Townsville City Council acknowledges the Wulgurukaba of Gurambilbarra and Yunbenun, Bindal, Gugu Badhun and Nywaigi as the Traditional Owners of this land. We pay our respects to their cultures, their ancestors and their Elders, past, present and all future generations.
OUR VISION
A globally connected community driven by lifestyle and nature.
OUR PURPOSE
Grow Townsville.
CONTACT US
103 Walker Street, Townsville City PO Box 1268, Townsville QLD 4810 13 48 10 enquiries@townsville.qld.gov.au townsville.qld.gov.au
COUNCILLOR MESSAGE
As we head into the festive season it’s time to celebrate the things that make our city great in this edition of Live Townsville.
This year we have focused on serving our community and growing a city for tomorrow through projects across the city. Townsville has adopted a new budget which will see a broad range of projects delivered across Townsville and as Councillors we will continue to represent the people across the length and breadth of our region.
We’re also leading into Christmas with a celebration of our Festive Flag winners and plenty of activity around the city during the school holidays.
While it’s great to be so close to the holidays, it’s also important to remember that warmer temperatures bring high risk weather. It’s everybody’s responsibility to make sure they’re as prepared as possible for storms, fires and cyclones. Make sure you’re up to date with how to prepare by visiting Council’s Emergency Management and Disaster Dashboard.
Stay safe while you’re out and about these holidays and have a joyful Christmas and New Year!
Townsville City councillors
OPERATING HOURS
For more information on Council’s operating hours through the Christmas period visit
townsville.qld.gov.au/christmastogether
OUR CITY
Townsville is the perfect place to live, work and play!
With more than 300 days of sunshine, and a daily rush hour of less than 20 minutes, Townsville’s lifestyle is second to none.
From the reef and its tropical islands to lush rainforests, and endless natural beauty – Townsville is all about easy living with plenty of big city benefits.
Townsville is home to Australia’s largest garrison city, world-class events, leading education providers, cutting edge health facilities, affordable housing, and a global bustling port.
The city offers a range of diverse experiences, from the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage Wet Tropics rainforest to the dirt and dust of the Australian outback.
The diverse economy of North Australia’s largest city boasts an enviable lifestyle.
SERVING OUR COMMUNITY AND GROWING A
CITY FOR TOMORROW
Townsville City Council is committed to delivering projects for the community, from water security and industrial infrastructure to community leisure facilities. These investments will cultivate a thriving, connected, resilient and sustainable community and city for tomorrow.
Harold Phillips Park AFL Field and Skate Park
Funding: DTIS & TCC
Investment: $3.87M Jobs: 40
Status: Completed October 2024
Council has delivered a state-of-the-art, all-abilities skatepark and revitalised open spaces at Harold Phillips Park in Garbutt. Co-designed with the community, this vibrant facility encourages active outdoor fun for all ages. The AFL field has been re-orientated, returfed, and upgraded with boulder protection to safeguard against vehicle damage.
Riverway Lagoons Safety Upgrades
Funding: TCC
Investment: $1.4M Jobs: 15
Status: Underway
Installation of new fencing around both lagoon pools and lifeguard towers to increase public safety.
Riverside
Green Playground Renewal & Picnic Area
Funding: LRCI and TCC
Investment: $1.08M Jobs: 25
Status: Completed September 2024
The upgraded playground was opened in time for the school holidays, offering the community new picnic areas, BBQ facilities, shade sails, enhanced lighting, and a relocated small dog off-leash park with new shelters for added convenience.
Boulder Protection Program
Funding: TCC
Investment: $2.07M Jobs: 30
Status: Completed July 2024
Boulders have been installed at Wulguru Park, Greenwood Park, Lakeside Park, Victoria Park, Cutheringa Park, Jabiru Park, Aitkenvale Park, Burt Street Sports Field and Toomulla Camping Ground, for protection from vehicle damage and improved safety for the community.
Sewage Pump Station Pipework Renewals
Funding: TCC
Investment: $1.5M Jobs: 9
Status: Completed June 2024
Pipework renewals for eleven (11) pump stations around Townsville.
Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant
Pipeline Renewal
Funding: TCC, TMR, QG
Investment: $60M Jobs: 150
Status: Completed June 2024
Council delivered the new Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant pipeline renewal project, a key water infrastructure asset essential to Townsville’s water supply which provides 85% of the city’s water. The new pipeline has further enhanced Townsville’s water security.
Marabou Park Playground Renewal and Disc Golf Course
Funding: LRCI & Insurance
Investment: $760,000 Jobs: 15
Status: Completed May 2024
New disc golf course, replacement of playground, barbeque facilities and upgraded security features.
