The tally of recent industry investment for social infrastructure in the Gladstone region continues to grow with recent contributions from the LNG industry for housing construction and community support plus an initial donation to the Gladstone Foundation bringing the total industry contribution to date from projects currently under construction to more than more than $162 million.

Sport and recreation; health and wellbeing; education, training and employment; indigenous and community facilities/services; and housing and accommodation are key target areas identified in the Gladstone Region Social Infrastructure Opportunities Framework.  Support and project prioritisation is provided through Gladstone Regional Council’s Community Development Committee and funding is targeted through, but not limited to the Gladstone Foundation; a perpetual trust established by the Queensland Government.

Significant industry contributions in each target area include $295,900 for sport and recreation; $4.85 million for health and wellbeing; $474,100 for education, training and employment; $836,340 for indigenous and community facilities/services; and an estimated $84.9 million for housing and accommodation.

In addition the coal industry has contributed $35 million through the Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal (WICET) project for the exciting East Shores recreational development; Gladstone Ports Corporation will contribute a further $10 million to that project; and most recently the LNG industry made an initial contribution of $13.5 million directly to the Gladstone Foundation.

The benefits for the Gladstone region’s social infrastructure will continue to grow during project construction and subsequent plant operation and it should be acknowledged that Gladstone’s existing established industries also continue to make ongoing community and social contributions. 

The rolling Rio Tinto Alcan Community Fund, now in its ninth year and the ongoing significant community contributions from the Gladstone Ports Corporation for the maintenance of the Gladstone Marina community parklands and the future development of the East Shores project for the eastern bank of Auckland inlet are examples of just two Gladstone major corporate contributors, there are plenty more.

The construction that commenced in 2010/11 on four major projects will continue to provide strong opportunities for local business, industry and the community.  In 2012 the construction industries will make an even greater contribution to the economic growth of the Gladstone region and establish a firm platform for the further development of the region’s social fabric.

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 provides ongoing project and economic update and welcomes your comments and contributions through direct contact or via email at info@gladstoneindustry.org.au

The Gladstone region is growing and prospering with massive investment being made as the LNG industry advances the construction of three major multi-billion dollar projects and work has now commenced on the new Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal (WICET) that is set to double coal exports through the Port of Gladstone over the next decade.

Gladstone Economic and Industry Development Board (GEIDB) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ken King indicated that when in 2010 the GEIDB facilitated a major social infrastructure planning exercise in partnership with Gladstone Regional Council and the Queensland Government the scale of current development was not envisaged.

“It was therefore timely for the GEIDB to update the modeling for the Gladstone Region Social Infrastructure Plan to include high series population projections recently made available from the Queensland Government’s Office of Economic and Statistical Research (OESR)” Dr King said.

The OESR 2011 high series population projections identify that the Gladstone region residential population will grow from the current level of some 63,510 peo0ple to 123,420 over the next 20 years – 2011 to 2031.

The new data represents an increase in projected population for the region of some 25,379 residents above the 2008 medium series projections used on the 2010 social infrastructure planning study.

More people resident in the Gladstone region means a greater demand for social infrastructure such as meeting spaces; playgrounds; child care; sports grounds; performing arts space; aged/community care; and medical practitioners at local, district and regional levels.

Dr King said the update has clearly identified this increased demand and will assist government, industry and the community in planning for future social infrastructure delivery.

“Most recently we have seen significant contributions totaling some $162 million from industry for specific projects in the region including an initial donation of $13.5 million to the Gladstone Foundation; a perpetual trust established by the Queensland Government.”

Current construction industry contributions to Gladstone region social infrastructure include $295,900 for sport and recreation; $4.8 million for health and wellbeing; $474,100 for education, training and employment; $836,340 for indigenous and community facilities/services; and an estimated $84.9 million for housing and accommodation.

In addition the coal industry has contributed $35 million through WICET for the exciting East Shores recreational development; Gladstone Ports Corporation will contribute a further $10 million to that project.

‘The benefits for the Gladstone region’s social infrastructure will continue to grow during project construction and subsequent plant operation and the recent update to the Gladstone Region Social Infrastructure Strategic Plan has identified further underpins community planning process in the region” Dr King said.

