Townsville Enterprise pays its deepest respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of the land in Australia, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and culture.
We pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and commit to fostering a culture of learning from and working with First Nations people in the spirit of reconciliation and access to justice.
Foreword
Townsville North Queensland is on the biggest growth trajectory we have seen in more than a decade. The Government of today has the opportunity to shape the future for the generations of tomorrow, ensuring that this region can unlock its full potential.
This special edition of Unlock the North outlines the project and policy priorities for the upcoming 2024 Queensland State Election. Elections are a critical time for our region, and as the region’s peak economic development and destination marketing organisation, Townsville Enterprise takes great pride in our role as the respected non-partisan advocate for North Queensland. Leading collaborative engagements and working across the political landscape to stand up for Townsville North Queensland. As in previous years, our Unlock the North submission brings together significant projects and enablers to deliver a shared vision for the economic prosperity of the region. These projects - we represent the five local government areas of Townsville, Hinchinbrook, Burdekin, Charters Towers and Palm Island - will drive and secure significant growth for the North Queensland region, and all Queenslanders.
As a region we continue to perform as an economic powerhouse for Australia; a successful blend of regional, rural and city industries, leveraging innovation and first-class education facilities to drive sustainable and prosperous outcomes for all.
Over the past year, several ground-breaking public and private investment announcements have elevated Townsville North Queensland’s potential to the global arena.
Our nation’s largest expansion of the electricity network – the $6.2 billion CopperString project broke ground earlier this year, and has already unlocked $7.8 billion of investment into renewables and new mining operations. The project continues to attract major global private sector interest and positioning Townsville as Australia’s most liveable green manufacturing city. The recent defence force posture changes from the Australian Defence Strategic Review will see Townsville emerge as the Army Capital of Australia, enhancing the country’s defence industry and further elevating Townsville’s profile amongst Defence primes. Additionally, several critical mineral refineries will be commissioned in the region over the next five years. Attracting thousands of highly skilled workers and greatly contributing to the nation’s gross domestic/regional product for generations to come.
A historic pipeline of projects valued at over $36 billion has never been stronger, and continued investment into
our key industries demonstrates that this growth has only just begun. Whilst the rest of the world may face economic downturn, the tried and tested resilience of North Queensland ensures a positive economic outlook for our future.
We have a united commitment to improving the region’s liveability and tourism destination offerings. Recently Townsville was announced as one of only a few destinations in the country to become an accredited eco-destination.
The 2024 Special Edition of Unlock the North is divided into the following chapters:
▶ Housing
▶ Workforce Attraction and Liveability
▶ Infrastructure
▶ Policies
Our region has benefited from Government and private sector support, directing the right investment to strategically establish new industries and infrastructure (including a new stadium, defence capabilities, renewable resources and tourism investment).
This election, we are driven to secure further investment into our key industries to unlock common-user infrastructure and address growth inhibitors such as housing and workforce/ labour shortages. We also seeking investment into our health and education institutions, which have never been more important to the region in enabling this growth.
Now is the right time to look to the future, to leverage our region’s enviable renewable resources and skilled workforce to grow new nationally-important industries in green energy, critical minerals refining and processing, and knowledge industries, while dually addressing the challenges faced by North Queenslanders.
As the peak economic development and destination management organisation, we remain true to our purpose of securing the future of Townsville North Queensland and we ask all sides of politics to join us in delivering this mantra.
Claudia Brumme-Smith Townsville Enterprise, CEO Kevin Gill Townsville Enterprise, Chairman
Townsville Enterprise, along with Townsville City Council, Burdekin Shire Council, Charters Towers Regional Council, Hinchinbrook Shire Council, the Palm Island Aboriginal Council and the North Queensland business community are committed to securing the future of Townsville North Queensland.
Our role has always been to look ahead, and champion the projects and policies that will deliver economic growth for our region for decades and generations to come. We work to drive our traditional industries like defence, health, education, tourism, and mining to greater heights, while backing innovation and new technology to stay competitive and relevant to national and international markets. In addition, Queensland’s runway towards the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics also provides an ideal opportunity to develop refreshed experiences that support visitors traveling to Townsville North Queensland.
Townsville Enterprise is a proud and growing membership-based organisation. We would like to thank our members for their continued support in our efforts to Secure the Future of Townsville North Queensland.
About Townsville North Queensland
POPULATION
243,798
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE:
4.2% (as of June 2024)
LEADING RENEWABLE ENERGY AND GREEN HYDROGEN HUB
$465K (As of June 2024)
Over 300 days of sunshine annually
$36B pipeline of projects, requiring 20,000 new skilled workers in the next 5 years.
MORE THAN
130,000 PEOPLE EMPLOYED
$21B NORTH QUEENSLAND GROSS REGIONAL PRODUCT
World-class health and education Facilities James Cook University and CQ University
Globally recognised marine research facilities at the Australia Institute of Marine Science.
NORTHERN AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST CONTAINER AND GENERAL AUTOMOTIVE PORT
MAJOR HEALTH CARE SERVICES HUB NEW ECONOMY MINERALS PROCESSING AND EXPORT
In 2023, it was announced that the Queensland Government would own and deliver the $6.2 billion CopperString project, signaling one of the largest public investments into regional Queensland. This announcement has been met with over $7.8 billion of private sector investment into new energy and mining projects in Northwest Queensland. It has reinvigorated the regional communities along this corridor, which are benefiting from the renewed private and public investment interest into their region. Northwest Queensland now has the opportunity to be at the forefront of the renewables and clean energy outcomes. Billions of dollars have been invested as a result of the CopperString project, and Townsville Enterprise is committed to ensuring that this project is delivered in its entirety and within the expected construction time frames. Bi-partisan commitment to CopperString is absolutely critical to safeguard the $7.8 billion in private sector investment and to secure the thousands of jobs and several local communities that are contingent on its delivery.
Unlock The North Priorities Summary
1. HOUSING
TOWNSVILLE NORTH QUEENSLAND HOUSING PACKAGE
REGIONAL HOUSING POLICY INCENTIVES
PALM ISLAND RENT-TO-BUY HOUSING SCHEME
2. WORKFORCE ATTRACTION & LIVEABILITY
NORTH AUSTRALIA ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT ARENA
TOWNSVILLE WATERFRONT RENEWAL
CHARTERS TOWERS HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT
FUTURE HEALTH AND PROSPERITY
MAGNETIC ISLAND KOALA HOSPITAL
PALM ISLAND TOURISM MASTERPLAN
PALUMA TO WALLAMAN TRAIL
2. INFRASTRUCTURE
PORT EXPANSION PROJECT
TROPIQ- TOWNSVILLE’S TROPICAL INTELLIGENCE AND HEALTH PRECINCT
LANSDOWN ECO-INDUSTRIAL PRECINCT
HAUGHTON PIPELINE STAGE 2
NQ SPARK- NORTH QUEENSLAND’S SIMULATION PARK
AYR INDUSTRIAL ESTATE SECOND ACCESS REGENAQUA HINCHINBROOK
4. POLICIES
INSURANCE AFFORDABILITY
NORTH QUEENSLAND HYDROGEN CONSORTIUM SUSTAINABLE TOURISM FUNDING Track political commitments made to our region’s Unlock the North priorities with our online Election Scorecard. Keep up to date on all
SCAN HERE!
1.0
Housing
Townsville North Queensland faces a major housing shortage epidemic that could threaten the $36 billion investment pipeline for the region. Across all five major local government agencies housing vacancy rates have remained consistently below 1% and approvals for new residential dwellings is stagnating. Regional Queensland faces unique challenges in addressing the housing shortage, as a result of the increased costs associated with these project driving developers back to major metropolitan cities. Townsville North Queensland requires immediate investment support from the State Government to meet the growing demand and support regional prosperity.
