Project Overview

The Gladstone Region 2028 Vision Project (circa 2008) recognised rapid population growth, demographic change and the cumulative impacts of significant industrial projects that increased pressure on social infrastructure to the detriment of the vulnerable residents of the Gladstone Region.

In 2009, the Gladstone Region Social Infrastructure and Strategic Plan (SISP) developed in partnership with the former Gladstone Economic and Industry Development Board and the former Department of Infrastructure and Planning (DIP,) recommended as the number one priority social infrastructure objective for the co-location and integration of human and social services and facilities to address the fragmentation of the community support system.

The Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct was proposed as the principal social infrastructure initiative to address current and future human and social services needs for the region. With Council’s Corporate Plan (2018-2023) mapping a clear direction towards creating a strong fabric of community connectedness, lifestyle and enhanced liveability in the Gladstone Region.

It took several years to secure capital funding for the project, however sufficient funds were secured for Stage 1 from the:

  • Australian Government via the Regional Jobs and Investment Package
  • Gladstone Foundation via the Salvation Army
  • Gladstone Regional Council

The Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct has been designed to strengthen Gladstone’s community and social service system by the clustering of community facilities to improve and enhance service delivery and community outcomes.

The Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct recognises the central role communities play in supporting and protecting wellbeing through fostering social inclusion, connectedness, and enabling access to resources and services

Once operational, the Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct will offer a unique opportunity for service providers and community groups to move beyond co-location to a true partnership model. Our precinct tenants will be supported with their planning to deliver, and review together.

Gladstone Regional Council will act as facility managers for the precinct, including shared areas. The precinct’s formal Advisory Committee will advise Council on strategic planning, management and service delivery to make services, programs and activities are responsive to community needs. Council’s Engagement and Partnership team will also be based at the precinct and will provide Secretariat services to the Advisory Committee.

Separate to the Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct, Council is developing another portion of land on Philip Street and is encouraging aged care providers to express interest in operating an aged care facility. While this facility will sit on the same parcel of land as the Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct, the aged care facility is a separate project. The aged care facility will be built and operated by a private provider.

The Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct has been funded by the Australian Government’s Regional Jobs and Investment Packages, the Queensland Government’s Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy, Gladstone Regional Council and the Gladstone Foundation, in partnership with The Salvation Army.

Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - complete

    2021

    Precinct opening to the public August 2021.

    Construction completed July 2021

    Philip Street Advisory Committee named

    Buildings named using traditional language: Ngallil (nar-lee-ill) for the Gladstone Regional Council Community and Neighbourhood Centre, Gumar (goo-mar) for the Salvation Army building and Nutchee (na-chee) for the Communities and Children building.

    Expressions of interest sought for mobile food van, Philip Street volunteers and Philip Street Advisory Committee

  • Timeline item 2 - complete

    2020

    Stage 1a construction complete including cut to fill earthworks, installation of stormwater drains, culverts, sewers, electrical and telecommunications works, and landscaping & planting.

    Stage1b work began in August 2020 and will include further earthworks, inground services, completion of an all-abilities playground and completion of buildings 1a, 1b and 2.

    Council and partners are seeking expressions of interest from community service organisations and local community groups to deliver services, programs and activities from the Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct. EOI form available above.

  • Timeline item 3 - complete

    2019

    Building and landscape designs completed

    Stage 1a Tender awarded

    Stage 1a construction begings

  • Timeline item 4 - complete

    2018

    Council secures $3.08m through the Regional Jobs & Investment Package.

    Revision to the Master Plan completed

    Site officially named “Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct”

  • Timeline item 5 - complete

    2016

    Federal Member, Ken O’Dowd announced $20m investment to widen Philip Street (Road Duplication Project).

    The Salvation Army (Qld) Property Trust secures $3m through the Gladstone Foundation

  • Timeline item 6 - complete

    2015

    Council’s National Stronger Regions Fund Stage 1 application ($10.5m) unsuccessful.

    State Government commits proceed of sale of the Toolooa Street Neighbourhood Centre towards project.

  • Timeline item 7 - complete

    2014

    Council allocates catalyst funding of $5.4m to progress development.

  • Timeline item 8 - complete

    2013

    Development Application approved with conditions.

  • Timeline item 9 - complete

    2012

    Council submits a Development Application based on original Master Plan

  • Timeline item 10 - complete

    2010

    The Gladstone Region Social Infrastructure Strategic Plan recommends centralisation of community services close to existing an retail center serviced by public transport.

  • Timeline item 11 - complete

    2004

    Gladstone City Council acquires Philip Street land from Queensland Government.

Logos of collaborators and sponsors - Australian Government, GRC, Gladstone Foundation, The Salvation Army, GAPDL and QLD Government