Redland City Mayor Karen Williams today hailed the Newman Government’s Economic Development Bill as the perfect accelerant for stalled local projects.
Councillor Williams said the Bill, introduced to the Parliament today by Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney, delivered on the government’s pledge to get the state back on track.
“This Bill is the news local government has been waiting for. For us, Christmas has come early,” she said.
“Minister Seeney should be applauded for introducing a Bill designed to deliver and facilitate economic development. I have already lobbied Mr Seeney about exciting development opportunities in our city and I will be knocking on his door again to get our projects on the short-list.
“This legislation will be particularly welcomed by Councils such as Redland City that have battled the odds for years to get major projects off the ground.
“I am keen to see if the new laws can be used here in the Redlands to kick-start major development projects, such as Toondah Harbour – the gateway to Moreton Bay and North Stradbroke Island – and Weinam Creek, the transport hub for the southern Moreton Bay islands.
“It may also have application with the redevelopment of the Cleveland CBD.”
Cr Williams said she was keen to do business with the Economic Development Board that would be created under the new legislation.
“The remit of the Board has been cast wide so that any project that will deliver economic benefit can be facilitated, streamlined and delivered,” she said.
“It will be absolutely essential for this legislation to achieve its goals for us to have a collaborative approach between State Government departments.
“Local government will welcome provisions for the creation of Local Representative Committees which can be established to oversee and control projects at the local level, with local government representation. These committees can be delegated the planning and development assessment functions.
“The types of projects that are well suited for this Bill are ones that deliver precincts for specific economic and community outcomes, town centre projects to facilitate commercial rejuvenation and redevelopment opportunities and tourism and marine-based projects to deliver jobs and commercial opportunities.
“In short, the projects planned for Redland City.”
