Townsville Enterprise lists top 5 investment asks ahead of Queensland state election

With the state election just weeks away, Townsville Enterprise has laid down its top five priorities for funding to keep the north thriving. From housing to health, and a mega tourism boost, these are the projects they want locked in.

Aerial view of the stadium and Townsville City

As the state election nears North Queenslander groups and leaders are making their wishes known, with Townsville Enterprise highlighting the key areas they want to see invested in.

In collaboration with North Queensland councils, Townsville Enterprise has listed housing, health, tourism and liveability, the expansion of the Port of Townsville and stage 2 of the Haughton Pipeline as their top priorities, which they say must be funded to ensure the future of the North.

Vecco Group Managing Director Tom Northcott and Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith. Picture: Evan Morgan

Outlined in their Unlock The North document, chief executive of Townsville Enterprise Claudia Brumme-Smith said the regions relies on investments into several key projects.

“These top five priorities are not just asks – they are essential to unlocking North Queensland’s potential and securing a prosperous future for our community,” she said.

Walking trail, Townsville.

With the region contributing more than $22 billion in GRP each year, Ms Brumme-Smith said the community deserves their ‘fair share’ coming back to the regions during the election.

“We are calling on all political parties to commit to these critical projects that will support our economic growth, improve liveability and ensure that North Queensland remains competitive on the global stage,” she said.

Highlighting the housing shortage across the region, Townsville Enterprise are advocating for a $65 million housing package to build high-density rental apartments to ensure infrastructure

projects have enough affordable and accessible housing options to entice and retain workers.

Haughton Pipeline.

The group are also calling for a $578 million in upgrades to health services, including Townsville University Hospital and $300 million of that figure to be allocated towards a new hospital in Charters Towers, which locals have voiced the need for.

Also pushing for growth in Townsville’s tourism industry, Townsville Enterprise want to see the construction of a $360 million Arts and Entertainment Arena, as well as the development of the Paluma to Wallaman Trail and the construction of the Magnetic Island Koala Hospital.

With the Haughton Pipeline a hot topic in the area, Townsville Enterprise said long term water security is ‘essential’. As costs grow the group are calling for an additional $160 million investment towards completing Stage 2.

Port of Townsville plan concept.

With large cruise ships set to visit Townsville this cruising season, as well as growing demand in mining, agriculture and energy, the Port of Townsville will expand to see two new berths and upgrades to accommodate the increase in traffic.

Townsville Enterprise have said they want a $240 million investment from the state government to get the project completed.

Originally published as Townsville Enterprise lists top 5 investment asks ahead of Queensland state election