TOWNSVILLE NORTH QUEENSLAND KEY TO UNLOCK THE NORTH

Bursting With Potential For Growth

Townsville is the unofficial capital of North Queensland, home to the largest population base in Northern Australia and boasts one of Australia’s most diverse economies with no sector making up more than 15%.

The region is proud of its economic heritage founded on a strong base of agriculture and resources, Australia’s largest military base, a port with a broad-based trade profile and a world-leading university.

To this foundation, the region continues to add growing strengths in industries including tourism, research and education, renewables and professional services. There are more than $20 billion in infrastructure projects underway in the region, coupled with more than 122,000 hectares of irrigated land primed for agriculture, growth in tourism visitation, and more than $740 billion worth of known untapped resources within the North and North West region. Townsville North Queensland is bursting with potential for future growth and development.

TOWNSVILLE REGION IS THE KEY TO UNLOCK THE NORTH: 80% of Northern Australia’s population catchment centre (eight hour radius).

Existing supply chain infrastructure investments and global connectivity.

The world’s best solar and wind resources.

Australia’s largest mineral deposit west of Townsville which will be unlocked by CopperString.

Australia’s largest Defence base.

Home of Northern Australia’s largest university, James Cook University.

Headquarters for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the home of the Australian Institute of Marine Science.

Townsville Enterprise and its regional councils support the Albanese Government’s vision for Northern Australia: “Nation-building for transformative growth and Net Zero future.”

With targeted investment in infrastructure and resource projects that will unlock enormous economic benefit for Australia’s northern regions and drive the State and the nation’s transition towards a Net Zero economy.

What We Need

Townsville North Queensland established as the world leading critical mineral, battery and green energy manufacturing hub by enabling private sector investments.

Alignment of the State and Federal Government policies and Northern Australia development targets. Streamlined approval processes between State and Federal Governments.

Investment into housing to meet future demand.

Affordable power and to build the 1,100km transmission line from Townsville to Mount Isa.

Long-term water security through new infrastructure for population and industry growth.

Medium and long-term workforce forecast and implementation strategy.

Enabling infrastructure: roads and ports; supply chain logistics; digital connectivity; education and training; and Indigenous enterprise.

An articulate policy position and support for the development of Northern Australia’s green energy and industry potential.

Sustainable tourism funding to continue to grow visitor economy and support liveability in the region.

No other region of comparable size has connection into the future prosperity of the Australilan nation as Townsville.

BERNARD SALT LEADING AUSTRALIAN ECONOMIST