AUGUST 2022
LIVE. EXPLORE. GROW.
CONTENTS
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
3
GROWING TOWNSVILLE
4
TOWNSVILLE’S GATEWAY TO A GREATER TOMORROW
4
#TOWNSVILLESHINES
5
BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
6
MAJOR PROJECTS
8
SAFE ROADS, DRAINS AND ACTIVE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
9
WHAT’S ON TOWNSVILLE: AUGUST 2022
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TOWNSVILLE GALLERIES
11
CITYLIBRARIES
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY 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 and present – and all future generations
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
Townsville City Council is a proud White Ribbon accredited organisation. Townsville City Council advises that all content is correct at time of printing. All information is subject to change without notice. Townsville City Council © 2022.
MAYOR’S MESSAGE On 21 June 2022 I handed down the 2022/23 Townsville City Council Budget.
at 10% for owner-occupied residential properties.
The Budget is a blueprint for the future of our city, while making sure we do the basics right.
To further ease financial pressure on our residents, wastewater utility charges have been frozen and waste charge increases have been set at 2%.
The investments in this $957.5 million budget will ensure economic and social security for generations to come, with big investments in the infrastructure that makes our city more liveable and welcoming.
Despite some erroneous rumours in the community, the discount for eligible concession card holders of up to $800 has been maintained, as has the early payment discount of 10% for owner-occupiers.
The Queensland Treasury Corporation recently announced Council’s sound credit rating, a developing outlook, and tracking ahead of budget projections.
Council’s generous program of supporting community organisations with rates and charges discounts and waivers has been maintained.
With this independent recognition of our strong financial and fiscal management, this Budget is able to deliver the basic services while minimising, where possible, the impact the inflation cycle is having on households.
Rising costs have been a defining feature of the past twelve months and are having an enormous impact on the costs of goods and services for residents and Council alike.
Since being elected as Mayor, I have overseen the delivery of four rate freezes and four budgets with rate increases under 2% over the past ten years.
This Budget balances the requirement to meet these costs while not hitting ratepayers’ hip pockets too hard.
This year, there will be a general rise of 2% rate in the dollar. With all rates and charges being considered, this is, on average, an increase of just over $4 per week – the price of a cup of coffee.
A steady stream of surpluses and balanced budgets in the past decade has prepared us to be able to deal with circumstances such as the ones we face at the moment with minimal impact to residents.
I recognise that this will be difficult for some ratepayers with the State Government’s recently-imposed property valuations being released, but Council has mitigated the most extreme valuation spikes by capping rate increases
Townsville residents will be able to see the benefits of this Budget around the city in the weeks and months ahead.
Cr Jenny Hill Mayor of Townsville
I N V E S T I N G F O R T O D AY AND TOMORROW Supporting our community and growing Townsville.
Visit our website to find out more. townsville.qld.gov.au
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GROWING TOWNSVILLE Servicing the community at a local level, Townsville City Council is part of your everyday life. The water you drink, the rubbish you dispose of, the parks you play in and the roads and pathways you travel on. Townsville City Council is the largest local government authority in Northern Australia. We are committed to creating value by growing Townsville through driving economic diversity and generating an enriching lifestyle. Our organisation provides and maintains over $5.4 billion worth of community assets including the water and wastewater network and treatment, bridges, drainage, roads, waste management, community facilities, sporting venues and more. We contribute to an active lifestyle for our residents and visitors through events, providing recreational facilities, protecting the natural environment and heritage, while creating a mentally and physically healthy city. We lead creation of a city for this and future generations by focusing on our transition to a circular economy that is resilient to social, financial and environmental shocks. Council is in its second year of the Corporate Plan (2021 – 2026), which was informed by business, community, industry, and staff. The Plan sets and reinforces the direction for how we work today to lead and build a thriving, connected, resilient and sustainable community and city for future generations. Working towards the city’s vision, this Plan outlines how we continue to deliver service excellence for Townsville. We are a Council led by our community to create an exciting and dynamic future. TO READ MORE
SCAN CODE OR VISIT TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU CORPORATE PLAN
TOWNSVILLE’S GATEWAY TO A GREATER TOMORROW Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct sets an infrastructure roadmap for the development of the advanced manufacturing precinct with the potential to support more than 5,000 construction jobs, around 1,600 initial jobs and more than 9,100 indirect jobs.
