This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE Queensland government has fast tracked the approval of a multi-million Costco development at North Lakes in the north Brisbane-Moreton Bay region.
The government called in the development in November last year after appeals were launched by two separate parties in the Planning and Environment Court following an approval by the Moreton Bay Regional Council.
This is the second time the Newman government had considered a ministerial call in under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009.
Deputy premier and minister for state development, infrastructure and planning Jeff Seeney said he had taken great care in arriving at his decision.
“I did not rush this decision, and I took the time necessary to make sure I was making the right decision for the community and the state,” he added.
Seeney said the government was committed to strengthening the state’s economy and the approval would create several hundred new jobs.
The project is expected to create 160 construction jobs and 350 retail positions.
“The development will provide new business opportunities in the north Brisbane-Moreton Bay regions and contribute to growing and stimulating the construction industry.
“I formed the view that this development contributes to the future economic well-being of Queensland, in particular the fast growing south-east region.
“We need to ensure that applications such as this do not get bogged down in protracted legal proceedings.” Seeney concluded.
Property Review
