New Townsville sign unveiled

A brand new Townsville sign has been unveiled to give visitors the perfect way to record their trip to Townsville, just in time for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The sign at Central Park next to the Ross Creek is positioned to have some of the city’s most iconic landmarks as a quintessentially ‘Townsville’ backdrop.

The project was co-funded by Townsville City Council and the Commonwealth Games Public Domain Improvement Program, with work undertaken by local business Paradise Outdoor Advertising.

Deputy Mayor Les Walker said the sign would be a permanent reminder of Townsville’s role as a Commonwealth Games event city.

“Being part of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games will obviously have a huge range of benefits for us as a city in terms of the boost to tourism and the economy,” Cr Walker said.

“But it’s also allowed us to secure a number of projects that fit in with our longer term vision for activating the CBD and surrounding areas like the Townsville sign, new Strand fitness equipment, and the Indigenous Heritage Trail.”

Division 3 Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said the sign gives visitors an ideal vantage point of some of Townsville’s most famous landmarks.

“If you’re posing for a photo in front of the city sign you’ll have the most amazing backdrop of Townsville including Castle Hill and the ‘sugar shaker’ which are really iconic features of our city,” Cr Greaney said.

It features colour-changing LED lighting which will allow the city to get behind community celebrations throughout the year by lighting up in an array of colours.

The sign’s unveiling comes as the city prepares for the Queen’s Baton Relay this Sunday and Monday.

Commonwealth Games Working Group Chair Councillor Kurt Rehbein said with less than three weeks to go until the Commonwealth Games excitement was really starting to build.

“The Queen’s Baton Relay this weekend is going to be the first real taste of the Games, and we’re expecting thousands of locals to turn out over the two days to cheer on local batonbearers,” Cr Rehbein said.

“Over the last few weeks we’ve had hundreds of flags and banners going up around the city to get in the spirit, and Strand Park is slowly being transformed into what is going to be an iconic art installation Uncontained.

“The Games and Festival 2018 are just around the corner so now is the time for residents to start securing their tickets so they don’t miss out.”

For tickets to Festival 2018 events, or more information about the Queen’s Baton Relay route and road closures, visit www.townsville.qld.gov.au/gc2018