Logan leads the way with Olympic legacy vision

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The City of Logan has doubled down on a bold bid to become a South East Queensland destination of choice.

Logan City Council’s 2023-2028 Destination Management Plan, charts a new course for the city as a leader in sustainable nature-based encounters, sporting and cultural events and entertainment experiences.

The plan will work in tandem with Council’s 2032 City of Logan Legacy Roadmap – an exciting new vision to capitalise on economic, cultural and social development opportunities ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and beyond.

The ‘Roadmap’ – will guide the planning of the recently announced indoor sporting venue in Logan Central, as Council and the Queensland Government develop a business case for the multi-purpose facility.

It will also underpin future Council actions to advocate for vital transport and community infrastructure across the city, with improvements to supporting telecommunications systems and upgrades to the nearby Woodridge train station high on Council’s agenda.

Mayor Darren Power said the City of Logan was already a key logistics and workforce hub between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. It is also home to 234 different cultures.

“Our diverse city has enormous natural and cultural advantages as a commercial, tourism and culinary destination and this profile is certain to grow as the Olympic and Paralympic Games approach,” Cr Power said.

“With so many different cultures already calling our city home, Logan will be a ‘must-do’ destination for the many visitors we can expect in the lead-up to, and during the Games.”

Key actions within Council’s 2023-2028 Destination Management Plan include:

  • Encouraging the development of more high-quality, short-term accommodation
  • Expanding the city’s night-time economy, and enhancing the offerings of key food and cultural tourism precincts
  • Backing local businesses to support the growth of an active and engaged, trade-ready industry
  • Delivering and opening the new Riverine Discovery Centre at Eagleby (slated for completion in mid-2024)

The plan will also work to increase visitor spend and stay within the City of Logan and develop a calendar of destination-based events to increase visitor demand.

Economic Development Chair Councillor Jon Raven said small steps taken now were critical to delivering long-term, city-wide benefits for residents and businesses.

“The next decade and beyond is our once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive and deliver the infrastructure, employment and lifestyle opportunities that will help our city thrive,” Cr Raven said.

“Reaching those goals off the back of the Olympics and Paralympics will require bold decisions by this and future Councils, but the benefits for City of Logan families and businesses will be enormous.”

The community will be invited to have their say on Council’s 2032 City of Logan Legacy Roadmap in the coming months.

Details will be available soon on Council’s Have Your Say website: haveyoursaylogan.com.au

Greater health care on horizon

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A new milestone has been reached in the treatment plan for the City of Logan’s growing Meadowbrook Health, Knowledge and Wellbeing precinct.

Construction on the next health facility for the area started today, as the sod was turned at the site of the new Meadowbrook Health Centre on Nestor Drive.

The facility, slated for completion in 2024, will include public and private health services in a bid to address growing demand in the city.

A new Logan Urgent and Specialist Care Centre (LUSCC) – catering to minor injury and illness – will operate from the facility alongside a dedicated women’s health service run by Logan Hospital.

The Australian Government will provide $33.4 million through its Community Health and Hospitals Program for the LUSCC, which will be operated by Metro South Health.

The Meadowbrook Health Centre is being delivered by Office Park Developments (OPD).

It will facilitate a day hospital including multiple operating theatres, oncology services, private practice suites and specialist medical services, with expressions of interest for future tenants now open.

Mayor Darren Power said every step taken to improve local health services was worthy of celebration.

“I am thrilled to be breaking ground on this latest health offering for Meadowbrook, which puts us closer to realising Council’s long-term vision for a holistic health precinct,” Cr Power said.

“Council is passionate about seeing better health investment in our city, which is why I continue to advocate for closer collaboration between ourselves, the Australian and Queensland Governments and the private sector.

“This project is a prime example of what can be achieved when we put people first, and work to deliver the health services that will help our community thrive.”

Federal Treasurer and Member for Rankin Jim Chalmers said the project is a ‘gamechanger for our local area’.

“It means better healthcare, quicker and closer to home for thousands of people in our community,” The Treasurer said.

“The people of Logan and surrounding areas deserve the same access to timely, high quality care that’s available in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne and through this project, we’re helping to deliver it.

“To keep pace with demand, we need to invest in new infrastructure.

