Townsville Economic Snapshot

TOWNSVILLE IMPROVING LIVEABILITY THROUGH ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Known as the second capital of Queensland, Townsville has a population of 201,4331 with expected growth to 234,202 by 20362 . With an increase in population, there will be more demand for new and expanded businesses and more jobs.

This report is designed to support those seeking to start or grow a business in Townsville, by providing both economic and social data to guide your investment.

Since 2019, Townsville has been collecting liveability data from residents across the city to help identify how to improve the day to day lives of our community. Successful and sustainable local centres, business and jobs are key to liveability for all.

This report provides economic insights for Townsville LGA as a whole and for five economic opportunity areas defined by the Townsville City Council: Aitkenvale and surrounds, Burdell and surrounds, City and surrounds, Hyde Park and surrounds, and Thuringowa Central and surrounds. By providing data regarding the current and forecast economic situation, as well as business ideas captured directly from local residents, entrepreneurs can address unmet needs, foster new business prospects and contribute to the development of a more vibrant and liveable Townsville.

The following opportunities have been derived from the 2022 Liveability Study. Whilst Townsville has other economic opportunity areas, future Liveability Studies will focus on priority areas within the city.

FINAL VERSION 2.0, 13 JUNE 2024

TOWNSVILLE ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT

As cities grow and evolve, so should the local economy adapt to meet new demand and opportunity. Considering population growth, how the customer base is changing, and what they need and want will provide important insights that can help guide business decisions.

TOWNSVILLE FORECAST

This section highlights key statistics and trends shaping Townsville’s economic landscape, providing valuable context for business development planning and investment decisions.

INCREASING POPULATION

+32,769 by 20362

ongoing increase

201,433 in 20231

MORE LOCAL WORKERS6

+37,802 by 2036 since 2016

86,783 local workers in 2021

124,585 estimated local workers by 2036

INCREASING HOUSEHOLD INCOME8

+$277/week since 2016

$1,701/week in 2021

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AREAS

• Aitkenvale and surrounds (Aitkenvale, Cranbrook, Mundingburra)

• Burdell and surrounds (Burdell, Mount Low, Bushland Beach)

• City and surrounds (Belgian Gardens, Castle Hill, North Ward, South Townsville, Townsville City)

• Hyde Park and surrounds (West End, Hyde Park, Mysterton, Pimlico, Currajong Gulliver)

• Thuringowa Central and surrounds (Thuringowa Central, Kirwan, Condon)

NOTE:

All definitions and data references can be found in the ‘Glossary & Reference’ on page 7.

COMMUNITY PROFILE

+515 households with children since 20163 +2% aged 65+ since 20165 36

Median age in Townsville LGA in 20224

EMPLOYMENT GROWTH7

Between 2017 and 2022, the industries with the biggest growth in employment were:

• Health Care & Social Assistance (+2,849 local workers)

• Professional services, construction & education (+1,419 local workers)

• Other services (+941 local workers)

ANNUAL VISITORS9

1.25 million in 2023

1,075,000 visitors in September 2023

COMMUNITY PRIORITIES10

• Local shopping for daily needs

• Accessibility to amenity close to home

• Locally owned and operated businesses

GROWTH AREAS: ECONOMIC DIRECTIONS

and surrounds

Area population11: 19,300

Local jobs12 : 2,036

Vision13: Integrated commercial and community centre, varied retail, recreation, high amenity

Customers: local residents, local shoppers, single men & women, health service users, ageing group

and surrounds

Area population11: 13,989

Local jobs12 : 9,396

Vision13: Scenic amenity hub, medium density living, green spaces, health precincts

Customers: local residents, families, medium-density living seekers, nature lovers

Thuringowa Central and surrounds (Thuringowa Central, Kirwan, Condon)

Area population11: 28,627

Local jobs12 : 8,068

Vision13: community hub, cultural integration, higher order retailing

Customers: tourists, local residents, students, professional, cultural groups

NOTE:

Townsville holds multiple economic centres. Those mapped were selected to explore the economic opportunities.

All definitions and data references can be found in the ‘Glossary & Reference’ on page 7.

