Media Releases

“New major industrial projects can help drive a better more sustainable urban form in the Gladstone region” according to Randall Byram, Chief Executive of the Gladstone Economic and Industry Development Board.

Planning for the population growth that accompanies new industrial development is an important aspect of major project development. 

“The GEIDB acknowledges that rapid industrial growth can cause growing pains in terms of housing and community services.  This is why the State has established the Gladstone Growth Management Initiative.  GGMI enables us to predict growth impacts so that appropriate land release, housing provision and support packages can be negotiated with the relevant Councils and stakeholders.”

“Of course, there will be some cases where people get stuck and find themselves in need of emergency short term accommodation.  We will be better prepared for this in future, with a new Queensland Government short term accommodation centre in Gladstone nearing completion”.

But the GEIDB wants to ensure that the region gets more out of the expected growth than just more housing.

“This boils down to 2 issues.  Firstly, we want to be prepared for growth in a way that maximizes the opportunities for local businesses.  Secondly, we want to work with Councils and other stakeholders to help promote energy and water efficient housing within an overall urban design that helps bring life and culture into our public spaces.”

“We have started to assemble the necessary data and will work with the Councils and others to set up the right conditions for private sector housing developers to build a mix of affordable quality accommodation in attractive precincts.  The community deserves nothing less” he said.