Rail trail will link Logan Village and Yarrabilba

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A walking, hiking and riding trail from Logan Village to Yarrabilba is now a step closer.

Logan City Council has committed $1.25 million over the next two years towards the total project budget of $2.5m as detailed planning of the trail nears completion.

The 3.5km trail will be built on a disused rail spur line, which was transferred to Council as road reserve. It is flanked mostly by natural bushland.

Delivery of the rail trail was a key priority project identified from the Logan Village Forum hosted by Council in March 2018.

Feedback from the forum indicated there would be significant economic benefits for Logan Village through a direct connection with the growing and neighbouring community of Yarrabilba.

Preparations for the trail have been significant and included a comprehensive feasibility study.

Council’s $2 million Logan Village Implementation Fund in June 2018 also included an allowance for design of the trail, but not construction.

In April last year, a further $200,000 funding grant was secured through the State Government’s Rail Trail Local Government Grants (RTLGG) program to finalise the feasibility study and detailed design of the trail.

The additional funding by Council in the 2020/2021 Budget towards construction of the project – combined with the study and design preparations – is expected to put the proposed trail in a good position to be eligible for State and Federal funding opportunities as a pandemic recovery capital works project.

Transformation of historic butter factory begins

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Work has started on the $16.1 million transformation of Logan’s historic Kingston Butter Factory (KBF).

Today’s highly-anticipated milestone event marking the commencement of construction was attended by Minister for Local Government Stirling Hinchliffe, Shannon Fentiman MP, Logan Mayor Darren Power and councillors.

Council is redeveloping the KBF Precinct and its grounds into a vibrant cultural heritage and performing arts hub in the heart of Logan.

The interior of the iconic Kingston Butter Factory building is also being re-imagined.

Logan City Council Mayor Darren Power said the venue, when finished, would be a significant addition to South-East Queensland’s tourism infrastructure.

“Having such a large outdoor space that can attract major events and festivals will bring massive economic benefits to Logan,” Councillor Power said.

“It will be a space the whole community can enjoy, where they can access world-class arts, culture, festivals and events.”

City Lifestyle Committee Chairperson, Councillor Laurie Koranski said community feedback had endorsed Council’s decision to redevelop the building into a cultural heritage and performing arts hub.

“Results of a community survey in November last year overwhelmingly supported Council’s proposal for KBF,” Cr Koranski said.

“The KBF Cultural Precinct will be a place where people will come together in ways that connect, entertain and inspire.”

Cr Power welcomed recent funding of $6.57 million from the State Government’s COVID Works Queensland program towards the project.

“Infrastructure and jobs are critical for the community and our city in these challenging times,” he said.

“This is a great example of state and local government working together to deliver important social infrastructure for the community while creating jobs.

“We want to come out of this pandemic stronger than ever, and the best way to do that is to work together.”

Cr Power said Council would have the opportunity to redirect part of its original budget allocation of $12 million into other areas to be determined by Council.

Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe, Logan Mayor Darren Power and Member for Waterford Shannon Fentiman welcome the redevelopment of the Kingston Butter Factory.

Minister Hinchliffe said it was the first time Logan City Council has had access to the Works for Queensland program.

“The pandemic has landed a major blow on economies around the world, and that includes right here in Logan,” the Minister said.

“To that end, the redevelopment of the butter factory will support or create about 150 jobs and, once it’s up and running, even more with investment in restaurants and other small businesses in the area.”

Ms Fentiman, the Member for Waterford, said once completed the KBF Precinct would feature the city’s largest outdoor events space, with a purpose-built stage and room for audiences of up to 5000.

“The whole space is being transformed – it will feature a blackbox-style theatre, rehearsal space and a living museum to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Logan, a community that I’m so proud to be a part of,” she said.

“This project is going to be a game-changer for local artists and I’m excited to see it transform into an arts and entertainment hub for the Logan community.”

The project will be delivered by Box & Co builders and work is expected to be completed by February next year.

Australian Unity sets sights on Meadowbrook, Qld for future health precinct

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Australian Unity has signed an option agreement with Riverina (Australia) Pty Limited to acquire 18 Nestor Drive, Meadowbrook, a prominent site located directly opposite Logan Hospital, for $11.56 million.

The property is the proposed site of a multi-faceted healthcare precinct with development plans including a new private hospital, medical centre, medical office space, aged care facility, and health education service.

Logan Hospital is the major public health facility for one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in greater Brisbane and provides a range of specialty services including acute medical, surgical, rehabilitation, maternity, cardiology, orthopedics, renal and other specialty services for children and adults.

