Townsville Enterprise calls on the new Federal government to make good on all pre-election commitments for North Queensland and deliver in the October budget.
Townsville Enterprise today has re-released its Unlock the North document which highlights the Government commitments made pre-election and details key projects that will deliver future growth opportunities and security for the people of Townsville North Queensland.
Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith said North Queensland can play an important role in not just the economic recovery of Queensland but also Australia.
“With our competitive advantages in green energy, critical minerals, and the Pacific development opportunities, Townsville North Queensland is destined for growth and can help the federal government deliver on its targets,” Mrs Brumme-Smith said.
“For the region and Australia to reach its full economic and social potential, there are critical challenges that must be addressed including finding solutions to workforce and affordable housing shortages as well as developing the critical infrastructure needed for emerging and future industries.”
“Committed projects like the NQH2 Hydrogen Consortium and Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct are integral as the global demand for mineral products processed with low or zero emissions continues to grow.”
“Townsville North Queensland is well placed to establish high value supply chains to customers around the world – provided we receive government infrastructure support to establish these industries.”
“These projects are once-in-a-generation opportunities and are nation-building. If the already committed government support and funding is delivered, we expect these projects will generate billions for our local economy for decades to come.”
“Now is the time to lay the foundation for a prosperous future of our country.”
“North Queensland has all the ingredients right here - the capacity, capability, and tenacity to grow and support new and existing industries that the world is demanding. With the right enabling infrastructure, we are unstoppable.”
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said projects like NQ Spark, the Hydrogen Consortium, Lansdown, and more had strong local backing and were ready to progress.
“Council, private investors, industry bodies, and the local community are ready to bring these vitally important projects to life, so what we need now is for the Government to come good on its pre-election promises and follow through with the funding we need to secure these future growth industries here in Townsville,” Cr Hill said.
“With the support of the Government, we will be able to develop these new industries in Townsville to provide a solid foundation for our growing population.”
North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NQROC) Chair and Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Cr Lyn McLaughlin said that North Queensland is primed and ready to continue to deliver outcomes for the state and the nation.
“It is abundantly clear that North Queensland is in the hot seat to deliver for the region, for the state, and for the nation as we move forward,” Cr. McLaughlin said.
“When you live in the regions you understand what it means to work together, and the NQROC group of councils has shown our commitment to delivering outcomes time and time again.”
Committed Funding
- NQ Spark Soldier Simulator - $32 million for the simulation facility and supporting infrastructure.
- NQH2 Hydrogen Consortium - $70 million for common user infrastructure requirements.
- Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct – $22 million for the construction of essential enabling infrastructure.
- Charters Towers 777 Block - $4M to complete truck and triple road train access infrastructure. The project is seeking a further $16M for trunk water infrastructure.
- Hell’s Gate Dam - $280 million from the National Water Infrastructure Fund to continue progress towards shovel-ready status. Forward budget commitment from March 2022.
- Townsville City Deal - $98 million for rapid construction of the Concert Hall, subject to outcomes of the $2 million business case being satisfactory to all parties. Finalise the allocation of the remaining $26 million in Federal Government funding under the Townsville City deal to priority projects.
The 2022 Unlock the North document has been developed in conjunction with NQROC and the business community.
