City of Logan rises as industrial powerhouse

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The City of Logan continues to strengthen its position as an industrial powerhouse in south-east Queensland, attracting more than $1.7 billion of national and international investment during the last 18 months.

Despite challenging global economic conditions, Logan’s industrial sectors have continued to push forward—building approvals have far exceeded the previous financial year, with more than double gross floor area approved in 2019-20.

Businesses in the transport and logistics, manufacturing and construction industries are key drivers in the local economy, generating $8.3 billion in revenue annually and creating almost one in three local jobs.

Located between the Queensland cities of Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Logan is fast becoming the region’s leading transport and logistics hub, with unrivalled access to major arterials and in close proximity to three international airports and the Port of Brisbane.

Recent infrastructure upgrades, including Transurban’s $512 million Logan Enhancement Project, have improved freight productivity and spurred commercial activity along Logan’s major industrial corridor.

Logan will soon be home to one of the largest industrial estates in Queensland—and the largest in the city’s history—with the Crestmead Logistics Estate breaking ground in August this year.

The $1.5 billion estate, to be developed during the next five years by Pointcorp, will deliver 650,000 sqm of warehousing, business, logistics and manufacturing space.

With the unprecedented demand for industrial space driven by consumers, the Crestmead Logistics Estate will enter the market at a pivotal time in the history of Logan and the wider region.

Matthew Frazer-Ryan, national director, industrial at Colliers International, said Logan was an exceptional location for this landmark development.

“The estate is just 6.4km from the Logan Motorway and Gateway Motorway interchange within the hugely successful Berrinba-Crestmead industrial region.

“This location benefits significantly from the recently-upgraded Wembley Road Interchange, providing occupiers with efficient access to a network of roads servicing greater Brisbane, south-east Queensland and key interstate transport routes,” Frazer-Ryan said.

Singapore’s Mapletree Logistics Trust will develop stage one of the estate into a $440 million world-class logistics park spanning 200,000 sqm.

Mapletree boasts an impressive tenant network of well-known multinational brands and has a multi-billion-dollar global asset base across real estate in Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, China, South Korea, Malaysia and Vietnam.

This follows more than $240 million of investment from a number of national and international companies moving in or expanding their footprint in Logan including DHL, CEVA Logistics, Mitre 10 and JB Hi Fi.

In addition, national third-party logistics (3PL) company McPhee Distribution Services and multinational Japanese gas appliance manufacturer Rinnai Corporation completed their $40 million warehouse in August.

Situated in the well-established industrial precinct in Berrinba, the 13,000 sqm facility co-locates McPhee Distribution Services and Rinnai Corporation’s Queensland headquarters.

With 3PL providers in high demand, McPhee Distribution Services managing director Jay McPhee said having ready access to their customers in south-east Queensland has been advantageous during this time, and reinforces the decision to set up in Logan for the long-term.

“We will be based in Logan for the next 20 to 30 years at least.”

As the second-fastest growing city in the region, Logan has access to a catchment of more than 2.6 million potential customers, a vast network of suppliers and a diverse pool of talent.

The city’s growing population was a key drawcard for air delivery company Wing’s world-first autonomous drone delivery service, which recently celebrated one year of operation in Logan.

Based in the South West 1 Enterprise Park in Berrinba, Wing saw customer demand surge in March to May, and plans to expand its service in coming months.

The South West 1 Enterprise Park was an initiative of Logan City Council to attract investment and jobs to the city.

Established in 2013, companies such as Phoenix Transport, National Tiles, PACCAR, GMK, Avery Dennison, Huhtamaki and Sigma Healthcare have moved into the estate.

Recently achieving a significant milestone, the industrial estate reached its completion with the construction of Phoenix Transport’s 9,999 sqm custom-built facility.

In response to the take-up in South West 1 Enterprise Park and existing tenants in the Crestmead Industrial Estate, Queensland developer De Luca Corporation is nearing completion of the first stage of Berrinba Central—a $60 million mixed-use development that will provide essential services for the area and surrounding suburbs.

With thousands of jobs created and millions of dollars funnelled into Logan since the inception of South West 1 Enterprise Park, its success shows how the city is evolving and has become a key player in south-east Queensland’s industrial sector.