1.1 Townsville North Queensland Housing Package
Unlocking up to 5,650 new homes for Regional Queensland BACKGROUND
The delivery of essential trunk infrastructure, such as road, sewer, and water systems, to support the development of housing is absolutely critical to the future prosperity of North Queensland.
Townsville’s housing vacancy rate has remained at or below approximately 1% since 2020. Townsville is in critical need of residential dwellings to begin to ease the housing crisis. As the population grows, so too will the demands placed upon critical social services, particularly health and education. With an infrastructure project pipeline in excess of $36 billion, that will require over 20,000 additional workers in the next five years, unlocking new housing supply is required immediately.
CHALLENGES
Delivery of trunk infrastructure is essential to the development of housing. However, Townsville City Council does not have the financial capacity to fund trunk infrastructure at a rate that supports housing demand without significantly increasing rates, causing further cost-of- living pressures for Townsville residents.
INFRASTRUCTURE PRIORITIES
Townsville City Council’s ability to fast-track the identified residential trunk infrastructure projects will greatly support the delivery of housing:
▶ North Rail Yards – Up to 300 residential apartments
▶ Svensson Road Intersection- Up to 3,000 residential lots
TROPIQ PRECINCT- TOWNSVILLE’S LEADING INNOVATION PRECINCT FOR HEALTH, EDUCATION, RESEARCH AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
TropiQ is experiencing significant growth via the expansion programs of its key institutional partners, and pending Government funding and support. This precinct is poised to deliver a range of third-party developments exceeding $1 billion in overall value, including:
▶ Retirement living, aged care and childcare facilities.
▶ Primary school and university-linked high school.
▶ Mixed-density residential housing for ~10,000 people.
TropiQ is already attracting new industry investment, however proactive government investment into enabling trunk infrastructure will unlock the precinct in its entirety enabling over $1 billion in key social infrastructure projects, including mixed-density residential housing for up to 10,000 residents.
REGIONAL BENEFIT
Establishing affordable housing stock within the Townsville North Queensland region will:
▶ Provide housing stock for critical workers, social housing and Defence personnel.
▶ Accommodate a range of housing stock for students, aged care and retirement living.
▶ Support expansion and growth of industries in the North
▶ Create jobs, economic growth and better community outcomes
▶ Safeguard the region’s $36 billion infrastructure project pipeline by addressing the region’s key challenges in workforce attraction..
THIS STATE ELECTION WE ARE CALLING FOR
▶ $65 million for the Townsville North Queensland housing package to be invested into the delivery of essential trunk infrastructure that will fast track and unlock the delivery of up to 5,650 residential lots.
▶ Legislative amendments to the James Cook University Act 1997 to enable the dissolution of the JCU Charitable Trust and support 3,000 dwellings within TropiQ, housing up to 10,000 new residents.
▶ Commitment of $50 million to enable progression of a high-density build-to-rent housing development in Townsville CBD.
1.2 Regional Housing Policy Incentives
Townsville North Queensland’s regional and rural communities have also been strongly impacted by the housing shortage. The impact on regional communities is far more acute and economically debilitating compared to other metropolitan cities also experiencing a decline in housing availability. The housing stock for both rentals and ownership are extremely limited, and there are often extended periods of time where there is no housing stock available. Regional and rural towns have historically suffered from chronic population decline. However, with a $36 billion pipeline of infrastructure projects planned for the region, the opportunity to support population growth in regional communities have never been stronger. Without new housing stock available, the population will continue to decline as existing residents move away and new residents are deterred.
BURDEKIN LOCAL HOUSING ACTION PLAN
To address the challenges of the housing shortage in regional areas, the Burdekin Shire Council has recently developed and adopted the Burdekin Local Housing Action Plan (LHAP) with funding provided by the State Government through the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ). Council engaged with key stakeholders to develop the LHAP which identified ways of addressing the housing needs of our community. It also enabled Council to identify opportunities and prioritise actions to respond to housing challenges in the Burdekin Shire. In our local housing action plan, Council identified several priorities aimed at addressing critical needs within our community’s housing sector. These include:
▶ Increasing housing stock – rental properties alone have reduced from approx 1,000 properties to 600 properties.
This is due in part to landlords taking advantage of high market sale prices as well as recent legislative changes that have shifted the balance in favour of tenants, offering greater protections and rights, while imposing stricter regulations on landlords within the housing market.
▶ Review of building requirements in flood areas – despite the Burdekin being predominantly mapped as flood-prone, most of the shire has never experienced floodwaters. This prompted a review of building requirements and a potential revision of zoning regulations to align with the actual historical patterns.
▶ Cost of construction in regional areas – like much of the nation, construction costs have escalated over the past decade. The cost of construction in regional areas reflects a unique range of factors, including distance from city centres, availability of skilled labour, transportation costs and planning requirements, all of which contribute to the overall viability
Burdekin Shire Local Housing Action
HOUSING IN HINCHINBROOK
BACKGROUND
The Hinchinbrook region is facing a chronic shortage of new housing stock, which means the region is struggling to accommodate domestic migration to the region and appropriate housing to attract skilled workers and families, including seasonal workers in the cane industry. This issue has been exacerbated by the shortage of available residential land to enabling investment into new housing stock.
REASON FOR ISSUE
Currently council has no suitable land to develop as tenure of remaining town reserve is Unallocated State Land. Given the unallocated land status, barriers to the immediate development of town reserve include:
▶ Tenure conversion process to allow housing development to commence;
▶ Native Title must be addressed before tenure conversion, or any other dealings can be undertaken.
▶ All sites would require approvals for dealing in priority with either Council or another State Agency under the Queensland Government Land Transaction Policy; mostly all located in flood hazard areas.
▶ Developers are disinterested in pursuing development of freehold land due to extremely high developmental costs associated with: Flood plain constraints (meeting 1 in 100 habitable floor levels); and State infrastructure requirements Department of Transport and Main Roads and Ergon. BENEFITS
▶ Housing to attract skilled workers for industry needs (including Queensland Health, Queensland Ambulance and private medical practitioners);
▶ Housing to attract more DIDO/FIFO workers to district to support projects such as, CopperString and Mount Fox Energy zone, due to Hinchinbrook lifestyle liveability factors.
▶ Enhanced liveability of region due to increased population and the attraction of additional supporting services.
THIS STATE ELECTION WE ARE CALLING FOR
▶ Unlocking of existing vacant State property assets in serviced areas to support long term housing outcomes. Hinchinbrook Shire Council has identified at least 15 State-owned allotments in serviceable areas which are suitable for residential purposes. These lots cannot be developed without undergoing tenure change.
▶ Incentives to entice landholders to restore uninhabitable housing to current standards.
▶ Amendments to the North Queensland Regional Plan enabling residential development in rural flood free precincts.
▶ Support the regional councils in delivering a pipeline of local infrastructure works to flood free areas to facilitate private development through the Housing Investment Fund.
1.3 Palm Island Rent-to-Buy Housing Scheme
Indigenous Home Ownership
OVERVIEW
In 2017 the Queensland Government released the 2017-2027 Queensland Housing Strategy (QHS), which included $75 million to facilitate private home ownership in the 17 Indigenous communities across Queensland. There are approximately 3,000 houses in the 17 remote Indigenous communities across Queensland, and only 6 houses have transitioned to private home ownership.
