will be home to 500,000 people in the next 20 years.

The Logan Growth Model, prepared in-house by Council’s Economic Development and Strategy Branch will be used to develop a new Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP), due next year.

Under the Queensland Planning Act 2016 (the Act) all local governments must prepare a new LGIP every five years.

Economic Development Chair, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven, said one of Logan’s greatest challenges is how rapidly the city is growing.

“One of the most important things Council needs to know is how and where we are growing,” Cr Raven said.

“This model sets out a clear path for the future of Logan and we now know when and where we need to invest in council infrastructure such as parks, community facilities and upgraded roads.”

Cr Raven said the modelling was also a significant input into Council’s financial calculations.

“The modelling enables the projection of future income from infrastructure charges,” he said.

“Most importantly it makes sure the whole of Council is using the same data to identify what infrastructure is needed so we can plan effectively for the future.

“It helps Council to ensure that we only spend money once and we spend it where it is needed most.”

Council’s current LGIP can be viewed here.

 

New shade solution set to enhance Beenleigh Town Square

The beautification of Beenleigh has begun, with a raft of community-inspired projects underway, while public safety will be improved as new CCTV cameras are set to be installed.

It includes a bold new look for Beenleigh Town Square as a new shade solution integrated with public art improves comfort for visitors.

Up to 400 aluminium discs are being suspended above the Square to increase shade cover while also adding colour and vibrancy through feature lighting.

The project is an outcome of the 2017 Beenleigh Summit, which Logan City Council hosted to get community feedback on how to best unlock the suburb’s economic and place making potential.

Economic Development Chair, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven, said $5 million was allocated to implement a number of projects developed at the summit.

“The community told us loud and clear that increasing shade at Beenleigh Town Square was their top priority which is why it’s one of the first projects we’re delivering,” Cr Raven said.

“We challenged contractors to make the shade solution relevant to Beenleigh, they’ve done this by laser cutting the work of local artists into the discs.”

Cr Raven said the discs would be suspended via a system of overhead rigging wires connected to support poles, and would be placed between 4m and 7m above the ground.

“Creating more shade in the Square will make the space inviting during the day, and by night we can light it up so it becomes the talk of the town,” he said.

“The lighting can be programmed to specific themes for events and special occasions which will show off the Square and the artwork in the evening.”

Division 12 Councillor, Karen Murphy, said the Beenleigh Town Square concept would be replicated in other parts of the Beenleigh CBD as Council begins further streetscape upgrades in February.

“These are exciting times for the Beenleigh area,” she said.

“In a further sign of confidence, we’ll see the $40 million The York development completed later this year, in addition to another commercial office development in Kokoda St and an all-day parking facility, which is being developed by the private sector.

“With good transport infrastructure already in here, there is enormous potential for Beenleigh to flourish.”

Cr Murphy said additional CCTV would be installed in Beenleigh in the coming months to connect into the existing Logan Safety Camera Program, while upgrades are also planned for other Council facilities, including parks, sports clubs and community centres.

The shade solution and streetscape projects are being jointly funded by Council and the Queensland Government’s Unite and Recover funding program.

Beenleigh is home to Australia’s oldest operating distillery and tourism icon, The Beenleigh Artisan Distillery, and the popular Spirit of the Red Sands – a highlyacclaimed live Aboriginal story-telling and theatre experience.

Investment in the area was also given a boost in 2019 when national coffee franchisor Zarraffa’s invested $20 million to relocate its headquarters from the Gold Coast, while the Distillery Road Market will launch later this year. The Market will celebrate the region’s love of fresh produce, dining and entertainment.

Visit the Logan City Council website for more information and to sign up for project updates.

Meadowbrook health vision takes shape

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

Positive outlook for Logan

City of Logan Mayor Darren Power today painted a positive economic outlook for the city during a State Budget Breakfast event hosted by Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick.

Around 150 business leaders, community stalwarts and local and state politicians attended the COVID-safe planned event at the Logan Entertainment Centre, MC’d by Deputy Mayor Jon Raven.

