Townsville Enterprise is hoping the Albanese Government will stick to its word and pre-election promises and deliver for Townsville North Queensland.
This budget is the Federal Government’s first test to show its commitment to North Queensland.
Townsville Enterprise CEO, Claudia Brumme-Smith said for our region and Australia to reach its full economic and social potential, there are critical challenges that must be addressed including finding solutions to the workforce and affordable housing shortages, as well as developing the critical infrastructure needed for emerging and future industries.
“North Queensland can play an important role not just in the economic recovery of Queensland but also Australia,” said Mrs Brumme-Smith.
“Townsville North Queensland is uniquely positioned to establish significant green hydrogen production, high-tech green manufacturing, and metals processing industries, provided the necessary water, power, and transport infrastructure is in place.”
“Projects like the NQH2 Hydrogen Consortium and Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct are integral as the global demand for minerals processed with low or zero emissions continues to grow.”
“Hells Gates Dam was fully funded by the previous Federal Government, subject to a business case. The business case has been delivered and it stacks up. It is critical the Albanese Government maintain the $7bn of funding allocated to this project in the new budget.”
“We know the Federal Government will be ramping up its investment into Defence and Townsville North Queensland is the obvious place for that spending to go.”
“The $32M pre-election commitment to the North’s NQ SPARK project would build the critical infrastructure and simulator needed to enhance the Australian Defence Force’s ability to collaborate with industry with leading-edge simulation training and research.”
“We will also be watching the budget for housing supply initiatives in a bid to address the affordable housing and rental crisis gripping the nation.”
“This budget is the opportunity for the Albanese Government to show its commitment to North Queensland and lay the foundation for a prosperous future of our country. These projects are once-in-a-generation opportunities. They will create high-paying, long-term jobs and generate billions for our economy.”
Pre-election budget commitments
- NQ Spark Soldier Simulator - $32M for the simulation facility and supporting infrastructure.
- NQH2 Hydrogen Consortium - $70M for common user infrastructure requirements.
- Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct – $22M 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.
- Townsville City Deal - $98M for rapid construction of the Concert Hall, subject to outcomes of the $2M business case being satisfactory to all parties. Finalise the allocation of the remaining $26M in Federal Government funding under the Townsville City deal to priority projects.
- Hell’s Gate Dam - $280M from the National Water Infrastructure Fund to continue progress towards shovel-ready status. Forward budget commitment from March 2022.
Townsville Enterprise’s Unlock the North document details the above project priorities for Townsville North Queensland and includes the pre-election commitments made by the Labor Government. Read the Unlock the North document here.
