Townsville’s advocacy bodies have challenged the region’s MPs to start delivering

The state election’s changing of the guard has been welcomed by NQ’s advocacy bodies, who are ready to work with the new leaders towards the region’s priorities. See what they are.

Townsville Chamber of Commerce and Townsville Enterprise are ready to work with the region's newly elected MPs to achieve key NQ priorities. Pictures: Supplied.

Townsville advocacy groups have thrown their support behind the changing of the guard in the state election, saying they were ready to work with the new LNP government to tackle the region’s key priorities.

Townsville Chamber of Commerce and Townsville Enterprise congratulated the region’s newly elected LNP members of parliament, which included Thuringowa’s Natalie Marr, Townsville’s Adam Baillie and Mundingburra Janelle Poole, along with Katter’s Australian Party’s returned Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto, and incoming Premier David Crisafulli.

Townsville Chamber of Commerce president Miranda Mears said it was clear that there was an appetite for change in Queensland.

“While there is of course time for celebration and reflection now is the time to be a runway to action, so we look forward to seeing our members fight for a fair go for funding and prioritisation for North Queensland,” Ms Mears said.

Townsville Chamber of Commerce president Miranda Mears wants to see the Townsville region get its fair share from the new state government. Picture: Evan Morgan

Reflecting on the last state budget, she said there was minimal support or understanding of businesses doing it tough.

“Locally our members have been clear about concerns including cost of living, electricity costs, wage costs, crime, state of the CBD as a corridor to waterfront and stadium, staff availability, payroll tax, double dipping of taxes on already higher insurance policies with stamp duty and GST,” she said.

New Townsville MPs. Natalie Marr (Thuringowa), Adam Baillie (Townsville) and Janelle Poole (Mundingburra). Pic: Scott Radford-Chisholm

KAP’s Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto was re-elected.

“Townsville Chamber of Commerce has been appreciative that the LNP have been actively engaged in meeting with the Townsville Chamber of Commerce and members to listen to concerns and insights ... to ensure that we have a strong voice and fair go for funding, prioritisation, and addressing pain points for North Queensland and NQ businesses.”

Townsville Enterprise’s State Election Scorecard reviewed commitments made by all political parties for the Townsville region.

Townsville Enterprise’s final Unlock The North 2024 State Election Scorecard. Picture: TEL.

It showed strong support from the Katter’s Australian Party, while the LNP backed four items: Copperstring 2032, Palm Island Rent-to-buy Housing Scheme, with partial commitments of $4.9 million towards the Palm Island Tourism Masterplan, and $30 million for road infrastructure at TropiQ – Townsville’s Tropical Intelligence and Health Precinct.

Townsville Enterprise (TEL) chief executive Claudia Brumme-Smith congratulated the incoming and re-elected members and expressed gratitude to the outgoing Premier and local MPs.

She looked forward to building upon an already-close relationship with the newly formed government and hitting the ground running to ensure our region receives its “fair share”.

Toowoomba South MP David Janetzki, Townsville Enterprise chair Kevin Gill and CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith, and new Premier David Crisafulli. Picture: Supplied.

“Our focus remains clear: addressing North Queensland’s most pressing issues, from housing, workforce attraction and liveability, infrastructure, and policy reforms, ensuring that these projects are fully funded and delivered,” Mr Brumme-Smith said.

“We look forward to seeing these commitments (to the Townsville region) come to fruition.”

She called for NQ representation on key committees, delivering the 20-year Tourism Plan, Tourism Cabinet Subcommittee, Resources Cabinet Subcommittee, and the Ministerial Housing Taskforce.

“We also seek outcomes ... from the Housing Ministerial Taskforce, $65 million for trunk infrastructure to unlock 5650 new homes and $50 million to develop inner-city Build-to-Rent apartments.

“Townsville Enterprise will continue to be a strong voice for the region, holding all political parties accountable and partnering with the government of the day to drive investment and policy decisions to support the delivery of our $30 billion plus project pipeline.”

Originally published as Townsville’s advocacy bodies have challenged the region’s MPs to start delivering