Strengthening South East Queensland South

The South East Queensland South (SEQ South) region comprises the local government areas of Gold Coast, Logan and Redland City Councils.

The region has a diversified economic structure with employment opportunities and economic activity driven across several industries, including knowledge-based and services-based sectors such as advanced manufacturing, health and medical, education, retail and transport, as well as traditional drivers such as construction and tourism.

Our South East Queensland South regional office is one of 14 regional offices across Queensland supporting businesses to mature, grow and invest. Support is facilitated via one-on-one interactions, information, presentations and workshops (both online and face-to-face).

View all upcoming events and opportunities on the events page.

A number of pre-recorded sessions are also available on how to promote your businesses’ products and services to others.

We focus on areas identified in the New Industry Development Strategy relating to opportunities driven by decarbonisation and our competitive advantages in the following priority areas:

• Renewable energy manufacturing
• Critical minerals
• Battery industry development
• Green Hydrogen
• Circular economy
• Bioeconomy including biofuels and aviation fuel.

The Local Economic Opportunities Network, works with local communities to assist with economic transition.  The LEO network is part of the Queensland new-industry development strategy and was established to support investment in clean energy technology and ­help communities take advantage of the economic opportunities available in Queensland.

There are a range of programs and initiatives available to help Queensland local governments, business and industry reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

We also continue to provide sector wide industry development services, including project facilitation, and supply chain development and  maintain a strong focus on priority industries and roadmaps including;

• advanced manufacturing
• aerospace
• meat processing
• biofutures
• biomedical
• defence
• hydrogen
• mining equipment, technology and services (METS)
• resource recovery
• space
• superyachts/ marine

Key features of the Gold Coast

Located in South-East Queensland, 66 kms¹ south of Brisbane on Australia’s east coast, the Gold Coast is the sixth-largest city in Australia and home to over 700, 000 people. Gold Coast City is bordered by Logan City, Redland City and Moreton Bay in the north, the Coral Sea in the east, the New South Wales border in the south and the Scenic Rim Regional Council area in the west. Gold Coast City's Gross Regional Product is estimated at $48.72 billion, which represents 10.6% of the state's GSP (Gross State Product). With more than 70,000 registered businesses across the city, the Gold Coast is developing a significant scale that defines the City's credentials as a world-class investment destination.

Population

The Estimated Resident Population of Gold Coast City was 666,087 as per REMPLAN 2023 release 2 data.

Employment

The number of employed persons in Gold Coast SA4 in September 2024 was 377,400 persons, an increase of 18,700 employed persons, or 5.2% over the year.

Strengths

• direct international air access
• three world-class universities
• strategically located of the edge of the Asia-Pacific Rim
• established and diverse local supply chains
• innovative culture
• diverse economy
• welcoming approximately 14.2 million visitors each year
• robust economy
• home to Village Roadshow studios
• diverse student community
• highly skilled workforce

Main industries

• construction
• education
• health and medical
• manufacturing
• professional services
• screen
• sport
• technology
• tourism
• marine

Key projects of the Gold Coast

Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct/ Lumina

The 200ha Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct (GCHKP) is a dynamic research and entrepreneurial ecosystem internationally recognised for transforming lives through healthcare innovation, new knowledge and next-generation technologies. The GCHKP is being developed in a long-term partnership between the Queensland Government, City of Gold Coast, Griffith University and Gold Coast Health and is backed by $5 billion in health, education, transport and residential infrastructure. The GCHKP co-locates top global talent, companies and start-ups for collaboration and commercial success and is already home to 16,000 workers - including 1,000 researchers - 20,000 students, 2,500 residents and 50 SMEs and tech companies. Almost $250 million in private commercial development is underway or newly completed, with more than $300 million in the pipeline in the Queensland Government’s 9.5-hectare Lumina commercial cluster.

Key features of Logan

Logan City Council, established in 1979, governs an area of 957 square kilometers in Queensland, Australia. Bordering Brisbane City to the north, Logan's southern boundary stretches along the Logan River, while it extends westward to include suburbs such as Park Ridge and Greenbank.

Following a boundary expansion in 2012, Logan City now encompasses areas further south, reaching Beenleigh and Gleneagle, and west to Peak Crossing. The city includes a diverse landscape across 70 suburbs, supporting a dynamic community and contributing to the growth of South East Queensland. Logan is a growing residential area, with substantial rural, rural-residential, commercial and industrial areas. Logan is well-positioned to support the growing South-East Queensland region and attract a wide range of industry and development.

Population

The ABS 2023 Estimated Resident Population of Logan City was 337,773.

Employment

Labour force is 186,391 and unemployment rate was 6.5% as of December 2022.

