Beattie unveils Brisbane’s largest urban-renewal project

20 May 2004

Premier Peter Beattie and Transport Minister Paul Lucas have announced plans for a new urban-renewal project at Hamilton, which will open up 2.5 kilometres of riverfront to the people of Brisbane.

Mr Beattie said the riverside precinct, between the Royal Queensland Golf Club and the proposed Portside Wharf cruise terminal, included 55 hectares of Port of Brisbane Corporation-owned land.

“A master plan, encompassing some 80 hectares, will be developed for the progressive renewal of this land over the next 10-15 years,” Mr Beattie said.

“All landowners within the master-plan area will have the choice to be involved in the master-planning process, which will help determine the best use of the site.

“It’s hoped by the end of the year a draft master plan will be ready for public consultation, which will enable people to look at ways to increase public access to waterfront land that, in the past, has been inaccessible.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to give to the people of Brisbane access to one of the last remaining areas of riverfront land close to the CBD.

“One of the things that makes Brisbane so liveable is our river, and the many ways we can incorporate it into our recreational activities.

“The master plan will seek input on the inclusion of river walks, public parkland and cycle ways for the site, along with residential, retail and commercial uses.

”An estimated 18% of green space is currently planned for the site.”

Mr Lucas said the release of the Hamilton land by the Port of Brisbane Corporation was due to its long-term plan to relocate Hamilton-based port operations to Fisherman Islands over the next 10-15 years.

“The Port has set up a division called the Northshore Development Group to oversee the master-planning process, infrastructure development and, ultimately, the redevelopment of the precinct,” Mr Lucas said.

Mr Lucas said the master plan would require approval under the Integrated Planning Act 1997, as well as shareholding ministers’ approval because the site was strategic Port land.

“Major infrastructure to enable the renewal of this site into a properly planned and integrated residential community will be funded by the Port of Brisbane Corporation. However, the Corporation will not actually be developing individual sites,” he said.

Mr Lucas said the Northshore Development Group would work with the Brisbane City Council, Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland Transport, State government departments and agencies, the community, industry and other stakeholders in the development of the master plan.

It’s expected the draft master plan will be exhibited for public comment for a period of 30 business days by the end of the year.

Port of Brisbane Corporation Deputy Chairman, Mr David Harrison, said the relocation of port operations from the Hamilton site to Fisherman Islands commencing in mid to late 2005 was making the redevelopment of the Hamilton site possible.

“Moving port operations to Fisherman Islands is part of the Port of Brisbane Corporation’s long-term strategy to facilitate growth and economic efficiencies,” Mr Harrison said.

“Agreements are now in place with both P&O and Patrick to progressively relocate their port activities to Fisherman Islands.

“The redevelopment of this site will underwrite the infrastructure required to accommodate these activities and provide for their future expansion.”

Mr Harrison said the Port of Brisbane injected $770 million into Queensland’s economy each year and generated $19.4 billion in international trade for 2002/2003.

“This renewal project will ensure port growth continues which will increase trade and revenues to the State while providing significant, new public recreational areas and a vibrant, sustainable community," Mr Harrison said.

For more information visit:
http://www.northshorehamilton.com.au