FOREWORD

Townsville is the largest city in North Queensland and encompasses five major regional centres: Townsville, Charters Towers, Burdekin, Palm Island and Hinchinbrook.

The region contributes over $33 billion annually to the Queensland economy and is home to nearly 240,000 people. The region has one of the most diverse economic bases in Australia and enjoys a stunning natural environment, providing tourism growth opportunities and an attractive lifestyle for its residents.

Over the last three years, the region has navigated its way through the impacts of the global pandemic with strong and robust economic growth. As we look toward the future, we are seeing a new series of challenges that our attention must turn to. Global geopolitics, natural disasters, and economic cycles have pushed inflation into the public consciousness for the first time in a decade. Nation-wide trends toward full employment and a lack of affordable housing are compounding some inflationary issues, however, North Queensland’s strong jobs market and highly affordable real estate market make us well-placed to weather these challenges.

The economic diversity and the strategic location of Townsville means North Queensland is well-placed for future growth. The region boasts strengths in agriculture in the Burdekin and Hinchinbrook, high-value mining and mineral hubs for renewable energy to the west from Charters Towers and beyond, and the largest breeding ground for cattle in the country.

Additionally, Townsville, as Australia’s largest Garrison city is home to the nation’s largest Defence base. It is the epicentre of world-class research and science, and services 80% of Northern Australia’s population with general cargo through the Port of Townsville.

The region is recognised as having globally significant potential as a green hydrogen and green industrial production hub. The State Government’s recent committment to acquire and build CopperString 2032 will be crucial to connect world-leading renewable energy zones to the National Electricity Grid and provide affordable and reliable energy to the increasingly important North West Minerals Province.

As the global demand for mineral products processed with low or zero emissions continues to grow, the Townsville North Queensland region is well placed to establish high-value supply chains to customers around the world - provided we receive Government infrastructure support to establish these industries. The trend toward decarbonisation continues to accelerate in markets around the world, including here in Australia, with recent emissions control legislation passing parliament for the first time.

The solutions to the climate crisis and foundations for the green energy revolution are being established here in regional Australia, and we want Government partnerships to capture these once-in-a-generation opportunities and secure the future of our region.

Townsville Enterprise’s role is to tell the story of the linkages across North Queensland’s assets and what the opportunities can be for our region, our state, and the country, when these strengths are leveraged. With targeted support, we have the capacity to deliver the jobs, sovereignty, and economic prosperity critical to Queensland and Australia’s growth and future resilience.

Enabling private investment will allow the North to continue to play a leading role in the nation’s economic development. With our competitive advantages in green energy, critical minerals, and Pacific development opportunities, our region is destined for growth.

For Townsville North Queensland to reach its full economic and social potential there are critical challenges that must be addressed. These include developing the critical infrastructure emerging industries are dependent on and finding solutions to the workforce and affordable housing shortages.

Townsville Enterprise, together with its regional councils and the business community is making a strong case for targeted investment and policy support to ensure the North can continue to play a leading role in driving the nation’s recovery and future resilience.

Unlock the North has been developed to promote opportunity and the important role North Queensland plays in the economic recovery of Queensland and Australia.