“This new centre will ease pressure on the emergency department at Logan Hospital and (given the specialist services that will be offered), it will give women in our community easier access to quality care.”

Dignitaries pick up shovels for the Meadowbrook health facility sod turn

Division 6 Councillor Tony Hall, Federal Member for Forde Bert Van Manen, Mayor Darren Power, Federal Member for Rankin and Treasurer Jim Chalmers, State Member for Springwood Mick de Brenni, Division 5 Councillor and Economic Development Chair Jon Raven, and Director of Health Developments Corporation Dr Evan Jones

The Minister for Public Works and Procurement and Member for Springwood Mick de Brenni said boosting local capacity with this initiative shows how the Queensland and Australian Governments are delivering equitable healthcare for all.

“This new service will make the world of difference to local families and help ease the pressure on the Logan Hospital emergency department, one of the busiest in the state, the Minister said.

“Local families deserve the highest standard of care, which is why the Palaszczuk Government is investing more than $1 billion in expanding Logan Hospital, as part of this major health precinct.”

Construction of the Meadowbrook Health Centre follows the opening of the nearby Meadowbrook Medical Centre on Logandowns Drive in 2021, which provides services including GP visits and immunisation and is partially occupied by UQ Health.

Logan City Council is also assessing a development application by Australian Unity for a private hospital opposite the Logan Hospital on Loganlea Road, which would provide up to 90 inpatient beds.

If approved, construction of the $150 million facility could commence later this year.

Logan City Council works to improve pedestrian access through Meadowbrook are complementing and connecting the expanding number of health services in the area.

Stage 1 of Council’s $5.4 million Loganlea Road Healthy Street project, funded through Council’s Meadowbrook Implementation Fund, included a new off-street shared pathway, shade structures, public art, landscaping and a signalised pedestrian crossing between Logan Hospital and Meadowbrook Shopping Centre.

The project received $2.4 million from the Queensland Government’s Unite and Recover Fund.

Loganlea and Meadowbrook were also allocated $45m for movement and accessibility investments as part of the SEQ City Deal struck between the local, state and federal governments in March 2022.

Projects associated with this funding are likely to commence this year.

ADDITIONAL QUOTES

Economic Development Chair Councillor Jon Raven said Council was eager to see high quality health developments in Meadowbrook that address gaps in local healthcare.

“Council wants to attract the right health care providers for our city and developments like this provide great opportunities to improve services for our community,” Cr Raven said.

“We expect to see more than 30,000 square metres of health services delivered across the City of Logan over the next three years, and this is another important step in that direction.”

Division 6 Councillor Tony Hall said Council would continue to seek more high quality, accessible healthcare options for local families.

“The more our community grows, the more important it is to have health services on our doorstep,” Cr Hall said.

“I am pleased to see Council’s vision of a strong health and wellness precinct for our city continue to grow.”

OPD Director Bill Henderson said the project was a great outcome for local people.

“We also look forward to engaging with the public and private health sectors (and) bringing additional services into the building,” Mr Henderson said.

“I have no doubt that this facility will indeed help close any gaps in health that currently exist across the Logan area.”

Champions of diverse development

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Word is spreading about unprecedented growth across the City of Logan and now others want to know the secrets behind the success.

Property Council of Australia invited Mayor Darren Power and Logan City Council’s Director of Growth, Economy and Sustainability, David Hansen, to take centre stage at their ‘Spotlight on SEQ’ breakfast at South Bank today.

Deputy Mayor Natalie Willcocks and fellow Councillors Jon Raven, Karen Murphy and Miriam Stemp were also in the packed audience.

The Mayor and Mr Hansen talked up new health, innovation and commercial opportunities, as well as highlighting that Logan was well above Queensland Government mandated urban housing targets.

The Mayor also called on more assistance from the Queensland Government in the next version of the SEQ Regional Plan, as significant growth puts pressure on councils across the region.

He added that social infrastructure such as healthcare facilities and libraries, were essential for making those areas attractive for young people.

“We need some assistance from the state,” he said.

“There has to be some compensation to councils like Ipswich, Moreton and Logan.

