Next Generation of leaders ready to shake up Moreton Bay Region

Published 13 October 2020

Kallangur Heart Project

Getting real world work experience while studying at uni is difficult at the best of times, even worse through this pandemic.

But for eight lucky urban design students at USC, Moreton Bay Regional Council has given them the opportunity to put their planning and urban design theory into practice.

Mayor Peter Flannery said their concept to revitalise Kallangur’s ‘heart’ was so impressive that the assignment could even have practical applications.

“The students have literally created a heart-shaped concept area around the Kallangur CBD and, honestly, I was blown away by the detail in their designs,” he said.

“Their project considered everything from the creation of a new town square, to how the culture of Australia’s First Nations people could be incorporated, and even analysed possible locations for affordable and diverse housing options.

“It’s the kind of thinking we wanted to foster at USC and I’m thrilled to see the passion students have for our area.

“Before USC opened just 35% of Moreton Bay school leavers went onto tertiary study, that’s a shockingly low figure that we’re working to turn around and I believe partnerships like this are an important way Council can help set students up for success for life after the classroom.

“As we approach the end of the year, I want to again remind local Year 12 students that applications are currently open for our $750,000 USC Equity Scholarship Fund, which gives worthy recipients $8,000 a year to study at USC Moreton Bay if their family is experiencing financial distress.”

Deputy Mayor Denise Sims (Div 7) said it was wonderful to work on a project so close to her heart.

“As the local Councillor I’m passionate about making Kallangur a great place to live, work and visit, not only today but for the years to come,” she said.

“It was great to work collaboratively with the students and share the community’s values to ensure they were at the ‘heart’ of shaping this project.

“It’s the kind of innovative thinking that I want to see more of, in fact I’ll be taking it to Council and our planners as inspiration for potential revitalisation strategies.

“From increased transport options, creating family-friendly neighbourhoods and integrating green design to capitalise on our Queensland climate, it was fantastic to see how the students took those values and created a vision for the suburb.

“It’s a concept that could really change the look and feel of an area like Kallangur in the decades ahead.”