Lure for more large commercial investment in Warwick

PLANS to accommodate more large commercial developments in Warwick are under way with the Southern Downs Regional Council looking to create opportunities.

Toowoomba: QIC development Photo Bev Lacey / The Chronicle. Picture: Bev Lacey

PLANS to accommodate more large commercial developments in Warwick are under way with the Southern Downs Regional Council looking to create opportunities for new and established businesses to expand and to build more modern facilities.

The proposed amendment to the Southern Downs Planning Scheme would create a greater portion of land covered by the "specialised centre zone" to accommodate larger developments such as showrooms and homemaker centres (as highlighted in red).

Planning, environment and community services director Ken Harris said the proposal outlined an additional 36ha in the north of Warwick.

"Following the state interest review of the proposed amendment, the Deputy Premier has recommended that council considers the preparation of a structure plan to guide development of the larger greenfield areas that are subject to the proposed amendment," he said. Mr Harris said the council was seeking submissions from residents on the proposed changes.

"The proposed amendment is now available for community consultation," he said.

"Any person is welcome to make a written submission to council on any aspect of the proposed amendment during the consultation period, which is open until 5pm on Friday, March 11.

"After the public consultation period, council will review any submissions received, and decide whether it will proceed with the amendment as proposed or if changes are required."

Warwick Holden general manager Mike Dwan (pictured) said any plan to encourage big business to Warwick was a step in the right direction.

"Anything that attracts more businesses to set up shop here is a positive result," he said.

"The stronger our local economy grows, the more we all benefit.

"As a car dealer you don't want to be in a condensed CBD area, you want good frontage and minimise the impact to residential areas."

Warwick Chamber of Commerce president Lewis Von Stieglitz said he supported the proposed changes.

"It's a very good step in making very valuable land within reach of everyone in the Warwick area," he said. "It should have the effect of attracting people who want to put up the 'big box' type of business and generate more jobs for Warwick residents.

"Any jobs and business investment has a broad benefit to the city and its people."