The first sod has been turned on major water and wastewater infrastructure for the new Waraba priority development area (PDA) in Moreton Bay, backed by a $38.5 million investment from the Queensland Government.
Moreton Bay’s future new city is projected to house an estimated 70,000 people, with the PDA supporting an estimated 17,000 jobs.
The new infrastructure will enable the development of Waraba’s first 2,500 homes in the new suburb of Lilywood.
The major wastewater works, including a wastewater pumping station, are being delivered by Unitywater in partnership with private developers.
The funding from the Queensland Government includes $25.5 million in low interest loans through its Building Acceleration Fund (BAF) and $13 million from its $100 million contribution to the South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal Growth Areas Compact (GAC).
The GAC is one of 29 commitments being delivered under the $1.8 billion SEQ City Deal – a partnership between the Federal and Queensland governments and Council of Mayors (SEQ) to generate long-lasting benefits for the fast-growing region.
A further $87 million in state funding from the GAC will be earmarked for other essential infrastructure to help develop the new city following detailed infrastructure master planning and prioritisation in consultation with the City of Moreton Bay.
Queensland Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Grace Grace, said, “I am delighted to see the start of these major infrastructure works for Waraba, which will support not only the first suburb of Lilywood but underpin the ultimate network for a city of around 70,000 people.
“Waraba will play a very important role in our Homes for Queenslanders Plan and this initial funding of $38.5 million will deliver the first essential services for a future city of around 30,000 homes.
“Today’s sod-turning event for the start of major wastewater works follows our announcement last month that Waraba will soon become Queensland’s 36th PDA, helping to support more affordable housing and jobs.
“This announcement is only the beginning with another $87 million in Miles Government funding still to come for essential infrastructure for Waraba.”
City of Moreton Bay Mayor, Peter Flannery, welcomed the start of these major infrastructure works for Waraba.
“This first tranche of much needed infrastructure investment will support not only the first suburb of Lilywood but provide a foundation for the ultimate network for a community of around 70,000 people,” Mr Flannery said.
“City of Moreton Bay has been instrumental in advocating for the timely delivery of enabling infrastructure for Waraba so today’s funding announcement by the Queensland Government is an important initial milestone.
“We will continue to work closely with the State Government on detailed planning for the remaining $87 million in GAC funding and the recently declared Waraba Priority Development Area.
“Importantly, this includes the funding of essential Council infrastructure like the upgrade to Caboolture River Road.
“As Deputy Chair of CoMSEQ, I take great pleasure in seeing this SEQ City Deal funding announced and used for vital infrastructure that will benefit SEQ communities.”
Unitywater CEO, Anna Jackson, said that water and wastewater networks are essential to protect public health, enable economic growth and ensure environmental sustainability.
“We are starting with the construction of a wastewater pumping station, 4.5km of wastewater rising main, and seven odour control units,” Ms Jackson said.
“It’s exciting to be part of a future community from the very beginning and we look forward over time to welcoming the new residents of Waraba as new customers of Unitywater.”
Featured image: Martin Valigursky/shutterstock.com
