Premier pledges millions for Big Rocks Weir, Riverway Drive expansion, DriveIt, Mt Isa mine
The state government has green lit some of North Queensland’s biggest projects with a multimillion-dollar funding injection.
Townsville
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The state government has green lit some of North Queensland’s biggest projects with a multimillion-dollar funding injection.
The government today announced financial support for the Mount Isa Mines’ ongoing copper processing operations, which will underpin more than 1000 jobs, $30m for Big Rocks Weir, $19m for more upgrades for Riverway Drive and $10m to DriveIt.
The announcement forms part of the millions already spent by the Labor government on recovering from the coronavirus pandemic.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Treasurer Cameron Dick were in Townsville to announce the Townsville Regional Recovery Action Plan.
“This is a plan designed to help you kickstart the Townsville economy, following on from the coronavirus crisis,” she said.
“It builds on the solid investment that my government has made to Townsville over the past five years.”
Ms Palaszczuk said the plan would focus on Queensland’s traditional strengths – resources and manufacturing industries.
The investment will support more than 1000 jobs at the Glencore copper refinery in Townsville and smelter in Mount Isa. It will also underpin 520 in Incitec Pivot jobs for its North Queensland operation, which relies on the smelter for feedstock.
The support package will allow for the four-yearly rebricking and maintenance work at the smelter, due in September next year.
“We know COVID has had a huge impact on economic condition globally,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“But we will emerge from this downturn and when we do, I am determined that these important jobs right across north Queensland will be here as well.
“Queensland has an economic plan for COVID-19 recovery and our traditional strengths like resources and manufacturing industries are critical to that plan.”
Treasurer Cameron Dick said the commitment built on the government’s plan to keep the region moving.
“The North West Minerals Province was one of the world’s richest mineral-producing regions, with half a trillion dollars’ worth of the new economy minerals needed for batteries and renewables,” he said.
“Demand for those critical minerals will climb over the next decade from the renewable and technology sector.
“Queensland needs to maintain minerals processing capability in the North West to keep supply chains open for future critical mineral developments and the jobs they will create.”
Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper said the plan also included more upgrades to Riverway Drive and support for DriveIt.
“It’s great to see there is more than $19 million for further safety and capacity improvements on Riverway Drive,” Mr Harper said.
“A $10 million boost will support the regionally-owned motorsport facility DriveIt delivering a range of programs and activities including driving courses, Emergency Services training, product testing and events.”
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Townsville Regional Recovery Action Plan initiatives include:
– Financial support for Mount Isa Mines’ ongoing copper processing operations – backing hundreds of jobs from Mount Isa to Townsville. This investment underpins 350 jobs at the smelter, 220 jobs at the Townsville Copper Refinery and another 520 in Incetic Pivot’s operations in North Qld.
– $30 million for Big Rocks Weir – to help secure water and support local agriculture, subject to a successful detailed business case.
– $19 million for more Riverway Drive upgrades
– $10 million boost to support DriveIt – subject to further feasibility work
– $2 million to support the development of an Australian first maritime autonomous system
testing facility in Townsville to help position the region as a leader in the field.
Already committed:
– $195 million to construct stage 2 of the Haughton pipeline supporting over 500 jobs.
– $230 million in partnership with the Australian Government for stage 5 of the Townsville Ring Road underway
– $14.8 million to fast track support for the Copperstring 2.0 high voltage transmission line to drive investment in the North West Minerals Province.
– $16 million into investigating the potential raising and improvement of the Burdekin Falls Dam to boost the Townsville region’s water supply.
– $950 million in payroll tax relief, supporting 25,300 jobs in the Townsville region.
– $42.4 million in COVID-19 Jobs Support Loans supporting around 3470 jobs at 283 Townsville region businesses
– $8.1 million in adaptation grants to 907 small businesses.
Originally published as Premier pledges millions for Big Rocks Weir, Riverway Drive expansion, DriveIt, Mt Isa mine