Why invest in the City of Logan? Visit loed.com.au/investinlogan to find out more.

Logan Economic Development Strategy – help shape Logan’s future

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Logan City Council is working on a Logan Economic Development Strategy which will set out a five-year plan of action to support jobs, skills and help local businesses grow and support their communities.

Help shape Logan’s economic future

Council recognises that the economy is everyone’s business. It has never been more important to share your views on how we might tackle the challenges for Logan in a post-pandemic environment.

To help ensure a prosperous future for the city, a series of online focus groups will be hosted for the community, businesses, landowners, industry and government to attend.

Register

As a valuable contributor to Logan’s economy, Council invites you to attend one online focus group session most relevant to your organisation.

If your organisation is outside of the areas listed, you are still welcome to attend the most relevant/convenient session.

Spaces are limited. If your preferred focus group session is full or on an inconvenient date, you can register for a different session to suit your availability.

Have your say

You are also encouraged to provide your feedback on Logan’s Economy is Everyone’s Business: Discussion Paper. Feedback on discussion paper and the focus groups will inform the Logan Economic Development Strategy.

Read Logan’s Economy is Everyone’s Business: Discussion Paper and provide your feedback by 8 November 2020.

Have your say

For more information, contact us at loed@logan.qld.gov.au or (07) 3412 4888.

Three new venues boost Logan’s café culture

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City of Logan residents will soon be able to have their cake and eat it too, with three new cafés proposed for public spaces across the city.

Logan City Council will call for tenders for the operation of café services at three sites:

  • Underwood Park
  • Berrinba Wetlands
  • Logan Village Green

City Lifestyle Committee Chair, Councillor Laurie Koranski said Council was continually looking at different ways to improve public spaces across the city.

“A café culture is growing across our city and we’ve had a number of requests from businesses to operate some of these facilities,” Cr Koranski said.

“The recent redevelopment of Underwood Park and the current upgrade of Logan Village Green has given Council the opportunity to go to tender for all three locations at the same time.”

Cr Koranski said Council was delivering on feedback from the community for more café facilities in parks and other public spaces.

“These are venues already enjoyed by various sporting clubs, families, community groups and people enjoying the outdoors,” she said.

“Offering a café service is value-adding to these already popular locations and helping to build tourism in the city.

“Council supports existing and new businesses in our city and is committed to creating jobs and improving amenity.

“These new cafes are an additional opportunity for those in the hospitality industry who have been impacted by the pandemic to get back on their feet or start a new venture.”

The tender process will be open to commercial operators, community organisations or social enterprises with a focus on providing quality service to the community while also demonstrating a commitment to positive social outcomes.

Operators can tender for one or more of the sites.

Tenders for the three locations will open next month.

New $1.5b, nine stage industrial estate to drive investment and jobs creation in Logan

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Up to 6000 jobs will be created at one of Queensland’s largest industrial projects.

The $1.5 billion Crestmead Logistics Estate will be developed over the next five years by Queensland developer Pointcorp and will deliver 650,000 sqm of warehousing, business, logistics and manufacturing space.

Stage one of the project will be completed in December. The 36-hectare parcel was purchased by Singapore’s Mapletree Investments for $90 million. It will develop a $440 million logistics park spanning 200,000 sqm.

City of Logan Mayor Darren Power visited the site today with Queensland Treasurer and Member for Woodridge Cameron Dick.

Cr Power said the nine-stage project was a “game-changer” for South East Queensland.

“This project is a strong endorsement for investment in our city and will create thousands of jobs for locals,” he said.

“Council is committed to ensuring that Logan remains an attractive place for businesses to establish and grow.

“Our city is facing economic challenges like many others around the country with COVID-19 impacts and this sends a clear message that Logan is open for business.”

Cr Power said ‘Logan well and truly punched above its weight’ and was fast establishing itself as a hub for major transport and logistics in Queensland.

“There are vast investment opportunities in Logan for companies in the manufacturing, transport and logistics industries and we anticipate this growth in the commercial and industrial sector to continue,” he said.

“We are seeing a platform of investment across the city where multinationals are setting up headquarters and securing land that is affordable and abundant.

