New Investment Attraction Program to Drive Jobs and Prosperity

Published 04 May 2022

Moreton Bay Regional Council will offer new business incentives and partnership arrangements to investors who relocate or co-locate to the region to create local jobs, and secure and retain talent, as Moreton Bay region looks to supercharge its COVID-19 recovery.

Today’s unanimous vote for a new Investment Attraction Program bolsters Council’s award-winning Regional Economic Development Strategy that will create 100,000 more jobs by 2041 and become a $40 billion economy.

Mayor Peter Flannery said Moreton Bay region had been overlooked for too long, so it’s critical for Council to facilitate new investment opportunities that will create new jobs and transform the regional economy.

Council will attract new investment but also support the region’s businesses and industries to ensure their retention and expansion, Mayor Flannery said.

“Now is the time for Moreton Bay region to take its place on the national stage a decade out from the 2032 Olympics; because what we offer investors isn’t just compelling, it’s game-changing,” he said.

“This new investment program is designed to ensure investors will enhance Moreton Bay region’s reputation by building strong supply chain links and complementing existing businesses and industries.

“So my message to investors is get in quick.

“The Invest Moreton Bay campaign Council launched in October last year targeted investors in key priority industries seeking to harness the power of unrivalled growth and unlimited potential; and is already delivering leads.

“In fact, Council-owned Millovate is already in discussions with major international players about the potential of The Mill at Moreton Bay, to turn 65 hectares of the site into South East Queensland’s  sustainable industry-integrated community, including advanced manufacturing such as robotics, medical technologies, microelectronics, information technology, pharmaceuticals and renewable energies.

“The Mill at Moreton Bay is evolving as a landmark destination located at Petrie on two train lines with a major university campus, USC Moreton Bay, at is core.

“This is a place that will inspire curiosity and fresh thinking, as well as generating up to $813 million in economic benefit and deliver up to 8600 new jobs.

“The Mill at Moreton Bay offers exceptional opportunities for astute investors in education, healthcare, tech start-ups, and also lifestyle in the heart of one of Australia’s fastest growing regions.

“The precinct’s strategic location within 25 minutes to the Brisbane Airport and approximately 30 minutes to the Port of Brisbane and Brisbane’s CBD has created streamlined, cost-efficient logistical pathways and has underpinned our economic success.

“As Australia’s third largest Council, we have the space, a talented workforce bolstered by the nation’s newest university campus at The Mill at Moreton Bay, and natural resources that other metropolitan business landscapes just cannot offer.

"At this moment, Moreton Bay region has hit the sweet spot in terms of momentum and potential.

“We are committed to more innovation, more space and more collaboration to help businesses and industries think bigger, be bolder and build brighter.

“Our cutting-edge education facilities and innovation hubs combine with multi-billion-dollar projects underway across the technology, education, tourism, food and agribusiness, maritime, advanced manufacturing and transport sectors.

“Encouraging businesses to expand, relocate or co-locate their operations in our region will benefit our economy through the creation of new jobs and investment, and support the goals of the Regional Economic Development Strategy.”

Moreton Bay region is home to more businesses with a turnover of $2 million or more than Sydney's northern beaches, Parramatta, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.

It also attracts double the number of annual visitors than traditional tourism hotspot Noosa.

The Regional Economic Development Strategy 2020-41 outlines a plan to make Moreton Bay Region bigger, bolder and brighter.

• Bigger: our region will become bigger, with our economy reaching $40 billion in 2041, more than double its current size.
• Bolder: we act bolder, with the creation of 100,000 new jobs and 16,000 new businesses by 2041. We will focus on ensuring our residents have the necessary skills and knowledge to access these jobs.
• Brighter: our region’s future will be brighter, by focusing on our growth and talent and making Moreton Bay one of the top 10 regional knowledge and innovation hubs in Australia.