“If we are carrying the load and doing the heavy lifting, you must put that social infrastructure into cities like ours to make sure its attractive for people to relocate.”

City of Logan Mayor Darren Power speaks at the Spotlight on SEQ Breakfast

The population in Logan is set to double by 2036, and attendees at the breakfast learned how Council would harness the opportunities presented by that extraordinary growth.

Those opportunities will be further boosted by the City of Logan securing a potential competition or training venue for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Mr Hansen highlighted exciting changes in the city’s healthcare and innovation sectors, which are attracting major firms.

Multiple private hospitals, acute care and specialist medical facilities are being built in Meadowbrook and Springwood to alleviate health service demands, particularly at Logan Hospital.

Meadowbrook is fast becoming a major health and wellbeing precinct.

Down the road, an innovation precinct at the border of Underwood and Slacks Creek will host a range of cutting-edge industries.

It is already home to Go1, an internally electronic education hub where, every three seconds, someone in the world accesses an online training program.

Logan City Council’s Director of Growth, Economy and Sustainability, David Hansen, and Mayor Darren Power

Logan City Council’s Director of Growth, Economy and Sustainability, David Hansen, and Mayor Darren Power

 

$6 million brewery coming to Logan

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Distillery Road Market (DRM) in Eagleby has revealed its brand new anchor tenant this month – Perentie Brewing Co. – a bespoke $6 million-dollar, 1 million litre, architect designed brewery specialising in independently crafted Lager beers, opening mid-2023.

Born from a passion for sessionable beers with a uniquely Australian flavour, Perentie Brewing Co. is helmed by Kenton Campbell, founder of Zarraffa’s Coffee and Tonken Property Group, (the developer behind DRM), with the support and guidance of renowned Burleigh Brewing’s Master Brewer and Founder, Brennan Fielding.

Taking shape inside DRM’s 17,000 square metre precinct in the heart of South East Queensland, in Eagleby, Perentie Brewing Co. will feature a purpose-built brewery and taphouse specialising in authentic Lager beers.

An idea conceived over 15 months ago and progressed during COVID, Mr Campbell’s vision was to create a beer house honouring the traditional German Lager brewing process; to produce a crisp, clean Lager beer with an unmistakably Australian taste.

Kenton Campbell at Distillery Road Market

“In 2015 when I acquired the DRM site, I had a vision to build a bespoke brewery housed in its heart that had the ability to serve up a sessionable craft Lager beer experience, which in my opinion is the heart and soul of beer,” Mr Campbell said. Utilising classic German lager brewing techniques and authentic German yeast and hops, Perentie Brewing Co. will have the capacity to brew up to 1 million litres.

“Launching Distillery Road Market was a dream come true for me, and now to be able to bring Perentie Brewing Co. to fruition with the support of Burleigh Brewing is simply incredible,” Mr Campbell said.

Perentie Brewing Co. is set to open to the public mid-2023 at Distillery Road Market, 124 Distillery Rd Eagleby QLD 4207.

Logan set to be home to Australia’s largest indoor play centre, plus new night markets

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Area 51 is an exciting new indoor Adventureland, with a 300-seat café and 10 party rooms, located at Underwood in Brisbane. The centre is currently under construction and when completed will be the largest indoor, fully air-conditioned play centre in Australia covering 7,200 sqm.

The facility will include a multi-level soft playground, ninja course, toddler zone, climbing arena, high ropes, trampoline, air coaster, multi sports court and sensory room. Area 51 will also host education classes for children over 6 years, including ballet, yoga, karate, zumba and cooking classes.

The idea for the Adventureland came from entrepreneur and restaurant owner Jason Wang, who has 2 young boys and wanted to get them out of the house and active.

Aerial image of Area 51 at Underwood

Area 51 is on Kingston Road at Underwood

Owner Jason Wang said the Underwood site was an appealing location for them due to its proximity to major residential areas including Springwood, Underwood and Sunnybank. Jason said Logan Office of Economic Development (LOED) staff made him aware of the former Bunnings site and facilitated many introductions, and the name Area 51 was derived from the address (51 Kingston Road). Council support and the Investment Attraction Incentive Fund (IAIF) were key determinants in final selection of the site.

