Live. Explore. Grow December 2022

LIVE.

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

It’s the right time of year to be thinking about spending quality time with family, catching up with friends, and picking the perfect present for under the Christmas tree. But it’s also the right time to be proactive about preparing yourself and your home for the summer weather. This is the time to get your cyclone kit ready, to do a check around the house and garden, to make sure your family knows the household evacuation plan, and to stay up to date with the latest information on Townsville City Council’s Emergency Management and Disaster Dashboard.

Safety goes far beyond just the weather – it’s essential everywhere from the kitchen table to your local park. I’d encourage everyone celebrating these holidays to practice good food safety, keeping your pets safe during the warm weather, and being vigilant about keeping mosquitoes out of your homes. It only takes a few small steps to make sure you have a happy and safe festive season right here in Townsville.

Council has organised a number of stellar events across the city to celebrate the holidays, including Christmas in the City, Carols by Candlelight and our New Year’s Eve celebrations. These events always draw thousands of people into areas like the city centre, Riverway and The Strand, and I know I can’t wait to join in on all the fun this year.

While Christmas should be a happy time for everyone in Townsville, for some it is a lonely and difficult period. I am proud to be running the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal again this year, helping to provide much-needed support to those who need it most. If you are able to give, please dig deep to make sure everyone in our community gets to celebrate these holidays.

I hope the festive season is a chance for you to take a break, enjoy time with family, and to enjoy our beautiful city. If you’re travelling, please stay safe on our roads. Merry Christmas, happy holidays and I hope you all have a happy and healthy New Year.

Cr Jenny Hill Mayor of Townsville

Mayor’s Christmas Appeal

GROWING A CITY FOR TOMORROW

Townsville offers a dynamic lifestyle coupled with strong economic prosperity. Its laid-back tropical lifestyle complemented by capital city comforts, makes Townsville one of the most resilient, diverse and prosperous cities in Australia.

Townsville is a thriving precinct with access to a variety of world-class education facilities, leading-edge health care, affordable housing, unique retailing, spectacular world-class events and entertainment, dining precincts and a wide range of outdoor recreation options. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, Townsville’s lifestyle is second to none.

Townsville City Council is driving economic diversity and cultivating an enriching lifestyle through several capital projects to help grow Townsville. Townsville City Council is the largest local government authority in Northern Australia maintaining over $5.4 billion worth of community assets and plays an instrumental role in our everyday life. The water you drink, the parks you play in, and some of the community infrastructure and assets are all managed by Council.

Council’s vision is for Townsville to be a connected, lifestyle driven and innovation focused city while continuing to deliver service excellence and to be led by our community to create an exciting and dynamic future.

COUNCIL PROJECTS

Townsville City Council has delivered more than 500 capital projects to grow Townsville this past financial year, despite numerous challenges including COVID-19, unseasonal wet weather and global events impacting labour supply, rising costs and supply chain issues.

These projects include parks and open spaces, roads and transport, drains, stormwater, fleet, IT, building, water, wastewater and waste projects across the city. These are all part of Council’s commitment to improving connectivity, sustainability and resilience now and into the future.

Key Projects Completed:

SOUTHERN SUBURBS

RISING MAIN – STAGE 2

› Investment: $30 million

› Funding: QG/TCC

› Jobs: 100

Stage 2 is complete, with more than 13kms of pipeline installed from Annandale to Cleveland Bay. Stage 3 is progressing well, and involves the construction of new gravity and pressure mains in Wulguru.

A new wastewater pump station, currently in construction, will complete this project. This vital infrastructure will ease the increasing pressure on Townsville’s southern sewerage network and ensure its operation for the next 30 years as Townsville continues to grow.

CHARTERS TOWERS ROAD WATER MAIN UPGRADE

› Investment: $11.2 million

› Funding: TCC

› Jobs: 10-15

The replacement of the water main from Burdekin Street to Goldring Street is now complete. This is part of staged works to upgrade essential underground water main pipelines along Charters Towers Road.

These mains deliver water to Hyde Park, Mundingburra and surrounding catchment zones. The new water main infrastructure will provide a sustainable water connection to all businesses and residential properties within the catchment zones.

BUS STOP UPGRADE PROGRAM

› Investment: $1.1 million

› Funding: BSSP/PTAIP/TCC

› Jobs: 10-20

Council has upgraded 20 bus stops across the city to enhance passenger access and improve disability compliance.

These important upgrades will improve connectivity for all community members, in line with our commitment to build a vibrant city, centred around inclusive and connected neighbourhoods.

Current Projects:

NORTHERN BEACHES

LEISURE CENTRE RENEWAL

› Investment: $5.36 million

› Funding: W4Q

› Jobs: 15

Renewal works on the leisure centre are underway. Upgrades include a replacement of the existing 50m modular steel-framed pool with a new concrete pool with tile finish, the installation of new shade sails, chlorine tank, pool covers and backwash tank, updating the change rooms, resealing the floor surface and repainting.

