CEO Column - January 2020

31st January 2020

Patricia O'CallaghanBetween a new stadium, new dam, new pipeline, new mines, new underwater sculptures, new events, and new agricultural opportunities, who could anticipate we would usher in the new decade with such positivity after the flooding devastation our region suffered only 12 months ago.

From the $400M+ worth of commitments secured, 2019 was ultimately a win for business certainty. Now our community is looking forward to seeing the real jobs, investment and supplier contracts continue to flow from those commitments which have laid a strong platform for 2020.

Over the next 12 months it’s vital to convert more of our policy work into reality because whilst we’ve made inroads, our economy still has a way to go. But with upcoming local and state elections there is significant opportunity to secure further commitments. 

Our 2019 federal election campaign secured commitments towards 14 of our 18 priorities and once again we’ll ensure the region’s voice is heard loud and clear leading up to October’s state election.
Whist our core focus is advocating for major projects, we passionately represent the five communities comprising Townsville North Queensland to grow business opportunities, strengthen liveability, and promote the region to visitors. Our local election platform will position the needs of those five communities and our members to set the roadmap for jobs and investment.

Additionally, it’s important the private sector continue supporting our future, like we’ve seen with the Tourism Marine Precinct, Flinders Lane, and Otto’s Market expanding across the city. Securing a pipeline of content for the stadium is another example and the importance of the private sector working with government to realise the true potential of this investment.

Great cities and towns don’t happen by chance; they happen when all levels of government work in partnership with each other, with business and with residents towards a common goal. It’s when these partnerships are in harmony that a region truly prospers.

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