Economic Development Queensland (EDQ)

[ozbob]

http://www.dilgp.qld.gov.au/edq/economic-development.html

Economic Development Queensland

Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) is a specialist land use planning and property development unit within the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning. EDQ engages with state and local government, the development industry and the public to identify, plan, facilitate and deliver property development and infrastructure projects to create prosperous, liveable and connected communities.

EDQ drives a range of development projects including large complex urban sites which facilitate renewal, regional residential projects which respond to community need, industrial activities which generate on-going employment opportunities and infrastructure projects which activate further development.

Economic Development Queensland operates under the Economic Development Act 2012.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Government to consider economic potential of State-owned land

Is the land owned by the Queensland Government "being used to maximise economic and community benefit?"

And if not, "are there opportunities for unlocking value for the community that aren't being explored?"

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad, seen here at the release of the State Infrastructure Plan, said it was time to use state owned land, smarter. Photo: Tony Moore

That's the two questions Deputy Premier Jackie Trad has asked Economic Development Queensland to ask when considering the multitude of land owned across the state, particularly in regional areas, as the government looks to every option to kick start the state's ailing economy.

After announcing plans to see the state's number one infrastructure project, Cross River Rail, become a transformative project for the city, Ms Trad told a Committee of Economic Development of Australia luncheon on Thursday, EDQ had been tasked with turning it's attention to the regions.

"EDQ is already modelling this approach in Townsville," she said, "where the Townsville Waterfront Priority Development Area will spur on new economic development opportunities off the back of the new North Queensland Stadium.

"The planning for PDA was finalised last year, and includes almost 100 hectares of land located on both sides of Ross Creek directly adjacent to Townsville CBD – including land no longer used by the Port.

"The PDA will provide for new mixed use development in the CBD, pedestrian and cycle paths along the banks of Ross Creek, a variety of public open spaces, stimulating new jobs and private sector investment.

"Combine this with other opportunities like the new stadium, the development of a health and knowledge precinct at the James Cook University campus and the Townsville City Deal and you start to have a very significant platform for jobs and regional development – and if we can do this in Townsville, why can't we do it in other regional locations as well?"

Ms Trad said discussions had begun with the Rockhampton Regional Council "about the future of their CBD" adding she was "hopeful a new regional partnership" could emerge from the talks.

"I'm sure there's many other opportunities as well – we just need to identify them, and partner with the local community and the private sector to unlock their potential."

Moving to repurpose government land is a direction the Palaszczuk Government has been moving into – one of its first moves was to invite the private sector to suggest market led proposals to it, rather than put particular parcels of land out to tender.

The LNP had also looked at expanding its use of government owned land, with plans to turn the land surrounding its proposed Townsville Stadium –which was to be paid for through asset sales – into an entertainment precinct.

[ozbob]

It is hard to keep up with all the  ' planning and development ' mobs  !