Boost to local Magnetic Island businesses
Date published: 18 December 2018
Townsville City Council has approved a re-zoning of land in Nelly Bay to allow Magnetic Island businesses to grow without being so heavily reliant on the mainland.
The proposed re-zoning area has been significantly reduced after the community consultation, with 0.6 hectares of the 5.6-hectare site to be changed to low impact industrial uses to allow buildings such as storage sheds for construction or tourism businesses.
The site is mostly vacant except two sheds being used by Townsville Water and the local State Emergency Services Group. It has previously been used to accommodate the Nelly Bay Sewerage Treatment Plant.
Planning and Development Committee Chair Cr Les Walker said Magnetic Island needed some lots of land zoned to accommodate low-industrial uses to ensure its economy continued to grow.
“The types of businesses that will be using this area will be in industries such as construction and tourism primarily for storage,” Cr Walker said.
“We want businesses on Magnetic Island to keep growing and not be so reliant on the mainland.
“This re-zoning will provide the option for businesses to set up in the Kelly St area and better plan their local operations.”
Local Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said the re-zoning was done to ensure minimum impact on the local community.
“Council staff understand the unique character of the Island and any future developments in the area will be sensitive to the local community,” Cr Greaney said.
“However, we do need to provide space for local businesses to grow and expand their operations.”
The re-zoning includes conditions to upgrade Kelly Street along the length of the proposed low-impact industrial area.
