Townsville Enterprise, together with industry, have launched the first industry-led Regional Growth Plan for Townsville North Queensland.
This five-year plan is a blueprint across sectors and industries to ensure enabling investment, workforce, water, and housing planning is done holistically with a strategic focus.
The plan was developed with AEC Group and more than 20 industry representatives over the last 18 months.
Townsville Enterprise CEO, Claudia Brumme-Smith said this plan is the blueprint for the economic future of Townsville North Queensland.
“The Regional Industry Growth Plan provides key economic insights into the region and projections for Gross Regional Product, population and employment growth with and without investments.” Mrs Brumme-Smith.
“We were able to work with key existing and future North Queensland industry partners across energy, water, agriculture, defence, health, education, mining and processing to understand what important milestones we need to advocate for over the next five years. For example, it became clear that securing workforce, housing, water and CopperString will benefit many sectors.
“The plan focuses on understanding the region’s competitive advantages, explores future economic opportunities and identifies the infrastructure policy change, private investment and regional promotion required to enable Townsville North Queensland to reach its economic potential.”
Townsville Enterprise Economic Development Strategic Advisory Committee Chair and Port of Townsville CEO, Ranee Crosby said the plan will be a living document that will be reviewed quarterly by Townsville Enterprise’s Economic Development committee.
“This Regional Industry Growth Plan will continually evolve as new industries and projects are unlocked,” Ms Crosby said.
“It is about combining our strengths and highlighting the actions that will capitalise on opportunities.”
“The region’s economic diversity and the strategic location of North Queensland means we are well-placed for future growth.”
Retired Lieutenant General, Defence Sector Consultant and Chair of The Oasis Townsville John Caligari AO, DSC said as Australia’s largest Garrison city, defence has always and will continue to play a key role in the economic success and progression of the region.
“The Federal Government’s recent $1.2 billion funding commitment to RAAF Base Townsville and Lavarack Barracks is another sign of confidence and strength of this important industry,” Mr Caligari said.
“NQ Spark and the Australia Singapore Military Initiative are two key defence projects in the pipeline. Our defence capability and the personnel who call this city home are key to our future.”
Townsville Enterprise, the North Queensland Regional Councils and the North Queensland business community are focussed and committed to securing the future of Townsville North Queensland.
Townsville Enterprise will monitor and work with government and industry to monitor progress on the actions outlined in the plan for greater economic growth in the region.
Download the Townsville North Queensland Strategic Regional Industry Growth Plan
