Caboolture leading post-COVID jobs bonanza

Published 23 December 2020

Caboolture

Caboolture will literally build its way out of the COVID-induced recession, with three major new developments approved for 2021 and set to deliver hundreds of local jobs.

Moreton Bay Regional Council has granted two local businesses approvals to construct new workshops in the Corporate Park Estate, and also approved a major new Bunnings Warehouse within Caboolture’s Big Fish Business Park (formerly known as the Sungate Business Park site on the Bruce Highway).

Mayor Peter Flannery said the smart money is already backing Moreton Bay for success in 2021.

“The private sector is clearly responding to our renewed focus on driving economic development and jobs in our region, and I see this wave of investment in Caboolture as cause for region-wide optimism about next year,” he said.

“Despite the pandemic and economic downturn, businesses still have confidence in this region because we’re one of the fastest growing areas in the country, we’re pragmatic and outcomes focussed.

“I want to thank our planners for working so cooperatively with local Caboolture luminaries: Kel Stanton’s and Aspect Cabinet Makers.

“I also want to welcome this massive Bunnings investment by Wesfarmers, which will send a signal to the market about the potential of Moreton Bay Region and no doubt help attract more investment in our area.”

Councillor Adam Hain (Div 3) said Caboolture was on track to become the region’s great success story.

“When Bunnings, Costco and Ikea were built in North Lakes they helped make Moreton Bay Queensland’s strongest economy at the time,” Cr Hain said.

“As a Morayfield local and a chippie in a past life, I know firsthand how construction and major projects can transform a town.

“We need new job opportunities like this in the northern stretch of our region because we have a higher unemployment rate than the state average.

“Beyond the immediate boost to construction, there are the permanent retail and trade jobs that locals will have to look forward to.”

Cr Brooke Savige (Div 1) said the new Bunnings development was just 8km down the road from the region’s newest major industrial estates.

“The $90 million Corporate Park East Industrial Estate provides 40 hectares of usable land for both small and large scale businesses, with scope to build lots well in excess of 1000sq m,” Cr Savige said.

“These lots are being snapped up at a phenomenal rate and there it’s great to see that the demand for this space isn’t dropping off, despite the pandemic.

“This site will now also be the new home of Kel Stanton’s and Aspect Cabinet Makers who are relocating for extra floor space as they expand their successful businesses.

“This is an impressive precinct and it is great that locals see it as a real opportunity to grow their businesses.”

Cr Tony Latter (Div 12) said all eyes will be on the region’s north.

“This is exciting for the residents of the regions northern suburbs and will deliver jobs close to home.

“I am excited to see investment attraction initiatives and growth opportunities like the ones outlined in our new Regional Economic Development Strategy.

“It’s exciting to see developments like these that will support jobs in and around Caboolture and build momentum in our community that will hopefully attract further investment in our region.”

“We may not have faced a pandemic like this in our lifetime, but if the last 20 years are anything to go by Moreton Bay is definitely a safe bet for future success.”