PRIVATE HOME OWNERSHIP IN AUSTRALIA 70%
PRIVATE HOME OWNERSHIP IN REMOTE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES IN QUEENSLAND 0.02%
SOCIAL HOUSING IN AUSTRALIA 3.8%
SOCIAL HOUSING IN REMOTE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES IN QUEENSLAND 99.08%
The largest barrier to Indigenous private home ownership in Queensland is the requirement under the Aboriginal Land 1991 for the lease to make ‘up-front, lump-sum’ payment for the lease of the land and the purchase of the dwelling (existing social home). This is unachievable for Palm Island residents, as very few people can meet that requirement and cannot access a loan (commercial or IBA) as there is no property market and the lending institution cannot recover their investment.
RENT-TO-BUY SCHEME
Palm Island Aboriginal Council is proposing a solution through the provision of a blanket approval to Council to enter 99year home ownership leases with local Indigenous Palm Island residents to purchase their home through a rent-tobuy scheme. The proposed scheme would be of significant benefit to State Government in that it allows existing Indigenous private home ownerships policy to be delivered. It is of more benefit to community in driving self-determination, economic independence and private wealth creation.
▶ Queensland Treasury to provide blanket approval to Council to enter into 99-year home ownership leases with local Indigenous Palm Island residents to purchase their home through a rent-to-buy scheme.
2.0 Workforce Attraction & Liveability
Workforce attraction is crucial for Townsville North Queensland, as it drives economic growth and community vitality throughout the region. The North Queensland region is experiencing unprecedented levels of economic growth, and to ensure that the region remains on this upward trajectory, the attraction of both skilled and unskilled workers is vital. This chapter outlines the advocacy priorities that enhance the region through diverse job opportunities, liveability and cultural experiences. These projects are critical to ensure that North Queensland remains a desirable destination to live, work, visit and invest.
2.1 Townsville Waterfront Renewal
Creating the new face of Townsville and building regional Australia’s most liveable city
PRECINCT 2:
PRECINCT 1:
THE GLOBAL GREAT BARRIER REEF CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
FULLY FUNDED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
NORTH AUSTRALIA ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT ARENA
SEEKING FUNDING FROM STATE & FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
As Townsville stands on the cusp of significant population growth, the city will demand improvements in connectivity and liveability. The regions’ pipeline of committed and inprogress projects will create approximately 20,000 new jobs across the region over the next decade. An evolution in the city’s lifestyle, cultural and entertainment offering will be vital to attracting and retaining the talent needed to help the region meet its full potential.
The Townsville Waterfront Renewal will be developed across three precincts, ultimately creating a new lifestyle and cultural destination for the region. The project will create a world-class entertainment, marine science education, culture, and lifestyle precinct, helping to boost the city’s liveability and appeal for potential new residents and visitors ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The project involves the creation of vibrant and distinctive precincts extending along the Ross Creek waterfront from the city heart through to the oceanfront. The redevelopment of these areas will be a catalyst to driving population growth, boosting the visitor economy, and increasing the region’s profile and appeal. Townsville Waterfront Renewal will help cement Townsville as regional Australia’s most liveable city. It will provide a catalytic change to Townsville’s lifestyle, investment and tourism- much like what the Strand continues to deliver.
PRECINCT 1:
THE GLOBAL GREAT BARRIER REEF
CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
Australia’s $56 billion Great Barrier Reef deserves a gateway Aussies can boast about. A global showcase
PRECINCT 3:
REEF MARINE TOURISM GATEWAY
SEEKING FUNDING COMMITMENT
for this natural wonder of the world. Queensland’s Reef will be on show to the world in 2032.
The Global Great Barrier Reef Centre of Excellence will celebrate and highlight Townsville’s position as the global headquarters of Marine Research, Education and Custodianship of the Reef. Precinct 1 will be a central showcase of the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem and include:
5-STAR RATED WORLD CLASS GREAT BARRIER REEF AQUARIUM FEDERAL FUNDING COMMITTED
The Great Barrier Reef Aquarium (previously Reef HQ Aquarium) is the national education centre of the Great Barrier Reef and has been a cornerstone of the North Queensland community for more than three decades.
As a leading force in educating the global community about the conservation efforts of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the Aquarium has not only contributed to our local economy but has also instilled a profound sense of community and global pride.
Given Townsville’s status as the home of the Australian Institute of Marine Science, James Cook University and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, it is essential to establish a world- class showcase that underscores Townsville’s position as the global epicenter of reef education and conservation.
A RE-IMAGINED MUSEUM OF TROPICAL QUEENSLAND
Museum of Tropical Queensland preserves North Queensland’s natural and cultural heritage and showcases and shares the stories, objects and research that contribute to Queensland’s $662 million State Collection.
The Museum of Tropical Queensland offers leading research that focuses on the history of the Great Barrier Reef and the effects of climate change and human impact. It is also the central
location for repatriation, storage, and access of First Nations items from North and Far North Queensland including the Torres Strait Islands. As a trusted knowledge institute, the museum has the unique ability to foster lifelong learning by showcasing Queensland’s biodiversity, prehistoric and maritime history along with the rich tapestry of Indigenous knowledge and culture. Townsville’s inclusion as a hosting city for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games provides a prime opportunity to showcase the region to the world by spotlighting its credentials in reef management and education and showcasing our First Nations’ stories and history.
WATERFRONT PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
The Waterfront Pedestrian Bridge will connect Palmer Street and Flinders Street in Townsville. An all-accessible, safe and connected active transport network linking Townsville’s key tourism, hospitality and events precincts, activating and celebrating the Ross Creek Waterfront Priority Development Area
PRECINCT 2:
NORTH AUSTRALIA ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT ARENA
Delivery of a modern, flexible, multi-purpose and high-tech entertainment facility has been a key commitment of the Townsville City Deal since inception and is a potential venue to contribute to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre (TECC), despite its historical significance and service to our community, is now at the end of its economic life. Maintaining this facility has become increasingly costly, and it is no longer deemed suitable for hosting national and international scale events. The TECC also currently serves as the home ground for the four-time National Champions of the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL),
the Townsville Fire. However, the venue’s significant constraints hinder its full potential and the broader aspirations of our city.
Townsville needs the development of a new state-of-theart Sport and Entertainment facility that will usher in a new era of liveability for Townsville, attract world-class sports, concerts, cultural and business events, and be a catalyst for further city and regional investment.
The proximity to the Queensland Country Bank Stadium creates a prime entertainment precinct that will further elevate the city’s waterfront and liveability.
KEY FEATURES OF THE PROPOSED FACILITY
Capacity and Versatility: The new venue will offer up to 10,000 attendees for events. Additionally, it will provide versatile spaces for sporting events, cultural performances, business events, meetings, and breakout sessions.
Economic Impact: It is expected that this venue will have an estimated economic impact of $46 millIion annually. Further economic stimulus will be generated as a result of the construction. Increased tourism and event hosting will generate significant revenue for local businesses and the community at large.
Community and Cultural Benefits: Beyond economic gains, the facility will enrich the cultural fabric of Townsville. It will become a central hub for community activities, fostering local talent and providing residents with access to world-class entertainment and cultural experiences.
Contribution to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games: The new precinct can serve as a training and competition venue, contributing to the success of the 2032 Games and showcasing Townsville on the global stage.
THIS STATE ELECTION WE ARE CALLING FOR
▶ $360 million joint funding commitment from State and Federal Government for a world-class Arts and Entertainment Arena, that will be owned and operated by the State Government via Stadiums Queensland.
▶ $52 million in funding for public realm works including critical safety works and boardwalks.
