Moreton council votes on jaw-dropping $40 billion development plan

‘The game has changed’: How the Moreton region plans to become a $40B hub of innovation, industry, trade and investment.

An ambitious plan to more than double the Moreton economy to $40 billion over the next 20 years was formally endorsed by the Moreton Bay Regional Council this month, paving the way for an influx of new developments, investments and jobs to the area.

MBRC Mayor Peter Flannery described the region as a “sleeping giant about to awaken” with a Regional Economic Development Strategy that aims to “defy naysayers” and transform the third most populous council area in Australia into a hub of innovation, industry, trade and investment.

MBRC Mayor Peter Flannery addresses the crowd during the REDS official launch earlier this month.

By the year 2040, the council aims to have created 100,000 new jobs, built a technological precinct double the size of the Brisbane CBD, and constructed a major freight terminal to facilitate distribution from the local manufacturing and agricultural industries to the rest of the nation.

“We need to reduce our reliance on population-driven industries and focus on supporting high value-adding industries, exports, and innovation, while balancing the lifestyle that locals expect,” Cr Flannery said.

Artist rendering of Petrie technological hub.

After significant consultation with Moreton businesses, Chamber of Commerce, and industry leaders, four industries have been identified as the way forward for the region: Advanced manufacturing; food and agribusiness; tourism, sport and major events; and knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship.

“The game has changed, the world has changed,” Cr Flannery said.

MBRC Mayor Peter Flannery addresses the crowd during the REDS official launch earlier this month.

“Fortunately, Queensland is seen as the safest place in Australia right now and Moreton Bay is seen as something of an investment haven.

“Moreton Bay is back, open for business, and poised for future success.”

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Key to that success lies in a number of bold projects.

The technological hub at Petrie is set to become double the size of the Brisbane CBD.

Among these is The Mill at Moreton Bay, a 460 hectare greenfield innovation precinct, that includes the Petrie Town Centre, Petrie Rail Station, the former Amcor Petrie Paper Mill Site and the recently opened University of the Sunshine Coast campus.

With a further 65 hectares of development potential, councillors hope the precinct will ultimately generate 8600 new and ongoing jobs and add $813 million into the economy each year.

The Scarborough Harbour will undergo significant development.

There are also plans for the North Harbour, a 400 berth marina on the edge of the Caboolture River, a Northern Freight Terminal with an intermodal facility north of Caboolture, and the redevelopment of the Scarborough Harbour, which could include an aquarium, hotel and art gallery.

Agribusiness will receive its fair share of the pie with an innovative recycling water station able to supply surrounding farmers with a reliable source of water.

Further, the council teamed up with Unitywater to support the Wamuran Irrigation Scheme, an agribusiness project that is set to deliver 2.9 gigalitres of recycled water each year to the local farming community.

With the REDS initiative officially launched to the business community in an event on February 4, the council turns its attention to step one of its master plan: leadership and identity.

This will kick off a series of marketing, advocacy and collaborative programs to develop a strong business culture and identity with the hope of attracting further investment and advancement.