Budget 2021/22

Investment in Critical Assets

Budget 2021 prioritises critical infrastructure investment for our dynamic, growing city.

$64.2 million is committed toward critical water asset investment as part of our longer-term integrated water security strategy for Townsville.

$44.2 million is being invested in generational work on our wastewater infrastructure including $28.2 million for our water reuse scheme as we look to invest in smarter solutions to get ahead of the challenges imposed on Reef Councils under the new Reef 2050 requirements.

$13 million is earmarked for continued works to rectify wastewater issues being experienced in the Southern Suburbs, which is the final stage of a three-step body of work on the Southern Suburbs Rising Main.

Investment in New Energy

Budget 2021 is the first year of delivery under our recently adopted corporate plan which embraces the global transformation to a clean green economy.

Not only are we planning our water and wastewater management for a sustainable future, but we are investing in Townsville’s green transition and the jobs that go with it.

Budget 2021 invests $18.1 million for climate-friendly waste-to-energy commitments and sustainability work like the city’s hydrogen strategy, our FOGO green waste trial and activity to move toward our 2026 zero landfill target.

We are already positioned well with our identified Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct and the private investment growth that is attracting.

The jobs it will create has already seen investment from both the state and federal governments and we look forward to further investment through the City deals to kickstart that nationally leading green industry development.

Investment in Social Infrastructure

Managing and growing a city is just as much about the social investment as it is about industry and assets.

That's why we’ve committed a $14.9 million support package for community clubs and not for profits through discounts, grants and waivers.

As the third layer of government Council’s top priority remains protecting the health and safety of our community.

Budget 2021 commits $14.7 million to community safety supports and activities with additional spend allocated for youth infrastructure and programs.

Council have firmly committed to continuing to work with all levels of government to support a safer Townsville.

We are committed to building a resilient and robust social and economic future to grow Townsville, create jobs and transform the city toward a prosperous future.

Investment in Arts, Culture and Events

This budget supports experiences for locals as well as the tourism and accommodation sectors through investment in arts, sports and cultural events designed to make Townsville a great place to live, attract visitors and provide jobs and growth across our community.

Council will commit $40.8 million investment toward continued activity to grow our reputation as an events and cultural destination.

This not only lifts Townsville’s profile nationally, but will also come as a welcome investment for our local hospitality and tourism operators who have struggled during this global pandemic.

Investment for Business and Jobs

We are delivering on our promise to support jobs and local business.

Budget 2021 is a plan that supports small and medium-sized businesses through a continued local buy and indigenous procurement focus. In the current financial year, Council has invested in excess of $200 million into the local community through procurement from local and indigenous businesses. This investment will continue to grow in the coming financial years.

This support local agenda is extended through our commitment to continue investment for entry level programs and the new job opportunities that creates.

$2 million is also earmarked for projects like master planning for the North Yards redevelopment, the ICT Centre of excellence as well as the co-investment for Smart Precinct furthering our local jobs plan.

Investment in Safety

Townsville City Council is continuing to play its part in keeping the community safe, with its 2021/22 Budget including a $14.6 million investment in safety infrastructure.

Council will invest $4.5 million in new and enhanced street lighting, $2.9 million on security and surveillance, $2.4 million on the city’s bikeway network and $1.7 million on lifesaving services at Townsville’s beaches.

In addition to the $14.6 million, Council also set aside funding to ensure they can act quickly to repair and re-establish parks and other open spaces if they are damaged during the year.

Investment in the Suburbs

Townsville City Council is committed to investing across the length and breadth of Townsville – from the city to the suburbs – with $225.5 million of the total capital spend – over two thirds – allocated for our suburbs, including some $13.8 million for Magnetic Island.

Investment in Roads and Footpaths

This budget sees an investment of $136.2 million for new and upgraded roads and footpaths and road maintenance over the next 12 months.

Council owns and maintains more than 1,900 kilometres of roads and around 540kms of footpaths across the city which requires considerable ratepayer investment.

Some works include:

Capital Highlights

Council has a range of key projects planned for the coming year to support growing Townsville.