This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE Queensland government has declared 460ha former Petrie paper mill site at Moreton Bay as the state’s next Priority Development Area (PDA).
Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said over the next 20 years, the site will be transformed into a vibrant urban community, with Petrie town centre and the new University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) campus at its core.
The 460ha PDA includes 94ha of conservation land and 16ha of lakes. In addition to the university, there will be retail and commercial spaces, residential development, sporting facilities, entertainment and dining areas and parklands.
“By granting The Mill PDA status, we will partner with Council to accelerate the development of the whole site, ensuring the university campus will be open to students by semester one 2020.
“The Mill will be an engine room of economic activity, generating $950 million for the Queensland economy and supporting more than 6,000 jobs by 2036 in fields such as education, technology, health and research,” she added.
Member for Kallangur Shane King said the Moreton Bay region is one of the fastest growing urban areas in Australia with the population expected to grow by 40% over the next 20 years.
Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland said the Moreton Bay PDA was fantastic news for the future of one of Australia’s fastest growing urban areas.
“Until now, this site was our platform for a university campus. Now, it’s so much more,” Mayor Sutherland said.
“PDA status will unlock the full potential of the university’s surrounding land to create a vibrant community hub where people can live, work and play around education.
“The Mill is a bold new vision for our region and will help us to diversify and future-proof our economy,” he added.
Australian Property Journal