“This location benefits significantly from the recently upgraded Wembley Road Interchange, providing occupiers with efficient access to a network of roads servicing greater Brisbane, South East Queensland and key interstate transport routes.”

Cr Power said planning support and guidance from Council would also enhance development outcomes and assist in job creation and long-term employment opportunities within the region.

Located within the Logan City Council industrial corridor, Crestmead Logistics Estate is accessible to the Logan and Gateway Motorways, which are the main transport arterials for SEQ.

Crestmead Logistics Estate Aerial view

Aerial view of the planned Crestmead Logistics Estate

Queensland Treasurer and Member for Woodridge Cameron Dick said the potential of the estate was obvious, making it an exciting addition to Logan’s industrial landscape.

“Job creation is so important right now given the current global economic climate,” Mr Dick said.

“COVID-19 has had a huge impact on every community in our state, Logan included. A development of this size will make a great difference when it comes to boosting employment locally.

“We’re seeing this already with construction workers on site, and once businesses begin setting up shop here those job numbers are going to grow, both in the estate and along industry supply chains.

“This project complements our government’s $6.2 billion COVID economic recovery strategy, Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs, and will help the City of Logan emerge from the pandemic stronger and best placed to prosper.”

The project, on the corner of Green and Clarke Roads, has been amalgamated over a five-year period and adds to an existing 170,000 sqm of commercial activity underway or planned in Logan over the next 12 months.

Logan development snapshot

  • DHL – 32,000m² $38m 132 jobs (complete)
  • Mitre 10 – 27,000m² $50m 110 jobs (complete)
  • Alphabet (Wing) – 15,000m² 36 jobs (complete)
  • Queensland Logistics Service – 15,000m² 20 jobs (complete)
  • Pinnacle Hardware – 14,000m² 36 jobs (complete)
  •  CEVA – 21,000m² (complete)
  • Hutamaki and Phoenix Transport – 12,000m² (complete)
  • GPT – 13,000m (under construction) a further 72,000m² to complete
  • McPhee (Rinnai) 40,000m² (under construction)

United effort gives Logan a trail to success

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The City of Logan will reap the benefits of a $6.4 million State Government funding injection aimed at rejuvenating local economies.

Three shovel-ready projects will share in the Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package, including Logan City Council’s Logan Village to Yarrabilba Rail Trail.

The State Government has allocated $2 million towards constructing the 3.5km walking, hiking and riding trail, which will be built on a disused railway line corridor.

Another $2.4 million has been given to the Loganlea Road Healthy Street Project and a further $2 million has been allocated to improving the streetscape of the Beenleigh CBD and to provide a shade solution for the Town Centre.

The Rail Trail project received allocated funding while the other two were subject to a competitive application process.

City of Logan Mayor Darren Power said the projects would provide excellent community benefits.

“Yarrabilba is a growth area with lots of young families and this Rail Trail will provide an important and healthy link to the businesses in Logan Village,” Cr Power said.

“This outcome is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when our two levels of government work together to benefit the entire community.”

He said Logan faced intense competition from other Councils for a slice of the funding.

“The Loganlea and Beenleigh projects were the subject of a competitive process to obtain funding and they managed to beat many other worthy applications from across the state,” Cr Power said.

“These projects will create jobs as they progress but most importantly they will better connect the city and create even more quality destinations for residents and visitors.

“The Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package is designed to keep Queensland’s economy moving forward and I have no doubt we will see a huge benefit here in Logan.”

The Loganlea Road Healthy Street Project is an outcome of the Meadowbrook Summit.

It aims to create a ‘healthy street’ through an off-street active transport link and greening the streetscape along with a new pedestrian crossing on Loganlea Road.

Construction on all three projects should start before Christmas.

This is the second round of funding that Council has received from the State Government for COVID 19-related relief.

The Kingston Butter Factory redevelopment received $6.57 million earlier this year.

Minister for Local Government Stirling Hinchliffe said the Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package would help councils build new and upgraded infrastructure and give their communities’ economies a boost.

“From Noosa to the Gold Coast and from Toowoomba to Moreton Bay, councils estimate more than 1500 jobs will be created or supported through 63 projects for the communities,” he said.

