VISITOR ECONOMY & LIVEABILITY
TOWNSVILLE CITY DEAL The Townsville City Deal was signed in December 2016 and is a 15-year commitment between the Federal Government of Australia, the Queensland Government and Townsville City Council, to work collectively to strategically plan and deliver transformational outcomes for the Townsville region. Townsville is the first of Australia’s City Deal initiatives and is designed to reinvigorate Townsville through building investment in local infrastructure, economic growth, industry activation, job creation and city revitalisation. The Townsville City Deal is striving to deliver a prosperous economic future for the region to position Townsville as a vibrant, liveable and innovative city, and unlock the potential for business and industry development to enable Townsville to become: The economic gateway to Asia and Northern Australia. A prosperous and highly liveable city for residents and visitors A global leader in tropical and marine research and innovation As Government bodies continue to work together to deliver for the region, many of the initial commitments under the City Deal have been completed or have evolved and continue to progress to achieve their intended outcomes. City Deal Partners recognise the importance of adapting to align with emerging priorities and as such, Partners continue to review existing and newly announced commitments. In addition, negotiations have commenced to establish a new commitment program under the Townsville City Deal, focused on enhancing the liveability and environmental sustainability of the region.
The proposed liveability and environment program will celebrate the region’s local characteristics and rich cultural heritage through the delivery of improved public realm, attractive destinations and sustainable natural environment enhancements. Projects identified for inclusion in the proposed liveability and environment program will greatly contribute to achieving the intent of the City Deal, will link seamlessly to other projects delivered under the Deal and activate the city’s many entertainment, hospitality, leisure and cultural facilities, promoting the city as an ideal place to work, live and visit. Through the announcement of additional commitments in 2021, $100 million was allocated to a Townsville Concert Hall consisting of $2 million for a detailed business case for a Concert Hall (currently being delivered) and a further $98 million commitment to construct the facility, subject to the outcome of the business case. The delivery of the critical piece of arts and culture infrastructure will generate significant economic and social benefit for the region and further enhance Townsville’s reputation as the events capital of North Australia. Commitment to rapidly progress delivery of the Concert Hall business case and establish the liveability and environment program opportunity will stimulate significant interest and private investment for Townsville, drive economic growth and enable the region to continue to transform into a city that not only attracts industry and a skilled workforce, but retains its existing population and positions Townsville as a vibrant, liveable and innovative city.
WHAT WE NEED Delivery of the detailed business case from the Federal Government for the Concert Hall, with a further $98 million committed funding subject to the outcome of the business case. Commitment to establishment of a new Liveability and Environment commitment program under the Townsville City Deal focused on enhancing the lifestyle and environment of the region.
Finalise the remaining $26 million of unallocated Federal Government funding under the Townsville City Deal to priority projects.
State Funding
Federal Funding
State and/or Federal
Funding N/A
2023 STATE AND FEDERAL BUDGET SUBMISSION
45
