Community Contributions from Industry Improve Gladstone’s Social Infrastructure
October 22nd, 2011
Published in the Gladstone Observer
It might not be as evident in the suburbs of Brisbane, Cairns or the Gold Coast, but a big rebound in economic growth is under way in Queensland, dominated by more than $75 billion worth of engineering construction work.
Deloitte Access Economics Business Outlook for the September Quarter found Queensland’s engineering construction had seen a “stunning surge’’ with more than $38 billion worth of projects now under way and a further $37.5 billion in the pipeline.
“Spending by corporates on capacity expansion is already a bigger share of the economy than it was just ahead of the global financial crisis, and the lead that Queensland has on this measure is already bigger than it was back then,’’ the report said.
It said big projects currently under way included the $16.2 billion GLNG project under construction by Santos and its partners, with the processing facility on Curtis Island due for commissioning by late 2015; the $15 billion Queensland Curtis LNG project; the $1.9 billion second stage of the Rio Tinto Alcan Yarwun alumina refinery; and the $20 billion Australia Pacific LNG project.
Add to this the recent $2.5 billion financial close for Stage 1 of the Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal (WICET) and possibly another $20 billion in due course for the Arrow Energy LNG project, the future for Queensland and Gladstone is outstanding.
These projects bring major growth and economic development to the Gladstone region which includes community contributions from industry for social infrastructure to date that totals in excess of $75 million.
Recent LNG industry contributions towards health and wellbeing projects total $4.85 million for the permanent establishment of a renal dialysis centre at the Gladstone Hospital; the refurbishment of the hospital’s 35 year old operating theatre and high dependency unit; the establishment of a medical education and training unit; the provision of midwifery scholarships; and funding for Gladstone Rotary Club to provide a hospital shuttle service between Gladstone and Rockhampton.
An LNG industry contribution of $10.5 million to the Gladstone Regional Council will allow the installation of an instrument landing system at the airport to ensure it is weather proofed and safer for future operation.
Other significant industry commitments include $19.5 million from the LNG industry to help establish the Gladstone Housing Company that will target development of affordable housing in the region; and a $45 million contribution from WICET and the Gladstone Ports Corporation to the exciting Eastern Shores project that will provide significant community amenity.
The benefits for the Gladstone region’s social infrastructure will continue to grow following the investment in project construction and subsequent plant operation. Gladstone’s existing industries continue to make ongoing community and social contributions.
The Gladstone Economic and Industry Development Board (GEIDB) is an essential facilitation point for industry, the community and government and GEIDB members meet regularly with project proponents. The GEIDB board meets bimonthly to provide additional scrutiny and focus on major projects slated for development in the region.