▶ $41.5 million for upgrades to the Museum of Tropical Queensland including extension to Ross Creek and the precinct, dedicated children’s space incorporating First Nations and Western Science, extensive permanent gallery renewal, First Nations Keeping Place, commercial upgrades as well as sustainability and accessibility improvements.
This is our once in a generation opportunity to change the face of North Queensland through worldclass education, arts, culture and entertainment facilities. The Waterfront Renewal will be a game-changer for our regions liveability, workforce attraction, tourism and economic prosperity.
The Charters Towers Hospital was founded in 1887. As a health facility, it is now outdated and unable to meet the needs of a modern hospital and growing population. The issues with the current building include piping, plumbing, inefficient layout and obsolete design. Many of its treatments and service areas require upgrading to meet current and future health, safety, and fire standards.
The current Charters Towers Hospital site has many limitations including being heritage listed and no physical room for expansion and development of new facilities. A vacant block has already been earmarked for the new hospital beside the Eventide Residential Aged Care Facility that would be the ideal site due to its central location, extensive development space and easy access for community members.
Residents in the Charters Towers region and Western Queensland communities of Hughenden and Richmond are having to frequently travel to Townsville to receive essential, life-saving medical treatments. These include birthing, gynecological treatment, x-rays, ultrasounds and computed tomography (CT) scanning. This puts additional pressure on the Townsville University Hospital in coping with additional patients and causes undue financial, physical and emotional distress to travelling patients.
▶ $300 million for Charters Towers Hospital to be made available from FY 24/25 subject to the completion of the business case. This will see a new hospital able to provide safer, higher-quality services to the local community. The preliminary business case will be completed 2024 following $2.5 million in funding support from the Queensland Government.
▶ $130 million for a Residential Aged Care Facility to be made available from FY 24/25 to enable construction to coincide with the new hospital project. This will replace the existing facility which is significantly aged and prevents delivery of modern aged care services to local residents.
▶ PROVIDE LIFE-SAVING TREATMENT
▶ DELIVER BETTER PATIENT OUTCOMES
▶ OFFER STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES
▶ GENERATE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONAL JOBS
THIS STATE ELECTION WE ARE CALLING FOR SUPPORT FOR CHARTERS TOWERS HOSPITAL
2.3 Future Health and Prosperity
Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) operates 21 health facilities across the region, including primary care clinics, rural hospitals, aged care facilities, and Townsville University Hospital (TUH), which is the largest tertiary referral hospital in Northern Australia.
Despite the significant economic contribution that comes from rural areas, the harsh reality is that these regions continue to experience worse health outcomes than metropolitan Australia. Townsville HHS is commonly the only public health service provider for a vast majority of North Queensland. More than providing the healthcare of today; the HHS is planning and innovating for the future.
▶ Formal designation of TUH as the NQ hub of the Queensland Cancer Centre (QCC) from FY 24/25. The $750 million Queensland Cancer Centre, a standalone cancer hospital, will be built in Brisbane. To ensure equitable access to specialist cancer services and the same outcomes for regional cancer patients as those in Brisbane it is vital that comprehensive cancer services available to all Queenslanders. TUH provides an opportunity to have a ‘hub’ of the QCC located in regional Queensland focused on meeting regional needs.
▶ $500,000 in operational funding to establish a deep brain stimulation service (DBS) to be made available in FY 24/25. DBS is a life- changing treatment for people with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. There is currently no public DBS service outside Brisbane which greatly limits local patients accessing this vital service.
▶ $63 million in FY24/25 to expand mental health capacity. This includes construction of a community health facility to support people accessing mental health care without going to hospital and fitting out more space at TUH for secure mental health care.
▶ $5 million for the installation of a robotic pharmacy solution with funding to be available in FY 24/25. This will bring state-ofthe-art technology to the region and support faster and safer dispensing for patients.
▶ $6 million for expansion of North Queensland maternity services with funding to be made available in FY 24/25. As a result of the growing population in North Queensland, greater demand is being placed on the region’s existing maternity services. An expansion of capacity is needed to meet growing demand for maternity services in a contemporary environment that optimises the experience and outcomes of families.
▶ $2.5 million in FY 24/25 to support development of the preliminary business case for a $500 million integrated mental health hub in FY 26/27. This is stage two of the Townsville University Hospital Master Plan due to commence construction in 2027.
▶ $20 million to establish the NQ Spinal Unit with funding to be available in 24/25. Acute spinal services are currently only provided in Brisbane. This often requires spinal cord injury patients to spend several months away from home. A local unit that includes transition units in the community will remove this burden for patients.
▶ $30 million to be made available in FY 25/26 for a new integrated health centre on Magnetic Island. This will incorporate the general practice, community clinic and staff accommodation within the one facility to promote service efficiency, integration, and more care on the island where people live.
SUPPORT FOR RURAL HEALTH
▶ $21 million for upgrades to the Ayr Hospitals to provide local CT scanning at Ayr and improved emergency services closer to home, reducing transfers to Townsville University Hospital.
2.4 Palm Island Tourism Masterplan
Palm Island is a tropical paradise, located in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef and is home to the largest remote Indigenous community in Australia. The Manbarra people and the indigenous Bwgcolman people, and their descendants were sent to the Palm Island missions from a number of communities across Queensland.
Palm Island is the largest discrete Indigenous community in Australia with approximately 4,000 people residing there. There is high mobility between Palm Island and the mainland, and the population can increase to over 5,000 people during festivals and events.
Palm Island Aboriginal Council has released a Palm Island Tourism Master Plan (PITMP) which identifies visitor trends and product opportunities available to Palm Island.
TOURISM SECTOR
Whilst Palm Island was a holiday resort in 1912, tourism has not been a significant industry in recent years. Visitors do travel to island, generally by ferry, but there have been limited experiences to attract them.
OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW
Tourism is a key industry for Queensland, and Palm Island has the opportunity to participate in this to bring benefit and value to the community.
INDIGENOUS TOURISM
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tourism is an iconic part of the Queensland tourism offering, and is essential to attracting new and returning visitors to Queensland. Visitors are seeking authentic cultural experiences, in 2019 approximately 1.35 million international visitors to Australia took part in an Indigenous experience on their holiday- a figure which has grown by 5% each year.
This presents a significant opportunity for the region to build products and experiences that are unique and world-class. These could include authentic cultural experiences, eco accommodation that is integrated into the natural and cultural settings, and facilities and experiences that enable visitors to immerse themselves in the region’s unique natural environments.
Palm Island is unique, and its story is compelling. Creating experiences that engage visitors in understanding this, whilst enjoying the extraordinary land based and marine environment can offer a range of benefits for the community, and can be done
THIS STATE ELECTION WE ARE CALLING FOR
▶ $3.8 million for the construction of five nationally renowned walking trails at various location on Palm Island.
▶ $2.2 million for the construction of 8 glamping sites on the Islands.
▶ $800,000 investment into enabling marine infrastructure on Palm, Havannah and Fantome Islands. The marine infrastructure will include small jetty’s on Havannah and Fantome, a floating finger wharf on Palm Island and new yacht moorings for each Island.
2.5 Magnetic Island Koala Hospital
The Magnetic Island Koala Hospital is a not-forprofit registered charity. The Hospital has been operating since 2003 and was established for the rescue and rehabilitation of injured, sick, and orphaned koalas. The Bee Family have been operating the Koala Hospital as volunteers out of their private home, and over the years have supported more than 360 injured koalas.
The increased demand for wildlife care on Magnetic Island, particularly for injured and sick koalas, means the Magnetic Island Koala Hospital needs to look towards expansion.
