‘We don’t stop now’: Region’s future projects and goals laid out ahead of budgets

Townsville Enterprise Limited, and a cohort of North Queensland’s mayors, are set to pack their bags and head south in order to advocate for the region’s most wanted projects ahead of the state and federal budgets.

Townsville Enterprise Limited, and a cohort of North Queensland’s mayors, are set to pack their bags and head to Brisbane and Canberra this month in order to advocate for the region’s most wanted projects ahead of the State and Federal budgets.

TEL CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith said the group have plenty of new targets in mind for funding after the state government announced they would spend $5bn ensuring CopperString got off the ground.

“CopperString was the result of a decade of advocacy, but we don’t stop now. We remain focused on the other enabling projects to secure the future of Townsville North Queensland region,” Mrs Brumme-Smith said.

“Solving the region’s housing crisis, securing water, investment into innovation and research, targeted defence investment and investment into aquaculture will be at the top of our agenda from an industry perspective.

“For tourism, the Paluma to Wallaman Falls Trail will be front and centre as well as a visitor facing koala hospital and support for tourism development on Magnetic Island as part of the masterplan.

Wallaman Falls, which could be a pivotal tourist destination in the future.

“We also have two new health projects which will address our vulnerable youth – a health and wellbeing facility for First Nations people and a brain health research project.”

Townsville mayor Jenny Hill said the projects advocated for would be targeted at increasing participation in Townsville’s economy, as well as strengthening the existing sector.

“More and more people are looking at relocating to Townsville from down south, for a better work-life balance,” Cr Hill said.

Funding for increased housing is a hot ticket item for Townsville.

“These projects mean good jobs for Townsville residents both new and long-term.

“We also need to make sure that amenities and services can support the population and jobs growth we have experienced over the past few years.”

Burdekin Shire mayor Lyn McLaughlin and Hinchinbrook Regional Council mayor Ramon Jayo both indicated the projects would deliver for their regions, with Mr Jayo aiming to secure funding for the Burdekin’s RegenAqua project to expand to the Hinchinbrook.

“RegenAqua Hinchinbrook will allow for a reduction of nutrient levels processed through its Sewerage Treatment Plant, as well as Carbon sequestration capabilities. The other appealing factor is the ability to produce a valuable soil conditioning product which can be used by farmers within the district to improve soil leading to improved production and profitability,” Cr Jayo said.

Charters Towers mayor Frank Beveridge said a focus on defence investment and funding for the Charters Towers Enterprise Precinct were front of mind.

“The State and Federal Delegation is the prime example of strength in numbers. One united advocacy voice achieves results and I look forward meeting with the Ministers to secure the future of our region,” Cr Beveridge said.

Originally published as ‘We don’t stop now’: Region’s future projects and goals laid out ahead of budgets