City and surrounds (Belgian

Area population11: 11,604

Local jobs12 : 12,061

Vision13: meet places, Innovative urban space, cultural hotspot, high-end retail, medium/high density living

Customers: tourists, youth, digital nomads, urban explorers, upscale shoppers, cultural groups

Aitkenvale and surrounds (Aitkenvale, Cranbrook, Mundingburra)

Area population11: 14,235

Local jobs12 : 7,405

Vision13: Vibrancy, community, daynight activities, appropriate density, street activation

Customers: local residents, all-day shoppers, young family, youth

Gardens, Castle Hill, North Ward, South Townsville, Townsville City)

Burdell

(Burdell, Mount Low, Bushland Beach)

Hyde Park

(West End, Hyde Park, Mysterton, Pimlico, Currajong Gulliver)

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Understanding customer demand for new products, services and experiences offers unique insights for business to respond to. The business opportunities captured below reflect the community’s own ideas for improving local neighbourhoods as shared in the 2022 Townsville Liveability Study.

DEVELOP AN EXPERIENCE ECONOMY

FIND YOUR ‘CLUSTER’ Join a similar group of businesses either by type (e.g. night time, services) or by audience (e.g. families, over 64s) where you can build and diversify the cluster’s offer and help attract more customers to the area.

UNIQUE SHOP DESIGNS

Refurbish and beautify the current look and feel of your shops, from small things like interesting signage to bigger improvement such as fun window display and new interior design.

FOCUS ON BUILDING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

MOBILE BUSINESSES Embrace flexibility - think market stalls, vans or food trucks that can deliver day and night time trading into local neighbourhoods, or at events. The community wants local options and diversity that support social connection.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY Provide safe indoor/outdoor spaces with play areas or entertainment options for a range of ages. E.g. toy boxes, pinball machines, karaoke, basketball hoop, reading groups etc. Create a place that locals feel comfortable in.

YOUTH INVESTMENT Consider how to build trust between youth and your business, provide afternoon music lessons/sessions, cheap eats, employment/mentoring, or a mural painting program. Loyalty and respect will improve relationships and create a long term customer base.

CONNECT BUSINESS WITH NATURE

LOCATE NEAR OPEN SPACE Whether a temporary pop-up or permanent tenancy, take advantage of the community’s desire to be outdoors - think take away coffees, small bite option, ice cream and juice.

GREEN YOUR SHOPFRONTS

Add a touch of green to your shopfronts with hanging plants, fresh flowers for sale and mobile parklets in front of your business, provide more natural elements and open spaces for people to sit down and rest.

Transform community ideas into business opportunities...

More local restaurants cafes and shops within walking distance.

F, 45-64, HYDE PARK AND SURROUNDS

Encourage arts and shared settings to gather including school children, eg milkbars with seating and cafes in clusters.

F, >64, THURINGOWA CENTRAL AND SURROUNDS

Design buildings using tropical architecture not southern designs.

F, 45-64, CITY AND SURROUNDS

Transform community ideas into business opportunities...

Would love to see a coffee van that provides a rug/pillow to sit down while having a coffee/food.

F, 45-64, CITY AND SURROUNDS

Use Mindham park for community events such as music in the park.

M, >64, HYDE PARK AND SURROUNDS

More community/social groups. There are some for babies and elderly, but not many for young and middle aged people. Stuff like art classes or groups.

F, <25, THURINGOWA CENTRAL AND SURROUNDS

Transform community ideas into business opportunities...

Have community soccer matches and family events to participate in.

F, <25, AITKENVALE AND SURROUNDS

Street beautification - wider verges in some areas, landscaping with native plants.

M, 45-64, CITY AND SURROUNDS

Better maintenance of landscaping - too many dead trees and plants... Better retail facilities.

F, >64, BURDELL AND SURROUNDS

Low cost, safe and green outdoor spaces are more welcoming (Pic.1)

A local outdoor cafe with views and small bites (Pic.2)

WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE Your community is looking for places where they can hang out, meet friends, work remotely and get comfortable. Make space for spending time and train staff to greet guests with warmth and charm.

THEMED & UNIQUE

Create a point of difference that creates a community of customers - bookstore or vinyl record cafes. Or consider adding a unique twist to the dining experience - make your own pizza or ‘freak shakes’ that gain an Instagram following.

AFTER HOURS BUSINESSES Extend operating hours to offer more late-night entertainment options for night owls and weekend adventurers such as game arcades, night food markets, outdoor movies, etc.

