VISITOR ECONOMY & LIVEABILITY
NORTH AUSTRALIA ARTS PRECINCT GROWTH OPPORTUNITY
Predictions of future demand and population growth will only exacerbate pressure on current facilities if not addressed and will severely limit the development of the performing arts industry in North Queensland and hinder the attraction of national and international cultural events.
The North Australia Arts Precinct will be an international standard, multi-purpose venue which celebrates and promotes First Nations culture through immersive visual and performing arts experiences. The centrally located precinct will activate Townsville’s city centre and generate significant socio-economic benefit through increased residents and tourists visiting the city generating economic activity, improved social connectivity, enhanced Townsville place brand, job creation, volunteering opportunities and greatly improved viability of local community groups and events. The delivery of a modern and flexible entertainment facility is a key commitment of the Townsville City Deal. Several studies have been conducted and demonstrate a significant gap in the offering of cultural facilities and a lack of cultural infrastructure investment over the last fifty years in the Townsville region.
There is great opportunity to provide the North with a thriving arts and cultural events calendar. The North Australia Arts Precinct will support the growth of the regions indigenous artists, enabling a diverse offering of performing and visual arts that include the opportunity to embrace the region’s rich cultural heritage. Successful delivery of the North Australia Arts Precinct will further enhance Townsville’s reputation as the events capital of North Australia and promote the region on an international scale as a leading centre for visual and performing arts, attracting world class performances and facilitating the future growth of North Australia’s art and culture industry.
Whilst Townsville is home to many leading sporting facilities, it is currently overlooked by major national and international performances due to the current arts and cultural facilities being outdated, limited availability and not containing the necessary technical equipment required by professional artists. Community artists are suffering from the lack of facilities and are often required to relocate away from North Queensland to be situated in areas where they can develop into professional artists. The inability to provide facilities which nurture emerging artists is restricting the ability of Townsville to grow its arts and cultural sector and results in a necessity of local artists to relocate. Previous studies consistently conclude that there is a clear need for capital investment in cultural facilities in Northern Australia. Studies also confirm the current facilities do not meet modern technological requirements and capacity is insufficient to meet demand, resulting in significant forgone opportunities.
WHAT WE NEED Rapid delivery of the detailed business case which is currently underway by the Federal Government. 98 million in committed funding subject to the outcome $ of the detailed business case.
44
TOWNSVILLE NORTH QUEENSLAND
934
CONSTRUCTION JOBS
State Funding
55
PERMANENT ONGOING JOBS
Federal Funding
2,242 INDIRECT JOBS
State and/or Federal
Funding N/A
