Budget: Bright future builds on today’s hard work

/in ,

The record $1.014 billion ‘Building on today for a brighter tomorrow’ budget celebrates the positive attributes residents love about the city – a city that is smart, active, safe, green and growing.

City of Logan Mayor Darren Power said Council was leading the way in South East Queensland by delivering critical infrastructure and quality services to the community.

“We enjoy something special in the City of Logan,” Councillor Power said.

“Where else can you enjoy urban and rural lifestyles, first-class facilities and a caring and connected community?

“Our city is affirming its reputation as forward-thinking and ambitious. We are not afraid to chase greatness.

“Council is ahead of the game with recent investments in state-of-the-art technology to turn sewage into energy and fertiliser, as well as the new Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct.

“Our business community is also becoming more innovative and entrepreneurial with emerging industries choosing to move to Logan for our ideal location and ready and reliable workforce.

“When we build on what we’ve already achieved, we can create a brighter future for coming generations, and that’s what today’s budget delivers.”

The 2022/2023 Budget invests in grassroots sport, the environment, innovation and infrastructure.

This includes:

  • $38 million over five years to improve facilities at local sports clubs, with ongoing funding after that
  • $9 million towards building an advanced recycling facility at Browns Plains in partnership with Ipswich and Redland councils
  • Ongoing investment to develop the skills of young entrepreneurs
  • $224.7 million in the essential road and water infrastructure for a rapidly growing population.

As this year’s budget was prepared, Cr Power said his fellow Councillors recognised the value of investing money in programs that bring long-term success to the city.

“We’ve really considered where we should allocate money so that it doesn’t just benefit people over the next 12 months,” he said.

“By planning towards how we want our city to look in the next five to 10 years, we’ve identified funding allocations that will improve quality of life and create a brighter tomorrow.”

Governance Chair, Deputy Mayor Natalie Willcocks, said Council continues to deliver an array of services to the community with efficiency, despite costs increasing.

“This year, we’ve seen the Brisbane CPI increase by 6 per cent in a year to the end of March, and everyone is feeling the impacts of higher fuel prices, including us.

“Additionally, the cost of materials for construction is through the roof, and we wear those costs when delivering infrastructure for the city.

“Council seeks alternative funding sources wherever possible, including grants from other levels of government, so we can keep rate rises to a minimum.

“Whether you visit our libraries, aquatic or sports centres, one of our many parks, play sport, turn on a tap, have a furry friend, put rubbish in your wheelie bin, visit a waste and recycling facility or drive on our roads, you are using facilities and services that need to be funded.

“Council staff deliver these services with a smile and are committed to the well-being of our community.

“We are proud of what we’re announcing in today’s budget, and I am proud of what we are delivering.

“And I thank my fellow Councillors and the Council staff who’ve worked hard behind the scenes for their diligence, support and advice.”

Key numbers from this year’s budget include:

  • A 2.49 per cent bottom line increase for ratepayers on the minimum general rate – $70.30 a year, or $1.35 a week (excludes state bulk water charge)
  • A 4.29 per cent increase to the annual pensioner remission, providing $379.20 for those on a full pension and $189.60 for a part-pension
  • A 5 per cent discount for prompt payment
  • No increases to the Council components of water and sewerage charges
  • A $7 increase to the annual environment levy
  • A 2.5% increase to the community services charge
  • An expected modest operating surplus of $3.65 million (at June 30, 2023)
  • Borrowings of $69 million and loan repayments of $20.3 million

Read more about the budget at logan.qld.gov.au

To watch our Budget video go to https://youtu.be/CW67zt1rZlQ

Field Trip Builds Bridges

/in ,

City of Logan high school students have gone on an excursion of a different kind.

Students from several Logan schools have visited local businesses to get a taste of working life and hear the stories of business leaders and innovators.

The event is an initiative of Mayor Darren Power’s Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce, coordinated by the Logan Office of Economic Development, CityStudio and Catapult.

The taskforce aims to develop programs with employers, service providers and training organisations to ensure the skills being taught align with available local jobs.

Some of the 15 local businesses that took part in the bus tour include Munster Services Group, Frontline Manufacturing, Struddys and Evolve Group.

Mayor Power said Council wants to introduce local businesses to their future workforce.

“The connections being made today will help grow the city for years to come,” Mayor Power said.

