Samford Commons Strategic Business Plan

1. Proposal to Local, State & Federal Governments
The proposition
That the Queensland Government commits to providing funds for capital expenditure and start-­‐up
business development for the transformation of the former CSIRO site at Samford into the visionary
and financially viable Samford Commons precinct.
That this commitment matches the proposed contributions of the Moreton Bay Regional Council, the
Federal Government and the local community represented by Samford Commons Ltd. The value of this
requested commitment from the state Government is $2 million over 2-­‐3 years. The Council has
included $2.05m in its forward provisional 2015-­‐17 budget.
Benefit to the State
• Samford Commons meets the aspiration of the Queensland Government to “genuinely consult with
and work to strengthen engagement in local communities” so as to “enrich our lives.”
• The concept provides practical capacity to fulfil the vision of the broad ranging policy of the State
Government.
• The economic modelling shows a financial benefit to the state of $33,007,500 over 10 years, pointing
to very significant job growth and an economically vibrant community.
A model for the future
Samford Commons is a living example of how governments, the community, private enterprise, public
institutions and society can join forces to create and deliver a visionary concept with potentially strong
economic outputs, significant community and social benefits and enviable environmental integrity.
The opportunity
It is very rare that a relatively low cost opportunity is so ready for ‘hammer and spade’ work that will
enable such a significant project to be delivered in such a short space of time. Much of the current
infrastructure can be reshaped for purpose within two years. The first stage can be completed within
six months. The economic multipliers are compelling. The capacity to build community capacity and
wellbeing is unparalleled.
Samford Commons Ltd | Strategic Business Plan | June 2015
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