City’s leaders say Logan potential ‘limitless’

THE future of Logan lies in education and innovation according to the city’s movers and shakers who attended a forum at Griffith University.

THE future of Logan lies in education and innovation according to the city’s movers and shakers who attended a forum at Griffith University today.

As one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, the often unfairly maligned city of Logan is well placed to be a future hub for business and opportunity in southeast Queensland.

Its development into a regional powerhouse has not been without hurdles, as the city grapples with a mayor on corruption charges, a sacked chief executive and a factionalised council which have put Logan’s business community and ratepayers on tenterhooks.

Despite the challenges, Logan has been making strides to improve its reputation, with a massive drop in crime and significant plans to attract business.

As part of a major push to plan for the next 20 years, The Albert & Logan News launched its Future Logan initiative.

The campaign identified key success stories and performance areas and shone a light on the city’s bright future.

Keynote speaker, Griffith University Logan’s campus Pro Vice Chancellor Linda O’Brien spoke of the city’s emergence as a health hub and a fertile ground for a skilled workforce.

“There is a huge demand for professions such as in medical, teaching and nursing,” she said.

“This university is based next to the Meadowbrook (hospital) precinct where our students can get practical experience while studying.

“Logan is now on the map for its world-class nursing programs and education.”

Other guest speakers included Woodridge State High School principal Sharon Schulz and Marsden State High’s Andrew Peach.

“Logan’s potential as a city is limitless and collaboration between government, business and community is the way forward,” Ms Schulz said.

Both said the key to reducing youth crime in Logan was keeping children engaged in sport, music and arts programs.

That was backed up by YFS chief executive Cath Bartolo who said although crime was dropping in the city, there was room for improvement.

One of the highlighted programs for youth in Logan was at Kingston’s Substation 33, headed by entrepreneur Tony Sharp.

This week, Substation 33 and its affiliated start-up Powerwells made headlines when their recycled battery packs, made by young people from Logan, were sent to earthquake-devastated Indonesia.