Moura businesses lament lack of land for growth within town area | Biloela News | Local News in Biloela

A LACK of industrial land in Moura is stalling growth in the town, according to some concerned business owners.

Mitre 10 owner Aron Lang told the Central Telegraph industrial land in and around Moura has been in short supply for some time, but certainly more noticeable over the past couple of years with increased demands of coal mining and gas activity.

“There are possibly numerous businesses / contractors that have not set up base in Moura due to the lack of industrial land,” Mr Lang said.

“Certainly some of these are granted permission to have equipment on the mine site, which solved their problem short term, but if potential business comes to Moura with the intention to access industrial land - it won't happen.

“I have had several requests to 'keep an ear out' for industrial land that may be coming available,” Mr Lang said.

Steve Paton from Moura Real Estate said he had many requests from companies seeking businesses premises.

He criticised Banana Shire Council for not supplying land during the previous mining boom, but opening up more in Biloela.

“I believe to the bottom of my soul - to my boot straps - it's designed to drive business away from Moura,” Mr Paton said of council's perceived inaction.

Mr Lang, who is also a member of the Moura Chamber of Commerce, said Moura needed to be able to offer this type of land while there was still potential for growth in a struggling economy.

“This would certainly offer more local employment opportunities and potentially increase our dwindling permanent population.”

He believes the land gazetted for Moura's new industrial land along Bindaree Road, needs to be developed by council, providing the council is on board with the decision.

“I see Biloela is currently developing more industrial land - council should be able to mirror these plans for Moura to save time and money?”

Matt Glover from Banana Shire Council said the suggested land on Bindaree Road behind the Coal and Cattle Hotel was tied up in constraints which included native title claims.

He said there was no quick fix for industrial land, with issues with the State Government and a need for buffering from noise.

“We want to work with the Moura Chamber and the community on this issue,” said Mr Glover, who attended the last chamber meeting.

“We hear the community's concerns and want to help growth and development in the town.”