Timeline of activities

  • March 2020 – Ex-Bunnings site came on to the market via Savills
  • November 2020 – Kassim Investments purchased the site and retained Savills as leasing agent
  • October 2021 – LOED / Council staff introduce the property to Jason Wang
  • December 2021 – LOED refer Mr Wang to Savills to proceed
  • January 2022 – Discussions regarding Investment Attraction Incentive Fund commence
  • February 2022 – Application for IAIF submitted

Area 51 is predicting 70 ongoing jobs as part of operations, equivalent to 20 FTE’s.

The Underwood site also hosted the 2022 Brisbane Chinese Festival earlier this month, and there are plans for a 3,500 sqm Asian night market on the site of the former Bunnings nursery.

Concept plans for a Asian night market at Area 51

Concept plans for a Asian night market at Area 51

“After speaking to my friends in Sunnybank, about the lack of places to go at night and tough conditions for small food businesses, I wanted to create a communal space where food vendors didn’t have to commit to restrictive leases, and could sell their products in a market on a nightly basis” said Mr Wang.

Developments like Area 51 will help drive visitors to Logan and drive the night-time economy.

Area 51 at Underwood opens on Friday 8 July.

Visit our incentives page for more information on the Investment Attraction Incentive Fund and other incentives to invest in the City of Logan

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Underwood Bunnings store converted into country’s largest indoor family entertainment centre – Courier Mail (paywalled)

 

New private hospital planned for Meadowbrook

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A private hospital and health hub development being assessed by Logan City Council could help alleviate health service demands in the city.

Australian Unity has lodged an application for a $150 million facility to help meet the demands for medical and surgical services in one of South-East Queensland’s fastest growing health precincts.

The first stage of the proposed Meadowbrook development will deliver up to 90 inpatient beds, nine operating theatres, 60 specialist consulting suites, an onsite pathology laboratory and diagnostic imaging centre.

It will sit opposite Logan Hospital and is well connected to public transport services.

If approved, construction could begin in early 2023.

Meadowbrook will become a major health and wellbeing precinct, with recent Council upgrades improving pedestrian access to vital services.

View the transcript for this video

Mayor Darren Power welcomed the project application as Council continues to drive private health investment in the city.

“The Australian Unity Private Hospital lodgement aligns with Council’s vision for the Meadowbrook health and wellbeing precinct and will help address the huge demand for health services in our city,” Cr Power said.

“A new private hospital will attract doctors, nurses, specialists and health operators while also creating new local jobs.

“While the development application still requires approval, Council welcomes this project and other health investments proposed for the City of Logan.”

Australian Unity’s General Manager of Health Care Property, Chris Smith, said the facility would deliver critical services to the local community.

“Australian Unity is delighted to be leading the delivery of this high-quality asset, which will improve health outcomes and provide long-term income and capital growth for our investors,” he said.

“It builds on our well-established track record as one of Queensland’s most trusted private healthcare developer-managers.”

More than 30,000 square metres of private health and medical services are expected to be delivered across the city in the next 12 months to three years.

Artists render of planned Meadowbrook Private Hospital

Artists render of planned Meadowbrook Private Hospital

Council has a history of campaigning for more medical services in the city.

In 2018, Council commissioned research to identify medical development and investment opportunities in the city.

“The research analysed current and future demand for health services, identified service delivery gaps and explored investment drivers in health services,” Cr Power said.

Earlier this year, Cr Power called on the Queensland Government to work with the private sector to ease the burden on Logan Hospital and state health services.

City of Logan Mayor calls for new health investment

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City of Logan Mayor Darren Power today called on the Queensland Government to work with the private health sector to help ease the burden on Logan Hospital and state health services.

Speaking at a public hearing at Queensland’s Parliament House, Cr Power said options such as subcontracting Queensland Health services to private industry would benefit Logan residents and help attract medical and health investment to the city.

Cr Power said the trial of a similar model in Brisbane’s north was working well and the time was right to implement something similar in Logan to help ease high demand for health care in the city.

“Council has proactively researched the demand for health services in Logan, and private-public partnerships is the best solution to filling current and future gaps in service delivery,” Cr Power said.

“This could be done through private health developments or real estate investment trusts building private health facilities that Queensland Health could potentially lease.

