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 Mayor calls for new health investment

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City of Logan Mayor Darren Power today called on the Queensland Government to work with the private health sector to help ease the burden on Logan Hospital and state health services.

Speaking at a public hearing at Queensland’s Parliament House, Cr Power said options such as subcontracting Queensland Health services to private industry would benefit Logan residents and help attract medical and health investment to the city.

Cr Power said the trial of a similar model in Brisbane’s north was working well and the time was right to implement something similar in Logan to help ease high demand for health care in the city.

“Council has proactively researched the demand for health services in Logan, and private-public partnerships is the best solution to filling current and future gaps in service delivery,” Cr Power said.

“This could be done through private health developments or real estate investment trusts building private health facilities that Queensland Health could potentially lease.

“Another option is subcontracting elective surgery to the private sector.

“Facilities such as day surgeries are currently being developed in Logan, and our proposed arrangements could potentially draw more investment.

“With our population booming and demand on health services increasing, these are practical measures that will create beds, reduce waiting times and provide better access to health care. Without private-public partnerships, the gaps in health care services will get worse.”

Queensland Health’s Metro North region has rolled out the Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) hospital project while, the new Mater Health Services project in Springfield will deliver a 174-bed hospital to the satellite city.

With the private health industry already poised to invest heavily in Logan, Cr Power said now is the perfect opportunity to develop private-public partnerships in our region.

More than 30,000 square metres of private health, medical and related services are expected to be delivered across the city in the short to medium-term.

This includes new clinics for specialist services now under construction in Council’s dedicated health and well-being precinct across the road from Logan Hospital in Meadowbrook.

Logan Hospital at Meadowbrook

“The Government simply can’t afford to ignore the opportunities private-public partnerships present for improving health care for our region,” Cr Power said.

“Our success in attracting this health and medical investment did not happen by accident.

“Logan City Council has been proactive in investigating the health sector in Logan, and our economic development team has used this research to approach industry and bring in investment.”

The public hearing was held as part of the Health and Environment Committee’s Inquiry into the provision of primary, allied and private health care, aged care and NDIS care services and its impact on the Queensland public health system.

Top planning awards for City of Logan projects

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Logan City Council projects have picked up top planning awards in 2021, with The Logan Village Place to Play project winning the Planning Institute of Australia Queensland 2021 Overall Winner Award.

Council officers receiving award from Phil Heywood, Queensland Past President and First Awards Convenor

Planning Institute of Australia Queensland 2021 Awards for Planning Excellence

The Logan Village Place to play project won the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) QLD 2021 – Stakeholder Engagement Award and was also the recipient of the overall 2021 project winner award.

The overall project award is a particularly distinguished award, as it is deemed the best project of all other winners across all categories by the panel of judges.

The citation acknowledged that the Logan Village Place to Play initiative displayed the very best in Queensland planning: best-practice approaches and methods, excellence within practices of the discipline (stakeholder engagement and urban design), and excellence in demonstrating the role, values, and importance of planning for people’s lives.

The judging panel also commended the engagement with children and young people, whilst also including parents, residents, and others in the co-design process, which generated a great design, increased care for and community ownership of the playground and better outcomes for the village.

The City of Logan Climate Change Resilience Framework won a commendation in the Climate Change & Resilience category.

Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) National Landscape Architecture Awards 2021

The Logan Central Civic and Community Precinct Plan won a National and Chapter award for Urban Design at the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Awards 2021.

The judge’s citation acknowledges the best practice work undertaken as part of the plan, noting that Council undertook in-depth research and engagement with the community, outlined key strategies for place activation, promotes sustainability, and created green network and nurturing social well being. It is noted that the plan sets up clear and achievable goals, providing guidance for future staging and prioritising projects.

The excellent work undertaken by Council’s Place Management team, with engagement across multiple sections of the organisation, has resulted in a recognition of the work that is being delivered for the community at a National level.

Artists render of a future Logan Central community area

These prestigious awards are a recognition of the achievement of Council staff and the partnering consultants involved in each of these projects.  The positive impacts of these projects will contribute to achieving Council’s Corporate Plan Priorities.

