Job creation is the key priority underpinning the 2018 Townsville North Queensland State and Federal Budget Submissions, with funding recommendations focused upon water, affordable energy and creating opportunities for investment, relocation and lifestyle in the Townsville North Queensland region.
The priorities were developed based on broad consultation with State and Federal Governments, the five North Queensland Councils, Townsville Enterprise members, industry and the wider business community across the region.
The submissions are a call to action to the State and Federal Governments to provide targeted financial and policy assistance for vital community and regional focused projects and job generating infrastructure. The recommendations are aligned to both the Townsville City Deal and North Queensland's competitive advantage in areas such as Defence, tropical research and innovation, exports and our natural attractions.
While the capital cities struggle with population growth, there is a huge opportunity for people to relocate to Northern Australia. However, the basic necessities of a secure water supply and affordable power need to be urgently addressed and complemented by projects that can fill in the current gaps.
By filling in these gaps with key projects like the Mount Isa to Townsville Rail Line upgrade, a Driver Education and Motorsport Precinct and a new Entertainment and Exhibition Centre, to name a few, we can attract greater investment for our region which will create even more jobs in our community.
The Budget recommendations have a strong focus on supporting the growth of the whole of North Queensland, with regional development projects forming key components of the submissions. This includes funding asks towards the Retail and Business Precinct on Palm Island, Burdekin Shire Industrial Land Development and upgrades to the Mt Inkerman Road/Bruce Highway Intersection.
All three levels of Government should be applauded for prioritising water and energy infrastructure in the Townsville City Deal, but it is now critical in these budgets to continue backing those words with decisive action. Water and energy were competitive strengths for our region, helping to attract investment and visitors. Now they are economic development inhibitors.
Whilst the economic indicators are improving for the region, right now we still have 11,000 people out of a job. Our focus is to get these people into work. This package of priorities is the solution to that problem.
Click here to download each Budget Submission.