“Another option is subcontracting elective surgery to the private sector.

“Facilities such as day surgeries are currently being developed in Logan, and our proposed arrangements could potentially draw more investment.

“With our population booming and demand on health services increasing, these are practical measures that will create beds, reduce waiting times and provide better access to health care. Without private-public partnerships, the gaps in health care services will get worse.”

Queensland Health’s Metro North region has rolled out the Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) hospital project while, the new Mater Health Services project in Springfield will deliver a 174-bed hospital to the satellite city.

With the private health industry already poised to invest heavily in Logan, Cr Power said now is the perfect opportunity to develop private-public partnerships in our region.

More than 30,000 square metres of private health, medical and related services are expected to be delivered across the city in the short to medium-term.

This includes new clinics for specialist services now under construction in Council’s dedicated health and well-being precinct across the road from Logan Hospital in Meadowbrook.

Logan Hospital at Meadowbrook

“The Government simply can’t afford to ignore the opportunities private-public partnerships present for improving health care for our region,” Cr Power said.

“Our success in attracting this health and medical investment did not happen by accident.

“Logan City Council has been proactive in investigating the health sector in Logan, and our economic development team has used this research to approach industry and bring in investment.”

The public hearing was held as part of the Health and Environment Committee’s Inquiry into the provision of primary, allied and private health care, aged care and NDIS care services and its impact on the Queensland public health system.

Top planning awards for City of Logan projects

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Logan City Council projects have picked up top planning awards in 2021, with The Logan Village Place to Play project winning the Planning Institute of Australia Queensland 2021 Overall Winner Award.

Council officers receiving award from Phil Heywood, Queensland Past President and First Awards Convenor

Planning Institute of Australia Queensland 2021 Awards for Planning Excellence

The Logan Village Place to play project won the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) QLD 2021 – Stakeholder Engagement Award and was also the recipient of the overall 2021 project winner award.

The overall project award is a particularly distinguished award, as it is deemed the best project of all other winners across all categories by the panel of judges.

The citation acknowledged that the Logan Village Place to Play initiative displayed the very best in Queensland planning: best-practice approaches and methods, excellence within practices of the discipline (stakeholder engagement and urban design), and excellence in demonstrating the role, values, and importance of planning for people’s lives.

The judging panel also commended the engagement with children and young people, whilst also including parents, residents, and others in the co-design process, which generated a great design, increased care for and community ownership of the playground and better outcomes for the village.

The City of Logan Climate Change Resilience Framework won a commendation in the Climate Change & Resilience category.

Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) National Landscape Architecture Awards 2021

The Logan Central Civic and Community Precinct Plan won a National and Chapter award for Urban Design at the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Awards 2021.

The judge’s citation acknowledges the best practice work undertaken as part of the plan, noting that Council undertook in-depth research and engagement with the community, outlined key strategies for place activation, promotes sustainability, and created green network and nurturing social well being. It is noted that the plan sets up clear and achievable goals, providing guidance for future staging and prioritising projects.

The excellent work undertaken by Council’s Place Management team, with engagement across multiple sections of the organisation, has resulted in a recognition of the work that is being delivered for the community at a National level.

Artists render of a future Logan Central community area

These prestigious awards are a recognition of the achievement of Council staff and the partnering consultants involved in each of these projects.  The positive impacts of these projects will contribute to achieving Council’s Corporate Plan Priorities.

Iconic Logan manufacturer steel themselves for future growth

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Beenleigh Steel Fabrications will soon expand to a new $4.2 million facility, with works underway at a greenfield site in Berrinba.

Treasurer and Minister for Investment Cameron Dick said construction of the new workspace reinforces Beenleigh Steel Fabrications’ commitment to Logan and employment in the city.

“This new $4.2 million manufacturing facility will double Beenleigh Steel Fabrications’ floorspace and production capacity,” Mr Dick said.

“Most importantly, this means more local jobs, with at least 59 new jobs set to be created with BSF over the next five years.

“Beenleigh Steel Fabrications have been helping build our state for more than four decades, and our government is proud to support this expansion to fuel the company’s next 40 years and beyond.

“BSF steel is at the core of new developments like Queen’s Wharf and Cross River Rail, and legendary local structures such as the Gabba and North Queensland Stadium.