END
Media Contact:-
Dr Ken King
Chief Executive Officer
Gladstone Economic and Industry Development Board
07 4971 2318 / 0407 140 813
ken.king@gladstoneindustry.org.au

The tally of recent industry investment for social infrastructure in the Gladstone region continues to grow with recent contributions from the LNG industry for housing construction and community support plus an initial donation to the Gladstone Foundation bringing the total industry contribution to date from projects currently under construction to more than $162 million.

Sport and recreation; health and wellbeing; education, training and employment; indigenous and community facilities/services; and housing and accommodation are key target areas identified in the Gladstone Region Social Infrastructure Opportunities Framework. Support and project prioritisation is provided through Gladstone Regional Council’s Community Development Committee and funding is targeted through, but not limited to the Gladstone Foundation; a perpetual trust established by the Queensland Government.

Significant industry contributions in each target area include $295,900 for sport and recreation; $4.85 million for health and wellbeing; $474,100 for education, training and employment; $836,340 for indigenous and community facilities/services; and an estimated $84.9 million for housing and accommodation.

In addition the coal industry has contributed $35 million through the Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal (WICET) project for the exciting East Shores recreational development; Gladstone Ports Corporation will contribute a further $10 million to that project; and most recently the LNG industry made an initial contribution of $13.5 million directly to the Gladstone Foundation.

The benefits for the Gladstone region’s social infrastructure will continue to grow during project construction and subsequent plant operation and it should be acknowledged that Gladstone’s existing established industries also continue to make ongoing community and social contributions.

The rolling Rio Tinto Alcan Community Fund, now in its ninth year and the ongoing significant community contributions from the Gladstone Ports Corporation for the maintenance of the Gladstone Marina community parklands and the future development of the East Shores project for the eastern bank of Auckland inlet are examples of just two Gladstone major corporate contributors, there are plenty more.

The construction that commenced in 2010/11 on four major projects will continue to provide strong opportunities for local business, industry and the community. In 2012 the construction industries will make an even greater contribution to the economic growth of the Gladstone region and establish a firm platform for the further development of the region’s social fabric.

Major engineering projects in Queensland with plants currently under construction in the Gladstone region represent a total financial investment of some $55 billion. Add to this another $30 billion of proposed projects for Gladstone including the recently announced Aldoga Power Station and the future for the region is truly outstanding.

These projects will bring major growth, economic development and employment plus significant industry contributions for social infrastructure resulting in positive outcomes for the local community. A tally of recent industry investment for social infrastructure in the Gladstone region totals in excess of $75 million.

Examples include LNG industry contributions of $4.85 million towards health and wellbeing projects that include 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.

Safe operation of the Gladstone Regional Airport is a priority and the valuable LNG industry contribution of $10.5 million will allow the installation of an instrument landing system at the airport to ensure it is weather proofed for future operation.

Other significant industry commitments to social infrastructure 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; $2.1 million to Gladstone Regional Council to provide accommodation support services for vulnerable individuals and families; and $45 million from the Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal project and Gladstone Ports Corporation to the exciting Eastern Shores development that will provide significant community amenity.

The benefits for the Gladstone region’s social infrastructure will grow during project construction and subsequent plant operation. Gladstone’s existing industries continue to make ongoing community and social contributions.

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.

The Gladstone region is growing and prospering with massive investment being made as the LNG industry advances the construction of three major multi-billion dollar projects and early work has now commenced on the new Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal that is set to double coal exports through the Port of Gladstone over the next decade.

Project workforces are ramping up with each of the LNG projects now employing some 2,000 people in Queensland and Bechtel preparing to accommodate a peak workforce in 2012/13 of some 7,000 on the Curtis Island construction sites.

Gladstone Economic and Industry Development Board Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ken King welcomed the investment that is bringing more wealth, employment and business opportunities to the region.

Dr King said the construction projects are making significant contributions to the Gladstone community with commitments for housing construction, project mitigation and community support in line with the raft of conditions imposed on each project by both the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments.

The construction of temporary worker accommodation facilitates on Curtis Island is well advanced with first units already being occupied.  Additional temporary worker accommodation is also now being used by industry in Calliope River Road and the townships of Calliope and Benaraby.