“We hope students will get some idea of their future career options while businesses will get the opportunity to understand the wants and needs of their future employees.

“The businesses chosen for the tour come from a variety of backgrounds to give the students plenty of options to consider.

“My Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce has a strong focus on enhancing employment opportunities for Logan youth and this is just one of many strategies we’re using to support economic development and jobs growth.”

The taskforce, chaired by the Mayor, has developed a Local Jobs Action Plan to:

  • Identify key employment priorities and local labour needs
  • Support and drive employment and training opportunities across Logan
  • Implement programs and solutions to address local workforce issues
  • Investigate improving the LoganJobs platform

The taskforce will continue to pursue Australian and Queensland Government funding to support its work.

Innovation Precinct for Logan

/in ,

An ambitious plan for Logan will aim to attract leading and start-up technology and research businesses.

Logan City Council will investigate establishing an ‘innovation precinct’ in Underwood and Slacks Creek to house a range of cutting-edge industries including:

  • Aeronautical engineering
  • Biotechnology industries
  • Medical laboratories
  • Computer component manufacturing
  • Computer server facilities
  • Energy industries

The proposed precinct, adjacent to the Logan and Kingston roads intersection, has proximity to the M1 and the South East Busway extension.

The area is already home to edu-tech giant Go1 – where, every three seconds, someone in the world accesses one of their online training programs – and Council’s coLab Growth Hub for emerging entrepreneurs.

Economic Development Chair, Councillor Jon Raven, said the precinct could launch a new era for City of Logan workers as many of the targeted industries offer high-end salaries and contract work.

“A precinct like this can become an employment powerhouse for our city, with every new high-value job in the city creating another five jobs to support it,” Cr Raven said.

The proposed precinct is the next step in an investment boom over the past five years in the City of Logan, mostly in traditional industries such as logistics and manufacturing.

Division 3 Councillor, Mindy Russell, said the facility would benefit residents and those from outside the area.

“It will provide high-paying employment opportunities close to home for those nearby, and new customers for existing businesses in the precinct,” Cr Russell said.

Council’s Digital Infrastructure Connectivity Program complements the plan.

The program was endorsed as a key priority in the City of Logan Advocacy Strategy 2021-2024.

New industries have also seen the benefit of being based in Logan.

They include drone delivery service Wing, BlockTexx, a clean technology company that recovers polyester and cellulose from textiles and clothing, and Imaging Solutions, which manufactures cutting edge radiation protection and other medical products.

City of Logan Economic Analysis 2020/2021

/in

Recent data releases for the 2020/2021 financial year are now available, showing Logan’s strong position emerging from the initial negative impacts of the pandemic. Data has been compiled from multiple sources, and more detail for most categories is available from economy.id. A pdf version of the headline data can be accessed by viewing the fact sheet.

Key Economic Indicators

Icon_coins and paper currency

$14.36b (+6.55%)

Gross Regional Product (GRP)

icon_Resume

117,248 (+3.5%)

Local Jobs

icon_female and male worker

164,481 (+2.5%)

Employed Residents

icon_a person holding a sign says "looking for work"

8.7% (+0.5%)

Unemployment
(Dec 20-Dec 21)

icon_Female and male

348,020 (+1.8%)

Estimated Resident Population (ERP)

icon_business front shop

23,409 (+4.5%)

Local Businesses

icon_dwelling

3,209 (+2.6%)

New Dwellings

icon_construction site front

129,711m² (+58%)

Gross Floor Area of non-residential Development Approvals

 

Gross Regional Product (GRP)

The City of Logan’s economy took a hit in 2019/2020 due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19, with a revised GRP of $13.39b and a growth rate of -0.79%. However in 2020/2021, the economy has surged back to growth posting the largest increase in GRP since 2007 at 6.55%. The City of Logan’s GRP was $14.364 as of 30 June 2021. The 5-year average in GRP growth is 3.45%.

For the same period of 2020/2021, the Gross State Product (GSP) for Queensland saw growth of 3.84%, which also marked a return to growth after -0.18% growth in 2019/2020.

Local Jobs

There were 117,248 jobs located in Logan City in the year ending June 2021. This represents a 3.53% increase from 113,249 jobs at June 2020.

The Construction industry is the highest employing industry in the City of Logan, with 20,191 jobs as at 30 June 2021. This is an increase of 1,254 jobs from 2019/2020.

