Infrastructure deal paves way for communities to prosper

The Palaszczuk Government, Logan City Council and nine key developers have signed a landmark agreement to deliver $1.2 billion of essential infrastructure for the Yarrabilba and Greater Flagstone priority development areas (PDAs).

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the deal is the largest infrastructure agreement of its type to be executed by any government in Australia and will secure the infrastructure needs of the community over the next 45 years.

“Today’s announcement is about ensuring high quality infrastructure to support these growing communities over the next four decades,” he said.

“Flagstone and Yarrabilba are in Queensland’s fastest growing population corridor, with estimates that by 2066 there will be 200,000 people living in these areas.

Mr Dick said Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows during 2017-2018 Queensland had the highest interstate migration of 24,700 people.

“We boast amazing weather, beautiful natural landscapes and opportunities for employment and investment, it’s no wonder Queensland is a magnet for interstate migration.

“To support and service these emerging communities we need to deliver essential infrastructure, and this agreement proves the necessary funding and framework to deliver local roads, water and sewerage facilities.

“Some 170 kilometres of council roads will be upgraded through these developer contributions and over the next six years alone, the agreement will see up to $400 million in infrastructure investment, which will support more than 130 construction jobs each year.”

Across the two development areas, many services and facilities have already been delivered, including two primary schools, retail precincts, the Yarrabilba Family and Community Place, sports and community hub and major sports and recreational parks. A state primary and high school are scheduled to open in 2020 as well as independent schools.

There are two further schools (one state and one independent) each in the planning phase for greater Flagstone and Yarrabilba.

Logan City Council Interim Administrator, Tamara O’Shea, welcomed the agreement.

“The nine key developers will fund the infrastructure through upfront charges, over and above their development costs within the PDAs.

“This guarantees the roads, water supply and wastewater infrastructure needed to connect the emerging communities with the surrounding networks are delivered without placing an impost on existing ratepayers.

“These two PDAs will deliver a substantial portion of the new housing needed in South East Queensland over the next three to four decades.

“This historic agreement provides the foundation for these new communities to become part of the city of Logan,” she said.

Member for Jordan, Charis Mullen MP, who represents the Greater Flagstone area congratulated all parties on reaching an agreement.

“It’s always been a priority to ensure that the infrastructure required to meet the needs of the community keeps pace with these new development areas.

“The agreement paves the way for a strong and growing community in the area which will benefit new and existing residents.”

Member for Logan Linus Power, who represents the Yarrabilba area said the infrastructure will benefit all of southern Logan, not just the Flagstone/Yarrabilba areas.

“It is critical that new residents in these communities have the infrastructure to deliver reliable water supply, environmentally-responsible wastewater treatment systems, practical pedestrian and cycle linkages and an effective and safe road network,” he said.

“Developer investments will ensure the infrastructure is built to accommodate young families as they move in.”

Prominent Flagstone developer Peet Limited welcomed today’s announcement.

Peet’s Queensland General Manager Michael Stone said they are excited to be part of the partnership with the Logan City Council and the State Government.

“We are proud of our fast-growing Flagstone community, and our contribution to building critical infrastructure which will support families for many years to come, like the fantastic regional park we are meeting at today.”

Yarrabilba developer, Lendlease Communities General Manager for Queensland, Guy Gibson said the strong level of collaboration and commitment by all parties will see major infrastructure improvements and support the ongoing planning and servicing for the Yarrabilba community and Greater Flagstone.

“New, high-quality communities like Yarrabilba have a vital role to play in accommodating the continued growth of the region,” Mr Gibson said.

“The finalisation of these Infrastructure Agreements with the State Government and Logan City Council is an important milestone in ensuring that over the next 45 years the project continues to be well planned and appropriately serviced.”

Mr Dick said that the infrastructure agreement is sustainable, encourages appropriate development, and provides landowners and developers with certainty.

“We are delivering the essential services and infrastructure to ensure our state can grow.”

For more information about Greater Flagstone and Yarrabilba Priority Development Areas, visit www.edq@dsdmip.qld.gov.au