New name for historic site

A prime 460-hectare development area is to be renamed as Moreton Bay City Council looks to “reset and refocus” for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Mill at Moreton Bay – which will be an Olympic host venue in 2032 – is to become Moreton Bay Central, in a branding move for the Petrie site.

In turn, the current Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex at Burpengary will change to Moreton Bay Sports Complex.

Rebranding as Moreton Bay Central will “help attract investment” to the Priority Development Area (PDA) site, said Mayor Peter Flannery.

“This isn’t about renaming suburbs,” he said at a Council meeting. “It’s not about making this our city centre - I want to put those concerns to bed.

“I think it is time to reset and refocus this area as we move forward with the Olympic (and Paralympic) venue being allocated by the State Government.

“Opportunities for the university (of the Sunshine Coast) continue to grow, we now have a TAFE college going there as well and lots of exciting things on the horizon.

“I think the name Moreton Bay Central gives it a focus, it’s a centre for these areas of expertise, whether it is sport, a splash pad with the oval, the university …

“It’s about a brand name we can use to attract investment to this area. It doesn’t take away from our Strathpines, our North Lakes, our Redcliffes, our Cabooltures or our hinterland suburbs.”

Cr Jodie Shipway (Div 4) said: “I believe this will assist our Chief Economic Development Officer and his colleagues to sell this space to providers of hotels and other businesses in the area.

“The Mill, if you are local, resonates with us, but for a large business which isn’t local the Mill probably doesn’t mean a lot. Having the words Moreton Bay in there is, I think, critical.”

However, Cr Jim Moloney (Div 8) drew attention to the significant history of the site and was supported in his call for the Mill waterpark and play space and Mill parklands to retain their names.

Heritage trails and details of the site’s past are likely to be included in the final plans.