Other top employing industries include:

  • Health Care and Social Assistance: 17,042 jobs (+1,191 from 2019/20)
  • Retail Trade: 14,544 jobs (+844 from 2019/20)
  • Education and Training: 11,593 jobs (+267 from 2019/20)

In combination these four industries accounted for 63,370 people in total or 54% of the local workers.

Other industries that saw positive jobs growth in the financial year include:

  • Transport, Postal and Warehousing: 5,732 jobs (+803 from 2019/20)
  • Wholesale Trade: 4,820 jobs (+576 from 2019/20)
  • Financial and Insurance Services: 2,074 jobs (+310 from 2019/20)

Industries that saw a reduction in total jobs in the city for the 2020/2021 financial year include:

  • Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (-704)
  • Accommodation and Food Services (-268)
  • Administrative and Support Services (-111)
  • Public Administration and Safety (-344)
  • Arts and Recreation Services (-24)
  • Repair and Maintenance (-449)

* Note:

  • jobs are not necessarily full-time and the value of a job varies across areas. For Full-time equivalent jobs see economy.id
  • Source: National Institute of Economic and Industry Research (NIEIR) 2021. More information is available at economy.id.com.au/logan

Graph showing Total Jobs by Industry for 2020/2021

Graph showing Total FTE Jobs by Industry for 2020/2021

Employed Residents

There were 164,481 City of Logan residents employed in the year ending June 2021. This represents a 2.47% increase from 160,510 residents employed at June 2020. Journey to work data will be published in the next data set with updated data from the 2021 Census – this will provide an overview of how many Logan residents are travelling outside the Local Government Area for work and who are working within the city.

Unemployment

In the 2021 June quarter, the unemployment rate in Logan City was 9.1%. This is significantly higher than 7.4% at June 2020.

Recently released Unemployment figures from the National Skills Commission for December 2021 quarter is 8.7%, which is down from 9.2% in the September 2021 quarter.

Note: The Department of Employment advise that highly disaggregated labour force and unemployment estimates at the LGA level can display significant variability and should be viewed with caution. The figures are smoothed using a four-quarter (annual) average to minimise the variability inherent in small area estimates.

Industry

In the City of Logan, Construction had the largest output by industry, generating $4.85 billion in 2020/21, an increase of $495 million from the revised 2019/20 figure of $4.35b.

Other top industries by output include:

  • Manufacturing: $3.35b (+$98m)
  • Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services: $2.12b (+24m)
  • Health Care and Social Assistance: 1.97b (+$159m)

Other industries with positive growth in the 2020/2021 financial year include:

  • Wholesale Trade: $1.66b (+$340m)
  • Retail Trade: $1.64b (+$168m)
  • Arts and Recreation Services (particularly Sports and Recreation Activities): $229m (+$40m)
  • Information Media and Telecommunications: $302m (+$36m)

Graph showing Output by Industry for 2020/2021

Source: National Institute of Economic and Industry Research (NIEIR) 2021. More information is available at economy.id.com.au/logan

Seven industries saw a reduction in output in the 12 months to June 2021:

  • Administrative and Support Services: $500.9m (-$40.7m)
  • Transport, Postal and Warehousing: $461m (-$36.3m)
  • Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing: $107.8m (-$27.1m)
  • Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services: $210.5m (-5.8m)
  • Public Administration and Safety: $556m (-3m)
  • Accommodation and Food Services: $243.2m (-0.6m)

Population

The Estimated Resident Population (ERP) for the City of Logan Local Government Area is 348,020 as at 30 June 2021. This represents a 1.8% increase from June 2020.

Top growth suburbs by population (SA2 – Statistical Areas Level 2)

  • Chambers Flat – Logan Reserve (12.1%)
  • Wolffdene – Bahrs Scrub (10%)
  • Boronia Heights – Park Ridge (8.1%)
  • Greenbank (7.9%)
  • Jimboomba (+4.9%)

Development Activity Highlights

  • Non-residential – There has been a continued increase of new non-residential development approvals in terms of approved Gross Floor Area (GFA m²) for 2020/2021 up 58% from 2019/2020.
  • Building approval increases have been driven by strong growth in Warehouse, Distribution and Logistics demand (almost 200,000m² new Gross Floor Area in 2020/2021).
  • Over 3,000 new dwellings have been added to the city’s housing stock (125,972 as at June 2021). Of these additional dwellings, the most popular dwelling type was a stand-alone house, followed by a house with a secondary dwelling/auxiliary unit.
  • Logan is on track to deliver our dwelling number targets that are set by the State Government’s SEQ Regional Plan. As at June 2021 we have 125,972 dwellings moving towards 198,670 by 2041.