The Magnetic Island Koala Hospital has a vision to offer an immersive, educational, and inspiring experience for visitors and the community which supports the rescue, rehabilitation, veterinary care and subsequent release of injured, sick, and orphaned koalas and other wildlife.
BENEFITS
▶ An economic output of more than $13 million and employment for more than 20 people during construction and in the first 5 years of operation.
▶ Expediated response to wildlife care on Magnetic Island and improved services that reduce travel requirements for injured animals.
▶ Addressing the anticipated increased demand for wildlife care services on Magnetic Island due to the impacts of Climate Change.
▶ Educational opportunities for students, locals, and visitors.
▶ Opportunity for the local community to volunteer with a meaningful organisation and make a difference to the environment.
▶ Prime opportunity to positively profile Magnetic Island and the region nationally and globally through an immersive and regenerative tourism experience
▶ Opportunities to work with First Nations people to share their culture and demonstrate the connection between first nations people, koalas and other native wildlife.
THIS STATE ELECTION WE ARE CALLING FOR
▶ $4.5 million from State Government to develop a visitor facing Magnetic Island Koala Hospital
20+
PERMANENT EMPLOYEE’S $13M IN ECONOMIC OUTPUT
WILDLIFE CARE
2.6 Paluma to Wallaman Trail
The proposed Paluma to Wallaman Trail follows an ancient First Nations trading , language and a song lines. History is written in its awe-inspiring landscapes providing a flowing narrative for visitors to discover, to be challenged and to feel exhilarated.
Development of this new tourism infrastructure aligns to the demands of visitors and delivers authentic and immersive cultural experiences providing a unique opportunity for tourism growth. Eco-based adventure travel as well as cultural tourism have been identified as growth opportunities for the future visitor economy.
The Paluma to Wallaman Trail is a spiritual journey more than 60,000 years in the making and will provide a unique opportunity for the First Nations People to share the extraordinary stories of this country in a way that respects, retains and improves the values. The trail is proposed to be a mixed-use trail. Once completed, the trail would be 127km long (8 days/7 nights) and will link the Paluma Rainforest and Wallaman Falls – Australia’s largest sheer drop waterfall. The completed trail would require approximately 80km of new trails and eco-accommodation and camping at approximately 11-15 km apart.
BUSINESS CASE
The recently completed business case indicates that the ability to offer a series of shorter trails along with the full multi-day experience, as well as a range of accommodation options, will provide additional appeal to a broader market enhancing the Overall success of the trail. The trail covers three Local Government Areas of Townsville, Charters Towers and Hinchinbrook – and would provide activation and economic benefit into each.
The business case for the trail shows a Benefit Cost Ratio of 1.0 and estimates total users of the trail would increase from 9,000 in the first year rising to 25,883 by year 10.
STATUS:
▶ The business case for the Paluma to Wallaman Trail has been completed
▶ The State Government has committed $2 million to progress early works.
$81.5M
178 JOBS
16 JOBS
THIS STATE ELECTION WE ARE CALLING FOR
$46.9 million from State or Federal Government for project planning, management, and development to meet the staged business plan. This includes a Traditional Owner training and employment program.
A TRAIL 80,000 YEARS IN THE MAKING THAT WOULD BE AUSTRALIA’S FIRST INDIGENOUS LED MULTI-DAY HIKING JOURNEY
CLAUDIA BRUMME- SMITH CEO OF TOWNSVILLE ENTERPRISE
3.0
Infrastructure
Common-user infrastructure, such as transport networks, utilities, and digital connectivity, is vital for the Townsville North Queensland economy. It provides essential services that support economic activities and improves the regions quality of life. Efficient transport links facilitate trade and mobility, while reliable utilities ensure that businesses and households function smoothly. Enhanced digital infrastructure fosters innovation and connectivity, bridging gaps in remote areas. Investing in such infrastructure helps attract investment, stimulate local economies, and create jobs. For Townsville and surrounding regions, robust common-user infrastructure is key to fostering growth, resilience, and a thriving, integrated community.
3.1 Port Expansion Project
TOWNSVILLE PORT EXPANSION
OUTER HARBOUR DEVELOPMENT
Australia’s largest exporter of base minerals, sugar and fertiliser, and Northern Australia’s largest container and automotive port – the Port of Townsville is on a trajectory that will see its annual trade triple to 30 million tonnes per annum by 2050.
The Port handles more than 30 commodities and provides dedicated Defence and cruise facilities, making it one of Australia’s most diverse ports and a keystone of the North’s economic prosperity. Timely completion of the Port’s 30-year $1.6 billion Townsville Port Expansion is critical to facilitating competitive port services for the region’s existing industries and ensuring the success of new projects in critical minerals, mining and processing, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy transmission and generation, agriculture, tourism and Defence. Without expansion, the Port is at certain risk of trade demand outstripping Port capacity.
The $690 million Townsville Port Expansion – Outer Harbour Development will give proponents across the North the certainty needed to advance major export and service projects that will benefit every North Queenslander through facilitation of trade, job creation, economic prosperity, liveability and climate change action.
BACKGROUND
The $1.6 billion Townsville Port Expansion will see the critical development of six new berths and associated infrastructure at the Townsville Port, thereby facilitating $700 billion in economic value from 2020-2050.
The $251 million Channel Upgrade project includes widening the shipping channels and a new 62-hectare port land reclamation area.
This stage of the Townsville Port Expansion will enable port access for larger commercial, cruise and Defence vessels (up to 300m long) that would otherwise bypass Townsville. The project allows for more competitive shipping services, greater efficiency in supply chains, reduced traffic on Queensland’s road and rail infrastructure, and further environmental benefits achieved through a reduction in freight movements.
Dredging works were completed in March 2024, with land reclamation works on track for completion in November 2024.
Rapid momentum in existing and new industries in the North Queensland region is accelerating the need to mobilise Stage 2.
The $690 million Townsville Port Expansion –Outer Harbour Development involves:
▶ Construction of two common-user berths
▶ Construction of seawalls to create a 90-hectare reclamation area to receive capital dredge material wharves and associated backing land
▶ Dredging of berth pocks and approaches
▶ Construction of trunk infrastructure, services and utilities. Once funding is secured, the Outer Harbour Development can be delivered over a five year period from 2025 to 2030, meeting the timeframes required by customers investing into generational critical minerals and renewable energy projects across the North and North West corridor. Together, Stages 1 and 2 will provide the full 152-hectare footprint of the Townsville Port Expansion allowing for all future berth developments.
The Port of Townsville is investigating future port capacity requirements with a number of proponents that anticipate a need for onsite Port infrastructure in the coming years. Future stages of the Townsville Port Expansion will be determined by commercial readiness and suitability. By completing the Outer Harbour Development while these projects advance, the Port can ensure it is ready to accommodate its customers needs without delay.
The $690 million Townsville Port Expansion – Outer Harbour Development will give proponents across North and North West Queensland the certainty needed to advance major export and service projects that will benefit the region through facilitation of trade, job creation, economic prosperity, liveability and climate change action.
3.1 Port Expansion Project cont.
BENEFITS
Creates common user port capacity to facilitate trades and industries aligned with State and Federal priorities including renewable energy project cargo imports, renewable energy exports (green methanol, sustainable aviation fuel, biofuel), critical minerals and advanced manufacturing exports and more.
Increases transport and supply chain capabilities in the North and North West Queensland region necessary to unlock critical minerals deposits worth an estimated $500 billion, and support the development of over 25 GW of renewable energy projects.
