Advocacy Alert: Townsville North Queensland 2017/18 State Election Priorities

Townsville Enterprise has released its 2017/18 Townsville North Queensland State Election Priorities with a sharp focus on securing sustainable energy pricing and access for North Queensland. The priorities are a call to action to the State Government ahead of a looming State Election to provide targeted financial and policy assistance for vital community focused projects and job generating infrastructure.  

The priorities were developed based on broad consultation with Townsville City Council, Burdekin Shire Council, Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Charters Towers Regional Council and Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council, along with members and broader business and industry across the region.

The priority issues of energy and water are crippling industry and impacting communities across North Queensland, and for a region abundant with natural resources it is unacceptable to live with the unsustainable costs of accessing these basic necessities. Majority of the State Priorities are aligned to the City Deal and North Queensland's competitive advantages in areas such as Defence, Tropical Research and Innovation, and Tourism.

Townsville and the broader region have been doing it tough in recent years and we need targeted government investment and policy to support growth, attract investment and stimulate business confidence.

The key to ensuring the region is at the forefront of the State Government’s mind is a united approach from all five councils. In order to secure the projects and polices important to each region, Townsville Enterprise has been working very closely with all five Townsville North Queensland councils to present a collaborative list of priorities to the State Government.

Supporting the Water and Energy priorities are a package of projects and policies that will drive new job generation, create economic opportunity and encourage business and industry to invest.

Townsville Enterprise is calling on the State Government to commit to the following:

Critical Infrastructure:
- Lower Energy Prices
- Water Security for North Queensland

Port City:
- Channel Capacity Upgrade Project
- Mount Isa to Townsville Rail Connection
- Townsville State Development Area

Destination Development:
- Townsville Entertainment and Exhibition Centre
- Museum of Underwater Art
- Drive It
- State of Origin Bid
- Townsville Concert Hall

Innovation & New Industries:
- Townsville North Queensland – Defence Industries Development Agenda
- Lithium-ion Battery Plant
- Australian Tropical Biosecurity Network
- Reinstatement of Economic Development Funding
- Palm Island Retail and Business Precinct

The Townsville North Queensland 2017/18 State Election Priorities document can be accessed here.