Housing Data

City of Logan residential sales

2019/20202020/2021Change (value)Change (%)
House4,5636,2631,70037.3%
Unit/Townhouse7491,09434546.1%

Dwelling sales – Top 5 suburbs

SuburbFY 2019/2020FY 2020/2021Change (value)Change (%)
Rochedale South2032565326.1%
Marsden1632498652.8%
Shailer Park1762456939.2%
Crestmead1642377344.5%
Park Ridge1452318659.3%

Unit/Townhouse sales – Top 5 suburbs

Suburb2019/20202020/2021Change (value)Change ($)
Woodridge5614488157.1%
Eagleby798456.3%
Marsden47833676.6%
Beenleigh56792341.1%
Springwood45763168.9%

City of Logan median sale prices

2019/20202020/2021Change (value)Change (%)
House$430,000$449,980$19,9804.6%
Unit/Townhouse$240,000$230,500-$9,500-4.0%

Median sale prices of houses  – Top 5 growth suburbs

by percentage increase

Suburb2019/20202020/2021Change (value)Change (%)
Carbrook$825,000$1,200,000$375,00045.5%
Munruben$545,000$672,000$127,00023.3%
Windaroo$477,500$585,000$107,50022.5%
Woodhill$500,000$598,000$98,00019.6%
Tamborine$608,750$720,000$111,25018.3%

Median sale prices of units/townhouses  – Top 5 growth suburbs

by percentage increase

Suburb2019/20202020/2021Change (value)Change (%)
Marsden$250,000$335,000$85,00034%
Tanah Merah$233,500$310,000$76,50032.8%
Waterford$245,000$313,750$68,75028.1%
Underwood$306,500$345,000$38,50012.6%
Cornubia$297,150$325,000$27,8509.4%

City of Logan benefits from SEQ City Deal

/in , , ,

Improved transport connections and new community facilities are on the way for the City of Logan following the announcement yesterday of a $1.8 billion South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal.

Planning for priority transport and lifestyle projects will be kick-started through $78.46 million in funding, while more than $400 million in regional funding will be accessible for future infrastructure projects.

City of Logan Mayor Darren Power said the investment highlighted the crucial role Logan will play in the future prosperity of Queensland and Australia.

“Logan City Council was the first local government to formally approve our SEQ City Deal commitments, recognising the benefits coordinated investment would give our rapidly growing city,” Cr Power said.

“The initial investment will launch priority projects across the city, including initial investment of $46 million towards better transport connections into the Meadowbrook Health Precinct and planning on the Southern Gateway Corridor.

“This investment in Meadowbrook will improve the connection between major transport projects in the region, adding to the important works already underway in Meadowbrook, including the expansion of the hospital and the relocation of the Loganlea train station.

“The investment in a business case for the Southern Gateway Corridor will be the critical first step in opening the next section of employment land in the city, ensuring our region remains the best place to invest.”

Artists impression of a future Meadowbrook

The Australian Government, Queensland Government and Logan City Council will support the revitalisation of the Loganlea/Meadowbrook precinct through improved connectivity and mobility investments. Image: Artists impression of a future Meadowbrook 

Cr Power said Council’s community infrastructure would receive an investment of $32.46 million as part of the SEQ Liveability Fund.

“This means Council will be able to deliver improved community facilities such as pools, libraries, performing arts centres and sport centres to cater for our future community needs,” he said.

He said while it was disappointing that Logan missed out on an Olympic venue in the initial draft Master Plan for 2032, Council was actively working with the Queensland and Australian governments to capitalise on opportunities leading into the Olympics. This includes developing a Roadmap to 2032.

“The SEQ City Deal is a good start, and we look forward to progressing opportunities as our city continues to grow,” he said.

“As one of the fastest growing regions in the country, the City of Logan ticks so many boxes and we will continue to push our case to unlock the Olympic potential in our city.”