Grow our future
Propel Townsville to the next level by securing longterm jobs as well as supplier opportunities and flow-on benefits for local business and the region - providing big city advantages and liveability as we grow.
Position Townsville
As a leader in advanced manufacturing and as a hydrogen and renewable energy hub.
Accelerate innovation
Developing products, processes and technologies that contribute to a sustainable society.
Inspire all generations
Offer exciting new job, career, and upskilling and reskilling opportunities in emerging industries.
Expand port and airport throughput
Increasing the volume and diversity of products moving from Townsville each year.
Advance research
Partner with organisations such as James Cook University, Townsville University Hospital, TropiQ, Smart Precinct NQ, NQ Spark and NQ ICT Centre of Excellence.
Green growth
Creating a circular economy – recycling materials with an intent to reach zero waste.
Community multi-purpose venue
Dedicated zone for driver education, motorsport recreation and large-scale community events. TO READ MORE
SCAN CODE OR VISIT TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU LANSDOWN
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#TOWNSVILLESHINES Council will invest millions in managing the city as an attractive and active place to live and visit as part of its 2022/23 Budget. This follows a stellar year of national and international exposure for the city, as COVID-19 delivered opportunities to host events which attracted a global spotlight and new audiences. $96 million has been allocated across the next 12 months for the upgrading and maintenance of parks, gardens and open spaces, along with graffiti removal, beach cleaning and sand replenishment.
We love this city and want to ensure everyone can enjoy it at any time of the year, whether it’s someone visiting from out of town for the first time or a resident on their daily commute. We are lucky to live in a beautiful part of the world and in a city that is home to some of the best botanical gardens in the world. We truly have an enviable lifestyle. Tag @TownsvilleCouncil in your Townsville shots for your chance to be featured in the next issue!
These fundamental services each play an important role in strengthening civic pride and keeping our city looking great all year round. Townsville City Council maintains 372 parks, 346 playgrounds, 21 off-leash dog parks, three botanical gardens, six stinger nets and three cemeteries, a footprint equivalent to maintaining 5,200 football fields.
@lindseykorn_2 – Castle Hill
@dji_53_ – Saunders Beach
@explorinoz – Magnetic Island
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BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS $957.5m
$33.8m
Total Budget
Safe City Investment
Total investment in community service delivery and infrastructure.
$498.7m Infrastructure Investment
Capital investment to deliver services and infrastructure across Townsville.
$274.4m Water and Wastewater Investments
Capital investment in water and wastewater infrastructure.
$33m Affordability Investment
Investment in concessions, grants, sponsorships, partnerships, solar power and community peppercorn leases.
$96m Parks and Open Spaces
Upgrading and maintaining 372 parks and open spaces, beach cleaning, and sand replenishment, street cleaning, graffiti and rubbish removal.
TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU
Investment in operating security and surveillance, CCTV systems and street lighting, Community Response Vehicle and youth services.
2% General Rate Rise
Increase applied to the rate in the dollar across Council’s rating categories, plus land valuations. Rates increase capped at 10% for category 1 residential principal place of residence.
$201m Roads, Transport and Drains Investment
Managing and improving roads, kerb and channeling and stormwater drains.
$39.5m Culture, Lifestyle and Wellbeing Investment
Investing in events, arts, community facilities, culture and community programs.
Utility Charges Water utility charges increase 4% Waste utility charges increase 2% Wastewater utility charges increase 0%
*Please note some expenditure may appear in multiple categories above.
For every $100 – where your rates and utilities go. Rates Council invests your rates directly back into our community. Every $100 can be divided into the following infrastructure and service costs.
Environment and
Planning and
Cultural and
Sustainability Services
Development
Community Services
$2.71
$5.50
$13.24
Roads and Transport
Drain and Stormwater
Parks and Open
Management
Space Management
$5.63
$25.40
Management $47.52
Utilities
Water Services
Council invests your utility charges directly back into our community. Every $100 can be divided into the following infrastructure and service costs.
