When you think of integral centres to the space industry you're likely to think of Houston, Cape Canaveral or maybe Parkes and it's famous dish a little closer to home.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Well get ready to add Queanbeyan to that list, at least if the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council has anything to do with it.
A motion was passed at a recent council meeting that could see a major defence, space and renewable energy hub built just outside the ACT border.
The news comes after the federal government announced the creation of the Australian Space Agency. The agency is set to be housed in Civic for it's first six months of operation, but will then be looking for a permanent home.
Member for Eden-Monaro Mike Kelly held a rountable in March pitching Queanbeyan as a potential location for the defence, space and renewable energy industries to cluster.
Out of that was born a proposal to build a business park and industrial precinct of more than 50 hectares at South Jerrabomberra as part of the Poplars development. The council estimates the development could contain more than 100 buildings and employ more than 1000 people.
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council general manager Peter Tegart said the proposal aimed to take advantage of the site's proximity to defence hubs in Russell and Kingston and defence housing in Jerrabomberra and Googong.
"We're not trying to steal business from the ACT," Mr Tegart said.
"But at the same time we don't want to lose business, it's about rebuilding the perception of Queanbeyan.
"We're not aiming to compete but it may be appropriate to cluster."
A council spokesman said more than 60 per cent of Queanbeyan's working population was employed in the ACT. He said the business park would encourage more residents to stay in the area for work, rather than travelling to Canberra.
While the business park proposal is still in the planning stages, the council has approved $8 million in funding for initial infrastructure including an access road, water, sewer and telecommunications.
Part of the proposal would see developers gift land to the council for a school and regional sports facility.
ACT senator and assistant minister for science, jobs and innovation Zed Seselja commended the steps taken by the council.
"Obviously I would like to see the Australian Space Agency remain in the Canberra region, as an already established innovation hub," Mr Seselja said.
A Department of Industry, Innovation and Science spokesman said the agency would provide the federal government with its recommendation for a long-term location by the end of the year.