“Our councils have also been doing it tough with the closure of services, provision of community support concessions and reduced revenue, including rates and charges revenue, all while leading their communities.

“This program is allowing the councils to fast-track new infrastructure and community assets, and in doing so, helping to get the communities back on their feet faster.”

Rail trail will link Logan Village and Yarrabilba

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A walking, hiking and riding trail from Logan Village to Yarrabilba is now a step closer.

Logan City Council has committed $1.25 million over the next two years towards the total project budget of $2.5m as detailed planning of the trail nears completion.

The 3.5km trail will be built on a disused rail spur line, which was transferred to Council as road reserve. It is flanked mostly by natural bushland.

Delivery of the rail trail was a key priority project identified from the Logan Village Forum hosted by Council in March 2018.

Feedback from the forum indicated there would be significant economic benefits for Logan Village through a direct connection with the growing and neighbouring community of Yarrabilba.

Preparations for the trail have been significant and included a comprehensive feasibility study.

Council’s $2 million Logan Village Implementation Fund in June 2018 also included an allowance for design of the trail, but not construction.

In April last year, a further $200,000 funding grant was secured through the State Government’s Rail Trail Local Government Grants (RTLGG) program to finalise the feasibility study and detailed design of the trail.

The additional funding by Council in the 2020/2021 Budget towards construction of the project – combined with the study and design preparations – is expected to put the proposed trail in a good position to be eligible for State and Federal funding opportunities as a pandemic recovery capital works project.

Transformation of historic butter factory begins

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Work has started on the $16.1 million transformation of Logan’s historic Kingston Butter Factory (KBF).

Today’s highly-anticipated milestone event marking the commencement of construction was attended by Minister for Local Government Stirling Hinchliffe, Shannon Fentiman MP, Logan Mayor Darren Power and councillors.

Council is redeveloping the KBF Precinct and its grounds into a vibrant cultural heritage and performing arts hub in the heart of Logan.

The interior of the iconic Kingston Butter Factory building is also being re-imagined.

Logan City Council Mayor Darren Power said the venue, when finished, would be a significant addition to South-East Queensland’s tourism infrastructure.

“Having such a large outdoor space that can attract major events and festivals will bring massive economic benefits to Logan,” Councillor Power said.

“It will be a space the whole community can enjoy, where they can access world-class arts, culture, festivals and events.”

City Lifestyle Committee Chairperson, Councillor Laurie Koranski said community feedback had endorsed Council’s decision to redevelop the building into a cultural heritage and performing arts hub.

“Results of a community survey in November last year overwhelmingly supported Council’s proposal for KBF,” Cr Koranski said.

“The KBF Cultural Precinct will be a place where people will come together in ways that connect, entertain and inspire.”

Cr Power welcomed recent funding of $6.57 million from the State Government’s COVID Works Queensland program towards the project.

“Infrastructure and jobs are critical for the community and our city in these challenging times,” he said.

“This is a great example of state and local government working together to deliver important social infrastructure for the community while creating jobs.

“We want to come out of this pandemic stronger than ever, and the best way to do that is to work together.”

Cr Power said Council would have the opportunity to redirect part of its original budget allocation of $12 million into other areas to be determined by Council.

Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe, Logan Mayor Darren Power and Member for Waterford Shannon Fentiman welcome the redevelopment of the Kingston Butter Factory.

Minister Hinchliffe said it was the first time Logan City Council has had access to the Works for Queensland program.

“The pandemic has landed a major blow on economies around the world, and that includes right here in Logan,” the Minister said.

“To that end, the redevelopment of the butter factory will support or create about 150 jobs and, once it’s up and running, even more with investment in restaurants and other small businesses in the area.”

Ms Fentiman, the Member for Waterford, said once completed the KBF Precinct would feature the city’s largest outdoor events space, with a purpose-built stage and room for audiences of up to 5000.

“The whole space is being transformed – it will feature a blackbox-style theatre, rehearsal space and a living museum to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Logan, a community that I’m so proud to be a part of,” she said.

“This project is going to be a game-changer for local artists and I’m excited to see it transform into an arts and entertainment hub for the Logan community.”

