THE \u201clast piece of the puzzle\u201d relating to an expansion at the Bannockburn Industrial Estate has been solved, with funding announced for stormwater works at the site.<\/p>\n
Last week state Minister for Regional Development, Mary-Anne Thomas, visited the estate and revealed $2 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund would support an additional $1.1 million from land owners and developer Josco to get the works underway.<\/p>\n
Once the site upgrades, that include a retarding basin and stormwater piping are complete a 21.7-hectare expansion to the industrial estate can begin.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s so great to see so much bustling activity, so many people at work, here in Bannockburn,\u201d Ms Thomas said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want more people to be able to work here, but what that means is unlocking land that is suitable for development.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s all about unlocking that private sector investment, creating local jobs and ensuring this community can continue to thrive.\u201d<\/p>\n
John O\u2019Shannassy from Josco said without the State Government money to assist with the stormwater works, it wouldn\u2019t be possible to open the land for an expansion of the industrial estate.<\/p>\n
Once the planned stormwater infrastructure is installed the developer will need to build roads, sewers, power and other utilities to support the estimated 15 lots on the site.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been in the pipeline for that last seven or eight years, and we just couldn\u2019t make it work with the cost of the drainage,\u201d Mr O\u2019Shannassy said. \u201cIt would have made the development cost too much.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was needed to get the project up and running. It\u2019s the last piece of the puzzle we need to go out and do the design.\u201d<\/p>\n
Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Helena Kirby welcomed the announcement and said once the expanded estate is up and running it would bring benefits to the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe development of the Bannockburn Industrial Estate is critical to growing the local economy\u2026 and today\u2019s announcement of the $3.1 million stormwater infrastructure project makes this plan a reality,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will now be possible to develop the next stage of the estate and open up 21.7 hectares to welcome new businesses, support business expansion and attract new jobs for residents to work and live in Golden Plains Shire.\u201d<\/p>\n
The works at the site to install the stormwater infrastructure are expected to be complete by 2022 and there\u2019s no firm timeframe on the opening of the expanded industrial estate.<\/p>\n
Rezoning of the 21.7 hectares by Golden Plains Shire will be required before further construction can be undertaken.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE \u201clast piece of the puzzle\u201d relating to an expansion at the Bannockburn Industrial Estate has been solved, with funding announced for stormwater works at the site. Last week state Minister for Regional Development, Mary-Anne Thomas, visited the estate and revealed $2 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund would support an additional $1.1 million from […]<\/p>\n