The fast-growing Yarrabilba community will have access to improved education and employment opportunities following a Logan City Council decision to grant a lease to TAFE Queensland.
The learning hub will be located at – a new community space Council will deliver in partnership with the Queensland Government, Brisbane Catholic Education and Lendlease.
City Lifestyle Chair and Division 4 Councillor Laurie Koranski said there was increasing demand for services and spaces in the suburb, which is expected to be home to 50,000 people when fully developed.
“The Buzz at Yarrabilba is just one part of a network of community facilities Council plans to deliver over the coming years,” Cr Koranski said.
“We see it as a space where people can learn, earn, connect and innovate, and TAFE Queensland’s investment in the area will bring long-term benefits.”
Construction on The Buzz started in October last year with three separate buildings, known as pods, making up the precinct.
Council has called for tenders to operate Pods 1 and 2, with TAFE Queensland’s lease being for Pod 3.
Cr Koranski said The Buzz’s prime location between Yarrabilba State Secondary College and San Damiano College would offer a range of training opportunities for local students even before they finish school.
“It’s really important that learning opportunities are easily accessible and inclusive, and I’m thrilled that this is happening in Yarrabilba,” she said.
Governance Chair, Councillor Karen Murphy said the lease with TAFE Queensland would be for five years, with an option for a further five years.
“Council is delighted to partner with the Queensland Government to deliver vital further education and training to Yarrabilba and the surrounding suburbs,” Cr Murphy said.
“We’ve designed this facility to connect all parts of the community, and a youth centre will be another strong focus when it opens later this year.”
The Buzz at Yarrabilba was facilitated under the Palaszczuk Government’s Community Hubs and Partnerships program, which provides strategic leadership in collaborative planning and delivery of social infrastructure to improve the accessibility of services and connecting community.
State Member for Logan Linus Power said TAFE Queensland would be a welcome addition to the multi-use community centre.
“It’s facilities like these, with services like TAFE Queensland, that offer Queenslanders of all ages opportunities to learn and grow in collaborative spaces close to home,” Mr Power said.
“It’s great the TAFE will be connecting students to the network to find a job locally.
“I look forward to seeing The Buzz come to life and now it’s able to offer Yarrabilba residents and neighbours more education opportunities.”
The Buzz is located at the corner of Yarrabilba Dr and Basalt Dr, Yarrabilba.
Additional comments from The Buzz at Yarrabilba partners:
Lendlease Head of Queensland, Communities, Ian Murray:
“The new learning hub will be a great opportunity to bring employment and skilling to the community, which has been a key focus for all partners involved. We’re delivering on our vision to provide access to training and jobs for local people of all ages and abilities, this is inclusive of Yarrabilba residents and those in the surrounding area.”
Brisbane Catholic Education Executive Director, Dr Sally Towns:
“Brisbane Catholic Education is proud to be a partner in this collaborative innovative project. We are confident that The Buzz will assist in ensuring that the students of Yarrabilba will have even more opportunities to thrive! Thank you to all involved.”
