Hundreds of jobs in Queensland’s North Lakes suburb are hanging in the balance after state infrastructure minister Jeff Seeney ‘called in’ the application for a Costco Warehouse scheme.
Under Queensland planning legislation, Mr Seeney is allowed to decide the future of a project by calling it in under ‘state interest’ purposes.
The initiative would bring over 700 jobs to North Lakes, which may include opportunities for apprenticeships in Brisbane, with the politician claiming it is a significant economic boost to the region.
Mr Seeney said: “The application needs to be dealt with as quickly as possible as there is a huge investment at stake.
“More than 700 jobs are riding on the outcome – the jobs of the 160 construction workers and the 575 retail staff and others who will be involved in building and operating this development.”
As a potentially important project for the economic future of the state, it is important it does not get bogged down in legal proceedings, he argued.
Moreton Bay Regional Council had previously approved the scheme, but objectors in the Planning and Environment Court later appealed.
The state’s planning legislation has also allowed Mr Seeney to extend the time in which he can assess the situation before making a final decision on February 25 2013.