Strengths

• easy access to major motorways and rail corridors
• 69 unique suburbs
• diverse skilled workforce
• affordable housing and land
• approximately 1.4 million visitors to the city annually
• access to two international airports and Port of Brisbane
• there are 130,025 dwellings in the City of Logan as at June 2022
• with well-connected infrastructure corridors, including access to the Port of Brisbane and the Toowoomba, Brisbane, and Gold Coast international and domestic airports, Logan offers unparalleled accessibility for businesses and travellers alike

Main industries

• construction
• health care and social assistance
• manufacturing
• transport, postal and warehousing

Growing industries include: rental, hiring and real estate services, public administration and safety,wholesale trade, and electricity, gas, water and waste services.

Key projects of Logan

Meadowbrook precinct

The Meadowbrook precinct is a master-planned place focused on health, education and wellbeing. The precinct includes Logan Hospital, Griffith University, TAFE Queensland and other related services and facilities.

Logan Hospital Expansion Project

The $540 million stage 2 Logan hospital expansion project will deliver 206 extra beds and treatment spaces in Logan. The expansion project will increase the hospital’s capacity by almost half. Key investments under this project includes,

• a $460 million vertical expansion of the building housing Queensland’s second busiest emergency department, including four new floors
• a new $18.8 million maternity service
• a new $61.9 million eight-level car park
• refurbishment of existing clinical and support areas in other buildings.

To find out more please visit Metro South Health project page.

Yarrabilba

The Yarrabilba Priority Development Area (PDA) is located within Logan City, 20 kilometres south of Logan Central. The PDA covers 2222 hectares between the Plunkett Conservation Park to the east, Waterford Tamborine Road to the west and Plunkett Road to the south. When fully developed, the PDA will provide up to 20,000 dwellings to house a population of up to 50,000 people. Full development of the Yarrabilba PDA is expected to take 20-30 years. The PDA was declared on 8 October 2010.

Key features of Redland

In 1949 Cleveland Shire Council merged with parts of Tingalpa Shire Council to form the Redland Shire Council and in 2008 the Shire was granted City status.

Redland City is located in south-east Queensland, about 26 kilometres south-east of the Brisbane CBD. Redland City is bounded by Moreton Bay and North Stradbroke Island in the north and east, Gold Coast and Logan Cities in the south, and Brisbane City in the west. Spreading 537sq km, the city consists of communities such as Capalaba and Cleveland, the islands of southern Moreton Bay in the city’s south and rural areas of Mount Cotton and Sheldon. The local economy is directly underpinned by a mix of local industry, retail, health care, education, tourism and construction.

Population

The Estimated Resident Population of Redland City was 166,809 as per the REMPLAN 2022 release 2 data.

Employment

Labour force recorded in September 2024 was 86,867 and the unemployment rate was 2.6%.

Strengths

• access to two international airports and Port of Brisbane
• gateway to Moreton Bay and the Bay islands
• Redland City has a number of world-class educational facilities
• a multi-purpose health hub is also proposed for the Southern Redlands

Main industries

• construction
• manufacturing
• health care and social assistance
• retail trade
• rental, hiring and real estate services
• transport, postal and warehousing
• professional, scientific and technical services
• education and training
• accommodation and food services

Key projects of Redland

Pilot hydrogen plan

A $8.04 million pilot hydrogen plant research project is located at the Queensland State Government’s Redlands Research Centre. Hydrogen is a clean, renewable fuel that can be used in transport, power supply and a range of industrial processes. The pilot plant aims to demonstrate different technologies for renewable energy and will help determine the viability of establishing hybrid renewable energy plants to generate hydrogen for export and local use. Professor Ian Mackinnon, from Queensland University of Technology, is leading the project with the aim that the success of the pilot hydrogen plant would open the door for the commercial development of hydrogen-generating plants throughout regional Australia.

Toondah Harbour Priority Development Area

The Toondah Harbour Priority Development Area (PDA) aims to enable redevelopment to boost tourism, and create new business opportunities and jobs while supporting existing businesses. It will provide the local community with better services and facilities. The Toondah Harbour PDA is located on the southern shores of Moreton Bay in Cleveland, approximately one kilometre from of the Cleveland CBD and 33 kilometres from of the Brisbane CBD. The PDA covers 67 hectares, including 17.5 hectares over land and 49.5 hectares over water within Moreton Bay.

Weinam Creek Priority Development Area

The Weinam Creek Priority Development Area (PDA) is in Redland Bay and includes the Weinam Creek Marina, located at the intersection of Banana and Meissner Street. The total area of the PDA is approximately 42 hectares, including 36 hectares over land and nearly 6 hectares over water.

The purpose of the PDA is to reinforce Weinam Creek as a community focus and a regional gateway to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands including Macleay, Lamb, Karragarra and Russell islands.

Development will include opportunities for mixed use and medium density residential dwellings.

Further information

Contact our South East Queensland South regional office to find out more.