Townsville business owners are calling for an urgent fix to the CBD ahead of cruise ship arrivals

Townsville is set for an increase in tourism in 2025, but local business owners say “it’s such a shame” tourists will be exposed to a run down CBD.

The entrance to the former Dimmeys Arcade in the Townsville CBD. Picture: Evan Morgan

Business owners along Flinders St say they’re “fed up” with the state of the CBD, and are calling for action to be taken.

Pedlar Project owner Jordan Rio has worked in the CBD for three years and knows the harsh reality of trading in the area.

“We had two people break in on a Sunday morning. They stole alcohol from the bar, smashed a bunch of bottles, vandalised the kitchen,” he said.

“About a week and a half later there were a bunch of kids, they actually took the security camera off the mount and ran away with it. They graffitied all our tables and chairs.”

Pedlar Project lies in the heart of the city in Townsville Bulletin Square, and its green and friendly decor has led people to describe it as a CBD oasis.

Pedlar Project owner Jordan Rio has his business in the Townsville CBD. Picture: Evan Morgan

“We have grown and continue to grow,” Mr Rio said.

But despite the cafe’s success, Mr Rio said he understands how difficult it is to run a business in the CBD.

“The state of the city, I see it every morning as I open up my shop, it is pretty vile,” he said.

“I don’t feel like there’s much incentive for more businesses to start something here.”

Speckled Hen Antiques and Collectables owner Ian Wadsworst Fleming has worked in the CBD for more than a decade, and said it isn’t a good look.

Ian Fleming from the Speckled Hen is not happy with the state of the Townsville CBD. Picture: Evan Morgan

“The mall is what the tourists see,” he said.

On Thursday, Townsville Enterprise announced cruise tourists had rated the city 4.8 out of 5 stars, but Mr Fleming said he can’t see why.

“This is where the tourists come and this is the impression they take away of Townsville as a derelict, empty city,” he said.

Townsville is set to see 22 cruise ships pass through this summer, inviting more than 7,500 tourists into the region.

Mr Rio said the CBD needs some “serious attention” if Townsville wishes to make a good impression with tourists.

“It’s such a shame when the first and last impression isn’t particularly a good one,” he said.

“I do love being in the city and I think it has potential.”

“I do think something needs to be done, it’s not a good look.”

Originally published as Townsville business owners are calling for an urgent fix to the CBD ahead of cruise ship arrivals