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Dear Alice 2016-17 ANNUAL REPORT REVEALS

STRONG ECONOMIC POSITION

A statistical snapshot of Moreton Bay Regional Council’s
performance has reflected the region’s strong economic position
and reinforced council’s focus on continued growth and job
creation in 2016-17.
Speaking at council’s coordination meeting on November 8, Moreton Bay
Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland said region-building and job-
creating projects such as the region’s largest public infrastructure project - the
$998million Redcliffe Peninsula Line and The Mill at Moreton Bay “were a
catalyst in future-proofing the region’s economy”.
“We’ve had a phenomenal year and it’s only going to get better from here with the
introduction of council’s new Economic Development Action Plan setting out a strong
plan to create ongoing economic opportunities for our future generations,” Mayor
Sutherland said.
“Moreton Bay is one of Australia’s fastest growing urban areas and we have the strongest
economy in the state so we are in a prime position to capitalise on local jobs, and
renewed economic stimulus for local businesses and suppliers.
“Just over 12 months ago we officially opened the Redcliffe Peninsula Rail Line, which
not only helped connect more than 35 per cent of the region’s residents to South East
Queensland’s rail network for the first time, but which also saw an incredible upturn in
economic benefit and job creation.
“During that time, council approved 39 new residential developments in the suburbs
adjacent to the rail line, including new townhouse developments and apartment
buildings in suburbs such as Kallangur, Murrumba Downs and Mango Hill.
“We have also seen a number of major retailers opening their doors in our region and
major manufacturing brands have relocated their businesses to Moreton Bay such as
TJM at Brendale in 2016-17.
Christmas isn’t Merry for everyone... “In 2016-17 we welcomed the completion of North Lakes ’much-anticipated IKEA store
and $170 million Westfield expansion in November, which supported more than 4700
construction and 900 new retail jobs for the region.
Dear Alice, Mayor Sutherland said the opening of the rail line complemented the Queensland
Every year the whole family goes to my sisters for Christmas Day. My partner and kids are Government’s declaration of the new Priority Development Area (PDA) at The Mill at
Moreton Bay.
worried about going because it always ends in tears. We want to do the big family lunch “This project is set to support 100 construction jobs per year through the university
thing but everyone tends to drink too much and fight over old family drama. I don’t know construction alone, 6,000 ongoing jobs and $950 million in economic activity by 2036.
what to do. Please help! In 2016-17, Moreton Bay Regional Council delivered its seventh consecutive budget
– Sandy surplus, which Mayor Sutherland said opened plenty of opportunities for council to
“invest in region-building projects and provide great outcomes for ratepayers”.
Hi Sandy, “In 2016-17, council processed 3857 development applications and endorsed 4088 lots
It’s a common assumption that Christmas brings joy, but for a lot of families coming together might not always be for of which 3367 were residential. This delivered the highest number of residential lots
the best. Preparing for the day is enough to stress anyone out, not to mention sitting around without much else to do approved in the state - more than double any other Local Government and makes up a
than argue over Grandma’s will. Firstly, you need to create a plan and inform your partner and kids of how it is going third of all lots approved in South East Queensland.
to play out. Lay the ground work early. Let your sister and family know that you can only stay for a few hours because “Council also invested more than $124 million in road upgrades in 2016-17 to help
you are going to visit others as well. Have a set time that you must leave by; this will make leaving on the day easier. improve road safety and ensure our roads are maintained well into the future to cater
Next, if you can summon the courage on the day, speak up! Make a speech and reflect on how important your family is for our community’s needs.
to you. At the end of the speech, state that you want everyone to be happy and ask that they set aside their differences “With a strong commitment to supporting active and healthy lifestyles, council invested
for the day and avoid those nasty topics. Lastly, try some practical tactics, like playing board games and making a sea- more than $32million towards local parks, sport and recreation. We installed the region’s
sonal cocktail for everyone with only half-strength alcohol. Diverting people’s attention and lowering the alcohol level first jumping pillow as part of a $2.5million upgrade of Scarborough Beach Park.
could add a few extra hours of peace. Lastly Sandy, if the traditional Christmas plan isn’t working out perhaps it is time “In waste management, council invested more than $44million, which included upgrades
to consider a destination holiday for yourself, partner and children. to waste facilities and waste collection in 2016-17 in a bid to reduce and recycle waste.
Best of luck and stay sane.
“We’ve worked hard as a council this past financial year to deliver great outcomes for
our ratepayers and customers and our enduring efforts won’t stop here,” he said.
If you’ve got a question for Alice “The 2017/18 financial year is shaping up as another exciting year for the Moreton
that you’d like published, email it Bay Region with a strong capital works plan to deliver new infrastructure and ongoing
services for the region,” Mayor Sutherland said.
to - info@northlakesnow.com.au To view Moreton Bay Regional Council’s full 2016-17 Annual Report, visit
www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/annual-report
A. Jenkins BBehavSci(Psych)

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