Enables the $36 billion pipeline of Commonwealth, State and private investments in the region to proceed.
Enables the Port to continue to expand capacity within the Port Expansion footprint in a timely manner in the future as new industries grow.
Alleviates constraints on existing common user berths and improves the efficient movement of freight to enable economic growth of North and North West Queensland. Provides flexibility to rapidly support the Royal Australian Navy’s force projection ambitions in North Queensland in step with the Australian Government’s 2023 Defence Strategic Review.
STATUS
Commencement of the Outer Harbour Development is vital for meeting the import and export timeframes for the $36 billion pipeline of nationally significant projects in North and North West Queensland.
The full Townsville Port Expansion has been through rigorous environmental impact assessments by both the Queensland and Federal Governments. This provides certainty that the environmental impacts have been fully considered and will be controlled through conditions on development.
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Townsville Port Expansion was assessed and approved with conditions by both the Queensland Government (2017) and the Federal Government (2018) enabling the Outer Harbour Development to commence construction at the earliest opportunity.
Stage 1 of the Port Expansion ($251 million Channel Upgrade Project) was funded through the Townsville City Deal, with contributions from the Queensland Government ($105 million), Federal Government ($75 million) and the Port of Townsville ($71 million).
THIS STATE ELECTION WE ARE CALLING FOR
▶ $240 million investment from the State Government towards the development Outer Harbour Development (of the total project cost of $690 million) to create 2 x common user berths and infrastructure.
3.2 TropiQ- Townsville’s Tropical Intelligence and Health precinct
Securing Continued Access to Critical Health and Education Services
BACKGROUND
TropiQ, Townsville’s Tropical Intelligence and Health Precinct, is driving a new knowledge economy for Townsville by accelerating the commercialisation and translation of innovations for industries in the tropical, health and Defence sectors. The TropiQ precinct already contributes $3.5 billion to the regional economy annually and collaborative masterplan processes have resulted in major infrastructure projects such as:
▶ $530 million Townsville University Hospital (TUH) expansion (due 2027).
▶ $300+ million private hospital development interest (site secured).
▶ $100 million James Cook University (JCU) Engineering and Innovation Place (delivered).
▶ $32 million North Queensland Simulation Park, NQ SPARK (in progress).
The road networks within the TropiQ precinct are already operating at capacity during peak times. With projected population growth in Townsville and the surrounding region, combined with the expansion plans of TUH and JCU, unprecedented pressure will be placed on the trunk road networks in and around the TropiQ precinct. Of particular concern is access to TUH, the most significant piece of public health infrastructure in northern Australia and the tertiary referral and teaching hospital for North Queensland.
STATUS
Emergency vehicle access to Townsville University Hospital and all other forms of vehicle access to the TropiQ precinct will be significantly impeded as soon as 2027.
Recently, TropiQ precinct partners (TCC, JCU and THHS), in collaboration with DTMR commissioned AECOM to complete a traffic and transport modelling study for the precinct. The TropiQ Traffic Modelling Report identifies significant nearterm network failures, due to increased demand on both internal and surrounding feeder networks, as soon as 2027.
Beyond 2030, increasing traffic congestion will begin to gridlock internal and feeder networks, with trip times expected to increase fivefold by 2041. These delays will significantly impact patients, clinicians, and emergency services, ultimately compromising patient health outcomes. Notably, this modelling represents a conservative approach, and does not include additional network load resulting from future expansion of Defence capabilities at the adjacent Lavarack Barracks. Furthermore, Townsville’s population is projected to experience accelerated growth on the back of more than $36 billion in committed projects, necessitating significant expansions in housing, education, and healthcare facilities. Modelling analysis indicates priority interventions are required at key entry and exit points to the precinct, requiring State Government investment into the following projects:
▶ $25 million for the upgrade and signalisation of the western entry roundabout at Angus Smith Drive.
▶ $9 million for the upgrade and reopening of Joseph Banks Drive.
▶ $5 million for detailed precinct-wide infrastructure planning, to develop a phased delivery plan out to 2041. This includes updated master plans for TUH and JCU and, considers downstream impacts to TCC and DTMR assets.
REGIONAL BENEFIT
Addressing these immediate challenges in the TropiQ precinct, will not only protect access to critical health and education services for North Queenslander’s now, but will also catalyse over $1 billion in social infrastructure projects. These include primary and secondary schools, aged care and childcare facilities, residential housing for ~10,000 residents, and a diverse range of commercial and industry led opportunities.
The expected economic benefits of TropiQ’s development program include:
▶ 20,000 jobs by 2035 including 10,000+ jobs directly.
▶ $2.7 billion in GRP by 2035 including $1.2 billion directly.
▶ $1 billion p/a additional into the local economy.
▶ $11.3 billion output for local businesses by 2055.
THIS STATE ELECTION WE ARE CALLING FOR
▶ $39 million investment into critically urgent road network upgrades and supporting precinct-wide infrastructure plan.
3.3 Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct
The Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct is the only large scale, high impact industrial precinct on the east coast of Australia, underpinned by a code accessible planning scheme.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Townsville City Council acquired Lansdown in 2001 with the vision to bring together innovative organisations, passionate about driving positive change for our economy, community, and the environment.
The 2,200-hectare precinct is primarily a High Impact Industrial Zone away from residential areas. It is a ‘greenfield development’ and is incorporating environmentally responsible systems right from it’s start.
Several proponents have been conditionally allocated land in the precinct following tender processes conducted by Townsville City Council
STATUS
The timely delivery of critical infrastructure is essential to support the development of the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct. This infrastructure is fundamental to expedite the precinct’s development and ensure it meets its sustainability and operational goals.
In the coming 12 months, Townsville City Council will:
• Complete a raw water pipeline to the precinct,
• Upgrade main road access points and,
• Commence construction of a raw water reservoir.
Work is also underway to deliver a reliable supply of energy to the precinct. Council is working closely with the following Queensland Government agencies:
• Trade and Investment Queensland to identify targeted incentives to attract investors to Lansdown, such as payroll ac exemptions and workforce training.
• Economic Development Queensland to support the development of smaller service industries that will be required on or near the precinct to support major projects.
Northern Australia’s foremost eco-industrial precinct for advanced manufacturing, processing, technology, and emerging industries. THIS STATE ELECTION WE ARE CALLING FOR
• The Office of the Coordinator-General to support the planning, location, and approval of a worker’s camp during the construction and development phase of the project.
Townsville City Council is progressing development of the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct ahead of the release of the remaining parcels of land in the latter half of 2024.
PROJECT FUNDING
The total investment required to support the development of the critical infrastructure is $226 million. $74 million of this has already been committed through the Queensland and Australian Governments including:
• $14 million in grants from the Australian and Queensland Governments;
• An additional Australian Government funding commitment of $34 million through the Townsville City Deal
• A further $26 million in Queensland Government Funding announced in the 2022 State Budget.
Townsville City Council aims to invest $113 million (50% of the total investment required) to the project from the Queensland, with an additional investment from the Queensland Government of $39 million being required towards the project.
Previous grant funding from the State and Federal Governments has been instrumental in the development of the project. Further investment into the project will be invaluable for delivering critical infrastructure and reducing costs for investors.
REGIONAL BENEFITS
The Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct is a generational project which will drive economic prosperity and create jobs in North Queensland. The project already proposed for development in the precinct will:
• Inject an estimated $11 billion in direct capital investment.
• Require a workforce of about 5,000 during construction and development.
• An ongoing workforce of about 3,000 will be required once these projects are operational.
This investment and job creation will attract more skilled workers to the region driving investment in housing and other supporting infrastructure.
