New community to provide jobs, economic boost
Date published: 22 November 2016
Townsville City Council has cemented a major milestone in the city’s expansion with the $1 billion Elliot Springs residential community to get underway early next year.
More than 10 years in the making, Elliot Springs - formerly Rocky Springs, south of the city - represents a significant part of Townsville’s growth strategy, unlocking 1,609 hectares that will one day be home to 26,000 residents.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the council had worked hard to ensure the cost of vital infrastructure would not be borne by the community with the State Government last week committing $15 million towards the provision of road, sewer and water infrastructure for the new residential community.
Developer Lendlease is expected to commence construction as early as March 2017 on the development that will provide a $41.7 million economic boost to the Townsville economy as well as 239 jobs in the first three years and up to 7000 jobs over the life of the project.
“All of the planning, talks and discussion has finally come together and I am very pleased to see this master planned community on the cusp of commencement,” Cr Hill said
“Putting in place all of the basic infrastructure is fundamental for any development. This funding commitment will ensure Lendlease, in combination with Council, can deliver a great community.
“But most importantly, what this will do is create jobs at a time when Townsville needs them the most. It cannot be overstated how many opportunities this will provide and the benefit it will bring to the local economy.”
Planning and Development Committee Chairman Cr Les Walker said the deal confirmed the region had a big future.
“This is a massive vote of confidence in the future of Townsville,” Cr Walker said. “To have a multinational company investing on this scale, more commonly seen around capital cities, is a clear signal of where they see growth in the short and long term.
“This will also bookend the city nicely in that we will have two growth corridors in the north and south.”
Managing Director of Lendlease’s Communities business, Matthew Wallace said Lendlease was very excited to have been successful in securing the funding to kick start Elliot Springs.
“Lendlease is committed to the delivery of this community within Townsville and will continue to work with relevant authorities to enable construction to commence,” he said.
Elliot Springs – the facts
- Elliot Springs takes its name from the stunning Mount Elliot backdrop that forms part of a 360 degree mountain views including Mount Jack, Mount Stuart and the Muntalunga Ranges.
- 15 kilometres south of Townsville CBD.
- Over 10,600 homes on completion.
- Over 26,000 residents on completion.
- 1,609 hectare development.
- 38 year community development.
- Approximate completion in 2055.
- 30 per cent of site dedicated to open space including conservation area.
- Retail, education, recreation, commercial and residential facilities.
- Close proximity to Murray Sporting complex, Army Barracks, Townsville Hospital, James Cook University, and the Townsville CBD.