Councillor Power compared Logan’s fight and economic resilience to the Rocky Balboa character from the Rocky movies.

“Rocky is humble, hard-working, determined and he beats the odds to win his big break. It’s a powerful story of backing yourself to rise to the top,” he said.

“I liken this story to the way Logan has evolved into the city you see today. From humble beginnings, Logan is proving to be the one to watch.

“We don’t have the glitz of the Gold Coast or the sky-high office buildings of Brisbane, but what we do have is pride, determination and fighting spirit.”

Logan continues to punch above its weight with billions of dollars in investment pouring into the city at time when the global economy contracted.

A host of multi-national companies are setting up their business in commercial hotspots like Park Ridge, Berrinba and Crestmead.

Cr Power noted the completion of Transurban’s $512 million Logan Enhancement Project in August 2019 and a surge in commercial activity along the Logan Motorway corridor.

“Large national and multinational businesses are choosing Logan over Ipswich, Brisbane and even our southern states,” he said.

Queensland’s largest industrial project, the Crestmead Logistics Estate, is one such project.

The $1.5 billion dollar, nine-stage, 157-hectare, Logistics Estate will deliver 650,000 square metres of warehousing, business, logistics and manufacturing buildings. It will generate around 6000 full-time jobs in just five years.

Companies like Wing, Go1, DHL, Rinnai Australia, Border Express, ATP Science and McPhee are now proudly headquartered in the city.

“Logan has the winning formula of efficient transport connections and affordable land that is driving enormous investment,” said Cr Power.

“The housing market in Logan is also one to watch. Logan continues to be the place to raise your family, offering a great lifestyle and affordable housing.”

More than 26,000 new houses have been approved with numerous residential development fronts across Logan over the last decade.

By 2036, under the current planning scheme, Logan has the potential to grow by an additional 56,000 dwellings.

Queensland Treasurer and Member for Woodridge, Cameron Dick, highlighted the ‘valuable partnership’ Logan shared with the State Government as he reeled out a highlights package for the city in the recent State Budget.

It included more than $600 million on upgrading the Logan Hospital, $50 million towards upgrading and building new schools with a further $26.9 million in 2020-21 to construct a new primary school in North Maclean.

Funding also continued for several high-profile projects that Council had advocated for, including the extension of the south-east busway to Loganholme ($500 million) and upgrades to the Mt Lindesay Highway ($10.6 million).

Meanwhile a state-wide $15 million Community Infrastructure Investment Partnership program will be established to deliver additional and improved community infrastructure to support social services in communities.

A flagship initiative under the program will be in Logan – the Access Economic Hub.

The pilot project will provide a full range of employment readiness, job training, social enterprise and business incubator services and link people to social services.

It will support up to 22 construction jobs in Logan and makes good on an election commitment of $7 million.

There’s also a new $1 million commitment for intersection improvement works at Waterford-Tamborine Road and Easterly Street at Waterford to ease congestion issues, and additional funding for the planning of the Park Ridge Connector.

Cr Power said despite the challenges of 2020, Logan had fared well during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We in Queensland – and in Logan – have been very fortunate. We’ve had the opportunity to attend work, run our businesses and rebuild our economy,” he said.

Coffee King innovates with new ‘Aus-Tex’ Smokehouse

Sugar Creek Smokehouse is the latest venture to open at Zarraffa’s multi-million-dollar HQ and the future home of Distillery Road Market (DRM).

Sugar Creek Smokehouse will offer guests locally sourced meats smoked fresh on-site out of two re-purposed shipping containers which will eventually be rehoused within the DRM precinct.

Owner Kenton Campbell says it was the result of the COVID-19 lockdowns that created the necessary conditions to start creating his dream and celebrating an authentic food experience within reach of the Gold Coast, Brisbane and surrounds.

“I love barbequing, the enjoyment that food provides, and being able to bring good company together to share a meal in the outdoors,” Kenton said.

