Townsville’s future is ripe with potential thanks to a near $40 billion project pipeline, a growing population, and the attention of the world shifting towards Queensland in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics,

To ensure the city rises to the occasion and attracts the 20,000-strong workforce necessary to realise North Queensland’s ambitions, steps need to be taken now to create an attractive destination with infrastructure providing residents economic opportunities, good quality of life (liveability), connectivity, and cultural experiences.

Presently a diamond in the rough, Townsville’s waterfront area along Ross Creek has begun being polished for its starring role over the coming decades, as a bridge linking the CBD to the city’s premier coastal asset – The Strand.

One only needs to look at the success of other waterfront projects, like Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane, Darwin Waterfront Precinct, Fremantle Waterfront in Perth, Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter and Canada’s Waterfront Toronto, to see the merits in investing time, effort, and resources to revive city hearts.

The Queensland Government implemented the idea of “Priority Development Areas” in 2012 as the primary vehicles to achieve economic growth and community development in key areas across the state’s major towns and cities, with Townsville named a Waterfront Priority Development Area (PDA) in 2015.

The Port of Townsville manages around 10 hectares of land and wet leases out of a total 90-hectare footprint for the entire Waterfront PDA.

In its 2025 Unlock the North report, Townsville Enterprise, backed by Townsville City Council flagged the importance of Townsville’s Waterfront Renewal, advocating for government commitments to deliver two additional precincts – the North Australia Arts and Entertainment Arena and Reef Marine Tourism Gateway – to create a new lifestyle and cultural destination for the region.

Federal funding is already secured for the first precinct, the Global Great Barrier Reef Centre of Excellence, featuring the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium, which was due to be built by 2029 or earlier if feasible, according to Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority general manager for major projects Fred Nucifora.

“As the Australian Government’s National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef, it will be a tourism product recognised nationally and internationally for excellence in tropical coral reef education,” Mr Nucifora said.

“We also hope that the project will serve to be catalytic for future projects in the Townsville City Waterfront Priority Development Area.”

Port of Townsville recognises Townsville’s waterfront potential

Recognising Townsville’s historic origin, founded in 1864 as a port for the fledgling pastoral industry, Port of Townsville chief executive Ranee Crosby said the waterfront wasn’t just a location – “it’s where trade, people, and ideas first came together to shape the city we know today”.

She wanted to see an upgraded waterfront make Townsville attractive for private investment, where restaurants, cafes, residential and commercial developments would bring the area to life and create real energy.

“We have the opportunity to breathe new life into these historic areas and create a city-defining place that the community can be proud of – a vibrant, connected destination that attracts tourism, drives private investment, and supports a stronger local economy,” Ms Crosby said.

“A place that works for locals, workers, visitors, cruise passengers, and future generations.

“We’re involved because the future of the city and the future of the Port are deeply linked.”

Ms Crosby said the waterfront transformation could only be achieved through strong collaboration with the council and key waterfront partners to make sure public space, infrastructure, and connection were done in a way that protected the port’s expanding economic role, delivered value to the city, and created a lasting legacy.

“Delivering the vision will take co-ordinated effort – the kind where planning, infrastructure and investment all line up. The momentum is here, the partners are working together, and the private sector is prepared and wanting to invest,” she said.

“The new world-class aquarium is an incredible catalyst project that puts the city’s marine story front and centre.”

She said a modern ferry terminal to replace the ageing facility currently operated by Sea Link Ferries, and upgraded marine tourism facilities would support everything from reef trips to cruise ships, while new public spaces and promenades would make it easier for people to walk, ride, relax, and enjoy the waterfront.

“Support from all levels of government has been shown to accelerate things,” she said.
“There are significant investments in public infrastructure that will be a catalyst because they signal confidence and open the door for private investment to follow.

“The waterfront will have long-term benefits – more tourism, more jobs, more housing, better connections, safe and accessible precincts that reshape how people experience the city – so it makes sense in every way.”

Townsville City Council plans connected waterfront

With Townsville’s population projected to explode over the coming years, Townsville City Council has acknowledged the importance of delivering housing and jobs for residents, particularly in the city centre.

A council spokesman said connectivity was at the forefront of the council’s plans for the city centre and particularly Townsville’s Waterfront PDA.

“Liveable cities are walkable and connect their residents and visitors to the eateries, shops and attractions they need at any time of the day or night,” the spokesman said.

“As we continue to grow our city one of council’s focuses is on improved walkability, including along the Ross Creek, which is the focus area of the Waterfront PDA.

“Areas of Townsville’s city along Ross Creek have already been transformed with connectivity pathways to facilitate a walkable city centre for residents and visitors, including the Central Park boardwalk and the Townsville Waterfront Promenade stages one and two, the latter of which was delivered with funding from the Queensland Government.”