Iconic Logan manufacturer steel themselves for future growth

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Beenleigh Steel Fabrications will soon expand to a new $4.2 million facility, with works underway at a greenfield site in Berrinba.

Treasurer and Minister for Investment Cameron Dick said construction of the new workspace reinforces Beenleigh Steel Fabrications’ commitment to Logan and employment in the city.

“This new $4.2 million manufacturing facility will double Beenleigh Steel Fabrications’ floorspace and production capacity,” Mr Dick said.

“Most importantly, this means more local jobs, with at least 59 new jobs set to be created with BSF over the next five years.

“Beenleigh Steel Fabrications have been helping build our state for more than four decades, and our government is proud to support this expansion to fuel the company’s next 40 years and beyond.

“BSF steel is at the core of new developments like Queen’s Wharf and Cross River Rail, and legendary local structures such as the Gabba and North Queensland Stadium.

“This is another great project that will contribute to Queensland’s Economic Recovery Plan as we keep battling the impacts of COVID-19,” he said.

“It also shows the investment confidence businesses have in our state and the City of Logan as we work towards hosting the 2032 Olympic Games.”

BSF Director Frank Boyes, federal Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick, Logan Deputy Mayor Jon Raven & BSF Director Anthony Stoeckert turning sod

BSF Director Frank Boyes, federal Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick, Logan Deputy Mayor Jon Raven & BSF Director Anthony Stoeckert turning sod

BSF has been operating in Crestmead since 1980, carving out a strong market niche in architectural steel fabrications for large-scale projects Australia-wide.

They supply into projects ranging from stadiums, bridges and hospitals to army barracks, multi-level carparks and rail stations.

Beenleigh Steel Fabrication Director Anthony Stoeckert said construction will soon begin ramping up and is expected to take six months to complete.

“We’re very excited about our future and that of the Logan area,” Mr Stoeckert said.

“Our expansion will create job opportunities for up to eight apprentices and trainees per year in boilermaking, rigging, dogging, machine operation and computer skills.

“We are keen to find local Logan people to take up these opportunities and to be a part of growing our city.”

Federal Member for Rankin Jim Chalmers and Logan Deputy Mayor Jon Raven also attended today’s ceremonial sod turn, alongside the Treasurer and BSF representatives.

 

Construction commences on $30 million Springwood Health Hub

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Work has commenced on the new $30 million Springwood Health Hub, following a sod turning ceremony this week hosted by developer Rogerscorp, with attendance including project builder Niclin, City of Logan Mayor Darren Power, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven, and Division 1 Councillor Lisa Bradley.

The development is now on its way to making a difference throughout the Logan region by providing patient-centred care within the 7 storey state of the art, purpose-built health facility.

Rogerscorp’s Director, Simon Rogers said “The decision for Rogerscorp to embark on this project was driven by demand and data. With over 74% of residents needing to leave Logan for their health care needs.”

“Easily accessible off the M1, the site sits proud and visible. We worked with an award-winning architect to ensure we could deliver a prestigious building that people want to work from and visit.”

“We are in discussion with many tenants including IVF, cancer care and allied health operators, and already have commitment from a twin theatre gastro centre who will occupy the majority of the top floor.”

“In addition we have commitments from iMed Radiology, incorporating an MRI machine, as well as Myhealth GP Clinic.”

“We look forward to working alongside our tenants in delivering a brilliant space for them to operate from, and assisting where we can to ensure their business is a great success.”

Mr Rogers also praised the relationship with Council and the development application process.

“Logan City Council have been tremendous to work with throughout the planning and development approval process, and it is great to see such a pro-active council that is certainly stimulating business interest, and working hard to showcase the great benefits that Logan has to offer.” he said.

Artist render of Springwood Health Hub

Artist render of Springwood Health Hub

City of Logan Mayor, Darren Power said “Rogerscorp’s Springwood Health Hub would be a game changer for health facilities in the city.”

“Our city is experiencing growth like never before. With this growth comes the need for more health services.”