“Over the last couple of years, I started smoking meats purely as a hobby, then purchased a small smoker and decided to take a trip over to Texas to experience the home of smoked meats—it was then that the idea was born.”

The container fit-out will feature a rotisserie-style offset smoker, enabling the smoking process and flavours to be controlled while providing an authentic flavour profile, and has the capability to smoke hundreds of kilograms of meat per day.

The venue will also be fully licensed with drinks, including tinnies of local craft beers and spirits, available to complement the meaty menu.

“It was my vision to create signature flavours; an authentic ‘Aus-Tex’ venue, using the highest quality meats sourced locally that are smoked fresh daily and to perfection for everyone’s enjoyment,” Kenton said.

“Flavours will be everything at Sugar Creek Smokehouse. The entire menu has been crafted to harvest a deeper sense of enjoyment and a flavour hit from every bite, turning a casual lunch or dinner for the whole family into something to savour and really enjoy.”

Open Thursday to Sunday from 11am to 7pm with seating for up to 44 diners, Sugar Creek Smokehouse will offer a shaded outdoor area located near the smoker for the ultimate sensory experience.

Sugar Creek Smokehouse, Zarraffa’s Coffee’s national headquarters and its bespoke café experience – Kiwanda Café, are the anchor tenants of the cultural dining mecca that will be DRM, set to offer a world class destination for authentic food experiences and entertainment.

Located midway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the one-of-a-kind DRM venue will provide a compelling destination designed to celebrate Australia’s love of fresh produce, dining and entertainment with a mix of retail letting options.

Rising from the ashes of a reclaimed commercial warehouse, the 18,000+ sqm site is being reimagined as a space for families, a source of regional growth and a magnet for tourists and the global food generation.

DRM is expected to open late end 2021 and the Sugar Creek Smokehouse is proof-positive of what’s to come.

“I’ve personally invested my heart and energy into a long-held dream to create food and beverage experiences that make people happy.

It started with Zarraffa’s over 20 years ago; the simple joy in making something that brings a smile to people’s faces. With Distillery Road Market, it will be about creating a home for these types of experiences.”

“Sugar Creek Smokehouse is named for its historical significance to cane growing in the Eagleby area and the generations who grew the sugar cane. Today, my hope is that it signifies life’s little pleasures – to enjoy and share in great food experiences in your own backyard.”

Sugar Creek Smokehouse
124 Distillery Road, Eagleby
Opening hours: 11am to 7pm, Thursdays through to Sundays

Planning Scheme amendments reflect community feedback

Support for jobs, a boost for tourism and a greater focus on city centres are among the highlights of the latest amendments to the Logan Planning Scheme.

The Logan Planning Scheme is the blueprint that guides development across the City of Logan.

The recent amendments are in response to community feedback.

They are also an opportunity for Logan City Council to continue to improve the current planning scheme, which was introduced in 2015.

Improvements to the Logan Planning Scheme – Version 8 video transcript

The new amendments took effect on Monday, November 16.

Key changes include:

  • Improved support for industrial activity, job creation and new warehouse technology in Berrinba.
  • Changes to allow small-scale breweries to open in places close to restaurants and licensed outlets. This follows a similar earlier amendment for coffee roasters.
  • Improved criteria for new centres in growth areas so they are better located to serve the needs of existing and future communities.
  • Restrictions on crematoriums to ensure they are only built in industrial areas along with provisions for the community to have their say on any proposed crematorium development through public notification and feedback.
  • Updates to maps to show new properties created through subdivisions and other boundary changes.
  • Enhancing the Heritage Register to make it easier to learn about Logan’s rich history.

The City of Logan is already home to a number of specialist micro-breweries including Monkey Tree (Underwood) and Loose Moose (Browns Plains).

Some of the city’s coffee roasters include Zarraffa’s Kiwanda Café (Eagleby) and Extraction Coffee (Slacks Creek).

City Planning, Economic Development and Environment Committee Chair, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven, said amendments to the Planning Scheme were made because Council had listened to the community.