Chris Smith, General Manager of Healthcare Property at Australian Unity said the location of the site is ideal for private sector development due to its proximity to the public hospital, and that Australian Unity will work closely with key stakeholders to maximise the opportunity to service Logan City’s growing population.

“Australian Unity has a proven track record working with the public and private sectors to create healthcare precincts comprising a variety of complementary services, and we are looking forward to working with stakeholders across the precinct to deliver this project,” he said.

“Our focus continues to be on delivering value for investors by committing to longer-term opportunities to invest in healthcare infrastructure in places like Meadowbrook where community demand is growing strongly.”

Mr Smith said, when deployed efficiently, private capital is fundamental in contributing to critical social infrastructure assets that serve the community.

“In South Eastern Queensland, we have established a strong footprint in the development of state-of-the-art healthcare precincts, including the $1.1 billion Herston Quarter Redevelopment in Brisbane, and the recently completed Robina Private Hospital and Medical Centre in Robina,” Mr. Smith said.

“Since the onset of the pandemic we have also acquired a parcel of land in Birtinya, opposite the new Sunshine Coast University Hospital, the focal point of a growing healthcare precinct for the region”, he said.

According to Mr Smith, who manages a portfolio of 55 healthcare-related properties in Australian Unity’s Healthcare Property Trust, the development of healthcare precincts is the way of the future for the delivery of healthcare services for Australian communities.

“Australia’s health system is consistently ranked as one of the best in the world, and complementary health precincts are going to play an increasingly prominent role”, he said.

“Continued collaboration between the public and private health sectors, is critical to the ongoing success of our world-class health system and ensuring every Australian can access the care they need”, Mr Smith said.

Riverina will remain in the property up to 2023.

Logan Office of Economic Development / Logan City Council supports health and medical investment in the City of Logan. The Business case for Health and Medical Investment in the City of Logan commissioned in 2018 identified notable gaps in healthcare provision in the city, particularly noting the lack of a private hospital and ancillary services. Council and LOED have been actively working with stakeholders in the industry to attract necessary investment in healthcare and medical provision to benefit the residents of the City of Logan.

New Logan ‘medtropolis’ on track to become Australia’s largest suburban based medical precinct

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The development of one the country’s largest and most innovative suburban based medical precincts is set to commence.

“The Southwest Medical Precinct will be a significant development for the Logan region, and indeed for Greater Brisbane, and we are proud to announce that not only is the project now underway – we have also secured commitment from UQ Health Care for a 725m2 ground floor tenancy of the complex,” Matthew Cummins, the associate director from property development specialists DMA Partners, said today.

“This is such brilliant news for the complex which is due for completion in late 2021.”

UQ Health Care is a leading primary care, clinical innovation and research organisation owned by The University of Queensland. The new UQ Health Care site will provide an extensive range of health services, from the treatment of acute illness to preventive health services, including health assessments, chronic disease prevention/management, pregnancy and paediatric care, women’s and men’s health, work related injuries/assessments, vaccinations, travel health and much more. It will also provide essential training opportunities for the next generation of doctors, nurses and allied health.

“UQ Health Care will bring over 100,000 people to the centre every year. This combined with all the other retailers and businesses is going to make for a very busy precinct,” Cummins said.

Situated on a prominent corner of Logandowns Drive in the suburb of Meadowbrook, Logan, the new centre will be a multi-level facility comprising over 2,000m2 of mixed retail, medical and office space.

“There is a reason the Southwest Medical complex is already being coined a key component of the broader  ‘medtropolis’ – this centre is going to thrive and become a bustling centre for a broad range of health, wellness and other related products and services,” Benjamin Horwell, of the Horwell Group, said.

“It will also offer sit down and take away food options and a raft of other retailing options. The centre shares over 400 carparks with the neighbouring Meadowbrook Plaza Shopping Centre, providing free parking right up to the door front of many service providers.  The precinct will be a state-of-the-art hub for regional connections and community activity.”

The Southwest Medical Precinct, owned by Horwell Property Investments, is the final commercial development of a 100 hectare site first purchased by the Hoare family in 1986. The development is adjacent to the Woolworths-anchored Meadowbrook Plaza Shopping Centre and Caltex service station, both completed in 2015.

“The Southwest Medical Precinct is going to be one of the busiest community hubs in Logan once it is launched next year,” Cummins added.

“Many businesses and retailers are already expressing interest in the site which is testament to the level of anticipation and excitement surrounding the development. Sites and leases are currently available in the centre and opportunities are available for retail and complementary medical providers and specialists from 68m2 to 1,000m2.