Picnic Bay Bypass Water Main
Funding: TCC
Investment: $3.2M
Status: Completed January 2024
Construction of a 940 metre long, 375mm diameter potable water main along West Point Road and Yule Street to improve reliability and risk management of the water supply system on Magnetic Island. This project ensures long-term water security for the island.
Council continues to service the community with these essential works. Here are just a few of the many works completed across the city.
Bahr Court, Heatley – Roadworks
Funding: TCC
Baxter Street, West End –Roadworks
Funding: TCC
Bronze Street, Alice River – Road resurfacing
Funding: TCC, R2R
Castlemaine Street, Kirwan –Road renewal
Funding: TCC, LRCI
Castle Hill Bushfire Management
Pipeline
Funding: AG
Charters Towers Road and Ross River Road – Footpath and road renewal
Funding: TCC
Chelsea Drive, Condon – Open drain repairs
Funding: TCC
Chenoweth Road, Woodstock –Road resurfacing
Funding: TCC
Cleveland Terrace, North Ward –Road resurfacing
Funding: TCC
Cradler Court & Mawson Street, Bluewater Park – Road resurfacing
Funding: TCC
Cungulla Foreshore – Coastal recovery works
Funding: TCC
Dean Street, South Townsville –Water main replacement
Funding: TCC
Fisherman's Landing, Balgal Beach – Car park
Funding: TCC
Flood Intelligence Augmentation, various locations
Funding: TCC, QRA
Fulham Road, Vincent
– Minor infrastructure renewal
Funding: LRCI
Gilbert Crescent, Castle Hill – Road resurfacing
Funding: TCC
Glendale Drive, Annandale –Roadworks
Funding: TCC
Glenrowan Drive, Oak Valley –Road resurfacing
Funding: TCC
Hazelwood Court, Annandale –Road resurfacing
Funding: TCC
Heatley Park, Fulham Road –Pathway works
Funding: TCC
Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island –Coastal management works
Funding: TCC
Ingham Road, Garbutt –Roadworks
Funding: TCC
Ingham Road, Garbutt – Water main replacement
Funding: TCC
Leichhardt Street, North Ward –Minor infrastructure renewal Funding: TCC
Old Common Road, Belgian Gardens – Road resurfacing
Funding: TCC
Pallarenda and Rowes Bay Foreshore – Coastal recovery works
Funding: TCC
Rehabilitation of over 150 gravity sewer mains, various locations
Funding: TCC
Reid Park, Railway Estate - Solar Lighting Installation
Funding: TCC
Round Mountain Road, Pinnacles – Road resurfacing
Funding: R2R
Saunders Beach Road, Saunders Beach – Drainage works
Funding: TCC
Sturt Street Cutting, Townsville –Rockface stabilisation
Funding: TCC
Townsville Route Expansion Project, various locations – Bus stops
Funding: TCC
Upper Ross PCYC, Rasmussen –Floor Repairs
Funding: TCC
Wave Hill Drive (to McArthur Drive), Annandale – Roadworks and drainage works
Funding: TCC, R2R
FESTIVE FLAGS
See these flags flying across the city, The Strand and Riverway.
SCHOOL
GUIDE
Trying to figure out how to keep the kids entertained without breaking the bank? Check out our free School Holiday Guide.
The guide is filled with exciting low-cost and no-cost activities to ensure a fun-filled break for the whole family. Activities are grouped by age, making it easy to find the perfect events for your little ones or older kids.
Packed with so many different options, there’s something for everyone!
BEAT THE HEAT
Nothing beats heading to the pool to get cool during the warmer months! Council has several aquatic facilities for you and the family to discover, located across our beautiful city. To escape the North Queensland heat, head to:
• Tobruk Memorial Baths, at The Strand
• Long Tan Memorial Pool, Heatley
• Kokoda Memorial Baths, Mundingburra
• Riverway Lagoons, Riverway
• Northern Beaches Leisure Centre, North Shore
• The Strand Water Park
• The Strand Rockpool
Lifeguards are on patrol at Townsville’s beaches and pools over the Christmas holidays to keep you and your family safe. View the operating hours and locations here.
EXPLORE OUTDOORS
Enjoy one or more of Council’s 369 parks, 21 off-leash dog parks, three world-class botanical gardens, seven aquatic facilities, including four pools and many beaches. Discover opportunities to get outdoors, get active and enjoy our incredible outdoor environment. Moving more will improve your health too!
Always remember to slip, slop, slap, seek, slide and stay sun safe, and pack a water bottle.
GET ACTIVE
VISIT TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU
K ACTIVE TOWNSVILLE
TOWNSVILLE’S PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS
Council’s online tool helps you find parks and playgrounds around our beautiful city.
