MEDIA RELEASE: SUBMISSION PERIOD NOW OPEN FOR SWANBANK NEW CHUM ENTERPRISE PARK MASTER PLAN
Ipswich planning scheme amendments for one of the most significant and strategic parcels of industrial land in South-East Queensland have gone on public display.
Ipswich City Council Planning and Development Committee Chairperson Paul Tully said the State Government had completed the first state interest review of the operational amendments to the Swanbank New Chum Enterprise Park Master Plan and the amendments were on public display until June 26.
Cr Tully said the amendments would provide an ongoing master plan for the area to create a regionally significant business enterprise and industry area.
He said the proposal for the Swanbank and New Chum Enterprise Park would provide a major jobs focus for the western corridor.
"This master plan is one of the main keys to the city's future," Cr Tully said.
"The site features approximately 1000 hectares zoned for industrial development and has the potential to provide up to 14,000 jobs.
Cr Tully said the amendments under consideration would further refine the layout of the Swanbank New Chum Enterprise Park and greatly assist in its future development.
He said the majority of the enterprise park, owned since May 2006 by Investa Pty Ltd, was located east of the Cunningham Highway to the north east of the Ripley Valley and would act as a centre for major employment in the Ipswich region.
Cr Tully said once the submission period closed on June 26, the proposed amendments would be formally considered by council.
“The planning scheme, including any modifications proposed as a result of the public display process, is then submitted to the State Government for final approval.
“Council will then adopt the planning scheme amendments, allowing them to take effect.”
Cr Tully said the South-East Queensland Regional Plan described Swanbank New Chum as a major development area.
"This designation requires council to prepare a comprehensive planning framework before development commences in these areas.”
Cr Tully said the land use concept master plan in the current Ipswich Planning Scheme would be amended in a number of ways through the proposed changes.
"This proposal includes the amendment of the zoning of land within Swanbank New Chum to allow further development in the enterprise park.
"In addition to land being zoned for regional business and industry, it is proposed to create two new zones.
"The business park zone adjacent to the Ripley Valley will provide a broad range of employment opportunities for the future residents of Ripley Valley providing a mix of compatible business, service trade, research, technology and industry based businesses.
"To support the open space and recreation requirements of employees in the enterprise park and the residents of the Ripley Valley it is also proposed to create a recreation zone between the enterprise park and the Ripley Town Centre.
"A revised strategic road network is also proposed through the Swanbank New Chum Enterprise Park area.
"This network will provide a regional north-south road connection for business and industry traffic between the Centenary and Cunningham Highways.”
