Mayor Luke Smith is determined to turn Logan into the second CBD of south-east Queensland.
In the four short months he has held office, he has launched into an advocacy campaign to unlock federal funding for critical infrastructure needed for the city to thrive, he has attracted the interest of foreign investors and is now pushing to transform Meadowbrook into a health, education and innovation hub.
Just 30 km from Jimboomba, Meadowbrook is already home to the Griffith University campus, Logan Hospital and TAFE Loganlea Campus.
On Friday, Cr Smith unveiled the concept and community consultation for the Meadowbrook Draft Master Plan at Griffith University Meadowbrook Campus.
Cr Smith said the proposal being put before residents could transform the precinct into a healthy connected community which would become a regional hub for research, education, transport and a fantastic place to live.
“We’re taking the lead from cities like Boston which seamlessly integrate universities, colleges, research facilities and open space into a people and cycle-friendly environment,” he said.
“Our vision is to create a connected urban village, a community where people can walk to a gym, and then stop for a coffee as they continue their walk to work, TAFE or University.
“It’s about improving the economic and place-making opportunities for our centres by building on our existing strengths – in this case hospital, medical and research and education facilities in an extended campus-like setting.”
Cr Stacey McIntosh said creating a regional hub for health, research, education and transport at Meadowbrook would benefit Logan as a whole, including the residents of the Jimboomba area.
“Currently many residents must drive to Brisbane to see a medical specialist,” she said.
“Additional primary and preventative health services at Meadowbrook will provide these residents with a local and convenient choice.
“In addition the masterplan objectives of creating a connected, sustainable, safe and healthy community are universal and can be applied to all our activity centres including Jimboomba.”
Council is inviting stakeholders and the broader community to contribute to a draft master plan to guide the area’s development, which will inform a new local plan for Meadowbrook for incorporation into the Logan Planning Scheme.