Explore Townsville’s most popular parks and playgrounds with our new interactive digital tool.
Use the interactive map on the webpage to find parks or playgrounds near you, or use the ‘Refine search’ tool to find locations with specific assets such as barbecues, basketball courts and accessible toilets.
The 2024-25 budget will invest $91.5 million into maintaining these fantastic spaces like The Strand, Riverway and Jezzine Barracks, and the many other parks and playgrounds around Townsville.
One of the most wonderful aspects of our city is our outdoor lifestyle; it’s what makes living in Townsville special, and it’s right at our doorsteps.
CITYLIBRARIES
Children and families can test themselves by reading books and completing challenges offered by Citylibraries. Join online or by visiting your local Townsville Citylibraries branch (Townsville City, Aitkenvale or Riverway). The fully air-conditioned libraries will provide school holiday activities. Follow Townsville Citylibraries on Facebook to find out about upcoming events.
Explore Townsville Citylibraries anywhere, anytime with our new digital app.
Take the library with you wherever you go, whether you’re at home, on the go, or travelling. From reserving books to managing your family’s library account, it’s all at your fingertips.
Available for free download on iOS and Android devices.
FIND OUT MORE
VISIT TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU K LIBRARIES
FIND OUT MORE
VISIT TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU
K PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS
BEACH ACCESS MATS
Head to the beach this summer! Going down to the beach and sitting on the sand with your friends or family is a simple pleasure for most, and one that many people take for granted.
Our award-winning esplanade, The Strand, is for all to enjoy. This is why our local lifeguards roll out Council’s beach access mats at The Strand main beach every day except Thursday afternoon from 4pm to Friday morning at 9am.
These beach access mats allow wheelchairs, mobility scooters, prams and strollers to access the beach, which would otherwise struggle in the sand.
We recognise that creating an accessible city is a key factor for improving the lives of residents and visitors. To locate accessible bathrooms, Changing Places facilities or accessible pathways, use the BrioMetrix Mobility in Townsville map.
PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM MOSQUITOES THIS WET SEASON
For lifeguard hours, stinger net locations and other details, visit Council’s website and search ‘The Strand’.
WHAT’S ON TOWNSVILLE
What’s On Townsville is the ultimate event guide, bringing you the best entertainment our region has to offer! From performing and visual arts to festivals, film, markets, and music, you’ll find it all in one place.
Stay in the loop with what’s happening around Townsville, and the best part? You can advertise your events for free on our platform, making it easier than ever to connect with the community!
During the wet season, rainfall and king tides can cause high numbers of saltmarsh mosquitoes to hatch. These mosquitoes are aggressive biters, especially around dawn and dusk.
Council has a program for controlling mosquito breeding on State and Councilowned land. At home, there are simple steps you can take to stop mosquitoes from breeding in your yard and keep them away:
• Check your backyard for any items that hold water and empty them regularly.
• Cover up when outside with long, loosefitting clothing.
• Use insect repellent.
• Light mosquito coils. VISIT TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU K MOSQUITOES
KEEPING YOUR PET SAFE THIS FESTIVE SEASON
Heatstroke is dangerous – and can even be deadly. Learn how to protect your dog or cat from overheating during summer.
• Ensure pets have access to shade, ventilation and fresh drinking water. For pets that often tip over their water bowl, choose one made of heavy material (e.g ceramic) and provide more than one source of water.
• Bring pets into air conditioning on extremely hot days or consider leaving your patio fan on. You can also provide your pet with covered shelter outside and access to water for cooling off in the shade, like a dog wading pool, or a wet towel to lie on – always supervise animals in a wading pool.
• Frozen treats can be an excellent enrichment treat for your pet during summer. This can be as simple as frozen chicken or beef broth (no added salt), as well as frozen fruits like bananas, strawberries and watermelon.
• If exercise is one of your New Year resolutions, make sure you consider bringing your dog along on a walk or run. Exercise with your dog in the cooler times of the day, either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to prevent heat exhaustion.
• Just like people, dogs are prone to sunburn, or further complications associated with sun exposure. Taking safety measures can lower your dog’s risk of developing serious sun-related medical issues. Using a pet sunscreen or protective clothing that is specially formulated can help protect your pet. It is important not to use human sunscreen, as some of the ingredients can be toxic to pets.
• Hot pavement and bitumen can burn paws, just like our own bare feet. As a general rule, if the ground is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s feet. Do not leave your pets in the back of utes without shade and never leave your pet locked in a car unattended. It can take less than six minutes for your dog or cat to die if left inside an unventilated car. Even with windows left open, the temperature inside a car quickly rises, and heat exhaustion and death become real dangers.