Wastewater Services $27.14
$62.25
Resource Recovery $10.61
To read the Budget and Operational Plan 2022/23 online visit townsville.qld.gov.au or scan here
MAJOR PROJECTS Townsville City Council continues with its 3-year capital investment plan to deliver critical services across Townsville through $498.7 million for infrastructure services and major projects like Lansdown, NQ Spark and the Haughton Pipeline. LONG-TERM WATER SECURITY Townsville City Council has maintained its focus on water security in its 2022/23 Budget to support residential, commercial, and industrial growth for a sustainable future.
Council has committed $34.9 million to the Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant Pipeline Duplication, which is partially funded by the Queensland Government.
A record $214.9 million will be invested in the next 12 months to continue work on critical water infrastructure projects across the city.
The Budget also commits an investment of $22 million for the progression and commissioning of our innovative recycled water treatment facility.
Water is fast becoming one of the world’s most valuable commodities and, with a focus on population and industry growth, continued strategic water management was essential.
With the support of the Queensland Government, a further $9.6 million has been allocated to finalise the installation of two new clarifiers at the Douglas Water Treatment Plant.
In the past 12 months Council has worked through the necessary planning, design and consultation for major projects like the Haughton Pipeline, the Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant Pipeline Duplication and the city’s new recycled water treatment facility.
TO READ MORE
SCAN CODE OR VISIT TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU CURRENT PROJECTS
HORSESHOE BAY ROAD REHABILITATION PROJECT Road safety upgrades are underway along Horseshoe Bay Road on Magnetic Island.
Australian Government contributing $2 million under the Black Spot Program.
Horseshoe Bay Road is the only road connecting residents and visitors to Horseshoe Bay, a key piece in Magnetic Island’s tourism offering. It is important that this popular road is well maintained and safe.
Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2022, weather and conditions permitting.
4km of road from Olympus Crescent in Arcadia to Pacific Drive in Horseshoe Bay will be upgraded. Improvements include approximately 4km of pavement repairs and asphalt resurfacing, installation of approximately 1.2km of new guardrail, new safety signage including vehicleactivated warning signs, pavement marking, some kerb and channel installation, footpath upgrades and minor drainage works. This $9 million project is funded by the Queensland and Australian Governments, with the Queensland Government contributing $7 million under the Local Road Network Capital Grants Program and the
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A second stage of the roadworks is currently being planned for Armand Way from Olympus Crescent to Marine Parade. This work is currently under design and will focus on safety and stormwater improvements.
TO READ MORE
SCAN CODE OR VISIT TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU MAGNETIC ISLAND
SAFE ROADS, DRAINS AND ACTIVE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE As part of the 2022/23 Budget, Council will invest $201 million in roads, drains and active transport infrastructure across Townsville over the next 12 months, realising its plan to create a safe, connected city and demonstrating its commitment to enhancing liveability. Council maintains about 1,700km of road and 540km of pathways, as well as more than 1,000km of stormwater drains across the local government area which provides essential and safe connectivity for residents and visitors. The 2022/23 Budget includes a $26 million investment funded by the Queensland and Australian Governments in enabling transport infrastructure for the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct near Woodstock.
Other road projects across the breadth of the city include: • Allambie Lane, Rasmussen • Banfield Drive, Mount Louisa • Hugh Street and Fulham Road intersection, Pimlico • Baxter Street, West End • Gilli Crescent, Cranbrook • Gregory Street, North Ward • Mount Low Parkway, Mount Low • Miranda Circle and Jenkinson Drive, Annandale • Dingo Park Road near Woodstock • Horseshoe Bay Road between Pacific Drive and Marina Parade, including Armand Way, Arcadia on Magnetic Island • Relocation of the intersection of Jones Road, Woodstock Ave and the old Flinders highway. An existing 1.2km rail passing loop and existing open level crossing will also be relocated.
There is an increasing number of residents using active transport options across the city. This budget provides significant investment toward expanding and improving our cycle networks with several bike and foot path projects across the city.