He said these pathways made it easier for residents to connect with nature while commuting on foot, e-scooter or by bike around the city centre.

“Council is geared towards continuing growing housing, business and recreation in the city centre and fringe suburbs through a number of projects and incentives,” he said.

“In order to fulfil council’s vision for a vibrant and liveable city, it is essential to be able to work hand-in-hand with all levels of government as well as with local developers, investors and residents.

“In mid-2024 Council supported reallocation of $100 million in federal funding to the rebuild of the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium (formerly known as Reef HQ) to ensure the much-loved attraction is available for the community and visitors to enjoy.”

In supporting that reallocation, he said the council also sought a commitment from the Federal Government to fund a new bridge between Flinders St East and Plume Street, connecting the Palmer Street and Flinders Street East precincts, which remained a critical priority.

“Townsville’s city centre is a reflection of our people, so council will continue to listen to the feedback of residents, strive for sustainability and continue to deliver infrastructure that improves the accessibility and connectivity of our city,” he said.

Townsville Enterprise throws support behind waterfront

Describing Townsville’s waterfront renewal as a “once in a generation opportunity to change the face of North Queensland”, Townsville Enterprise chief executive Claudia Brumme-Smith is advocating strongly for the game-changing development to support the city’s growing population and economic expansion.

“Continued investment in liveability infrastructure is essential to ensure our city remains an attractive and vibrant place to live, work and visit,” Ms Brumme-Smith said.

“To secure the skilled workforce needed to deliver our nearly $40 billion project pipeline, we must create the lifestyle and cultural assets that people and families want to be part of.”

“Our waterfront is our community’s pride and joy. But as our city grows, it’s time to both revamp and expand beyond The Strand.”

She said the Townsville Waterfront Renewal is a transformational project which stitched together the Strand, the new Great Barrier Reef Aquarium, the Stadium, and a future-facing marine, cultural and lifestyle precinct.

“While this will take time to realise, it’s encouraging to see early progress: funding secured for the Reef HQ redevelopment, major private investment through the Morris Group’s Ardo project, the Flinders Street Wharf entertainment precinct taking shape, and community consultation underway for upgrades to the Rockpool,” she said.

“For the Waterfront Renewal to reach its full potential, connectivity is key – including a pedestrian bridge linking Palmer Street to Flinders Street.

“Equally critical are investments in a revitalised entertainment centre and arena, upgraded marine facilities, and a refreshed Museum of Tropical Queensland. These are catalytic projects that will unlock further private investment into housing, retail, and hotel infrastructure – reshaping our city for decades to come.”

Waterfront opinion from Port of Townsville’s chair Ann Sherry

Something is shifting in Townsville - a shared sense that our city and region are ready to rise, together.

Right now, we stand on the edge of a once-in-a-generation opportunity: to transform our waterfront into one of Australia’s most iconic and inspiring destinations.

Not just an upgrade - a bold reimagination. Anchored by a new world-class aquarium.

A revitalised ferry terminal and marine tourism facilities. Seamless cruise connections. Shaded promenades, thriving public spaces, and a buzzing precinct that invites people to slow down, stay longer, and feel connected.

This isn’t just infrastructure - it’s an invitation. To investors. To visitors. To people who want to live, work, and build in a city finally stepping into its future. Townsville not as a stopover - but as the main event.

The impact? Profound. The transformation will reshape how we live, not just how we look. It will spark investment across retail, residential, hospitality and commercial sectors. It will create energy, grow jobs, and help us hold on to the talent we raise.

The model works, as seen in great waterfront cities around the country and world. But this won’t be a copy. It will be unapologetically world-class, and unmistakably Townsville.

This city is special. Where else can you step from reef to rainforest to outback in a single day?

We’ve got sunshine, tropical beauty, world-renowned reef research expertise, a proud defence presence, an international airport, and a community that shows up.

A place with heart. Now, we need to reflect that heart in place.

And with the 2032 Olympics placing Queensland in the global spotlight, the time to act is now. It’s what we do before the world arrives that matters most. Building legacy infrastructure that serves not only our 2032 visitors but also the people of Townsville of today and tomorrow.

The city’s waterfront renewal is about shaping identity.

This is our moment to show what North Queensland is capable of - to move from potential to pride, from plans to shovels in the ground.

A place that respects culture, celebrates climate, and creates a legacy.

A destination that feels as good as it looks. A city that finally feels like the one we’ve always known it could be.

Townsville’s got the goods. The energy. The partnerships. This is our moment. The waterfront is our stage. Let’s make it unforgettable.

leighton.smith@news.com.au