Strong rumours Aldi is coming to Townsville, North Queensland

Petitions for the budget supermarket chain to set up shop in an Australian city have been circulating for eight years.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NewsWire Photos , AUGUST 21, 2022: Generic image of Aldi store. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

A politician has added to the loudening and long-standing rumours supermarket giant Aldi is coming to Townsville in North Queensland.

Eyebrows were raised throughout town following a Facebook post by Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper, which read: “Just sayin. A very strong rumor Aldi is finally coming to Townsville.

“I have met with Aldi directors in the past and suggested a number of locations in Kirwan. Looks like now it might be more than a rumor!”

Word on the street is Aldi could soon come to Townsville. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Jeremy Piper

He continued: “Have you heard? I hear our major Willows Shoppingtown might be the new home? If so, awesome & I can’t wait! But I say for now, let’s wait for official news! Just rumour for now (wink face)”.

While the “rumours” have gained significant traction, they aren’t new.

Nearly two years ago, The Townsville Bulletin reported several organisations in the city had spoken with Aldi about hopefully setting up shop there.

At the time, the vacant lot near Fairfield Central was reportedly being considered as a potential winning spot.

Locals have wanted the option to shop at the supermarket chain since 2015. Picture: Alix Sweeney

Locals have been petitioning for Aldi to open in Townsville to since 2015.

Locals flocked to Mr Harper’s post to share their excitement about the hopeful news.

One person wrote: “My dreams have been answered if this is true. I miss Aldi so much”.

Another comment read: “Townsville has the population to support 2-3 (Aldi stores) at least... Even Bundaberg with half our population has 4”.

When Aldi opened in Rockhampton in October 2019, traffic control was called in on opening day to help manage the crowded car park.