Sustainability
Cudgen Connection is committed to world’s best practice in a myriad of sustainability initiatives at no cost to the local community, council, state or Federal Governments
Renewable energy
Maximum use of rooftop solar across all facets including residential, health and education. Incorporating battery storage for off-peak periods where appropriate.
Solar design
Incorporating best design practices in solar orientation and shading of all buildings, with an aim to exceed the Green Star rating system.
Water conservation
Storm water will be stored on-site for reuse in gardens and other non-potable uses. Excess storm water will be treated onsite prior to run-off via legal points of discharge.
Rubbish & recycling
Both recycling and general waste will be collected via an efficient underground network of facilities, removing the need for street-based collection by trucks
Public transport
A centrally located hub and spoke bus interchange is proposed to promote and encourage the use of public transport, not only within the precinct but the local region.
The interchange can facilitate a central spine bus network, linking areas of major employment and education. An example is a network of electric buses from Coolangatta Airport, Southern Cross University Coolangatta Campus, Coolangatta CBD, Tweed Heads, Tweeds Heads South and Cudgen Connection.
Separate routes may operate to nearby Murwillumbah, Pottsville and other towns, linking residential areas to the central employment, education and business facilities.
Private transport
38% of Tweed workers travel out of the shire to work, predominately in the health and education sectors.
Cudgen Connection will create 1,000 jobs closer to home, reducing the use of private motor vehicles.
Provision of 120 essential worker units onsite will reduce work related travel.
Underground parking
95% of the proposed 1,200 onsite carparks will be underground.
Significant landscaping and parkland will elevate the precinct into a healing health, education and careers space.
Underground parking will also help reduce hardstand areas, environmental heatsinks and storm water run-off.
Data connectivity
Cudgen connection partner Digital Infratech is installing a network of fibre optic data cables from a new undersea cable network on the Sunshine coast. The undersea cable links directly to Guam in the North Pacific, delivering world class digital connectivity to South East Queensland.
Digital Infratech currently plans to extend this network to the Cudgen Connection site, with operational works scheduled for completion in 2024.
This connection will deliver diversity, self-sufficiency and world class digital connectivity to the precinct and surrounding region.
It will help the next generation of health, technology and science industries prosper, as well as leverage competitive advantage and speed in diversified internet connections for consumers.
Recognition of farmland
The parcel of land proposed for Cudgen Connection and positioned at the front door to Cudgen Plateau has not been farmed for decades. Cudgen Connection intends to have no negative impacts on farmland and will add value to the industry by delivering paddock to plate eateries and a farmers’ market to highlight, educate and promote this local heritage. Fresh produce for staff and visitors will be sourced locally where possible.
Housing stress
120 units will be included for essential workers employed in the precinct at rental rates below market value.
A 120-bed aged care facility will house local residents.
An 85-bed medi-hotel will accommodate patients their families and friends. Patient accommodation will offset up to 4,500 hospital bed occupancies per year, with significant savings to public hospital operating costs.