CFMEU seeks LNP government approval for its own major projects

The CFMEU has submitted plans for a seven-storey office building in Bowen Hills, where the controversial union now has multiple residential and commercial projects around its long-term headquarters.

As the federal Labor government keeps the CFMEU under external administration, and the state LNP government works to limit its influence on public projects, the new plans highlight the union’s other role as property developer.

The CFMEU projects are also in a Priority Development Area, meaning it require the approval of the state government to proceed.

The CFMEU has plans for a 34-storey residential tower (left), a 7-storey office building (centre), and a theatre and conference centre (right) at Bowen Hills.

Last year, the CFMEU updated its plans for a build-to-rent project in the form of a 34-storey residential tower at 19-25 Campbell Street, opposite the union’s headquarters.

It also submitted plans for a three-story “event space for CFMEU members” next to its headquarters, with an auditorium, rooftop terrace and bar.

With the CFMEU expected to eventually level its headquarters for another build-to-rent tower, the latest plans would give the union the option of a new base in a more prominent position nearby.

An artist’s impression of the 7-storey office building the CFMEU wants to develop in Bowen Hills.

Under the plans, submitted to the state government agency Economic Development Queensland, the CFMEU would redevelop several industrial sites on Jamieson Street, facing busy Abbotsford Road and a short walk from Bowen Hills train station.

The CFMEU’s architects, Nettleton Tribe, have designed a seven-storey office building with city and river views, backing on to the 34-storey tower, in a new gateway precinct it has likened to “West Village, Fish Lane and James Street”.

“In summary, the site’s strategic location, combined with its topographical features and surrounding developments, positions it as an ideal setting for creating a vibrant, active transportation focused commercial environment that harmonies with Bowen Hills’s streetscape,” Nettleton Tribe told EDQ.

The CFMEU is awaiting approval of a minor change to its plans for the 34-storey tower. Its theatre and events centre was approved by EDQ in November.

According to property records, the CFMEU has more than $30 million in property spread across Campbell, Jamieson, Edgar and Hazelmount streets.

Its landholdings are only blocks from the RNA Showgrounds and neighbouring Victoria Park, which are in the mix for a government-initiated review of venues for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

EDQ reports to Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, the Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Planning and Industrial Relations who has suspended the Best Practice Industry Conditions – or what he calls the “CFMEU tax” – ahead of a planned productivity commission review of the sector.

The LNP has repeatedly vowed to deliver public projects on time and on budget, despite concerns over delays and cost blowouts ahead of the Games.

The government also has to help manage a pipeline of projects – public and private – restricted by the availability of skilled labour and resources that has served to push up costs and real estate prices in a housing shortage.

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