Springfield City Group unveils blueprint for $12 billion ‘IDEA City’

One of Queensland’s fastest growing regions would be transformed into a knowledge and innovation hub under a plan to create 20,000 jobs by 2026.

One of Queensland’s most prominent land developers has unveiled a plan to create 20,000 jobs and transform a slice of the state into a $12bn new ‘internet City’.

Springfield City Group recently sent its blueprint outlining billions of dollars of investment opportunities and shovel-ready projects to the Federal Government’s National COVID-19 Coordination (NCC) Advisory Board.

SCG chairman Maha Sinnathamby said discussions were “progressing” with the Commonwealth to jointly fund at least a dozen “shovel ready” projects in a new 120-hectare Knowledge and Innovation District.

Mr Sinnathamby said the plan included Springfield’s own version of Dubai’s internet City, to be known as the IDEA (Innovation, Design, Entrepreneurship and Arts) City – and new facilities to “build on its vital role in supporting Australia’s defence sector”.

An artist’s impression of how Springfield will look in 2036. Picture: Supplied

Sitting on 42ha in Springfield, it had the potential to create more than 20,000 new jobs by 2026 and generate $12 billion into the economy over the same period, analysis undertaken for the land firm found.

The PwC analysis estimated “immediate investment” in shovel-ready projects would create 400 jobs in the initial 18 months of the five-year plan.

Mr Sinnathamby said Springfield – one of the nation’s fastest growing regions with the population of 46,000 expected to triple over the next two decades – was well-placed to build on its record, with annual contribution in the order of $700 million.

Mr Sinnathamby said the five-year plan would be introduced in phases – the first including hydrogen battery manufacturing and an energy innovation collaboration research hub linked to worldwide research by ENGIE.

Springfield City Group chairman Maha Sinnathamby. Picture: AAP Image/Richard Walker

ENGIE, a world leader in the global transition to clean, green resilient economies has devised a $3 billion plan which aims to make Springfield the world’s most eco-friendly community by 2038.

“We have had a good look at the experience of international exemplars, such as Dubai internet City,” he said.

“Established in 2000, Dubai internet City now has over 24,000 professionals from more than 160 nations, at over 1600 businesses co-located in the city.

“Our IDEA City will go beyond current smart city concepts to create an environment that Australia lacks – to create real jobs from innovations and collaboration.

“Our precinct will be an enabler for innovation – from bricks and mortar, to code and connect – just what is needed in this COVID-19 environment.”

Mr Sinnathamby said IDEA City would also boost the role played by Springfield – which is about 25 minutes from the RAAF Amberley base – in supporting the nation’s defence sector.