Council approves QPM development at Lansdown Precinct
Date published: 15 December 2022
Momentum continues at the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct as Queensland Pacific Metals (QPM) receives development approval for its Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub (TECH) project.
Townsville City Council approved a development proposal for QPM to commence development of the TECH project which looks to supply new energy solutions to support the growing electric vehicle industry.
QPM’s development proposal was assessed by Council’s planning officers and recommended for approval having met the requirements of the Townsville City Plan.
Mayor Jenny Hill said the inclusion of the TECH project at the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct will elevate Townsville to the next level when it comes to developing an advanced manufacturing, renewable energy hub.
“We are proud QPM have chosen Lansdown as the future home for their TECH project which will create sustainable jobs for the region and help grow Townsville,” Cr Hill said.
“This vote of confidence in our city and the Lansdown project is key to Council creating Northern Australia’s foremost eco-industrial precinct for advanced manufacturing, processing, technology and emerging industries.”
QPM Managing Director and CEO Dr Stephen Grocott welcomed Council’s approval of the development application and said the Lansdown Precinct is the ideal site for the TECH project.
“We’re very pleased to be a first mover in the establishment of Lansdown. Townsville is the ideal location for the TECH project due to its attractive location and its proximity to critical infrastructure, such as port, rail, road, gas, and water, in place together with quality engineering services and skilled labour,” Dr Grocott said.
“We thank the Council and also thank the State Government’s Office of the Coordinator General for their assistance in reaching this milestone.
“The TECH project was developed in response to the growing demand for battery materials for electric vehicles, particularly nickel and cobalt. Once operational the project will be a world-leading zero waste, carbon negative, sustainable, clean and green production facility.
“The project is backed by world class shareholders including US industrial giant General Motors (GM) who have committed $108M toward sourcing nickel and cobalt to power their upcoming electric vehicles including the GMC Hummer EV, Chevrolet Silverado EV and Cadillac LYRIQ.
“QPM looks forward to operating a leading, advanced manufacturing facility in the electric vehicle supply chain and in helping the Council to establish the Lansdown Eco-industrial Precinct as a globally recognised centre of new-generation manufacturing,” he said.
This is the second development application to be approved over land within the precinct with Edify Energy’s development application gaining approval in late 2021.
For more information about the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct visit townsville.qld.gov.au/lansdown.
The Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct is jointly funded by the Australian Government and Queensland Government in association with Townsville City Council.