Cr Power said the City of Logan would benefit from a $20 million regional funding pool set aside for Green Urban Infrastructure – enabling Council to improve street scaping and boosting our green canopy to improve heat mitigation across the city.

The prioritisation of a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in the City of Logan as part of the Sub-Regional Waste Alliance with Redland City Council and Ipswich City Council is also underway

“We know our communities want a cleaner, greener environment and this combined approach will further the South East’s transformation to a more sustainable region,” Cr Power said.

The $150 million Innovation Economy Fund and $40 million Local Digital Priority Projects will be other key funding pools Council can access to support existing innovation initiatives and projects.

The SEQ City Deal also includes:

  • $5 million to jointly identify the infrastructure and land-use planning needed to keep pace with population growth
  • $2.1 million to improve transport and freight route planning and to identify priorities for infrastructure investment to increase service reliability and safety along critical routes such as the Mt Lindsay Highway
  • $40 million over the next five years towards delivering priority, on-ground works to improve the overall health and resilience of local rivers and waterways through the Council of Mayors (SEQ) Resilient Rivers initiative.

The SEQ City Deal is a 20-year partnership between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and 11 Councils, which make up the Council of Mayors (SEQ). It provides a shared commitment to transform SEQ and deliver region-shaping infrastructure.

The SEQ City Deal will deliver a significant foundation investment of more than $1.8 billion that will generate thousands of local jobs, boost digital and transport connectivity, enhance liveability and support one of the fastest growing regions in the country.

Calls for permanent Safe Crossing as Jimboomba trial ends

/in

The Jimboomba Safe Crossing Trial, a community project championed by Cr Scott Bannan, will close soon to allow construction to begin on the next stage of the widening of Mt Lindesay Highway.

Logan City Council’s Economic Development Chair, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven, said the Safe Crossing Trial, a priority project from the 2019 Jimboomba Summit, had helped re-connect the Jimboomba community.

“Keeping this community connected and safe is an important part of Council’s $2 million upgrade of the Jimboomba Town Centre,” Councillor Raven said.

“The local Councillor has gone above and beyond on this one to deliver an amazing temporary outcome, I just hope we can see a permanent solution as part of the highway upgrade.”

Cr Bannan said while it was disappointing that the trial had to end to allow the highway to be widened, high patronage of the temporary crossing over the last 12 months proved that a permanent safe crossing is needed.

“The local community really embraced the Safe Crossing Trial under Mount Lindesay Highway, which was made a priority project based on feedback from the Jimboomba Summit,” Cr Bannan said.

“There have been some days where more than 200 people have used the crossing and our statistics show the busiest times are weekday mornings and mid-afternoons, which is mostly schoolkids whose parents knew they could get across the highway safely.”

Cr Scott Bannan at the Safe Crossing with mural artists Paul Turnbull and Jay Christensen

Cr Scott Bannan at the Safe Crossing with mural artists Paul Turnbull and Jay Christensen

The Safe Crossing underpass, which utilised the former Beaudesert railway line, became even more popular last July when the walls of the rail tunnel were painted with murals featuring Jimboomba’s iconic kangaroos.

“The Safe Crossing went from a hidden secret to a bit of a tourist attraction,” Cr Bannan said.

The Safe Crossing will close to the public from 5pm on Monday, February 28. Access walkways at both ends will be dismantled.

Those who need to cross Mount Lindesay Highway after that date are strongly encouraged to use the signalised crossing at South Street.

The Department of Transport and Mains Road has announced construction will start soon for the widening of the highway between Johanna and South streets.

For more information on the TMR project, telephone 1800 290 568, email mountlindesay@tmr.qld.gov.au or go to their website

Beenleigh Town Centre receives a new streetscape upgrade

/in

One of Logan’s oldest city centres has been given a new lease of life thanks to a rejuvenating and revitalising upgrade by Logan City Council.

The works are part of the $5 million Beenleigh Implementation Plan, which has delivered on key outcomes from the Council-hosted 2017 Beenleigh Summit.

The upgrade includes streetscaping improvements, new garden beds and trees, creative lighting and custom-designed directional signs.

It also includes urban artworks featuring designs of local artists.

They include award-winning Mary Barron, Kyra Mancktelow, Madhu Khanna and June Hintz.

The artists’ colourful designs, some featuring indigenous themes, have been painted on laneways, footpaths and traffic calming devices. They were also integrated into new shade discs on John Lane and City Road.