Following government negotiation with the LNG industry 135 new dwellings in Gladstone will be fast tracked to provide immediate housing solutions.  This, together with a significant amount of new housing stock coming on to the market is providing significant relief on housing and accommodation in the Gladstone region.

At the end of the September quarter the rental vacancy rate for Gladstone provided by the REIQ was 0.7.

“Our recent research and evidence from the real estate industry indicates that the rental market has plateaued with realestate.com.au now showing 250 vacancies for the Gladstone region, equivalent to a higher vacancy rate around 2 or 3 per cent” Dr King said.

“This increase in vacancies can only be good for housing affordability and will be a great Christmas bonus for local renters who can also take advantage of Gladstone Regional Council’s Community Advisory Service that is able to provide assistance to individuals and families still under housing pressure” he said.

The LNG industry has supported this interim service together with funding for the establishment of the Gladstone Affordable Housing Company to provide up to 45 affordable rental properties in the first instance.  An LNG industry loan is also facilitating acceleration by the ULDA of the development of diverse, affordable and sustainable housing at Hill Close, Clinton.

“Housing and accommodation will continue to be a challenge but with nearly $150 million already committed in the Gladstone region to date by the new major proponents I expect that given the scale of these projects further social infrastructure investment will continue to flow from the energy and resource industries going forward” Dr King said.

END

Media Contact:-
Dr Ken King
Chief Executive Officer
Gladstone Economic and Industry Development Board
07 4971 2318 / 0407 140 813
ken.king@gladstoneindustry.org.au

Gladstone Economic and Industry Development Board Chairman Mr Leo Zussino welcomed the investment that is bringing more wealth and employment to the region.

Project workforces are ramping up with some 3,600 people in Queensland now working on Queensland Gas Company related business and the Queensland Curtis LNG Project alone.

Mr Zussino said the LNG industry is making a significant contribution to the Gladstone community with commitments for housing construction, project mitigation and community support in line with the raft of conditions imposed on each project by the Queensland Coordinator-General.

Following government negotiation with the LNG industry APLNG, GLNG and QCLNG have agreed to build some 180 new dwellings in Gladstone that will be fast tracked to provide immediate housing solutions during each project construction period.  The majority of out of town workers will be housed away from the community on Curtis Island.

“In addition with direct financial support from the LNG industry Gladstone Regional Council’s Community Advisory Service is able to provide assistance to individuals under housing pressure and Council is well advanced in progressing the establishment of an affordable housing program”  Mr Zussino said.

Financial support from the LNG industry has seen the installation of essential equipment at the Gladstone Regional Airport; the impending provision of a dialysis unit at the Gladstone Hospital; and is also allowing the Queensland Government to accelerate the development of diverse, affordable and sustainable housing in the region.

“Further social infrastructure investment will continue to flow from the energy and resource industries going forward” he said.

Gladstone Economic and Industry Development Board (GEIDB) Chairman Mr Leo Zussino called on the Gladstone community to present a compelling case to NBN Co to fast track their rollout of fibre broadband connections in the Gladstone region.

“We’ve all got to get behind this with Gladstone on the cusp of a major growth phase” Mr Zussino said.

NBN Co is trialing sites in Queensland now and we need to work with them and be proactive in attracting the NBN to Gladstone.

“The NBN will connect the Gladstone community and enable new services such as eEducation, eHealth and provide a quantum leap in communication opportunities for local business, industry and families.”

Mr Zussino said industry investment in the City of Gladstone topped the world in 2010 with more to come from major LNG and resource sector projects that will bring significant wealth, prosperity and employment to the region.

“The NBN rollout driven by the region’s digital economy strategies will define Gladstone as Australia’s model 21st Century industrial city and the economic powerhouse of Australia’s Eastern seaboard” he said.

Gladstone Regional Council’s involvement together with the GEIDB, the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation and all economic development partners including business and industry is critical to ensure leadership in this initiative.

“The GEIDB looks forward to working with these regional partners in order to ensure that the NBN supplies fibre connections to everyone in Gladstone as essential infrastructure in a high growth region” Mr Zussino said.