“Springwood Health Hub is not only an investment in our city but the health of our residents.”

“This state-of-art health hub will mean City of Logan residents have access to a range of medical services here in their own backyard,” Mayor Power said.

Niclin Group’s Managing Director, Nick Cave said “The project will create up to 1500 direct and indirect jobs.”

“We look forward to being a part of a project that will further strengthen the health services for the Logan area.” he said.

The Springwood Health Hub joins an increasing list of health and medical investments in the city, which include:

Logan City Council and Logan Office of Economic Development commissioned research in 2018 to identify the health and medical development and investment opportunities in the Logan Local Government Area. Based on evidence driven data, the research completed provided an understanding of the current and future health demand to identify gaps (existing and future) and direct investment attraction activities using key investment drivers. Springwood was identified as a potential location for health & medical investment, and the Springwood Health Hub will be a welcome addition to the area serving as a catalyst for jobs and providing easier access to specialty health and well-being facilities.

For leasing enquiries and more information on the project, please visit the Springwood Health Hub website.

 

New blueprint for our city’s growth

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Logan City Council today endorsed a five-year project to create a new city plan.

The new Planning Scheme will be a blueprint for a sustainable future and will help manage and guide unprecedented growth across the City of Logan.

The project will be based on in-depth research done by Council and will be driven by extensive feedback from the community and other stakeholders.

The Logan Plan 2025 will address key planning areas including:

  • growth management in established urban areas
  • growth management in emerging suburbs
  • best-practice design guidelines that encourage more interesting and appealing buildings
  • best-practice flood risk management and other natural hazard preparations to protect the community
  • the need for additional employment land to create a pipeline of jobs
  • protecting and enhancing environmental values

The City of Logan population is expected to surge from the current 335,000 to more than 500,000 within 20 years.

Planning Chair, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven said a new Planning Scheme was vital for one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.

“More than 10,000 people are moving here every year and more and more businesses are setting up a base in our city,” Councillor Raven said.

“Managing our growth effectively is critical and the 2025 Planning Scheme will ensure that the necessary infrastructure and services are delivered when and where they’re needed.

“We want people to enjoy living and working in our city which is why we will be consulting extensively with the community over the next two years.”

State Legislation requires Council to undertake at least one period of formal (statutory) public notification during the plan-making process.

To ensure maximum community feedback, Council will undertake an extra year of non-statutory consultation before any policy changes are considered.

More info loganplan2025.com.au

Incentive scheme expanded to attract more businesses to Logan

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Doing business in City of Logan has been given a huge boost with funding doubled for the popular Investment Attraction Incentive Fund.

The fund, which supports businesses to relocate to City of Logan or set up significant operations here, was exhausted in its first two years and is on track to be fully allocated again by the end of the current financial year.

The fund has attracted 15 businesses, and it is estimated will generate more than 940 new and retained jobs and add an additional $120 million to the local economy once all projects have been completed.

Logan City Council’s 2021/2022 Community and Lifestyles budget has committed to expanding the Investment Attraction Incentive Fund with increased funding to
$1 million a year.

Economic Development Chair, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven, said Council has a pivotal role to play in business attraction and retention across the city.

“The success of investment attraction means more jobs for our community,” Councillor Raven said.

“We have already seen a number of major companies set up base here in locations such as Berrinba, Crestmead and Loganholme.

“That is not only helping to boost our local economy; it has also created more opportunities for our residents to get jobs close to where they live.”

Boom sportswear brand, LSKD, is among those smart companies that have recognised the sound business opportunities available in the City of Logan.

LSKD was awarded funding from the Investment Attraction Incentive Fund in December last year and will consolidate its global operations into a new state-of-the-art $7 million 3500sq m office/warehouse in Loganholme later this year.

LSKD Chief Executive Officer Jason Daniel, a proud City of Logan resident, is excited about his new local headquarters, which will employ about 50 staff.

“Not only was it a great opportunity, but Logan is very central to everything,” Jason said.

“It’s on the highway, close to Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Ipswich and it’s a great hub to create more jobs.