“These changes are what residents and businesses want to make our city a better place to live and work,” Cr Raven said.

“Not only will they help create jobs here in Logan, they also help boost our recently announced Food Tourism Strategy which is aimed at attracting more visitors to Logan.

“The latest amendments also begin to address some of what we learned about our city from Council’s recent 10-year Housing Study which showed a record number of people are moving to Logan.”

More details on the planning scheme can be found through Council’s award-winning Logan PD Hub.

Please visit the PD Hub for easy access to the online Logan Planning Scheme viewer, as well as interactive mapping and a collection of tools to help understand how the planning scheme applies to a particular property.

Logan PD Hub Screenshot

Logan PD Hub homepage

Logan businesses embracing circular economy during Recycling Week

City of Logan businesses are turning trash into treasure as they embrace this year’s theme for National Recycling Week.

Sixteen local companies have already signed up for a pilot program called ASPIRE, that provides a platform to trade and donate waste that would otherwise be discarded.

Logan businesses with up to 100 employees can register and use the platform for free.

The 25th annual National Recycling Week is Monday, November 9 to Sunday, November 15.

This year’s theme is ‘Recovery – A future beyond the bin’.

The ASPIRE program, supported by Logan City Council and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland, echoes that call to action.

It encourages local businesses to find ways to reuse or recycle material, treat waste as a potential resource and contribute to the ‘circular economy’.

Participating companies can buy, sell or donate waste to improve their own efficiencies, create new revenue streams and supply chains and reduce amounts going to landfill.

An example is coffee grinds and plasterboard offcuts, which often are dumped, can be used to make kitty litter.

Crestmead-based soft window furnishings manufacturer Vadain joined the ASPIRE program in September.

General Manager Tessa Schouten said the company, which employs more than 40 people, wanted to reduce its carbon footprint.

It hopes to find ways to reduce its general waste, such as fabric offcuts and cardboard and PVC centre tubes, from going to landfill.

“This is a great initiative and the best way to make it successful is to get as many companies as possible to join in,” Ms Schouten said.

City Planning, Economic Development and Environment Committee Deputy Chairs, Councillor Karen Murphy and Councillor Miriam Stemp, visited the Vadain factory this week.

Both praised the company’s recycling efforts and determination to minimise the amount of their waste from going to landfill.

“Some of the fabric offcuts are beautiful material that I know could be made into so many handy products rather than being dumped,” Cr Murphy said.

“I know there are groups across Logan, and possibly other companies, that could benefit from using these offcuts,” Cr Murphy said.

Piles of metres-long PVC tubes from the inner roles of material caught Cr Stemp’s eye.

“If there is any way we can recycle and stop this material go into landfill I’m all for it,” Cr Stemp said.

“That’s the beauty of the ASPIRE program in helping one organisation find another that can use their waste.”

Deputy Mayor Jon Raven said the Logan community strongly supports recycling.

“Recycling and reusing not only helps improve our environment but can also save money at home and in the workplace,” Cr Raven said.

For more information and to register visit the ASPIRE page or contact LOED on 3412 4888.

Study confirms Logan is booming

The City of Logan has enjoyed unprecedented population and housing growth over the past decade, a new study has found.

And there are strong indicators that the trend will continue for at least another 15 years.

The Logan Housing Study, released today, is the first step in a three-stage Housing Strategy by Logan City Council to ensure that future housing and residential development is suitable, accessible and within serviced locations.

It provides research on which Council can base considerations for higher density development around transport corridors while at the same time preserving and protecting Logan’s semi-rural and large suburban blocks for those who prefer that lifestyle.

The Strategy will also guide the type, design and quality of housing for Logan’s population, which is one of the most diverse in Australia with 217 different ethnicities speaking more than 50 languages.

The Housing Study found that affordable choices for housing and high availability have made Logan a magnet for families.

Many new residents have come from other parts of Queensland and New Zealand.