▶ Additional grant funding commitment of $39 million through the Queensland Government to support the development of critical infrastructure at the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct.
3.4 Haughton Pipeline Stage 2
Providing
long-term water security to the Townsville community for decades to come
The Haughton Pipeline Stage Two project extends on the construction of the Haughton Pipeline Stage One. When complete it will enable Townsville City Council to pump water from the Burdekin River to the Ross River Dam, providing increased water security to the Townsville region.
The Haughton Pipeline is one of the most significant water infrastructure projects in decades and a key component of the city’s water security strategy as the region grows over the next 50 years.
The 1.8m diameter pipe provides a 28.5km extension to the 37km already constructed Stage 1 pipeline. The project includes a Pump Station capable of pumping 273ML/d with future expansion capacity to increase this flow rate to 364ML/day.
PROJECT CHALLENGES
The project had an initial approved budget of $274 million ($195 million State and $79 million Townsville City Council). However, due to escalating project costs, the current design is forecast at $420 million, with $297 million already committed. Townsville City Council is unable to contribute the additional funds required and has been working with a third party Engineering Consultant on strategies to reduce costs.
Townsville’s growing industry and population have resulted in increased pressure on existing water infrastructure. This has led to supply chain issues, labour shortages, and material cost escalations, resulting in a significant increase in the estimated project cost.
While some capital project cost inflation has subsided, overall capital project costs continue to rise significantly above the Consumer Price Index. This inflation was an unknown
factor when initial cost estimates were developed. Lengthy funding negotiations with the Queensland Government and land access negotiations with landowners have impacted the delivery timeframe, pushing the project into a period of high inflation.
Despite these challenges, Townsville City Council remains committed to delivering the project to meet the growing demand and ensure a reliable water supply for the Townsville community.
REGIONAL BENEFITS
Townsville is one of the fastest-growing regions in northern Australia, and water security is critical to supporting the region’s industry and population growth predictions. The Haughton Pipeline project is designed to futureproof Townsville, ensuring its water security.
The project will create over 300 jobs during construction and provide greater capacity to supply raw water to the Ross River Dam, thereby increasing dam levels and ensuring water supply for the Townsville community and industry during periods of low rainfall and changing climate conditions. The pipeline also supports the region’s $36 billion industry investment pipeline.
Furthermore, the project provides significant local and First Nations employment and training opportunities, contributing to closing the Indigenous Economic Gap. Over 150,000 construction labour hours have already been completed on site, highlighting the project’s progress and impact on the local community.
PROJECT FUNDING UPDATE
Townsville City Council has contributed $79 million towards the delivery of the project and is actively working to identify strategies to reduce project costs.
▶ Provision of a grant agreement which allows Council to draw an additional $160 million funding from the Queensland and Australian Governments to enable the project to be successfully completed, allowing for escalations should further project delays add to the project costs.
▶ Government support to advocate for ability to utilise the Tom Fenwick Pump Station, owned and operated by Sunwater. This will allow Council to tie-in to the Tom Fenwick Pump Station which will reduce both the construction and operational risk and also reduce the construction cost below the current forecast.
3.5 NQ Spark- North Queensland Simulation Park
Activating TropiQ’s Defence Industry Micro-Precinct
BACKGROUND
Townsville is one of Australia’s prime strategic Defence regions. It has significant Australian Defence Force representation, an extensive industry network, an established ready workforce, and a demonstrated capacity for growth and innovation.
Based on current regional capabilities and the increasing political strategic imperative to deliver “a secure nearer region, encompassing maritime SE Asia and the South Pacific” the opportunity for Townsville and the near region to support the national Defence mission is undeniable.
The TropiQ Defence industry micro-precinct is a strategically located zone that brings together and leverages the combined expertise of health, education, research and Defence to deliver:
▶ Defence industry innovation.
▶ Integrated soldier systems.
▶ Clinical simulation and training.
▶ Advanced environmental simulation.
▶ Marine research, simulation, and autonomous systems.
▶ Research testing and translation to market.
▶ Emergency and disaster management simulation and training.
▶ Testing and deployment of new systems and technologies for the tropics, in the tropics.
Underpinning this strategic initiative is the $32m NQ SPARK project. NQ SPARK will deliver an Advanced Environmental Simulation Facility (AESF) as the foundation infrastructure for a technology-oriented collaborative precinct, on a common boundary between Lavarack Barracks, James Cook University and Townsville University Hospital. This development will co-locate anchor tenant Cubic Defence, as well as provide additional commercial space for industry collaboration.
STATUS
NQ SPARK has successfully secured federal funding for construction; however, works cannot reasonably commence until funding is confirmed and guaranteed for the connecting infrastructure, which connects NQ SPARK to services, utilities, and customers.
Activating this project will require State Government investment to deliver an access road and services corridor into NQ SPARK via Discovery Drive.
REGIONAL BENEFIT
NQ SPARK is expected to deliver considerable economic benefits to the Townsville, Queensland and Australian economy.
Construction over the life of the project is expected to generate $121.37 million in Gross Domestic Product and 834 FTE jobs, including 262 directly (Townsville is expected to receive a $77.9 million GRP benefit and support 555 FTE jobs, including 193 directly).
Once operational, NQ SPARK will generate economic and employment activity directly through the AESF and co-located tenancies, contributing $109 million in economic output, $57.8 million GDP, and 379 FTE jobs by 2029/30 (Townsville is expected to receive a $49.1 million GRP benefit and support 330 FTE jobs, including 127 directly).
THIS STATE ELECTION WE ARE CALLING FOR
▶ $9 million investment to secure this project by delivering the enabling access road and services corridor into NQ SPARK.
3.6 Ayr Industrial Estate Second Access
Burdekin Shire Council is expanding the Ayr Industrial Estate through the creation and staged development of new industrial allotments in a fully serviced precinct adjoining the existing Ayr Industrial Estate.
The Ayr Industrial Estate expansion is the next stage of Council’s master-planned industrial estate located in Ayr, providing over 14 hectares of fully serviced, affordably priced, freehold industrial lots for development. The first stage, involving the creation of up to 25 new lots, has the potential to create 225 new jobs when fully developed. Burdekin Shire Council is proposing the construction of a new intersection and road access into the Expansion Area of the Ayr Industrial Estate to cater for longer sized trucks
eg B-doubles, A-doubles. This project will provide a second access road to the Ayr Industrial Estate from the Bruce Highway. The Council has invested over $10 million of its own funds to date to develop the Ayr Industrial Estate expansion and has not received any grant support for the project.
BENEFITS
Provide alternative road access to the Expansion Area of the Ayr Industrial Estate from the Bruce Highway.
STATUS
The Ayr Industrial Estate expansion is identified as essential economic infrastructure in the adopted Outlook 2025: Burdekin Economic Development Strategy 2020-25. The proposed second access is currently under investigation.
3.7 RegenAqua Hinchinbrook Water
treatment project
The RegenAqua projects meets the objectives of the Reef 2050 Plan. It is a transformational technology that will drive sustainable growth of agriculture and aquaculture industries plus municipal infrastructure in North Queensland, while reducing existing levels of nitrogen and phosphorous being discharged into rivers and Great Barrier Reef waters from aquaculture and municipal wastewater treatment facilities.
RegenAqua is a homegrown, world-leading technology pioneered by James Cook University (JCU) in partnership with Pacific Biotechnologies Pty Limited (PacBio), an innovative 100% Australian-owned company.