“Having the business located in Logan, where I grew up and still live, is just the icing on the cake.”

LSKD has tapped the innovative services Wing to deliver its products to customers using drone technology.

Business support in the 2021/2022 Budget also includes a new City Centre Façade Improvement Fund.

The new fund will provide incentives for property owners and small businesses to enhance building façades and shopfronts – which in turn should boost trade and create more jobs.

Cr Raven said feedback had shown the community wants improved amenity and lifestyle options in city centres.

“Council is committed to ensuring that the City of Logan remains an engaging experience for residents and visitors and an attractive place for businesses to establish and grow,” he said.

Hundreds of jobs as Council initiative attracts $110m in development

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A Logan City Council initiative aimed at attracting big business and to create jobs has cemented $110 million in new projects in the last 12 months.

Council’s Investment Attraction Program has generated 758 jobs since its inception, with more companies lining up to relocate to the city this year.

Global logistics provider DHL Supply Chain is the latest to benefit from the scheme after yesterday opening its new facility in the growth industrial hub of Berrinba.

Providing more than 100 jobs, the facility comprises two large warehouses spanning 19,000 sqm and a 10,000 sqm hard span linking the two buildings, to service the South East Queensland market.

men in front of DHL truck in warehouse

DHL State Manager Sean Hall, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven and DHL
CEO Australia and New Zealand Saul Resnick celebrate the opening of DHL at
Berrinba.

Economic Development Chair, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven, said DHL Supply Chain’s opening was another exciting step in the city’s economic trajectory.

“Investing in Logan just makes sense. Great location, easy access to highways and a young population so businesses have a readymade workforce,” Cr Raven said.

“The success of these companies means jobs for the people of Logan. Each company that is supported through the Investment Attraction Program must meet local job targets.

“By making sure locals get employment opportunities, we leverage these investments to create lasting wealth for our city.”

The DHL Supply Chain opening follows two other multinational companies with Rinnai Australia, a national manufacturer of gas appliances, and McPhee, a fifth generation transport company in a co-located Berrinba facility.

The $40 million project will create 130 jobs once fully operational.

DHL Supply Chain CEO Australia and New Zealand, Saul Resnick, said setting up in Logan would improve efficiencies.

“DHL Supply Chain is committed to ensuring our customers’ supply chains are cost efficient and operationally excellent,” Mr Resnick said.

“This new site combines our warehousing and transport under the one roof and provides better connections to motorways.

“We are pleased to see the efficiencies and improvements to delivery times that this site brings to our customers and to be part of the growth in the Logan region.”

Other companies to launch in City of Logan the program include:

  • HELP enterprises – an employment provider for people with disability. It assists people who have been out of the workforce for long periods to re-enter the workforce as well as supporting disadvantaged people to secure employment. Employing 77 people, the business has built a warehouse and distribution facility at Crestmead to service City of Logan.
  • Pinnacle Hardware – a national garage storage supplier, specialising in innovative and quality storage solutions, garden sheds, pet enclosures and hardware. They supply exclusively to Bunnings and their new site at Berrinba is a distribution facility for Queensland. They employ more than 30 people.
  • Go1 – an online training and education service provider with their global headquarters at Underwood. The business moved to Brisbane but returned to its Logan roots and is now leading the way in innovation. The company has raised $40 million, including a big chunk of funding from Microsoft’s venture funding arm M12.
  • The Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre – an industry-led organisation, combining employers and unions to create and teach the highest standards of vocational training for plumbing, gas fitting, air conditioning and fire safety. Their new site in Beenleigh combines two of their existing Queensland training facilities to become their largest site in the state.
  • ATP Science – set to employ 70 people at its new Meadowbrook facility. The pharmaceutical and health supplement manufacturer has increased its capability and capacity to do research and development and access international markets.

Border Express, Imaging Solutions and B&C Plastics have also expanded their operations in the city.

Last year, City of Logan launched the $1.5 billion Crestmead Logistics Estate. The nine-stage, 157-hectare estate will deliver 650,000 square metres of warehousing, business, logistics and manufacturing buildings.

