Two major development projects called in as Queensland jobless soar

AS QUEENSLAND’S jobless rate becomes equal worst in the country, state and local government have cast doubt over two major development projects.

UP TO 5000 jobs were threatened in one day in Queensland as the State Government and a local council called in major projects.

While the State Government pledged job creation in its election campaign, yesterday it called in for reassessment a $900 million development at Cedar Woods northwest of The Gap, which would create 1000 construction jobs at its peak and has already been approved by Brisbane City Council.

It occurred on the same day the Sunshine Coast Regional Council effectively blocked an unrelated development, which could have created another 4000 jobs.

NO GO: Coast development knocked back

Queensland’s unemployment rate is tied with Tasmania for worst in the nation at 6.6 per cent, above the national average of 6.1 per cent.

Infrastructure and Planning Minister Jackie Trad acknowledged the Cedar Woods project’s potential, but said “we must balance that with genuine community concerns”.

Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg said the decision came at the worst possible time for jobseekers.

Property industry figures warned the call-in would be watched closely as an indication on how the Government would treat major projects.

Ms Trad disputed suggestions in relation to lost jobs, saying she had already approved major developments previously called in, such as Pacific View on the Gold Coast which was expected to create 2700 jobs.

Ms Trad said the Cedar Woods decision was not based on the fact that fellow minister Kate Jones had campaigned against the development as part of her election battle against Campbell Newman in Ashgrove.

She said she and Ms Jones had exchanged “very few words” about the call-in and the decision was based on information raised during the public notification period.

Ms Jones welcomed the decision.

“During the election campaign I heard our community overwhelming say they wanted an approval process that took their views into account and now I’m pleased their submissions will be thoroughly considered,” she said.

The project received about 1000 objections from residents during council’s assessment of it. The council reduced its approval to 980 lots, down from the originally proposed 1350.

Cedar Woods managing director Paul Sadleir warned the project’s value could be reduced if there were significant changes or delays to the project which had already been scaled back and approved.

“Up to $900 million will be injected into the Queensland economy if the development goes ahead as proposed,” he said.

Ms Trad said she would reassess the application to ensure the right balance between job creation and community concerns.

“It’s not about holding up jobs, it’s about acquitting my responsibilities effectively and judiciously,” she said.

Property Council of Australian Queensland boss Chris Mountford said the industry would be watching the call in process and decision closely.

“It will give an idea of how the Government will treat large, new developments right across the state,” he said.

Opposition infrastructure spokesman Tim Nicholls said the call-in would send the wrong signal to the construction industry.

“This government pledged to create jobs, but all they’ve done since coming to office is call into question major projects which will stimulate growth and provide employment for thousands of Queenslanders,” he said.

A decision on the Cedar Woods project call-in is due in late June.

Originally published as Two major development projects called in as Queensland jobless soar