The rejuvenation of Weinam Creek is set to create more than 700 jobs and generate almost $30 million for the local economy after the State Government gave the project’s exciting Master Plan the green light.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Economic Development Queensland’s approval of the Weinam Creek Master Plan was great news for the local community and economy.
“This is a red letter day for Redlands Coast, in particular the southern part of our city and bay islands, with this project set to deliver much-needed transport upgrades, community services and jobs,” Cr Williams said.
“A partnership between Redland City Council, Economic Development Queensland and Redland Investment Corporation, this project will transform Redland Bay into a vibrant waterfront precinct with restaurants, cafes, a supermarket, more parking, new walkways and more open space.
“When I am out and about in the south of the city, the community tell me how keen they are to see this project progress and the approval of the Master Plan is an exciting milestone that brings it another step closer.”
Cr Williams said thanks to collaboration between Council and the State Government, the project would also include a new satellite hospital.
“Council and the State Government negotiated a land swap that saw land at the ferry terminal transferred to Council, which will now form part of the Weinam Creek upgrade,” Cr Williams said.
“In exchange Council land on Meissner Street was transferred to Queensland Health to use for their satellite hospital, which is great news for our ageing community.”
Member for Redlands Kim Richards said the land swap was a good outcome and a key milestone in the State Government’s commitment to deliver a local satellite hospital.
“Our satellite hospital at Meissner Street in Redland Bay will deliver essential services for Queenslanders in our rapidly growing community,” Ms Richards said.
“The Satellite Hospitals Program will also support up to 773 jobs during construction, critical for our economic recovery.”
Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards welcomed the land swap and said it would bring important health services to the area while helping to progress Council’s vision for Weinam Creek.
“It’s good to see that collaboration across the different levels of government has resulted in such a great outcome for the community,” he said.
“The redevelopment of this area is expected to create 102 direct and indirect construction jobs, 699 operational jobs, and inject more than $29 million into the local economy.
“Stage 1 delivered more than 500 new parking spaces at Moores Road, new pathways, and a footbridge; with the next stages to include better connectivity to the marina, lighting and pedestrian upgrades along Banana and Meissner streets, and open space and park upgrades.”
The Weinam Creek Master Plan was approved by the Minister for State Development and it can be viewed on the Queensland Government website.
