Gladstone Regional Council unveils huge plans for the region with 2023/24 strategic priorities list

A shortlist of priority projects for Gladstone in the next year has been revealed with a Navy base, inland rail extension, health, and housing in the mix. SEE THE FULL LIST.

First pipes delivered for Fitzroy Gladstone Pipeline and plans for workers camp at Gracemere.

The Gladstone council has revealed its top priorities for 2023-24 with the much-anticipated Boyne Tannum Aquatic Recreation Centre and Royal Australian Navy Fleet Base making the list.

Speaking about the release of the “Strategic Priorities” publication, Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett said the idea was to provide a concise set of regional priorities to stakeholders as well as the community.

“The Strategic Priorities publication is reviewed annually to ensure council remains agile in responding to emerging issues and new advocacy opportunities, while still operating within a stable, strategic framework,” Mr Burnett said

Renders and concept designs submitted by Gladstone Regional Council as part of their strategic project to be the developer of the Boyne Tannum Aquatic Recreation Centre at their preferred site on Coronation Dr. Picture: GRC (supplied)

“Each of the priorities are grouped under ‘Enabling Prosperity’ or ‘Enabling Infrastructure’ and complement and/or enable the investment priorities highlighted in the Gladstone Region Investment Prospectus.”

Mr Burnett also said the publication aligned with the council’s aim to support the region’s role as a “driver of economic growth, increased liveability, and visitation to the region”.

Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett at the vacant land on the corner of Park St and Palm Dr. Picture: Contributed

GLADSTONE COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR ‘ENABLING PROSPERITY’:

Renewable energy and the transitioning economy: Gladstone’s recognition as part of the $140 million CQH2 Hydrogen Hub project will capitalise on the skilled workforce, industrial heritage, abundant renewable energy resources, and multi-use port that Gladstone has to offer.

Health: GRC is ‘advocating’ to both the State and Federal Governments to foster more long-term, skilled clinicians in the region, and empower Gladstone to make their own decisions regarding health in the interests of community.

Housing: GRC has acknowledged difficulties such as access to temporary, emergency and crisis accommodation, as well as supply of affordable housing options, and is liaising with the State and Federal Governments for solutions to these issues.

Skills development and retention: Central Queensland University is unable to meet local education demand due to caps on federally supported places. GRC is looking to remove the caps to allow CQU to further skill and educate the local workforce.

Regional water supply and wastewater infrastructure: New emerging industries require access to wastewater treatment facilities and trade waste facilities, which will not be covered entirely by the upcoming Fitzroy to Gladstone pipeline project.

Establishing the Royal Australian Navy Fleet Base North – Port of Gladstone: Gladstone’s port is an ideal location for a Royal Australian Navy (RAN) base, with the formal submission to Defence Strategic Review pending approval.

INFRASTRUCTURE:

Gladstone heavy vehicle and oversize overmass load transport corridor: Road network improvements will allow connections between Central and Western Queensland to the Port of Gladstone, providing access to industries such as the $1.7 billion cattle industry, and adding to Gladstone’s role as a gateway for renewables.

Inland rail extension to the port of Gladstone: Plans for linking the inland rail to the Port of Gladstone will endeavour to benefit regional economies along the rail network, as well as drive regional supply chain development.

Boyne Tannum Aquatic Recreation Centre: GRC has received a $15 million commitment from the Labor Government to go towards the proposed facility, which is anticipated to cost $25.6 million. The preferred location will be at Lot 900, Coronation Drive, Tannum Sands.

Harvey Road sports and events precinct: GRC has adopted the assessment report and business care regarding the potential redevelopment of the Harvey Road Sports and Events Precinct. The proposed redevelopment would have a capacity for up to 10,000 people, and would also continue to support grassroots local and regional sports participation.

Harbour Arbour: The proposed plans will aim to reinstate Goondoon Street as Gladstone’s CBD, by redeveloping the streetscape of Goondoon Street between Lord and Yarroon Streets, providing an innovative, sustainable, and unique Harbour Arbour that will connect the waterfront and CBD.