The Port of Gladstone and the land set aside by the Queensland Government for future large scale industry development and associated infrastructure are key assets fundamental to Gladstone’s development.

The Port of Gladstone’s major cargo of today, coal, was first handled in 1925 at Auckland Point.  In the early 1950s the port commenced its transformation from a declining primary industry export base to the world class multi trade export centre it is today.

In 1954 the port pioneered bulk coal handling in Queensland.  Not only did it develop the facilities, but opted to operate them – a role it continues today on a vastly expanded scale.  The Port of Gladstone is the largest port in Queensland, the fourth largest in Australia, home to the world’s fifth largest coal export port and supports industrial giants in the region that currently include Rio Tinto Alcan, Cement Australia and Orica Australia.

In 2009-10 30% of Queensland’s exports by tonnage carried by sea were traded through the Port of Gladstone.  By value, this trade represented 20% of Queensland’s exports and 4.4% of Australia’s exports.  The port provides essential infrastructure for the region, for Queensland and for Australia and is fundamental to the development of industry and critical to the emerging CSG to LNG industry.

In 1991, the Queensland Government initiated the Gladstone Industrial Land Study (GILS) to identify appropriate areas for future industrial development meeting acceptable engineering, environmental and social criteria.  The Study gave detailed consideration to a number of areas before concluding that approximately 6800 hectares of land at Aldoga was an appropriate site for future long term industrial development.  In December 1993, the Government declared this area to be Queensland’s first State Development Area. 

A detailed Corridor Study defined the route for a Materials Transportation and Services Corridor (MTSC) and in December 1997, the Government declared the existing State Development Area at Aldoga; the MTSC and a surrounding buffer area; and the Yarwun Industrial Estate to be the Gladstone State Development Area (GSDA).

Subsequent land use and planning studies through to the current time have resulted in improved connectivity and additional land in the GSDA including most recently the Curtis Island industry and environmental management precincts.  The GSDA now totals 28,000 hectares under the management of a development scheme to provide one of the most significant land resources for future large scale industry development in both Queensland and Australia.

The Gladstone Economic and Industry Development Board (GEIDB) has had a key role in the management, ongoing development, operation and promotion of the GSDA however it is the vision of the Port of Gladstone and the Queensland Government with the link between port and land that has positioned Gladstone as the powerhouse of Australia’s eastern seaboard and its 21^st Century industrial city.

The GEIDB provides project development summary update at www.gladstoneindustry.org.au and welcomes your comments and contributions through direct contact or via email at info@gladstoneindustry.org.au

The Port of Gladstone and the Gladstone State Development Area provides key infrastructure for the region, for Queensland and for Australia.  In 2009-10 30% of Queensland’s exports by tonnage carried by sea were traded through the Port of Gladstone.  By value, this trade represented 20% of Queensland’s exports and 4.4% of Australia’s exports.  The 50 year rolling strategic plan for the Port focuses on future investment that will see significant growth of this trade.

Gladstone is certainly Queensland’s major industrial location with established world class industries and infrastructure developed as part of a range of long term, well planned strategies developed in consultation with regional stakeholders and the local community.  Every approved major industry development requires extensive community consultation. 

The plans and strategies developed for Gladstone over the last three decades provided the essential platform that allowed Gladstone to welcome and appropriately locate the LNG industry as part of the region’s future development.  This industry will be of significant benefit to the Gladstone community providing construction employment, operational jobs and legacy infrastructure and is a key part of Gladstone’s future growth plan.

Current growth challenges for government, industry and the community include housing, health, transport logistics and skills.  There have been some recent announcements in these areas and the planning is ongoing.  Satisfying demand for services and social infrastructure including affordable housing is being addressed as a priority by government in partnership with the LNG industry.

Planning for growth progresses the economy, provides jobs, delivers services, benefits the community and will improve the amenity as Gladstone becomes the powerhouse of Australia’s eastern seaboard and its 21^st Century industrial city.

The GEIDB provides project development summary update at www.gladstoneindustry.org.au and welcomes your comments and contributions through direct contact or via email at info@gladstoneindustry.org.au