The new concrete pool has been designed to meet regional competition standards to be able to host local, regional and state swimming titles, supporting the next generation of local swimming talent and creating economic opportunities for the Townsville region.

HAUGHTON PIPELINE PROJECT – STAGE 2

› Investment: $274 million

› Funding: QG/TCC

› Jobs: 300

Stage 2 of the Haughton Pipeline Project extends the existing 1.8m diameter Stage 1 pipeline across 28.5km from the Haughton River to the Burdekin River, Clare. It will increase the capacity to provide raw water into the Ross River Dam to supplement water levels during periods of very low rainfall.

The first delivery of 6.5km of pipes was completed in September 2022, with three further shipments of the Australian-made glass reinforced polymer pipes to be delivered by March 2023.

Townsville is forecast to become one of Australia’s fastest growing cities and is expected to reach a population of 340,000 residents by 2050. This project will ensure the community has access to water as Townsville continues to grow.

DOUGLAS WATER TREATMENT PLANT WATER CLARIFIERS

› Investment: $30 million

› Funding: TCC

› Jobs: 40

Construction of two new water clarifiers at the Douglas Water Treatment Plant is nearing completion. The additional clarifiers will enhance the facility’s capacity to produce clean and healthy drinking water for our growing city. Module 3 clarifier is on track to be online by December 2022 and Module 4 in early 2023. This project will ensure we can continue to meet the demand for clean and healthy drinking water for a growing Townsville.

EAST END BOARDWALK

› Investment: $6.2 million

› Funding: TCC/QG/W4Q

› Jobs: 25

Construction is underway on a new 5m-wide, 280m-long boardwalk along the east end of Flinders Street. The boardwalk is a key project identified as part of the Waterfront Priority Development Area.

The project is part of a multi-stage boardwalk proposal to link Flinders Street to the Palmer Street dining and entertainment precincts and improve the connection between the Queensland Country Bank Stadium and The Strand.

Construction is expected to be complete by March 2023.

RIVERWAY LIBRARY

› Investment: $8.5 million

› Funding: TCC

› Jobs: 12

Work is continuing on the construction of a new library at the Riverway community precinct. The state-of-the-art library will replace the Thuringowa Library and its design is based around the needs and expectations of the community.

The library will feature books, study rooms, computers, safe spaces for at-risk youth, digital production studios, parenting rooms, a business lounge and after-hours meeting rooms.

The project is due to be completed by March 2023.

LANSDOWN

ECO-INDUSTRIAL PRECINCT

Townsville has continued to position itself as the eco-industrial capital of northern Australia with the development of the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct.

One of the world’s largest car manufacturers, General Motors, is the latest company to show confidence by investing more than $100 million in Queensland Pacific Metals (as part of its Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub ‘TECH’ project) to source nickel and cobalt to power their upcoming electric vehicles, including the GMC Hummer EV, Chevrolet Silverado EV and Cadillac LYRIQ.

This project will help to support more than 7,000 jobs during construction and over 6,000 once operational.

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY

FROM MOSQUITOES THIS WET SEASON

As we enter the wet season, the chance of king tides increases. King tides, along with rain, can cause high numbers of saltmarsh mosquitoes to hatch. Saltmarsh mosquitoes are aggressive biters, and their activity usually peaks around dawn and dusk.

Council has a program for controlling mosquito breeding on State and Council-owned land. Residents are encouraged to take measures to ensure mosquito breeding does not take place in their backyards.

Control the mosquitoes and you will control the disease:

› Cover up when outside by wearing long and loose-fitting clothing

› Use insect repellent

› Light mosquito coils

› Check your backyard for any items that hold water and empty them to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

TIPS ON BEING FOOD SAFE

FOR MORE INFO

SCAN

Christmas wouldn’t be a celebration without lots of beautiful food to share with family and friends. It is important to remember to maintain good food safety standards to avoid food poisoning.

So how can you protect yourself (and your guests) from food poisoning this Christmas? Check out our tips below:

› Use cooler bags to transport chilled food

› Keep drinks in a separate fridge or cooler to where cold food is stored to keep the temperature down

› Thaw frozen food in the fridge and make sure it has completely thawed before cooking

› Throw food away if you suspect it has been left out of the refrigerator for four hours or more

› Store seafood in an airtight container in your fridge

› Give your BBQ a good scrub with soapy water

› Wash your hands frequently

› Wipe down counters and surfaces thoroughly with a food-grade sanitiser

› Take extra care when handling high risk foods like cheese, meats and seafood.

SCAN

Wrap up your Christmas celebrations this year by making sure you’re recycling right.

Here are some tips on how to reduce your waste this festive season.

› Recycle wrapping paper and boxes in your yellow lid recycling bin.

› Hard plastic bottles and containers can go in your recycling bin, but soft plastic bags and packets can only be recycled through REDcycle bins found at participating supermarkets. TIP: Try the scrunch test! If you can scrunch it into a ball, it is soft plastic and not suitable for yellow lid recycling bins.