The project will be delivered by Box & Co builders and work is expected to be completed by February next year.

New Greenlink provides active transport corridor and connections for businesses

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A $3.2 million project to create an environmental and recreation corridor in Slacks Creek has been completed and features nearly a kilometre of 3 to 4-metre-wide pathway that connects Moss Street with Compton Road.

It also includes a bridge crossing and boardwalk along the creek.

Art work, bench seating, bike shelters and dog-waste bins are features of the pathway along with wayfinding and interpretive signage.

The corridor has lighting and 24-hour monitored CCTV security cameras.

The project was co-funded by $1.28 million from the State Government through a Cycle Network Local Government Grant (CNLGG).

Logan City Council Mayor Darren Power said the Slacks Creek Greenlink was another delivery from Council’s $5 million Springwood Summit Implementation Plan.

It follows on from the recent opening of the $1.6 million Dennis Road to Murrajong Road shared pathway and streetscape upgrade.

“Business owners and residents were extensively consulted in the planning, design and construction of the Greenlink,” Cr Power said.

“This is a great outcome for the city and the local community and shows yet again that Council is delivering on the ideas put forward at the Springwood Summit.”

City Economic Development, Planning and Environment Committee Chairperson, Councillor Jon Raven, said the Greenlink was another example of Council making our natural areas more accessible to the community.

“When we activate our environment, we activate our community. This pathway provides people with transit options whether you’re on foot, on wheels, working out or on your way to a working lunch.” Cr Raven said.

City Lifestyle Committee Chairperson, Councillor Laurie Koranski said Slacks Creek is an important environmental corridor and the new Greenlink had been designed to complement that.

“The project has included some landscaping of the waterway which ensures the right balance between protecting the surrounding environment while also allowing the community access to appreciate the birds, wildlife and native plants along the corridor,” Cr Koranski said.

Division 3 Councillor Mindy Russell said Council had already received feedback from a number of businesses along the Greenlink that are excited about the opportunities to expand their offerings to cater to those using the pathway.

Among them is Extraction Artisan Coffee which has had plans drawn for a new deck facing the Greenlink that will contribute to activating this open space.

“This entire corridor is going to be another great destination in Logan for exercise, recreation and relaxation,” Cr Russell said.

Member for Waterford Shannon Fentiman said the project would deliver safer facilities for bike riders and the community.

“We know that on average every dollar the Palaszczuk Government invests in bike-riding infrastructure returns nearly five dollars in economic benefit to Queenslanders,” Ms Fentiman said.

“On top of this, we see improved health outcomes, reduced traffic congestion and lower transport costs.

“We have seen a significant increase in the use of our bikeways in recent years. That’s why we’re investing more than $15.5 million in funding to local governments to deliver new high-priority bike networks over the next two years.”

Logan builds local launching pad for new Economic Vision

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A series of local business workshops will help formulate a new Economic Development Vision and Strategy for the City of Logan.

Logan City Council has adopted a timeline that will see the strategy delivered by March next year.

Council’s existing Economic Development Strategy expires in 2021.

Logan City Council Mayor Darren Power said the new strategy would provide a roadmap for the City of Logan’s financial and business future with a focus on jobs and investment.

“As many businesses across our city begin to battle back from the impacts of the pandemic, now is the ideal time for our new Council to take a fresh look at the economic development of our city,” Cr Power said.

“This will not be an economic development strategy for Council but an over-arching strategy for our city, our residents and our business community.

“This is a strategy that will help build from within the 20,000 business that call Logan home.

“It will have a strong focus on growth and provide them with an improved and sustainable platform from which they can compete with success locally, interstate and globally.”

Council has commissioned highly respected business consultancy firm SGS Economics & Planning, in conjunction with the University of Queensland and the Policy Innovation Hub at the Griffith Business School, to assist in the development of the new strategy.

The strategy will be formulated through a collaborative process across in two stages.

The first stage, already completed, involved a detailed data analysis of economic modelling of the city’s economy. It sought to identify enablers of economic development and define the types of business that could operate successfully with a base in Logan.

The second stage, a stakeholder co-design process, is scheduled to begin next month.

