Manufacturing Industry Precinct to be considered for Oakey Depot site
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Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has passed a motion to consider a Manufacturing Industry Business Incubator Precinct as potential reuse of the Oakey Depot.
The motion moved by TRC Deputy Mayor Cr Geoff McDonald also included that potential business models at a future Environment and Community Committee Meeting.
Cr McDonald said the closure of the Oakey Depot had seen the re-deployment of 60 to 80 staff to the new Principal Depot in Charlton and it opens up an opportunity for reuse of the site.
“Oakey has a wide and varied existing manufacturing industry with greater opportunities to develop and grow into the future,” Cr McDonald said.
“The Oakey and surrounds have long been a location from a broad range of industry sectors.
“Also, the planned Inland Rail project and its proximity to Oakey presents itself geographically as an ideal place for this sort of business incubator model.
Cr McDonald said there is anecdotal evidence from the Oakey Youth Project that shows a high proportion of young people who have left school between 18 and 24 and remain unemployed.
“The proposal is an excellent fit for Oakey, a town that deserves some positive news now and into the future,” Cr McDonald said.
“A new Manufacturing Industry Business Incubator Precinct provides real opportunities for the Oakey district into the future.”
The motion was moved by Cr Geoff McDonald and seconded by Cr Megan O’Hara Sullivan.
That Council consider a Manufacturing Industry Business Incubator Precinct as a potential reuse for the Oakey Depot. That Council be presented with potential business models at a future Environment and Community Committee Meeting.The motion was carried.