Council invests in making Townsville Shine
Date published: 21 June 2022
Council will invest millions in managing the city as an attractive and active place to live and visit as part of its 2022/23 Budget.
The move follows a stellar year of national and international exposure for the city as COVID-19 delivered opportunities to host events which attracted a global spotlight and new audiences.
Mayor Jenny Hill said it was critically important in the current globally competitive environment for workers, tourists and investors, that Council worked in partnership with Townsville’s professional and community organisations to actively promote and sell the city while also understanding the importance of civic pride.
“$96 million has been allocated across the next 12 months for the upgrading and maintenance of parks, gardens and open spaces, along with graffiti removal, beach cleaning and sand replenishment,” Cr Hill said.
“These fundamental services each play an important role in strengthening civic pride and keeping our city looking great all year round.”
Infrastructure Services Committee chairperson Kurt Rehbein said Council regularly maintained 372 parks, 346 playgrounds, 21 off-leash dog parks, three botanical gardens, six stinger nets and three cemeteries, a footprint equivalent to maintaining 5,200 football fields.
“Providing these fundamental services requires significant investment, which is why we have allocated $96 million in the 2022/23 budget towards programs of work to maintain a clean and tidy city,” Cr Rehbein said.
“That investment means our 52 crews who work across the local government area have the tools and equipment they need to do their jobs.”
Council’s 2022/23 budget has also dedicated nearly $2 million to keeping the city’s four street sweepers operating seven days a week across the Townsville local government area.
“We love this city and want to ensure everyone can enjoy it at any time of the year, whether it’s someone visiting from out of town for the first time or a resident on their daily commute,” Cr Rehbein said.
“We are lucky to live in a beautiful part of the world and in a city that is home to some of the best botanical gardens in the world. We truly have an enviable lifestyle, and Council’s budget reflects an investment in the upkeep of these spaces.”
For more information on the 2022/23 Budget and Operational Plan, visit Budget 2022/23.
