Redland City Council is building a strong case to secure the relocation of key government services ahead of an official review of State office requirements later this month.
Mayor Karen Williams first wrote to Premier Campbell Newman last year pushing the city’s credentials as a centre of strategic significance.
She said the Premier had since indicated he was keen to hear more about the Redlands’ “open for business” initiatives and would send a Government representative to formally investigate the options.
“Redland City is entering an exciting new era and we believe there are great opportunities to stimulate our local economy and create jobs,” said Cr Williams.
“Here is a chance to achieve all that and, at the same time, help save the State Government money on its accommodation needs.”
Cr Williams said work was well underway on potential development options right throughout the Redlands, one of them being the creation of a government precinct on land home to the current Council administration centre in Cleveland.
“This is part of our vision to breathe new life into the Cleveland CBD,” she said.
“The preliminary options on this project were presented in November and they identified millions of dollars in potential cost-savings to Council – this in turn would deliver significant benefits for ratepayers.”
Division 2 councillor Craig Ogilvie said a new government precinct could include the provision of residential and commercial space.
“All options under review have significant benefits for the community,” he said.
Division 9 councillor Paul Gleeson said there were also opportunities for relocated services at Capalaba which would particularly suit the State Government’s commercial interests.
“Capalaba is a thriving commercial and retail centre and there are obvious opportunities for State Government services to go where the people are,” he said.
Cr Williams said the Redlands was well-placed to welcome public servants and public service commuters on trains and buses would quickly recognise that the Redlands also is the “best place for their families to live, shop and go to school”.
“Among the spin-offs would be the generation of more local service industry jobs … so we can help stem the daily tide of workers commuting to Brisbane for work.’’
