Latest developments in Queensland business
Latest projects impacting the state, including a new vision for Mt Coot-tha, a Taroom Trough oil province update and hospital expansion news.
Mt Coot-tha Master Plan draft revealed
The Queensland Government has unveiled its vision to redevelop the Mt Coot-tha precinct in its draft 20-year Master Plan.
It outlines moves to include popular attractions and the potential for turning the existing quarry into a new parkland.
The Master Plan draft was shaped by more than 4,800 pieces of feedback, with Brisbane residents having until November 30 to have their say on the proposals, before the final vision is delivered in mid-2027.
Alongside plans to potentially transform the 26-hectare quarry into a new parkland, the draft identifies six key opportunities including revitalising the summit area, improving the Botanic Gardens’ Tropical Display Dome, Cacti House and Planetarium, more outdoor recreation spaces for bushwalking, cycling and picnicking, better access between attractions, and better environmental protection through restored wildlife habitats, bushland protection and conservation across the precinct.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the plan would protect one of Brisbane’s crown jewels while creating more free and affordable opportunities for local families.
“It doesn’t cost a cent to enjoy the incredible views from the Mt Coot-tha Summit and practical improvements could make it even more enjoyable for local families,” Schrinner said. “Imagine turning an old industrial quarry into beautiful new parklands where Brisbane families can picnic, play and enjoy nature for generations to come.”
Taroom Trough update
The Queensland Government today announced that early drilling results in the Taroom Trough have exceeded expectations.
The Taroom Trough is expected to become Australia’s first major new oil province in more than 50 years, with gas and 300 barrels of high-quality oil a day now being produced at the site.
Production at the Taroom Trough was being funnelled back into the domestic fuel market.
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The Queensland Government has committed $11.9 million to the Taroom Trough Development Plan, with an additional $1.2 billion committed by proponents for exploration and appraisal activities.
A further $7.1 million from the state is supporting Queensland’s Future Fuels Program which will assess opportunities for additional domestic fuel supply, refining and fuel conversion options and additional fuel storage and infrastructure resilience.
Premier David Crisafulli said ongoing global instability has underscored the importance of Queensland’s capacity to drill, refine and store its own fuel.
“It’s still early days, but early exploration results have been overwhelmingly positive and we’re putting ourselves in a position to be able to assist proponents to move quickly to fast‑track production where required,” Crisafulli said.
Port Container Depot reaches completion
The Queensland Government has announced that the Port of Mackay Container Depot project had been delivered on time and on budget.
This multimillion-dollar project delivered a 1.3-hectare facility, which is expected to strengthen supply chain resilience, improve freight efficiency and provide regional business with greater access to containerised trade, while supporting mining, agriculture and manufacturing industries.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg said the project was expected to get trucks off the Bruce Highway and make the roads safer.
“By eliminating the need for long-haul transport to other ports, we are unlocking savings in freight costs and time, while also reducing heavy vehicle traffic and congestion on the Bruce Highway, delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy,” Mickelberg said.
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) Chief Executive Officer Brendan Webb said first container export trials conducted in October were successful.
“With the laydown area now complete, the project will move into its next phase, with a range of activities under way to prepare the facility for future operations, including commissioning equipment, integrating operational systems and final site works.”
Hervey Bay Hospital expansion opens
Hervey Bay Hospital expansion has officially opened, with a new 10-bed Intensive Care Unit, a new 25-bed medical ward, along with an additional lift and rooftop helipad to provide critical access for patients, located 35 metres from the Emergency Department.
It was expanded on vacant space on Level 2 of the hospital’s Emergency Department building as part of the government’s Hospital Rescue Plan, to deliver three new and 10 expanded hospitals across the state.
The number of parking spaces on site has been increased to almost 1000.
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Premier David Crisafulli said the expansion would deliver health services when Hervey Bay needs them most.
“We promised to reduce ambulance ramping and stabilise the elective surgery waitlist, with the Hervey Bay Hospital expansion, we’re delivering exactly that for this region,” Crisafulli said.
Artist impression of future proposed infrastructure and amenity within Birtinya Central | Credit: Stockland
Construction begins on Birtinya Central
Construction has started on Birtinya Central, a mixed-use town centre spanning 28 hectares with up to 2,600 apartments, alongside commercial, retail, entertainment and community spaces.
With expected development investment of $3.72 billion, Birtinya Central was expected to offer infrastructure for the Sunshine Coast’s growing region ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games while delivering more homes.
The project’s development is expected to support 964 full-time jobs, and could become home to around 5,200 residents, support 4,200 ongoing jobs and generate $149.8 million in annual spending.
Stockland Development Director Matt Patullo said: “We’re delivering a new town centre that will bring homes, businesses, services and community spaces together in one of the region’s most connected locations, alongside the Sunshine Coast Health Precinct and future public transport infrastructure.”
Construction works including earthworks, drainage, roads and services by BMD started after the project’s masterplan approval.
Ipswich Hospital Expansion progresses
An update on the Ipswich Hospital expansion showed the the main building structure was now built.
The completion marks the halfway point for the government’s Hospital Rescue Plan, with internal fit out and services trades continuing to progress in preparation for equipment installation and the commissioning phase ahead of practical completion.
It was expected to eventually deliver 200 new additional beds, an expanded emergency department, six new operating theatres and a cold shell hybrid theatre, cardiac catheterisation labs, satellite medical imaging, a pharmacy and other support services.
Golf course and orchard site hits market
A 126.5-hectare estate at 48 and 59 Kabi Road, Cootharaba, has hit the market with a fully operational 18-hole par-3 golf course, clubhouse, grazing land and a 2000-tree fruit orchard, on behalf of CYC Adventures.
The site also has a substantial agricultural footprint, including 99 acres of improved irrigated pasture and infrastructure supporting horticultural and livestock plantations, as well as a 4.5-hectare spring-fed dam, smaller dams, two bores and automated irrigation systems servicing the gold course, orchard and grazing paddocks.
Located 30 minutes from Noosa Heads, the estate has development approval for an 88-bed glamping site subject to approval conditions.
Colliers Sunshine Coast Managing Director Nick Dowling said there was considerable scope “for a new owner to shape its future, whether that involves expanding the tourism offering, growing the agricultural operation or creating a distinctive private lifestyle destination”.
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