New developments set to shape South Burnett in 2022 – list

From massive townwide expansions to renewable energy to first of a kind factories and more, these are the developments in the works across the South Burnett in 2022. SEE THE LIST AND PLANS HERE.

Massive projects have been getting the green light across the South Burnett with a stack of new projects already in the works.

From massive townwide expansions to renewable energy to first of a kind factories and more, these are the projects set to change the face of the region this year.

See the full list below:

Kingaroy Transformation Project

The Kingaroy Transformation Project is well under way with works expected to be completed this year.

The project, which will centre around Glendon Street community hub, aims to “build a strong identity for regional businesses, residents and provide an environment to inspire tourists to stop and stay longer”.

The multimillion-dollar project underwent multiple budget boosts since it was proposed, taking the total cost of the overhaul to $13.9 million. The cost of the project was originally projected at just $8 million in 2017.

The South Burnett Regional Council committed a further $750,000 for a new car park on George Street to replace nearly 100 car spaces lost to the KTP.

Blackbutt Streetscape

Last year the council gave the green light for a $1.6 million upgrade to the Blackbutt CBD, with work now underway to revitalise the towns streetscape and footpath areas.

A council spokeswoman said “the project will deliver revitalisation to the Blackbutt CBD precinct with new infrastructure, textured and coloured footpath areas, bike racks, pedestrian seating, landscaping and trees, with acknowledgments of the Blackbutt town heritage and connection to the timber industries.”

The cost of the upgrade was originally estimated at $550,000 but grew into a multimillion-dollar project, which has been blamed on construction blowouts fuelled by COVID-19.

Plenty Foods expansion

Australia’s first defatted nut flour production facility is currently under construction in Kingaroy.

Australia’s first defatted nut flour production facility is currently under construction in Kingaroy’s industrial zone.

The $22 million project will create 159 jobs during construction plus 98 full-time jobs in the South Burnett once completed.

Plenty Foods received $9 million from the Federal Government to support the massive project last year.

Defatted nut flour is a highly sort-after gluten free flour alternative and a Plant Based Protein, which is currently having to be imported.

Bonye Bush University

Bonye Bush University opened in the Bunya Mountains last month.

Travellers looking for an authentic indigenous tourism experience can now pay a visit to the Bunya Mountains’ new bush university, where visitors can learn and experience First Nations culture, lore and customs.

The Bonye Bush University, opened in April, is the brainchild of the Bunya Aboriginal Peoples Corporation (BPAC) and centres around a stunning 120m Rainbow Serpent.

It features three Rainbow Serpent coils with sections for women’s business, men’s business and a central performance space.

The Bunya Mountains are one of Australia’s most significant traditional gathering places.

South Burnett solar farm

A Solar Farm proposed to be built on the outskirts of Kingaroy has reached the community consultation phase.

The 130-hectare project, which will produce about 40 kilowatts of energy and be located along Kingaroy-Barkers Creek Road, is being planned by International energy company Mytilineos.

Organisers will hold the first community information meeting in Kingaroy on June 1.

Wind farm

Community consultations recently came to a close on an enormous wind farm proposed near Kingaroy.

The 151-turbine Iron Leaf Wind Farm will be situated at Ironpot, 30km west of Kingaroy, and if approved will connect its output to existing 275kV transmission lines that already cross the site.

Renewable Energy Systems travelled to Ironpot, Kumbia and Chahpingah in May to understand the impacts and opportunities that may flow from the project in the South Burnett region.

It is expected that application and approval processes will commence in 2022.

Yarraman service station

A development application to build a new service station in Yarraman was approved by Toowoomba Regional Council in April, more than a year after it was lodged.

SJS Fuels Pty Ltd lodged the proposal for a seven-day servo on the corner of Toomey and Margaret Streets, right on the boundary of the region, in March 2021.

The proposed development will include a refuelling court and shop as reflected on the proposal plans, and sell convenience products, coffee, and hot and cold food.

Murgon Cultural Centre and Fossil Museum

Construction of Murgon’s $1.59 million cultural centre has been underway for more than a year, however an opening date is yet to be announced.

The incoming centre – set to include an art gallery, fossil museum, gift shop and more – follows years of planning by the Creative Country Association lead by Richard O’Neill.

Glenda Geraghty, a Murgon local with a lifelong passion for natural history, previously described the project as a ‘dream come true’.

Murgon is the only site in Australia with a range of vertebrate fossils dating from the early Paleogene Period 55 million years ago, which is considered a crucial time in mammalian evolution and is of special interest to professional and amateur palaeontologists.