From paper to powerhouse

Petrie Mill was more than a paper production plant. It shaped the area, created jobs, attracted residents and a small post-war township flourished.

Almost 70 years later, history is repeating itself, with three developments - estimated to cost $1.45 billion - starting in the next 18 months.

Now known as Moreton Bay Central, the 200-hectare site is set to “supercharge” the immediate area (and beyond) - again.

What Prime Minister Robert Menzies described in 1957 as the “largest industrial undertaking in southern Queensland”, Mayor Peter Flannery says will be “a centre for global innovation”.

When the Mill closed in 2013, 200 jobs were lost. When Moreton Bay Central is complete it will deliver 8600 jobs and inject $813 million per year into this economy.

“Moreton Bay Central is a landmark precinct that will supercharge economic growth, job creation and world-class education opportunities.”

Mayor Peter Flannery

“The site is being transformed into a centre for global innovation, education, sports and recreation and will serve as a major legacy for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics.

“It is one of South East Queensland’s most significant Priority Development Areas, with incredible potential for development over 460-ha across Petrie, Kallangur and Lawnton.

“I’m proud of what we have achieved at the site so far and excited about where it is headed.”

Work is about to start on PsiQuantum’s Asia-Pacific headquarters and utility-scale computer, in a project reportedly worth $940 million.

A new $60 million TAFE Centre of Excellence is expected to get underway this year and the $200 million Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre Olympic venue in 2027.

University of the Sunshine Coast has four buildings and is planning more while a Category A rowing precinct is also proposed.

Moreton Bay City Council is “exploring opportunities” to leave its Strathpine chambers and administration offices - when they near “end-of-life” around 2030 - to a new site at Petrie.

There are also suggestions medical businesses and a new tertiary hospital may move into Moreton Bay Central.

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Helen Bartlett said Moreton Bay Central is a “key factor in UniSC’s strategic plan”.

“UniSC will continue expanding its Moreton Bay campus to cater for strong and accelerating growth in both student enrolments and the surrounding region,” she said

State Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates says the new TAFE will set “thousands of Queenslanders on a path to very rewarding careers”.

Breakouts on each development:

TAFE Centre of Excellence and Advanced Manufacturing Hub

The $60 million TAFE Centre of Excellence will have an Advanced Manufacturing Hub with state-of-the-art workshops and opportunities in high-tech, high-demand sectors.

Final schematic design is under way where the overall concept, layout and key features are confirmed. This will be followed by construction.

A contractor will be engaged, detailed design and technical plans for construction will be finalised. Early works are scheduled to begin later this year.

The TAFE Centre of Excellence, with capacity for expansion, will be adjacent to the new Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre, which will host Olympic events.

Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre

Design for the new $205 million Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre, which will be an Olympic Games venue in 2032, is underway.

The centre will have 12 multi‑use indoor courts for sports including basketball, netball, volleyball, futsal, pickleball and wheelchair rugby.

It will have a Games‑time capacity of up to 10,000 spectators, athlete amenities, potential to host major sporting events, community, local clubs, schools and community groups.

The venue will be owned and operated by Moreton Bay City Council which has already done early works on the site. Construction is expected to start in 2027.

Flat water rowing precinct

Plans for a Category A flatwater rowing and paddle sports precinct on the lakes of Moreton Bay Central were announced last year.

The proposal was pitched as a possible alternative for Olympic rowing, should the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton not get the green light from Games chiefs.

Mayor Peter Flannery said: “It meets the dire need of 5000 SEQ registered rowers and supports daily community use, school programs, club competitions and high-performance pathways.”

Council is supporting development of the Precinct with Boral, which delivered Penrith Lakes used for the 2000 Olympics.

PsiQuantum Asia-Pacific Headquarters

PsiQuantum announced last month it is to establish an Asia-Pacific headquarters and build its utility-scale quantum Computer at Moreton Bay Central.

The project - reported to be worth $940 million - will anchor the company at one of Queensland’s emerging hubs for advanced manufacturing, technology, and education.

It will position Queensland and Australia as global leaders in quantum computing, advanced manufacturing and the future industries that will define the next generation of economic growth.

Early earthworks are reported to be starting soon along with the official ground breaking.