It is also hoped that new wider footpaths will encourage local businesses to take advantage of Council’s footpath dining incentive fund.

Economic Development Chair, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven, said Council had worked closely with the local community and businesses to ensure the city centre was more accessible and vibrant.

“This investment in Beenleigh will help unlock the enormous economic potential of this area,” Councillor Raven said.

“We want the Town Square and nearby streets to be inviting for day and night activities, encouraging more people to visit, shop and work in Beenleigh.”

The urban art complements, and is an extension of, the new innovative art-inspired shade solution in Beenleigh Town Square.

Shade is created by 457 circular aluminium discs that feature laser-cut designs from Madhu and June. The artwork becomes a colourful light show at night.

The artworks also sit well with the eye-catching giant wall murals on the recently opened multi-storey development The York, which overlooks the Town Square.

Other upgrade works completed across the Beenleigh city centre include a large electronic screen in the Town Square, the installation of free-wi-fi and the first stage of a new smart parking trial which provides real-time updates on the availability of parking bays on key streets.

Division 12 Councillor Karen Murphy said completion of the upgrade was the start of an exciting new era for Beenleigh.

“Beenleigh is open for business, and I look forward to local residents and visitors flocking to the area to support the retailers and enjoy all the new facilities and amenities,” Cr Murphy said.

Some of the upgrades were co-funded from the Queensland Government’s Unite and Recover Funding program, which aims to help kickstart the local economy after the setbacks of the pandemic in the last two years.

The Member for Macalister, Melissa McMahon MP, said the local community can be proud of Beenleigh’s new look.

“Beenleigh is buzzing again, and I encourage everyone to visit and enjoy our new-look city centre and support our local businesses,” Ms McMahon said.

Lime Cordiale ready to rock Logan

/in ,

ARIA award-winning band Lime Cordiale today toured the new Kingston Butter Factory (KBF) Cultural Precinct with City of Logan Mayor Darren Power ahead of their scheduled concert on Sunday, May 8.

Their show on KBF’s new outdoor stage is part of band founders Oli and Louis Leimbach’s annual travelling festival The Squeeze.

Along with Lime Cordiale, the line-up will include Thelma Plum, Client Liaison, The VANNS, Teenage Dads and Merci, Mercy.

Logan City Council is in the final stages of transforming the historic KBF into a world-class community precinct for arts, culture and entertainment.

Louis and Oli Leimbach from Lime Cordiale with Coouncillors Hall, Koranski, Russell and Mayor Power

Councillor Hall, Councillor Koranski, Louis and Oli Leimbach from Lime Cordiale, Mayor Power, and Councillor Mindy Russell

Mayor Darren Power said he was thrilled to welcome the band to KBF and the city.

“It will be wonderful to have them take to the KBF stage and fire up this new facility,” he said.

“We look forward to attracting many artists of this calibre to KBF as this new venue starts its journey in the coming months.”

City Lifestyle Chair, Councillor Laurie Koranski, said the KBF would become a live music and cultural icon, attracting visitors from outside the city.

“KBF will transform the way our growing city entertains its community and we also look forward to welcoming visitors from Brisbane, Ipswich and the Gold Coast,” Cr Koranski said.

“We are delighted to announce Lime Cordiale will be playing at the new precinct and look forward to many more exciting announcements”.

Oli Leimbach from Lime Cordiale said it was ‘crazy to think how The Squeeze has grown from an indoor event to a major outdoor national festival for its third year.

“After the industry has been hit so hard it’s a great feeling to know that we’re pulling this off,” he said.

Tickets for the City of Logan concert are available now from Logan Arts.

Healthy Street is perfect tonic for hospital precinct

/in ,

Loganlea Road at Meadowbrook has never looked better.

That’s due to the competition of Stage 1 of Logan City Council’s Loganlea Road Healthy Street project.

The project, which included $2.4 million from the Queensland Government’s Unite and Recover Fund, has created safer and improved pedestrian and cycling connections as part of Council’s vision for the suburb to become a major health and well-being precinct.

It also better connects Logan Hospital to proposed medical facilities and the Meadowbrook Shopping Centre on the other side the road.

Upgrades to Loganlea Road include a new off-street shared pathway on both sides of the road, landscaping works, shade structures and a new signalised pedestrian crossing.