› Glass bottles and jars, steel tins and aluminium cans can go in your recycling bin.

› Fruit and vegetable scraps can be composted at home for your garden or placed in your red lid waste bin or green lid waste bin in FOGO trial areas.

› Don’t forget to place your bins out for collection by 6am, even on public holidays.

› Is your recycling bin overflowing? Take your recycling and other recoverable items to any Council waste facility for FREE all year round!

PETS SAFE

Keep your pets safe these holidays by following our helpful tips.

› Be careful not to overindulge your pet with rich foods such as Christmas ham or table scraps. Some foods may lead to an upset stomach, diarrhoea or pancreatitis, which can be a life-threatening condition. Fatty foods are also not good for your pet.

› Crowds, boisterous children, and loud noises such as fireworks can be stressful to your pets. Provide a quiet place with a familiar blanket and fresh water for your pets to retreat to for some time-out when festivities get too stressful.

› Holiday lights look good but be careful of electrical cords that kittens and puppies could chew on. Be sure you have your cords secured and out of the way of sharp teeth and claws to prevent accidental electrocution.

› Make sure your pets microchip details are current so that they can be easily reunited with owners if they become lost.

Contact your preferred vet if your pet becomes unwell or injured.

Is your family ready for this wet season?

Make sure your family and home is prepared for natural hazards and high-risk weather.

Understand your risk

Learn about what can happen where you live and how it could affect your family.

Have a plan

Make a household emergency plan so your family knows what to do and who to contact in an emergency.

Pack a kit

Grab a few extra items next time you are at the supermarket to make an emergency kit.

Keep up-to-date with handy tips and alerts before, during and after natural hazards and high-risk weather events hit.

Scan the QR code below to register.

Visit the Emergency Management and Disaster Dashboard for reliable information disaster.townsville.qld.gov.au

FOR THE KIDS

BEAT THE HEAT

Did you know Council has several aquatic facilities open across Townsville to keep you and the family cool this summer? Jump in and beat the North Queensland heat.

› Tobruk Memorial Baths

› Long Tan Memorial Pool

› Kokoda Memorial Pool

› Riverway Lagoons

› Northern Beaches Leisure Centre - reopening soon.

JOIN THE READING CHALLENGE!

Children and families can test themselves by reading books and completing challenges as part of the Summer Reading Club.

Join online or by visiting your local Townsville CityLibraries branch! CityLibraries will stay open over the festive season and all fully airconditioned facilities provide endless school holiday activities. Check out CityLibraries Townsville on Facebook for upcoming events.

FOR MORE INFO, VISIT

townsville.qld.gov.au K POOLS

FOR MORE INFO, VISIT

townsville.qld.gov.au/libraries

GET ACTIVE OUTDOORS!

Summer is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy one or more of Townsville City Council’s 350 parks, 203 playgrounds, 21 off-leash dog parks, three world-class botanical gardens or five pools. Visit activetownsville.com.au to see the many opportunities available to improve your health, and more importantly find ways to get out and move.

With more than 300 days of sunshine, don’t forget to slip, slop, slap, seek, slide and stay sun safe while enjoying our open spaces.

FOR MORE INFO, VISIT

activetownsville.com.au

SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE

Check out all the fun activities for the kids this summer.

Townsville City Council has put together the ultimate summer school holiday guide.

This FREE guide is filled with low/no cost activities that will keep the kids off the couch.

To find out what’s on, download our FREE summer school holiday guide by scanning the below QR Code or by visiting Council’s website townsville.qld.gov.au/schoolholidayguide

FOR MORE INFO

SCAN CODE TO VIEW THE SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE

EPHEMERA 2023

Seaside Sculptures

Come July 2023, The Strand will once again come to life with the north’s largest open-air sculpture festival - Ephemera: Seaside Sculptures!

Attracting over 180,000 local, national, and international visitors in 2021, the 2023 exhibition is anticipated to exceed 200,000 with the exhibition period expanding to 16 days, thanks to public feedback!

Ephemera is supported by a multitude of engaging public programs and features a selection of curated sculptures of national and international acclaim alongside those vying for the major $10,000 Artistic Excellence Award (non-acquisitive).

Artists can also apply for the $90,000 Ephemera Acquisitive Prize. The winning work of the Ephemera Acquisitive Prize will become a permanent sculpture in Townsville.

Competitive works will be on display along Townsville’s picturesque 2km beachfront - The Strand - from 22 July to 6 August 2023.

Cnr Denham & Flinders Street

Townsville QLD 4810

Tues – Fri: 10am – 5pm

Sat – Sun: 10am – 1pm (07) 4727 9011 galleries@townsville.qld.gov.au whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

Townsville City Galleries

TownsvilleCityGalleries

Amanda Parer

[detail] Intrude Parer Studio. Ephemera 2021 Invited Artist

Photographer: Andrew Rankin #intrude, #parerstudio, #amandaparer

PERC TUCKER REGIONAL GALLERY