A long-anticipated marina precinct at North Harbour in Burpengary East, Queensland, is one step closer to establishment with a proposed Priority Development Area (PDA) now under review. The declaration of the North Harbour PDA is expected to unlock new waterfront access, stimulate the regional marine industry and bring community and economic benefits to the City of Moreton Bay.
Spanning more than 570-hectares of riverfront land, the North Harbour Marina Precinct forms part of a broader masterplan that has been in development for nearly two decades. The precinct includes plans for a 400 berth marina, 500 dry storage docks, 562 private pontoons and fuel facilities, which will be an addition to Queensland’s marina infrastructure between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. Tourism facilities such as yacht charters, fishing and diving tours and a waterfront entertainment village are also part of the proposal.
A defining feature of the project is the transformation of a 12-kilometre stretch of the Caboolture River, currently under private ownership, into a large public riverfront open space in South East Queensland. The 319-hectare parkland is designed to support recreational, sporting and cultural activities while ensuring environmental preservation through wetland conservation and riparian rehabilitation.
The North Harbour PDA is projected to generate over 6,500 ongoing jobs and contribute $882 million AUD annually to the Queensland economy, with $760 million AUD flowing directly into the Moreton Bay region. According to research by Urbis, the marina precinct alone is expected to deliver a $1.24 billion AUD uplift to the construction sector, rising to $2.74 billion AUD across the full masterplan area.
In addition to the marine precinct, the proposed PDA supports the development of 3,700 new homes over the next 15 years. An early release area could facilitate the immediate construction of up to 200 dwellings, with planning led by Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) in collaboration with the City of Moreton Bay, local stakeholders and the development partners, North Harbour Holdings and Trask Land Corporation.
City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery welcomed the proposal, noting the transformative impact it could have on the region’s economy and lifestyle offering. “The development of a marina at the site will unlock a new local marine industry, from boatbuilding to repairs, generating more skilled employment opportunities for our residents.”
Once declared, an Interim Land Use Plan (ILUP) will take effect to allow immediate development applications in designated areas while the full Development Scheme is prepared.
If approved, the North Harbour Marina PDA will fill a long-standing gap in marine infrastructure and serve as a regional anchor for marine services, residential growth and tourism in northern Brisbane.
