A CLEVELAND businessman says he will abandon plans to manufacture keys on North Stradbroke Island after receiving little help from Redland City Council and the state government.
Instead he was investigating moving the business to either Bribie Island or Moreton Bay Regional Council area.
Cleveland Locksmith’s Brian Terry said his company, Lockeys Australia, made key blanks in Victoria for 30 years until a decade ago.
Over the past few months it had been decided to reactivate the company at North Stradbroke Island because of available workers as mining closed down.
About $300,000 to $500,000 was to be invested, with about 20 jobs at start up with this potentially rising to about 50.
Mr Terry said he had held talks with the state and Redland City about assistance but nothing had come of it.
“It’s all on hold now,’’ he said. “The problem with the shire is that I can’t trust them to proceed any further.’’
Mr Terry has been battling council after he was left off a preferred supplier list.
A spokesperson for State Development Minister Anthony Lynham said officers had met Robyn Williamson of Aimsafe Booking, acting for Lockeys Australasia twice to provide an overview of the history of the North Stradbroke Island Economic Transition Strategy and discuss options.
“The Palaszczuk Government approved the NSI ETS, which is designed to work with lead bodies such as the Straddie Chamber of Commerce, not with individual businesses,’’ the spokesperson said.
“The $20 million funding under the NSI ETS has been allocated to fund 23 specific initiatives … including an Indigenous business development fund, Gateway master planning for Dunwich and business operator training and capacity building.
“As Lockeys are seeking to sell the business, a meeting with business and investment attraction agencies of state and local governments has been recommended to Ms Williamson.’’
A council spokesperson said council and the government offered business support, mentoring and facilitation services.
Cleveland Locksmiths had been introduced to state and council services in the past. However, council understood the business had not taken up options.
Mr Terry said he would start discussions with the LNP about moving to Moreton Shire.
“I was keen to do it here but I can’t trust the shire any longer,’’ he said. “This was all brought about by losing the contract with the shire. Moreton is offering to work with us.’’