PRIORITISE

CUSTOMER SAFETY

Install lighting and better signage, and open shop fronts to the street to increase passive surveillance and ensure a safe shopping environment, giving customers peace of mind while browsing.

A street side shopping lane with good lighting and inviting atmosphere (Pic.6)

Transform community ideas into business opportunities...

More social spaces such as pubs & cafes. M, 45-64, HYDE PARK AND SURROUNDS

Please put a cafe at Aitkenvale library. People can read and browse in air con, get a coffee and keep reading. F, 25-44, AITKENVALE AND SURROUNDS

Themed restaurants/bars... F, 25-44, AITKENVALE AND SURROUNDS

More coffee shops to sit and catch up with friends.

F, 45-64, BURDELL AND SURROUNDS

Transform community ideas into business opportunities...

Monthly night markets or movie nights (after a big screen is erected near dog park) to attract locals and non-locals alike to the area. F, 25-44, BURDELL AND SURROUNDS

Inviting a private mobile operator with wine / beer bar on the riverbank in Cranbrook once a month as casual meeting place to meet new neighbours. F, 45-64, AITKENVALE AND SURROUNDS

More football (soccer pitches)/multisport complex that’s public- encourage community sport and pick up games at parks. M, <25, AITKENVALE AND SURROUNDS

Transform community ideas into business opportunities...

More street lights, this would also make a difference in feeling more safe F, 25-44, GULLIVER AND SURROUNDS

Early morning and evening safety patrols. Interesting and vibrant art works/signage. M, 45-64, KIRWAN AND SURROUNDS

Better signage and footpaths would make it safer for children to ride or walk to Townsville South State School, specially on Cannan st. F, 25-44, CITY AND SURROUNDS

City lane with live performance (Pic.3)

Sunset markets, Mooloolaba, QLD (Pic.4)

Moonlight outdoor cinema, Sydney (Pic.5)

DIVERSE SHOPS FOR ALL

MEET DAILY NEEDS Investigate neighbourhoods missing local shops such as grocery, convenience, bakery or pop up fresh food markets.

EXPAND SERVICES

Enhance community convenience by introducing more services such as banks, estate agents, fitness centres, childcare facilities, dental clinics, e-vehicle charging station etc catering to diverse lifestyle needs.

Local market offering fresh product options (Pic.7)

OPTIMISE TOURISM

DESTINATION APPEAL

Create a unique attraction - whether that be through design or art works, specialty food or experience - consider how to bring what is unique about Townsville to life, and offer something to visitors that they can only get in your city.

LOCAL MAKER SHOPS

Showcase handmade crafts and locally sourced products, offering visitors a taste of the community’s creative spirit.

E-PROMOTION Use social media and online marketing campaigns to get your business on the map, highlight what you do and where you are, consider promotions specifically for visitors.

Transform community ideas into business opportunities...

IDEAS: 76

More variety of specialty stores i.e. bakery, clothing and home goods. Also a public library. M, 45-64, BURDELL AND SURROUNDS

Encourage the return of a service station to North Ward, and more e-vehicle charging points.

M, >64, CITY AND SURROUNDS

Unlike neighbouring North Ward, Belgian Gardens does not have Coles/Woolworths or banks. Only one service station while some services (eg. dental, accountancy, cafes) are limited/non-existent.

F, >64, CITY AND SURROUNDS

Transform community ideas into business opportunities...

A new masterplan for the Strand and surrounds to enhance North Ward as the top Townsville destination for tourists and locals.

M, 25-44, CITY AND SURROUNDS

Increase Tourism attractions and they will come! Give Kirwan a Sporting hub.

M, 45-64, THURINGOWA CENTRAL AND SURROUNDS

More art work by local artists in the parks around the river.

F, 25-44, AITKENVALE AND SURROUNDS

THINKING OF STARTING A BUSINESS IN TOWNSVILLE ?