BE FOOD SAFE THIS FESTIVE SEASON
Celebrating Christmas often involves sharing delicious food with family and friends. Here’s a few simple food safety tips to follow so your Christmas cheer isn’t dampened by food poisoning:
• Use a cooler bag with ice to transport chilled food.
• Keep drinks in a separate fridge or cooler to where cold food is stored so the temperature remains stable.
• Thaw frozen food in the fridge and make sure it has completely thawed before cooking.
• Throw away food you suspect has been left out of the fridge for four hours or more.
• Store seafood in an airtight container in your fridge.
• Give your BBQ a good scrub with soapy water before and after use.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Wipe down counters and surfaces thoroughly with a foodgrade sanitiser.
• Take extra care when handling high risk foods like cheese, meat and seafood.
IS YOUR FAMILY READY FOR THIS WET SEASON?
Make sure your family and home are prepared for all hazards and disaster events.
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.
Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 18 October 2024 – 16 February 2025
Image credit:
Samuel Leighton-Dore, Threadbare Earthenware clay, 9 x 52 cm
Finalist 2024 biennial North Queensland Ceramic Awards
Image credit: Bowl, ‘Fairyland’ lustre, ‘Firbolgs’ and ‘Thumbelina’ patterns on ‘Lily Tray’, shape designed by Daisy Makeig-Jones, made by Josiah Wedgwood and Sons,1919–1921
Photo: Victoria and Albert Museum, London
GROWING JOBS, ONE BIN AT A TIME.
Did you know recycling creates three times as many jobs as landfilling? For every 10,000 tonnes of waste, nine jobs are generated through recycling, compared to just three in landfill.
From collection to sorting, dismantling, reusing, remanufacturing, and research, Townsville’s strong network of resource recovery organisations helps divert materials from landfill, boosts our local economy, and keeps jobs within our community.
So next time you’re tempted to toss it all in the waste bin, think of the opportunities recycling brings to Townsville!
Visit What Goes in Your Bins on the Townsville City Council website or use the RecycleMate app to find out how to recycle your items and contribute to a more sustainable community— right from your own kerb.
FIND OUT MORE
VISIT TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU K WHAT GOES IN YOUR BINS
Saving WATER AT HOME
Did you know Townsville uses about four times more water per person than most major cities? In the face of changing climate patterns and uncertain wet seasons, it’s our responsibility to create waterwise changes to ensure a sustainable supply of this precious resource.
HOUSEHOLD
Check the graphs and data on your rates notice to see how much water you use. If renting, take a reading of your water meter on the 14th day of every month.
Switch to water efficient appliances if possible. Look for the WELS label.
Check for and repair leaks.
LAUNDRY
Run the washing machine when it’s full.
OUTSIDE
More than 70% of total household water in Townsville is used on our lawns and gardens.
Switch off your automatic system when it’s wet.
Use a broom instead of a hose to clean outdoor areas.
Water no more than twice a week in the dry and never when it’s wet.
A dual flush toilet uses 3 litres for a half flush and 4.5 litres for full flush
Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth.
Choose waterwise native plants.
Use water efficient rated sprinklers.
KITCHEN
A modern dishwasher uses between 13–18 litres per cycle, compared to over 30 litres with an old dishwasher.
Run the dishwasher when it’s full and use the eco setting.
Rinse dishes in a plugged sink instead of under a running tap.
Install a water saving showerhead – it will use 8 litres less per minute!
Take a 4-minute shower to save up to 21,353 litres a year.
Let’s be mindful of our water usage while celebrating with family and friends.
This holiday season, consider water-saving gifts and gadgets.
emergency kit checklist
Plan. Prepare. Act .
Plan For Disaster Events
It is vital you prepare an airtight, waterproof kit
Special items
Baby needs such as nappies and bottles
Medication and scripts
Contact lenses or prescription glasses
Games, books and puzzles for entertainment
Ensure you have enough cash on hand to last one week
Fuel for car
Pet food and supplies
In a waterproof wallet
Will and insurance policies
Passports and immunisation records
Bank account and credit card numbers
Inventory of household contents
Important phone numbers
Family records such as birth and marriage certificates
USB with the above documents saved electronically
Use this checklist when packing and updating your emergency kit.
Water
Water in plastic containers
A three day supply; minimum 4L of water per person, per day
Food
Minimum three day supply
Ready to eat canned meats, fruit and vegetables
Canned juices, milk and soups
Staples such as sugar, pepper, salt and high energy foods such as peanut butter, honey, jams and muesli bars
Vitamins
Food for babies, children, elderly persons or any special dietary requirements
Comfort foods such as biscuits, lollies, cereals, coffee and tea
Tools and supplies
Cooking facilities such as gas BBQ/camping stove