Street lighting has been improved and new 24/7 safety cameras are now operating across the precinct.

Economic Development Chair, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven, said the project is the first capital works to be completed through Council’s $5 million Meadowbrook Implementation Fund.

It has been delivered in conjunction with the Council-led Meadowbrook Partnership Group.

“This project is another example of Council enhancing public spaces for benefit of residents and visitors to our city,” Cr Raven said.

“Meadowbrook is well on the way to becoming a major health hub and these upgrades make it easier and safer for everyone to access the Logan hospital and other nearby health services.”

The project includes artwork along the Loganlea Road footpaths and other parts of the precinct. The art is in the form of installations, shelters and murals painted on the footpath.

Some designs were laser cut into double-sided, brightly coloured aluminium circular discs, which have been positioned along pedestrian thoroughfares.

Streetscape upgrades along Loganlea Road

works include shade structures and a new pedestrian crossing linking the hospital to the retail precinct

City of Logan artists who attended today’s opening of the Healthy Street project included Vikki Kinderman, Evangeline Goodfellow, Rachel Lee, Missy Knox, Therese Flynn-Clarke and Chloe Wigg.

Many of the artists have exhibited in Logan Art Gallery and some have artwork and street art along pathways and other locations across the city.

Division 6 Councillor Tony Hall said the new eye-catching artwork and extensive landscaping are a welcome addition to the Meadowbrook health hub.

“While the safety and access upgrades will be welcomed by those who visit the hospital and other health services in Meadowbrook, the addition of art and place-making improvements is also important for those who live, shop and work in the suburb,” Cr Hall said.

Loganlea Road as seen from the sky by drone

Loganlea Road as seen from above

The project also received funding from the Queensland Government’s Cycle Network Local Government Grant (CNLGG) program.

Stage 2 of the project is expected to include the design and construction of an extension of the shared pathway on the eastern side of Loganlea Road to connect with Armstrong Road.

It will include a new pedestrian bridge to provide safe access to the proposed relocated Loganlea train station.

Spirits of the Red Sand wins Gold at Tourism Awards

/in , ,

Beenleigh-based Spirits of the Red Sand has won gold for Best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism experience at the 2021 Queensland Tourism Awards, in recognition of their outstanding achievements and resilience over the past two challenging years.

Spirits of the Red Sand is a relatively new addition to the tourism offerings in Queensland, however that is not stopping them from punching above their weight to win Gold for Best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism experience among 81 awards presented.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind said the “36th annual Queensland Tourism Awards was a celebration of the outstanding success and resilience that tourism operators displayed across the state and also offered a timely platform to showcase Queensland’s iconic Indigenous tourism experiences.”

Cultural Elder & Co-founder, Eddie Ruska was in attendance and accepted the award with his daughters, Leanne Ruska, Executive Chef and Michelle Thomson, Cultural Manager.  Eddie reminded us that the experience brings healing, which is key to creating stronger connections and breaking down barriers.  You can view their acceptance speech here.

CEO and Co-founder, Mike Tamaki, and founder of Tamaki Maori Village in New Zealand, the most awarded cultural attraction in New Zealand, believes that the post-pandemic traveller is seeking a deeper experience with our Indigenous people and their stories.  “This award symbolises recognition by the industry for the unique delivery of history through storytelling.  It truly does open your eyes to the history, beauty and vibrancy of the Aboriginal people.”

Indigenous man and woman looking at fire

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk congratulated all award winners and thanked tourism operators statewide for their hard work and resilience throughout the pandemic.

Spirits of the Red Sand was awarded bronze at the 2019 Queensland Tourism Awards, the last awards to take place due to COVID, so this milestone and recognition of their commitment and efforts has even more significance.  Head of Marketing & Business Management, Kerryn Collins said “This award is in honour of our team that brings their passion for sharing 60,000 years of culture in a meaningful way, consistently demonstrating their warmth and knowledge. It is also in honour of our guests who pay us the highest compliment through experiencing what Spirits of the Red Sand offers.”

This is a big accomplishment for Spirits of the Red Sand, and one they are not taking lightly. Plans are already underway for upgraded and enhanced sound and lighting facilities, a recording studio to create music tracks as part of a new retail gift gallery featuring 100% authentic indigenous art and crafts. New signage and new experiences are also underway with a focus on creating new food tours that incorporate their extensive bush tucker garden.