Budget 2018/19 - Record Council investment in projects and jobs for the future
Date published: 26 June 2018
Townsville City Council is investing heavily to create jobs and a prosperous future for our community in the 2018-19 Budget.
A record infrastructure budget of nearly half a billion dollars will be invested in the city’s future over the next 12 months delivering local jobs and infrastructure.
Council will invest $9 million in upgrading promenades, landscaping, new road design, water and sewer infrastructure in the Stadium Precinct as part of the City Deal between Townsville City Council, the Queensland Government and the Australian Government.
Mayor Jenny Hill said the Stadium Precinct will be a major driver of urban renewal in the CBD and be a catalyst for further developments and jobs.
“We are all starting to see the $250 million North Queensland Stadium take shape and Council is investing in upgrading essential infrastructure to cater for the area’s future growth,” Cr Hill said.
“The city’s first new high-end hotel in decades will be built next to the stadium and we’re sure more major developments will spring up throughout the Stadium Precinct.
“These developments will create huge numbers of jobs for locals both during construction and after the work is complete and the Precinct becomes a brand new destination for our city.”
Cr Hill said funding had been set aside for the Lagoon feasibility study along with facilitating local support for the lithium-ion battery plant.
“The Lagoon will greatly enhance The Strand and it’s sure to become a favourite spot for both locals and tourists,” Cr Hill said.
“It will also provide a big economic boost for the city, particularly businesses near The Strand that will benefit from ever more people flocking to the area.
“The lithium-ion battery plant has the potential to charge Townsville’s economy for decades to come and position our city as a world-leader in advanced manufacturing.
“The project could create up to 1000 direct jobs and support thousands more indirect jobs throughout the supply chain.”
Cr Hill said $1.35 million had been allocated in the Budget to complete the fit out for the North Queensland Regional Data Centre.
“The data centre will not only ensure digital resilience for our community but it will be a key driver to attract more high-tech businesses – and most importantly jobs – to our city,” Cr Hill said.
“Council is completing its Smart City Strategy and the North Queensland Regional Data Centre is crucial infrastructure to ensure our community gets the most benefit from the amazing advances in digital technologies.
“The Data Centre will allow global information technology and knowledge services companies set up here in Townsville.”
The Data Centre will be housed in the ground floor of the new Local Disaster Coordination Centre. The 2018-19 Budget includes almost $2 million – which includes $797,000 in state and federal grant funding – to complete construction in October.
Deputy Mayor and Planning and Development Chair Les Walker said Council was planning for the future to create jobs now.
“Council is doing everything it can to ensure that Townsville takes advantage of every opportunity that’s on offer,” Cr Walker said.
“We’re planning and investing in the infrastructure of the future – such as the Lagoon or upgrading the Stadium Precinct – while working with the private sector to bring major projects like the lithium-ion battery plant here.”
Cr Walker said several Townsville 2020 projects including the Riverway Waterpark Scoping Study, Castle Hill Masterplan and the Mount Louisa Concept Plan would all be progressed this financial year.
“Townsville 2020 provides a clear vision for our city whether it’s in the CBD or in the suburbs,” Cr Walker said.
“These projects will create world-class experiences throughout Townsville for both locals and visitors.
“This Budget has an eye to the future to make sure Townsville builds on the economic recovery already underway to create even more jobs for locals.”
The 18/19 budget also see Council is also investing in a more active and strategic role in economic activation on a city wide basis.
Council’s Future Cities section is now fully resourced to help deliver on Townsville’s economic potential. A specific focus on CBD Activation will be particularly strong through the 18/19 Budget funding
Council recently filled positions include:
- General Manager Future Cities
- Principal Digital Strategy
- City Economist
- Principal Economic Activation
- Senior CBD Activation Officer
- Senior Investment Attraction Officer
- Principal Indigenous Economic Activation
- Principal Project Delivery
