Business News

Brisbane 19 June 2013. The Queensland Government has today launched an online survey for people to have their say on how the Brisbane Government Precinct can be redeveloped.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the survey was an easy way for the public to provide their feedback and vision for the underutilised precinct.

“Now that 1 William Street is clearly proceeding, the time has come to engage the community in an extensive consultation process to define the redevelopment of the broader government precinct,” Mr Seeney said.

“We want the public to have their say on how they believe the precinct could best be renewed, what sites should be involved and what the appropriate uses for those sites may be.

“Should a casino be ruled in or out, what are the best uses for the heritage buildings that will be preserved as part of the precinct redevelopment and how will that redevelopment appropriately relate to Parliament House, 1 William Street and the Brisbane River?

“This is a unique opportunity to revitalise the George Street end of the Central Business District, which includes Heritage listed buildings which date back to our city beginnings.”

Mr Seeney said the government would seek private sector investment to revitalise the areas through a mix of new uses which could include retail, quality hotels, cultural activities, entertainment and convention facilities.

He said the government’s invitation for community input of the redevelopment would remain open until 2 September this year.

“We will host several community events in the Brisbane CBD to give the public the opportunity to talk to the Queensland Government team about the project.

“We will also talk to peak industry bodies and Brisbane City Council to ensure a broad cross section of opinion is provided. The public will also be invited to be part of the community reference group.

“Brisbane City Council is currently working on its new City Centre Master Plan and the Government will work with it to ensure the precinct’s redevelopment is in line with this plan.

“The next major step after public feedback will be to call for Expressions of Interest for the private sector to put forward their proposals for the precinct.”

To find out more about the community events, community reference group and access the online survey visit www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/precinct.