Jobs bonanza for Townsville
Date published: 5 October 2017
In an historic turning point in Townsville’s future, the Townsville City Council has secured a 30 year deal guaranteeing up to 900 ongoing new jobs for locals.
The deal will see more than $90 million a year pumped into the local economy, meaning a brighter future for every Townsvillian.
Mayor Jenny Hill said her Council will jointly invest with Rockhampton to establish infrastructure at Carmichael to service fly-in fly out workers to the Galilee Basin, including those working at Adani’s Carmichael Mine.
The financial deal signed off at a Special Council yesterday, will stimulate the local economy and create real long term local jobs.
“KPMG has assessed the economics for Council. Our independent advice confirms this investment will generate $90 million a year in new economic activity, for 30 years here in Townsville,” Cr Hill said.
“We have further secured commitments requiring Adani to source a third of mine and infrastructure construction workers from Townsville which will mean up to another 1200 local jobs.
“This is fantastic news for the city, and offers new hope to those left without jobs when QNI closed its gates almost two years ago.
“This investment will deliver long term financial returns for the city.”
Cr Hill said the guaranteed ongoing positions include up to 750 FIFO jobs and up to 150 permanent positions at Adani’s Townsville Headquarters, opened earlier this year.
The deal also includes a new income stream for the city through a new fee-for-service Drug and Alcohol testing facility at Townsville Airport for workers travelling to the region.
Cr Hill said the Carmichael coal mine project represents a major turning point in the revival of the region, bringing indisputable economic and social benefits.
“The Townsville City Council has worked hard to deliver a secure deal that invests for the long term future of Townsville workers and their families,” she said.
“We negotiated to include a range of safeguards and additional guarantees to protect Council’s investment and potentially deliver even more jobs.
“North Queensland hasn’t seen a project of this size in decades that will deliver the jobs boost Townsville so sorely needs.”
Queensland building company Wagners will oversee construction of the Carmichael airport as well as airport operations.
Council’s investment will be funded from within its existing resources over two financial years, made possible by the belt tightening undertaken as a result of the reform process of the last 12 months.
For more information view our 30 Year Job Pipeline page.
