Declining industry earmarked lots years ago

THE future of the Norwell Valley has been under the microscope for more than 15 years.

The decline of the cane-growing industry and the struggles of farming have seen growing calls from a number of property owners in the area to allow for land to be sold for redevelopment.

Successive changes in government have so far failed to lay out a way forward for the area, beyond listing it as an “investigation area”.

Multiple proposals have previously been put forward but none ever progressed.

In 2007 plans were unveiled for a $650 million motor racing complex called the Integrated Motorsport Education, Tourism and Technology development which was expected to create 5000 jobs and open by 2007.

Canegrowers furiously opposed the idea and in 2008 insisted the industry was not on the brink of collapse, anticipating it would remain viable until 2023.

The Bligh Government declared it a development no-go zone while the Newman Government had planned to commission a masterplan study for the area after lobbying from land owners but lost power before doing so.

In 2013, the Canegrowers Rocky Point and the Rocky Point Future Planning Association unveiled plans to allow for 15,000ha of agricultural land to be developed for bed and breakfast, eco-lodge facilities and caravanning.

Despite a positive reception from council, nothing went ahead.