It will involve the formation of a co-design panel representing key themes that relate to the new strategy.

The co-design panel will help facilitate a series of ‘economic opportunity’ and ‘action planning’ roundtables and workshops in August and September.

City Planning, Economic Development and Environment Chair, Councillor Jon Raven called on Logan’s most successful and innovative business leaders to get involved in the strategy development.

“This strategy will seek to redefine Logan’s future with a focus on jobs, investment and local wealth,” Cr Raven said.

“Economic growth must be built from within. Council needs successful local businesses to help develop the foundations for employment and success in our city.”

A number of major businesses with national profiles have already set up base in the City of Logan or have plans to relocate here. These include GO1.com, McPhee Distribution Services, Wing, DHL, John Deere, Avery Dennison, National Tiles and CEVA Logistics.

Data shows that Logan has a young and diverse workforce and has seen steady growth in the last decade in sectors including manufacturing, health and education.

For more information email loed@logan.qld.gov.au or telephone 3412 4888.

Pathway projects deliver smart connections for Springwood

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Logan City Council’s vision for a highly connected pedestrian-friendly Springwood has taken a giant step forward with the completion of shared pathway and streetscape enhancement projects.

A new three-metre-wide, 350m-long concrete pathway now links Dennis Road to Murrajong Road, flanking Springwood Central State School.

On the next block to the north, streetscapes have been upgraded and enhanced along Murrajong Road, Paxton Street and Carol Avenue.

The footpath was extended into Murrajong Road to create an additional opportunity for seating, landscaping and outdoor dining.

The two projects, which cost collectively $1.6 million, were delivered from the $5million Springwood Implementation Fund set up by Council after the October 2016 Springwood Summit.

Logan City Council Mayor Darren Power said the two projects would further build on Springwood’s reputation as a thriving commercial precinct and connected urban hub.

“Council is committed to developing Springwood’s centre as a major commercial activity hub,” Cr Power said.

“These two projects bring enormous lifestyle and commercial benefits to the local community and for visitors to Springwood.

“They are helping to build local identity while improving safety and security for pedestrians, school students and local workers.”

The Dennis Road to Murrajong Road pathway has an entry statement, seating, a shade structure, public artwork and lighting.

The pathway will be monitored around-the-clock by Council’s CCTV safety camera network.

The concrete path features murals that resemble carpet rugs which were painted by eight local artists and is complemented by giant pebble seats to create ‘lounge rooms’ on the streets of Springwood.

City Planning, Economic Development and Environment Committee Chairperson, Cr Jon Raven, said the new pathway and associated works were the direct result of feedback provided by nearly 200 people who attended the Springwood Summit

“In March 2017, Council endorsed 10 primary actions and 30 initiatives that were identified from the Springwood Summit,” Cr Raven said.

“This project and others planned for this area are all about Council delivering on what the community wanted.”

Completion of the pathway required the dedication of land from Springwood Central State School through the Queensland Department of Education.

State Member for Springwood Mick de Brenni said the pathway represented more than just community connectivity and demonstrated the benefit of multiple levels of government working together.

“I congratulate Logan City Council and its new Mayor Darren Power on working with the Palaszczuk Government to deliver local infrastructure that connects us and shows what can be achieved through collaboration,” he said.

“Our community is doing a great job of reducing the spread of COVID-19, however our focus must also be on getting locals back to work and projects like this will help the economic recovery process.”

Division One Councillor Lisa Bradley said the new pathway and the streetscape enhancements deliver a combination of benefits for local businesses and the community.

“This new pathway provides a much-needed, convenient and safe link to recreation spaces and enhance outdoor activities for local families,” Cr Bradley said.

“It also ensures retail and commercial areas benefit from improved accessibility to food and drink outlets and the nearby public transport hub.

“The completion of these two projects brings real lifestyle benefits to Springwood and the city though the enhancement of local identity, connection to community and improved safety and security.”

Logan City Council Mayor Darren Power Springwood Central State School student leaders (from left) Aria Gilligan, Mary Cordero, Jordyn Cooley, Blake Lamond and Tabitha Corbet enjoy some of the pebble chairs than are dotted along the new pathway from Dennis Road to Murrajong Road.