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.