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AUGUST 2022 2022 MIRRAGIN AUSTRALIAN X CLASS OPEN 7 AUGUST, 10AM BLUEWATER AIRPORT
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS VS NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS 19 AUGUST QUEENSLAND COUNTRY BANK STADIUM
SENIORS LUNCHEON 25 & 26 AUGUST, 10.30AM TOWNSVILLE STADIUM AMY SHARK – SEE U SOMEWHERE TOUR 26 AUGUST, 6PM TOWNSVILLE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
MCDONALDS TOWNSVILLE RUNNING FESTIVAL 7 AUGUST JEZZINE BARRACKS THE BIG BIKE FILM NIGHT 9 AUGUST, 7PM WARRINA CINEPLEX DARREN COGGAN’S CAMPFIRE 10 AUGUST, 11AM TOWNSVILLE CIVIC THEATRE
ELLA HOOPER 20 AUGUST, 6PM TOWNSVILLE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE CAPE PALLARENDA TRAIL RUN 21 AUGUST CAPE PALLARENDA CONSERVATION PARK SENIORS LIFESTYLE EXPO 23 AUGUST, 10AM TOWNSVILLE STADIUM
QLD DARTS MASTERS 12 & 13 AUGUST, 5.30PM TOWNSVILLE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
THE LITTLE MERMAID 24 – 28 AUGUST TOWNSVILLE CIVIC THEATRE
TOWNSVILLE TRIATHLON & MULTISPORT FESTIVAL 27 & 28 AUGUST STRAND PARK JUDITH LUCY & DENISE SCOTT – STILL HERE 30 AUGUST, 7.30PM TOWNSVILLE CIVIC THEATRE
TOWNSVILLE INDIAFEST 13 AUGUST, 10AM RIVERWAY OVAL
B ECO M E A M E M B E R I N 2 0 2 2 TO E N J OY V I P B E N E F I T S A N D E XC LU S I V E O F F E R S !
JAZZ AND KOALAS MAGNETIC ISLAND 13 AUGUST SANDI'S ON MAGNETIC ISLAND
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To wn svil l eT icket Sh op
Our exciting year continues with the biennial North Queensland Ceramic Awards, launched on 22 July. A showcase for both well-known and emerging artists, this competition displays the diversity of ceramic art currently being produced in Australia. Finalists will be eligible in various categories beyond the major $10,000 City of Townsville Art Collection Award. The exhibition will be displayed at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery until 25 September 2022.
TOWNSVILLE GALLERIES 2022 has been an exciting year for the Galleries team, with a diverse range of exhibitions already delivered and many more still to come. Having been on show from 23 April - 3 July, The Percivals 2022 was an open competition for artists. This not only showcased Australian artists' outstanding and innovative work but the competitions have also allowed many emerging artists to engage with portraiture and share their expressions of themselves and those close to them.
Call for entries for the 2023 edition of Ephemera: Seaside Sculptures commenced in July. Ephemera has grown over the years to be loved not only locally, but to be a biennial sculpture exhibition of state and national significance. Ephemera will feature a selection of curated sculptures alongside those vying for the major $10,000 Artistic Excellence Award (non-acquisitive). Competitive works will be on display along Townsville’s picturesque 2km beachfront, The Strand, from 22 July to 6 August 2023. Keep up to date with Townsville City Galleries’ events, workshops and exhibition launches on Facebook and Instagram, and sign up for our monthly e-newsletter. TO READ MORE
SCAN CODE OR VISIT TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU THEATRES & GALLERIES
Encompassing the Percival Portrait Painting Prize, the Percival Photographic Portrait Prize, and the Percival Animal Portrait Prize, The Percvials had 250 artworks on display with 214 artists involved.
CITYLIBRARIES Townsville CityLibraries are in three locations – Flinders Street, Aitkenvale and Thuringowa Central. As our world changes our libraries have become far more than simply a repository for books. They are essential community hubs; places where everyone can learn, discover and connect in a network of activity and information. Visit your closest public library and become a member, it is FREE! Like us on Facebook or subscribe to our e-newsletter to keep up-to-date with all Townsville City Libraries’ services and programs. Digital loans of books, movies and magazines are available to all library members. TO READ MORE
SCAN CODE OR VISIT TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU CITYLIBRARIES
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Townsville City overlooking Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Castle Hill & The Strand
TOWNSVILLE.QLD.GOV.AU