RegenAqua uses sunlight to convert these nutrients into macroalgae (seaweed), which is then processed into a biostimulant to accompany conventional fertilisers. The benefits are cleaner water, further aquaculture expansion and growth in sustainable agriculture.
The system was developed as a solution to reduce nutrient discharge on PacBio’s aquaculture assets, however, highly successful trials at Cleveland Bay and more recently at the Burdekin Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) have proven the technology as an effective, low cost, scalable solution for Councils.
BACKGROUND
The basic principle of RegenAqua is that native green algae use sunlight to grow and absorb phosphorus and nitrogen (nutrient pollutants) from the waste water stream prior to discharge into the environment. Green algae is then harvested and converted into a biostimulant (PlantJuice) that enables the return of these elements back into the agricultural biosphere in a safe, low energy and value-adding form (like auxins, gibberellins etc.) rather than as damaging dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN). These natural hormones enable plant growth and enrich soils reducing the dependency on traditional nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertiliser systems, widely considered a source of DIN and pollution across the Great Barrier Reef catchment areas.
STATUS
The Burdekin Shire has been working with Pacific Bio for some time and is leading the way with a shovel ready project designed to protect its community, enable local industry growth, and reduce its impact on the Great Barrier Reef.
▶ With a RegenAqua pre-facility in operation since March 2021, the facility is consistently delivering exceptional results with nutrient pollutant reductions to below global best practice of 5mg/L Nitrogen and 1mg/L Phosphorus.
▶ Construction has commenced on the commercial facility in the Burdekin Shire.
▶ The Hinchinbrook RegenAqua Facility is currently sized at six hectares.
BENEFITS
This project supports jobs and economic development in North Queensland and demonstrates a practical solution to protecting one of the world’s greatest natural assets – the Great Barrier Reef. This Australian technology can not only help to protect our Great Barrier Reef but could be exported to other nations in need of support of their ecosystems and reefs.
FUTURE SITES
Townsville City Council has expressed interest in implementing RegenAqua technology at the facility in Condon. The completion of these sites will provide a foundation that will enable RegenAqua macroalgal wastewater treatment to be adopted by other councils across North Queensland east coast.
The Burdekin, Hinchinbrook and Townsville projects combined will remove nutrients currently discharged into the Great Barrier Reef catchment
This project supports jobs and economic development in North Queensland and demonstrates a practical solution to protecting one of the world’s greatest natural assets- the Great Barrier Reef.
Policies
This chapter includes the policy recommendations that Townsville Enterprise is advocating for in the upcoming State Election. These are important priorities for the region that either allow industry growth or address the inherent challenges of attracting investment and workforce into the region. 4.0
4.1 Insurance
Access to insurance is imperative for the Townsville North Queensland region to reach its full economic potential and is essential for building resilient communities. The housing shortage facing North Queensland has heightened the importance for access to affordable and available insurance and in particular strata insurance to provide competitively priced cover to customers.
The $10 billion reinsurance pool was a significant announcement with the potential to be a real solution to a decade-long problem of rising and unfordable insurance. Despite this, access to affordable strata insurance continues to be a major barrier for the region and with a growing demand for housing, high-density housing models are the primary
short-term solution to resolve the housing crisis. The lack of strata insurance providers in the North Queensland market, coupled with the extraordinarily high premiums means that new high-density housing development are financially unviable and are unable to compete with the return on investment for projects in the South-East Queensland. Due to the current pressures on the housing market it’s important that barriers to new housing stock is immediately addressed.
▶ Removal of unfair State-based GST Levy on all insurance products, which contributes to issues relating to insurance affordability.
4.2 North Queensland Hydrogen Consortium
BACKGROUND
The Townsville Enterprise-led North Queensland Hydrogen Consortium (NQH2) was welcomed into H2TCA – the Federal Government’s National Energy Resources Australia (NERA) network of hydrogen clusters in December 2021. This established Townsville as a declared Hydrogen Cluster.
We are now working on a program of concessions to support this enormous opportunity for the region, the state and the country. These concessions will support the use of existing spare capacity on our network infrastructure to support industry in these crucial early stages of development. This will significantly reduce the cost of hydrogen and incentivise investment at scale to reduce costs even further. By limiting the concession to parts of the network with existing capacity, this mechanism will support the hydrogen industry to grow, while minimising impacts on other consumers.
▶ Identify long-term government supply contracts and government contracts that can peel back as private domestic offtake increases.
▶ Additional support to stimulate the demand which will enable the origination of supply projects, which themselves can be supported by grants.
▶ Adopt a Built-Transfer Lease Model for the construction of common-user infrastructure that is required for the development of the hydrogen industry. This would see the private sector build the infrastructure, transfer ownership to the government and then proceed to lease the infrastructure back from the government over a 30 or 50-year period.
THIS STATE ELECTION WE ARE CALLING FOR
THIS STATE ELECTION WE ARE CALLING FOR
4.3 Sustainable Tourism Funding
Tourism supports local employment, liveability, and drives the future growth and diversity of our economy. Townsville North Queensland’s visitor economic supports almost 9,000 local jobs and contributes in excess of $1 billion to the local economy each year. Growth in destination awareness and tourism development has been the catalyst for emerging destinations like Townsville North Queensland to increase visitor spend and ensure a continued economic benefit to Queensland.
According to Tourism and Event Queensland’s community sentiment report, regional residents overwhelmingly want more tourists and support expansion of the tourism economy, visitor experience and awareness.
Townsville North Queensland’s current challenge is to grow the awareness and perception of what our region has to offer visitors. As a result, Townsville Enterprise in partnership with the local industry and regional councils developed and launched a new destination brand, Townsville North Queensland - Up for Unexpected. Developed by analysing over 300,000 data points, the Up for Unexpected brand has been derived from extensive consumer research including online reviews, focus groups, surveys, creative testing and has been guided by an industry-led committee of marketing experts.
This visitor-centric brand is now in market and has already seen tremendous results. Destination awareness has increased by 166% and 70% of people who were exposed to the campaign took action towards booking a holiday. In the months following the campaign launch Townsville Airport experienced three consecutive months of record passenger numbers and local operators reported one of the best tourism seasons in history.
To continue to achieve results for the region’s visitor economy, investment into marketing, tourism development and events is essential. Prior campaigns and marketing activity have demonstrated that for every $1 that Townsville Enterprise spends on destination marketing the return is $32 in visitor expenditure for the region.
Townsville North Queensland is severely underfunded for tourism marketing and development, with neighbouring regions seeing 100-300% higher revenue from government agencies.
A sustainable and long term funding source is required to ensure the destination is able to continue to grow our visitor economy, promote the regions liveability and support the State’s ambitions towards the 2032 Olympics and Paralympic games.
THIS STATE ELECTION WE ARE CALLING FOR
▶ $10 million over three years to support destination marketing, tourism development and liveability promotion.
▶ Policy changes to enable regions to implement and collect sustainable user-pays tourism marketing and development funding models.
▶ Commitment to Queensland Regional Tourism Network (QRTN) priorities:
1. Increase base funding to the RTOs from $7-$10 million through the Tourism Network Fund (which has not increased in a decade) to maintain RTO effectiveness, matching the increased funding RTOs are securing from Local Government;
2. Continue the Strategic and Contestable grants program for RTOs over $20 million over the next four years building on the results generated from the past three years;
3. Increase investment in destination marketing, through the RTOs, in partnership with TEQ;
4. Establish a new Product and Industry Development fundmanaged through the RTOs to support;
5. Take a refreshed regional approach to the Tourism in Protected Areas program with traditional owner engagement and regions roundtable’s of industry to explore new ways of working together to preserve and present protected areas.