“This is another great project that will contribute to Queensland’s Economic Recovery Plan as we keep battling the impacts of COVID-19,” he said.

“It also shows the investment confidence businesses have in our state and the City of Logan as we work towards hosting the 2032 Olympic Games.”

BSF Director Frank Boyes, federal Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick, Logan Deputy Mayor Jon Raven & BSF Director Anthony Stoeckert turning sod

BSF Director Frank Boyes, federal Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick, Logan Deputy Mayor Jon Raven & BSF Director Anthony Stoeckert turning sod

BSF has been operating in Crestmead since 1980, carving out a strong market niche in architectural steel fabrications for large-scale projects Australia-wide.

They supply into projects ranging from stadiums, bridges and hospitals to army barracks, multi-level carparks and rail stations.

Beenleigh Steel Fabrication Director Anthony Stoeckert said construction will soon begin ramping up and is expected to take six months to complete.

“We’re very excited about our future and that of the Logan area,” Mr Stoeckert said.

“Our expansion will create job opportunities for up to eight apprentices and trainees per year in boilermaking, rigging, dogging, machine operation and computer skills.

“We are keen to find local Logan people to take up these opportunities and to be a part of growing our city.”

Federal Member for Rankin Jim Chalmers and Logan Deputy Mayor Jon Raven also attended today’s ceremonial sod turn, alongside the Treasurer and BSF representatives.

 

Construction commences on $30 million Springwood Health Hub

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Work has commenced on the new $30 million Springwood Health Hub, following a sod turning ceremony this week hosted by developer Rogerscorp, with attendance including project builder Niclin, City of Logan Mayor Darren Power, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven, and Division 1 Councillor Lisa Bradley.

The development is now on its way to making a difference throughout the Logan region by providing patient-centred care within the 7 storey state of the art, purpose-built health facility.

Rogerscorp’s Director, Simon Rogers said “The decision for Rogerscorp to embark on this project was driven by demand and data. With over 74% of residents needing to leave Logan for their health care needs.”

“Easily accessible off the M1, the site sits proud and visible. We worked with an award-winning architect to ensure we could deliver a prestigious building that people want to work from and visit.”

“We are in discussion with many tenants including IVF, cancer care and allied health operators, and already have commitment from a twin theatre gastro centre who will occupy the majority of the top floor.”

“In addition we have commitments from iMed Radiology, incorporating an MRI machine, as well as Myhealth GP Clinic.”

“We look forward to working alongside our tenants in delivering a brilliant space for them to operate from, and assisting where we can to ensure their business is a great success.”

Mr Rogers also praised the relationship with Council and the development application process.

“Logan City Council have been tremendous to work with throughout the planning and development approval process, and it is great to see such a pro-active council that is certainly stimulating business interest, and working hard to showcase the great benefits that Logan has to offer.” he said.

Artist render of Springwood Health Hub

Artist render of Springwood Health Hub

City of Logan Mayor, Darren Power said “Rogerscorp’s Springwood Health Hub would be a game changer for health facilities in the city.”

“Our city is experiencing growth like never before. With this growth comes the need for more health services.”

“Springwood Health Hub is not only an investment in our city but the health of our residents.”

“This state-of-art health hub will mean City of Logan residents have access to a range of medical services here in their own backyard,” Mayor Power said.

Niclin Group’s Managing Director, Nick Cave said “The project will create up to 1500 direct and indirect jobs.”

“We look forward to being a part of a project that will further strengthen the health services for the Logan area.” he said.

The Springwood Health Hub joins an increasing list of health and medical investments in the city, which include:

Logan City Council and Logan Office of Economic Development commissioned research in 2018 to identify the health and medical development and investment opportunities in the Logan Local Government Area. Based on evidence driven data, the research completed provided an understanding of the current and future health demand to identify gaps (existing and future) and direct investment attraction activities using key investment drivers. Springwood was identified as a potential location for health & medical investment, and the Springwood Health Hub will be a welcome addition to the area serving as a catalyst for jobs and providing easier access to specialty health and well-being facilities.

For leasing enquiries and more information on the project, please visit the Springwood Health Hub website.