Super parks, underground highways, aerospace hubs, a light rail and even flying cars – this is what Logan residents want their city to look like in 50 years time, according to the results of an eight-month project known as Transform Logan.
The project started in January this year, led by a 50-strong community advisory panel tasked with shaping a five-decade plan for the city.
The panel was said to be a “voice of the silent majority”, according to mayor Jon Raven, representing the demographic of Logan in age, race and creed.
Ideas were also encouraged from the rest of the city, with 724 locals responding to a survey open to the public.
Council said this was double the turnout needed to create statistically reliable results.
They told the council what they liked and disliked about the city.
The public was positive of Logan diversity, green spaces, community spirit, and potential.
They were not fans of Logan’s nightlife, infrastructure and services, public transport, and the crime and stigma they said are holding the city back.
The public said Logan lacked a “wow factor”, according to the council, with 74% of respondents saying they would not recommend Logan as a tourism destination.
The advisory panel thought of more big ideas than there is room to list. Some include moving the M1 underground between Springwood and Logan home and creating a “super park” surrounded by high-rise buildings above it; making Logan the ecotourism capital of Australia; and creating an event space equivalent to the Gympie Muster or an opera house on the Logan River.
A business summit held in August drew ideas from chamber of commerce representatives, innovators and business owners who told the council they wanted to focus on attracting and producing more qualified staff over the next 50 years.
These industry leaders said transport, education and lifestyle were currently missing from the city.
Their 50-year ideas included establishing a new central business district of the city (possibly at Logan Central), a new standalone university, a light rail network starting at Logan Central, an aerospace park, and even hosting a world-class fitness event.
Ultimately, they want to make Logan a “destination”.
A similar engagement session involving about 30 local youth aged 12-24 created a 50-year vision that involved more shopping experiences, youth centres, and even theme parks.
Local young people said public transport was currently unreliable and disconnected, while many facilities around town were outdated.
Surveys of about 12 local primary schools also unveiled some 50-year ideas, including using hoverboards to get to school, more public transport, flying cars that run on landfill, building an iconic landmark like the Eiffel Tower, and owning “Australia’s biggest shopping centre”.
All these ideas were accompanied by drawings.
Council said there was a clear theme: young people want a fun, active and inclusive city.
All age groups expressed a desire for more landmarks, attractions and events to put Logan on the map.
According to Logan City Council’s timeline, adoption of ideas could take place by 2027.
What a shame I am too old to see this transformation. Logan Central has to be the most boring place – no restaurants, night life etc. These ideas all look fabulous.