In the last decade there have been more than 26,000 new residential dwellings approved in Logan. From 2015-2019, approvals were in excess of 3000 annually and just shy of 4000 in 2017/18.

From 2010/11 to 2018/19 (last full year of data available) annual residential dwelling approvals in Logan have soared 77 per cent.

Logan has the potential to grow by an additional 56,000 dwellings by 2036 with more than $18 billion in Council and government-funded infrastructure projects planned for the city.

At June last year, the City of Logan was home to 334,358 residents and had seen an average annual population growth rate of 1.9 per cent. By 2041, as many as 586,000 people are expected to live in the city.

Some key snapshots from the Survey shows a typical Logan family:

  • Lives in a detached (stand-alone) dwelling with at least three bedrooms and a double garage
  • Nearly a quarter of residents (23%) are 14 years or younger
  • A further 12 per cent are 15 to 24 years with 63% still living at home
  • There are two or more vehicles at 60% of all dwellings
  • The median weekly rent for a three-bedroom house is $350

City of Logan Mayor Darren Power said the results of the Logan Housing Study were both exceptional and exciting.

“The growth across the city has been astounding,” Cr Power said.

“Families are flocking to our booming new residential developments, our established suburbs are being re-energised and we have also seen growth in the traditional Logan rural-residential lifestyle.

“It is undeniable that people love living in Logan and Council wants to make sure that experience is affordable and enjoyable as possible.

“The contents of this study will now help shape our Housing Strategy to establish best-practice policy options for future housing and residential development across the city.

Potential-future-residential-development-areas-2036

The study shows Logan’s growth has been led by factors including:

  • Continuing residential development in established residential areas (in-fill);
  • Strong residential development in emerging growth areas; and
  • Priority Development Areas (PDAs) established by the State Government at Yarrabilba and Flagstone.

City Planning, Economic Development and Environment Chair, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven said the growth within the PDAs was just part of the Logan success story.

“Initiatives by Council have seen growth and investment in suburbs such as Park Ridge, Bahrs Scrub, Logan Reserve and Holmview that rivals what is happening out at Yarrabilba and Flagstone,” Cr Raven said.

“In addition to providing affordable housing, our commercial areas such as Berrinba and Crestmead are attracting some major manufacturing companies which has delivered thousands of new jobs to Logan.

“Logan has always been a great place to live and work and now this study proves it.”

Stage 2 of the Housing Strategy will involve detailed investigations on Planning issues including:

  • New residential growth fronts and managing development in established areas
  • Delivering infrastructure in an affordable and timely way
  • Examining diversity of lot sizes and dwelling types
  • Exploring ways to ensure residential development are close to jobs
  • Strategies for an ageing population

“This study identified opportunities for Council to explore and implement diverse, innovative, and affordable housing solutions for Logan’s residents,” Cr Raven said.

“The evidence provided by this Housing Study will allow us to set a strategic vision for the city that meets the expectations of the community as we shape our new Planning Scheme in 2025.”

van Sleeuwan family

The van Sleeuwan family

The van Sleeuwan family are among those living the Logan dream.

Jason and Jasmine van Sleeuwan love living in Logan’s Yarrabilba because they say it is a mix of both suburbia and rural living.

“It’s got all the facilities we need, but we can also stand in our front yard and admire the mountain and bushland views,” Jason said.

Jason, who works in the security industry, grew up in Mackay while Jasmine, who is in retail, is from the Gold Coast. They have a six-year-old son, Tyson.

They previously lived in the Logan suburb of Tanah Merah, which flanks the busy M1.

They are currently renting in Yarrabilba while awaiting the construction of their new four-bedroom, two-garage house on a 448 square metre block which flanks natural bushland not far away from where they now live.

“We like it out here because it is just that bit further away from the hustle and bustle of other places,” Jasmine said.

“There air is so clean, there’s no smog and there are heaps of other families and kids in our area for us and Tyson to make new friends.”

The study can be viewed here.

Cover of Logan Housing Study 2020