HERE ARE SOME USEFUL SOURCES:

1. City of Townsville City plan (http://eplanning.townsville.qld. gov.au)

2. Place Score’s full Liveability Report (https://www. townsville.qld.gov.au/about-townsville/living-in-townsville/ liveability)

3. City of Townsville’s economic profile by .id (https:// economy.id.com.au/townsville)

4. Sydney Discovered - Creative food and businesses in Sydney (https://www.instagram.com/sydney.discovered/ )

5. 33 inspiring small shops worth travelling for (https://www. venuereport.com/roundups/33-inspiring-small-shopsworth-traveling-for/entry/9/ )

6. 99 small shops we love to support from all around the world (https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/supportsmall-businesses/ )

7. Unique cafe ideas - “These 18 Cafés Are Too Cool To Be Real, Yet Here They Are “ (https://www.buzzfeed.com/ kristenharris1/unique-cafes-from-around-world)

8. Business Queensland - Business events (https://www. business.qld.gov.au/running-business/support-assistance/ events)

9. Business Queensland - Small business grants schedule (https://www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advicesupport/grants/schedule)

10. Tourism & Events Queensland - Business event investment (https://teq.queensland.com/au/en/industry/ what-we-do/queensland-events/queensland-eventsfunding/business-event-funding)

11. Council’s Economic Activation Partnerships (https://www. townsville.qld.gov.au/community-support/grants-andpartnerships/economic-activation-partnerships)

GLOSSARY & REFERENCE

GLOSSARY REFERENCES

Economic opportunity areas These are five areas defined by Townsville City Council with economic significance and are key areas of focus for future economic development. The five areas are: .

Aitkenvale and surrounds This area includes suburbs: Aitkenvale, Cranbrook, Mundingburra

Burdell and surrounds This area includes suburbs: Burdell, Mount Low, Bushland Beach

City and surrounds This area includes suburbs: Belgian Gardens, Castle Hill, North Ward, South Townsville, Townsville City

Hyde Park and surrounds This area includes suburbs: West End, Hyde Park, Mysterton, Pimlico, Currajong Gulliver

Thuringowa Central and surrounds This area includes suburbs: Thuringowa Central, Kirwan, Condon

Place Score’s database Place Score is a groundbreaking place data company providing diagnostic, engagement, planning, benchmarking and tracking insights direct from local communities. In this report, priority level is defined by using Place Score’s Care Factor and Place Experience data, while the business opportunities are summarised by using Place Score’s community ideas.

Existing activity centres:

This list of main centres defined by Townsville City Council includes a mix of planning scheme names for the centre, business names and colloquial names.

Data references

1. Townsville population by 30th June, 2023. Source: ABS 3218.0 Regional Population Growth, Australia

2. Population Projection 2036, source: Townsville Growth Model, August 2022

3. Households include children, source: .id profile. Originally sourced from Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2016 and 2021

4. ABS and Queensland Treasury Estimates, 2023

5. Age structure, source: .id profile. Originally sourced from Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2016 and 2021

6. Local workers 2036 projection, source: Townsville Growth Model, August 2022. Number of local workers in 2021, source: ABS 2021

7. Employment growth by industry, source: .id profile. Originally sources from National Institute of Economic and Industry Research (NIEIR)

8. Median weekly household income, source: ABS 2016 & ABS 2021.

9. Number of visitors, source: Tourism & Events Queensland Originally sourced from the National and International Visitor Surveys (NVS & IVS) conducted by Tourism Research Australia

10. Economic priorities: Place Score database, Townsville 2022

11. Area population, source: ABS ERP 2023

12. Local jobs 2036 projection by economic opportunity areas, source: Townsville Growth Model, August 2022. Number of local workers in 2021, source: ABS 2021

13. Vision of each economic growth area, source: Townsville City Plan (2014)

Picture references

1. Outdoor dining area, source: Place Score

2. A local outdoor cafe with views and small bites, source: City of Townsville

3. City lane with live performance, source: City of Townsville

4. Sunset markets, Mooloolaba, QLD, source: Place Score

5. Moonlight outdoor cinema, Centennial Park, Sydney, source: Moonlight Cinema (https://sydney.moonlight.com.au/)

6. City lane in Flinders Street, Townsville QLD, Image source: Lancini Property Group (https://www.lancinigroup.com.au/ portfolio/city-lane-city-arcade-shopping-centre/ )

7. Local market offering fresh product options, source: City of Townsville

If you are wanting to start a business, expand to a new site or relocate to Townsville, contact Townsville’s Economic Attraction team on 13 48 10 or email: economic.development@townsville.qld.gov.au