“The centre is ideal for medical and allied health operators, health professionals and specialists, commercial office users and associated retailers. We also have scope for a café operator.”

“We are really pleased with the strong level of leasing interest. The addition of UQ Health Care to the centre supports our leasing strategy and anchors our health and lifestyle focused facility,” Horwell said.

Located 200m from Logan Hospital, and complemented by a strongly performing Woolworths supermarket, the centre will offer its tenants and customers unrivalled exposure and convenience.

Just minutes from the Logan Motorway and M1, and surrounded by multiple major bus and train stops, this bustling medical precinct will be a one-stop-shop for locals of the surrounding region.

“Imagine the functionality and convenience for families and workers who will be able to access important health and wellness services locally and shop for lifestyle and grocery needs in one complex,” Horwell said.

“Not to mention all the jobs the precinct will create. This development really is a good news story at a time when the whole country needs some positive uplifting.”

The Southwest Medical Precinct development has generated significant enthusiasm and support across the area with many people seeing it as a positive sign of life returning to normal post COVID.

“The design by Cottee Parker Architects is modern and fresh, and the abundance of free parking means the centre will be accessible and convenient to all. The medical complex will also act as an overflow for the neighbouring Logan Hospital, which means those across the area will be able to access the medical services they need and deserve,” Horwell said.

“The development builds on Logan City Council’s vision within the Meadowbrook Master Plan, to be a Health and Knowledge Precinct for the city. We commend council for their forward-thinking outlook for Meadowbrook. They have been investing in the future of the city through significant funding and also planning and place making projects including the Loganlea Road Healthy Street project and a public art/creative lighting strategy and projects.

“Southwest Medical Precinct will be the new heartbeat of Logan. We are looking forward to progressing the development and welcoming new businesses and retailers in preparation for our launch late next year.”

Leasing enquiries: DMA Partners – 07 3234 4300.

Project Website

Council supports Logan businesses through pandemic recovery

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More than 1300 Logan businesses will this week receive a 50 per cent discount to their 2020/2021 licence renewal fees as part of Logan City Council’s efforts to support local business through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The discounted fees – valued at approximately $500,000 – are included in a second stage of Council’s COVID-19 relief package through the 2020/2021 Budget to boost the city’s recovery from the pandemic.

Mayor Darren Power said Council recognised the pressure being put on small business operators and Council’s Budget would have a ‘fair dinkum’ COVID-19 support component.

“In March, as COVID-19 was becoming a massive issue across the globe, Council introduced a $530,000 package of proactive measures to support residents, community groups and businesses through the immediate economic and social impacts,” Cr Power said.

“As part of that first stage, Council has already refunded more than $275,000 to more than 900 businesses for licence fees paid in 2019/2020, and we are continuing to process refunds to eligible businesses.

“Additionally, 143 new businesses have applied for licences since March 1 with no fees charged, which has left more than $105,000 in our local economy.”

City Governance Committee Chairperson, Councillor Lisa Bradley, said supporting business through tough times was a priority for Council.

“It’s unfortunate that many of the businesses that are required to be licenced were also the hardest hit by COVID-19 restrictions because of the nature of their operations,” Cr Bradley said.

Licenced businesses include food businesses such as cafes, takeaways and restaurants, as well as water carriers, food stalls, food trucks and vans, markets, hotels, motels, plastic manufacturers, metal coaters, caravan parks, camping grounds, commercial swimming pools, tattooists, cosmetic tattooists, body piercers and roadside food vendors.

The majority of licences are due to expire on August 31, and Council will issue renewal notices to licenced businesses from July 1. Businesses must submit all renewal paperwork and pay the discounted fees by the due date to ensure their licences remain current.

Council’s first COVID-19 relief package had also included:

  • an additional interest-free period for the April–June quarter rates and charges notice to September 30
  • extending Council’s existing hardship arrangements for residential property owners to all ratepayers
  • a 14-day payment time for Council contractors
  • three months of lease fees waived to external operators engaged to manage Council-owned venues
  • annual lease fees for not-for-profit organisations who lease a Council community leased facility waived for 2020
  • increased remissions for organisations operating from a Council community leased facility (and with no or less than 15 gaming machines) to 100 per cent for the January to March 2020 billing period
  • financial relief for more than 180 sport, recreation and community organisations within Logan that have memberships in excess of 40,000 people, through lease fee waivers.

“Stage two will include further practical ways that Council can show its support for our city, and I look forward to sharing those details soon,” Cr Bradley said.

Council will adopt its 2020/2021 Budget on Monday, July 20.