Townsville Enterprise marks 33 year history as city’s peak economic and tourism body

Townsville’s peak economic development and tourism group is celebrating 33 years of advocating for the city and securing $70 billion worth of investments.

TEL life member Tony Mooney, who started TEL 33 years ago, TEL CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith, and TEL Chairman Kevin Gill. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Townsville’s peak economic development and tourism group, Townsville Enterprise Limited are celebrating 33 years of advocating for North Queensland.

Townsville Enterprise was established by Townsville City Council in 1991, under the leadership of the Mayor at the time Tony Mooney, who is now a life member of the organisation.

The 33 year milestone coincides with the announcement that the organisation has successfully secured private and public investment and economic outputs totalling more than $70 billion.

Looking back on his time in the role, he said Townsville Enterprise have played a ‘crucial’ role in major projects and investments in the region.

“I am immensely proud to witness the ongoing successes and continuous support for Townsville Enterprise. As a city, we were in a challenging econmy in 1991 and needed a strong advocacy voice independent of government to attract new investment and promote our city.,” he said.

“33 years later and with over $70 billion in investment and economic and lifestyle benefits, I believe Townsville Enterprise is more important than ever to help our city and the region continue to thrive.”

Townsville major Tony Mooney on the Strand pier in 1999. Pic Evan Morgan

Chief executive Claudia Brumme-Smith said TEL has supported major projects such as the Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Sun Metals Zinc Refinery, Copper String and the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium.

“The total economic impact from our advocacy is a huge milestone, but what we take greater satisfaction in is what this means for the future of North Queensland,” she said.

“Driving investment attraction that will see the creation of over 4,200 permanent local jobs across major projects in the next six years is contributing to a prosperous economic outlook for generations to come.”

Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith at empty site of the proposed new aquarium in Flinders Street. Picture: Evan Morgan

Chairman Kevin Gill said the regions ‘prosperous economic outlook’ is a testament to more than three decades of collaboration.

“The success of Townsville Enterprise is intrinsically tied to the success of our city and region.,” he said.

“For our team and the industry partners that support us, there is no greater pride than that which we take in our mission to secure the future of North Queensland.”

The most recent project was Townsville Enterprise’s campaign to push for Reef HQ to be funded and reopened after it closed in 2021.

The #SaveOurAquarium campaign launched in May 2024 and heard from community members, students from Townsville’s Reef Guardian schools and politicians on why they wanted Reef HQ back.

The much-loved Townsville icon was opened in 1987 by Prime Minister at the time Bob Hawke.

At August’s Courier Mail Bush Summit event held in Townsville, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese committed $100 million for the national reef education centre, which Ms Brumme-Smith said at the time was a ‘historic milestone’ for the city.

Originally published as Townsville Enterprise marks 33 year history as city’s peak economic and tourism body