Townsville council needs to focus on infrastructure housing funds

Townsville has a shot at tapping into a competitive $1 billion pool set aside for regional housing projects, but one of its MPs warns the council will need to focus.

Thuringowa MP Natalie Marr conceded she had concerns the Townsville City Council would miss out on opportunities to pursue housing funding. Picture: Evan Morgan

Townsville City Council will need to be proactive to tap into a pool of $1bn in state government funding reserved for regional housing projects, as Thuringowa’s MP warns that it will be “first in, best dressed”.

But Natalie Marr said she had concerns the council’s recent leadership disputes following the suspension of its mayor Troy Thompson risked distracting it from capitalising on the state government’s efforts to alleviate a housing crisis.

She met with council representatives last month and had plans to meet with them again next week to hear updates on their housing funding proposals for the city.

“There’s been so much focus on everything else, I’m not prepared to lose our share of the funding, because we have a council that didn’t have the ability to get the job done,” she said.

The funding had been announced by David Crisafulli at the Courier Mail-Townsville Bulletin Bush Summit held last August in the lead-up to the election campaign, saying funds would be based on merit with councils all able to pitch their infrastructure needs to the government.

The then-opposition leader David Crisafulli promises regional housing funding while at the Courier-Mail/Townsville Bulletin Bush Summit. Picture: Liam Kidston

The ‘Regional Housing Infrastructure Guarantee’ was half of $2bn the new government had committed to major housing policies, and was aimed at increasing housing supply in efforts to support frontline government workers such as police officers, teachers and nurses.

It would boost funding for the basic infrastructure needed for developments such as lighting, water, sewerage and parks.

Ms Marr said that the three Townsville-based LNP MPs, which includes herself, Adam Baillie and Janelle Poole, would be doing what they could to ensure the city would get its fair share of the pool.

But it would come down to how organised the Townsville City Council was, which had recently endured internal infighting to replace its deputy mayor, after Mayor Troy Thompson was placed on a 12-month paid suspension.

Troy Thompson chairs a previous Townsville City Council meeting as mayor, before he was suspended for 12-months. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“When I met with the council after we were elected that was the first thing I put on the table,” Ms Marr said.

“I want to know how ready they were, because I know other councils are very ready for their funding proposal.

“They took it on board, they said they were in the progress, and I believe they’re at the point now where they can present something.

Townsville City Councillors vote councillor Ann-Maree Greaney in as acting mayor at a special meeting held in December. Picture: Evan Morgan

“I won’t steal their thunder but I’m very pleased to say I am meeting with them next week specifically for that.

“So I’m feeling confident that they’re ready to proceed, so now it’s our job as the three members of parliament to fight for our share.”

Ms Marr listed the housing funding among core focuses and challenges for her electorate in the new year, but other issues included lobbying for the Federal Government to fund 80 per cent of Bruce Highway repairs in the lead-up to the election expected to be held in May.

Crime levels and improved legislation was another issue, as was ensuring the delivery of the $95m Riverway Drive Stage 2 with the least amount of disruption to residents as possible.

“The experience with the first stage, we know it has to be done better, so that’s just staying engaged with them,” Ms Marr said.

Originally published as Townsville council needs to focus on infrastructure housing funds