23 April 2021
Published 19 August 2020
Aiming to be the easiest Council in Queensland to do business with, Moreton Bay Region is offering up its own land holdings to private investors.
A nation-wide search will soon be underway for break-out businesses ideas to help transform the local economy and create local employment opportunities.
Mayor Peter Flannery said Council wanted to partner with the private sector to keep the region on track post-coronavirus.
“We’re not just talking about being open to business we’re sweetening the deal by offering up our own land holdings to entice new investment,” he said.
“We’ve identified three council-owned properties in strategic locations that will present unique offerings to the market.
“Submitters will be able to bid through a competitive Expression of Interest (EOI) process, with the most innovative and exciting ideas to tender for the space.
“Today’s vote by Council means we can set parameters that reflect the aspirations of the local community, existing businesses, and Council to transform these spaces in-line with our MBRC Planning scheme.
At today’s meeting Councillors voted unanimously to put three distinct and exciting options out to market:
- Coastal retail opportunity: 123 Sutton Street, Redcliffe
- Hinterland Community Hub: 2204 Mt Samson Road, Samford Valley
- Riverside Farmland: 94 Lower King Street, Caboolture
Mayor Flannery said each property offered a distinctive once-off opportunity for investment and activation.
“We know that in the current economic climate every council across Australia is looking for investment, so I want Moreton Bay Regional Council out on the front foot,” he said.
“We are ready to do business — we’ve identified strategic opportunities, are prepared to release Council land, and we’ll be rolling out the red carpet for investors with big ideas.
“We need to create an environment that is welcoming and conducive to business investment in order to grow our economy and fulfil our vision for a bigger, bolder and brighter Moreton Bay Region.
“Now we have released our draft Economic Development Strategy, Council will facilitate new investment to add value to our economy, generate local employment, better position Moreton Bay as a unique business investment opportunity and create fresh new public spaces for residents and visitors.
“The EOIs will be released over the coming months so keep an eye out on the usual property channels — you don’t want to miss out on this exciting opportunity.
“I look forward to presenting these sites to industry and exploring the exciting businesses and projects that will potentially join our vision for the Moreton Bay of the future.”