Townsville City Council’s 2023/24 Budget and Operational Plan has laid the foundations for the continued delivery of essential services while progressing multiyear major projects.
The 2023/24 budget was adopted at this week’s Ordinary Council Meeting and continues Council’s commitment to projects like the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct, Haughton Pipeline Project Stage 2 and the North Rail Yards development.
Mayor Jenny Hill said these major projects are about supporting Townsville’s growth and transition to industries of the future all while investing in Townsville as a liveable city through investment and jobs.
“Funding of $110 million has been secured for the construction of the Haughton Pipeline Project Stage 2 as work continues on the vital water infrastructure project,” Cr Hill said.
“This vital water infrastructure project has been largely funded by the state government and the importance of this pipeline for Townsville’s growth cannot be overstated.
“Townsville is one of the fastest growing cities in northern Australia and projects like the Haughton Pipeline are essential if the city is to support the expected growth in residents and industry.
“The pipeline is about securing Townsville’s long-term water security needs.”
More than $55 million has been committed by the state and federal governments to the construction and development of the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct.
“Lansdown will be northern Australia’s foremost precinct for advanced manufacturing, processing, technology and emerging industries and will help support the jobs of tomorrow for Townsville,” she said.
“The project has received significant interest and commitments from the state and federal governments along with industry.
“This money is allocated in this budget to help progress the project and support the development of future industries like green hydrogen and battery manufacturing in Townsville.”
Cr Hill said Council had also successfully advocated the federal government to fund the North Queensland Simulation and Defence Industry Hub (NQ Spark).
“This initiative will bring together the defence, health and knowledge industries and will create skilled employment opportunities for our city,” she said.
“We thank the federal government for seeing the importance of investing $32.2 million into this project.”
Planning and Development Committee chairperson Mark Molachino said Council’s investment in the North Rail Yards project in this year’s budget was proof that it’s committed to providing a reliable and affordable city housing for Townsville.
“Housing affordability and availability is one of the big issues facing our region and Council is doing what it can to help resolve the issue, including investing $3.1 million in this year’s budget to the North Rail Yards project,” Cr Molachino said.
“The investment will help towards establishing the space as a central hub for affordable housing and commercial activity.
“Council wants the space to be a city gateway precinct that would provide high-density housing, commercial activity and cultural activation for the community.”
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