It will generate around 6000 full-time jobs over the next five years. Tenants include the recently launched $500m Mapletree Logistics Park, set to deliver around 200,000 square metres of high-grade logistic warehousing and office space.

The project is expected to create at least 2500 jobs over four stages of construction.

Cr Raven said the community can be proud that City of Logan is leading the way as one of the most dynamic regional cities in the country.

“These are successful companies and they know we’re building something special in Logan,” Cr Raven said.

“To be able to attract and retain national brands to headquarter their operations in our city shows that Council’s vision and growth strategy is working.”

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

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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)
Aerial image of Everleigh
Aerial image of Everleigh
Discovery Park - Brookhaven
Discovery Park - Brookhaven
Action photo of Beenleigh Town Square Night Markets
Action photo of Beenleigh Town Square Night Markets

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.

 

Massive development kickstarts jobs bonanza

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Logan City Council has granted approval to one of the biggest industrial developments in the city’s history.

An industrial park of nine warehouses will be constructed by Mapletree Investments, a leading real estate development, investment, capital and property management company headquartered in Singapore.

The new $500m Mapletree Logistics Park – Crestmead will be built on 36 hectares of the new $1.5 billion Crestmead Logistics Estate launched by Council last year.

The development will deliver approximately 200,000 square metres of high-grade logistic warehousing and office space.

The site is expected to include buildings ranging in size from 5000sqm up to possibly a massive 100,000sqm – the equivalent of almost 20 football fields.

The project is expected to create at least 2500 jobs over four stages of construction.

Artist impression of Mapletree Logistics Park with Crestmead in background

City of Logan Mayor Darren Power said the project was a strong endorsement for investment in the city.

“This is the start of a development that will deliver thousands of jobs for locals,” Cr Power said.

“This project is a game-changer, not just for the City of Logan, but all of South East Queensland.

“Mapletree, one of the largest industrial developers in the world, is leading the way in showing investors that the City of Logan is an ideal place for businesses to set-up and grow.

“Despite the setbacks of last year, this project sends a clear message that Logan is again open for business and a new hub for jobs and investment.”

Mapletree Group’s Chief Executive Officer Hiew Yoon Khong said the organisation had a strong conviction on the growth prospects of Australia’s logistics real estate sector.

“Mapletree Logistics Park – Crestmead’s excellent connectivity to key transportation nodes will provide companies with a high-quality space in a strategic location,” Mr Hiew said.

The Mapletree development was approved under Council’s innovative RiskSmart approval process.

It was subject to a comprehensive pre-application review prior to the application being formally lodged and approved by Council and the State Government.

The Crestmead Logistics Estate, on the corner of Green and Clarke Roads, was launched by Council in August last year.

It will be rolled out over the next five years and will eventually deliver 650,000 sqm of warehousing, business, logistics and manufacturing space.

The estate’s appeal includes its easy accessibility to the Logan and Gateway Motorways, two of the busiest transport arterials in South East Queensland.

Artist impression of Mapletree Logistics Estate

Crestmead Logistics Estate adds to an existing 367,000 sqm of commercial activity recently completed or planned in the City of Logan over the coming year.

Developments include:

  • DHL – 19,000sqm $38m 132 jobs (complete)
  • Mitre 10 – 27,000sqm $50m 110 jobs (complete)
  • Alphabet (Wing) – 15,000sqmm 36 jobs (complete)
  • Queensland Logistics Service – 15,000sqm 20 jobs (complete)
  • Pinnacle Hardware – 14,000sqm 36 jobs (complete)
  • CEVA – 21,000sqm (complete)
  • Hutamaki and Phoenix Transport – 25,000sqm (complete)
  • GPT – 13,000sqm (under construction) a further 72,000sqm to complete
  • Rinnai 13,000sqm (complete)
  • McPhee Transport 17,000sqm (under construction)
  • Berrinba Central Shopping Centre (Stage 1 complete, Stage 2 and 3 under construction)
  • Goodman 56,000sqm (under construction)
  • Quilton 60,000sqm (13 sheds under construction)