Budget 2018/19 - Council delivers record infrastructure and capital spend
Date published: 26 June 2018
Mayor Jenny Hill has handed down her Budget with the biggest infrastructure spend in Townsville City Council’s history.
Council will spend $432.5 million on infrastructure including $158.9 million on building the new water pipeline.
The infrastructure spend includes $69.2 million on upgrading our roads other transport infrastructure, $15.9 million on the CBD utilities upgrade, $7.6 million on drains and stormwater management and $4.5 million for the upgrade of Tobruk Pool.
Cr Hill said her team of Councillors is committed to building the infrastructure Townsville needs to grow, while creating jobs for locals.
“I’m very proud to hand down the biggest ever investment in infrastructure our city has ever had,” Cr Hill said.
“This Budget delivers on my team’s promises, whether it’s upgrading basic infrastructure across our city, such as new roads and drains, or investing $158.9 million to build the new water pipeline.
“This record spend on infrastructure will ensure that our city gets back to work.
“Whether you’re a concreter or a crane driver – this is a budget for you.”
Cr Hill said one of the shovel-ready projects Council is investing in is 1.5km of kerb and channel upgrades on Thuringowa Dr.
“This $1 million project will include works between Ross River Road and Charles St and take about six weeks to complete,” Cr Hill said.
“Council crews will be out there from next upgrading our basic infrastructure.”
Cr Hill said the record spend on infrastructure will be a huge win for local jobs.
“This Budget invests in projects that will create jobs and ensure the city has a prosperous future,” Cr Hill said.
“The work packages on the new water pipeline have been tailored to ensure local firms have the best chance of securing work on the once-in-a-generation project.
“Council is also investing in upgrading infrastructure around the Stadium Precinct to encourage new developments to transform the area into a new destination for Townsville.
“These projects will not only be huge job creators during construction they will help transform the city’s economy and providing lasting employment once operational.”
Cr Hill said Council will complete the CBD Utilities Upgrade in 2018-19.
“The CBD Utilities Upgrade has created close to 300 jobs since the project started,” Cr Hill said.
“It is another important project that will set Townsville up for future growth in our CBD.”
The record $432.5 million infrastructure spent includes grant funding and donated assets.
