Townsville Update
Townsville City Council has once again demonstrated our commitment to financial stability, job creation and importantly, recovery by delivering a responsible budget for the future prosperity of our region. Our promise to the people of Townsville to deliver cost-effectiveness and efficiency will once again result in a surplus in our operating position for the 2019/20 year. Council’s sound financial position over recent years has allowed us to invest heavily in community infrastructure, which has boosted business confidence and sparked renewed investment interest in our city.
This year’s Capital Infrastructure spend of $409.1 million allocated for major infrastructure projects across our city will translate directly into jobs and community resilience. Over the last four-year term Council has allocated in excess of $1.2 billion in vital infrastructure throughout our city and has still continued to reduce debt. Townsville City Council is dedicated to improving and building the infrastructure needed for the growth of the city and create jobs for locals. The 2019/20 Budget will continue to deliver on major transport projects that will keep Townsville moving and build for our future by investing $89.1 million on road and transport infrastructure upgrades and maintenance.
We’ve also put aside $1.5 million for sealing roads in rural areas because we know quality roads are important for all residents – whether they live in the city, the suburbs or in a rural area.
At Council we are actively looking to welcome new industries to our region as they provide a catalyst and great momentum forward, creating jobs and injecting money into our region. The Lansdown Precinct at Woodstock consists of 1500 hectares of land to support development and jobs into the future. Innovative and sustainable industries are at the forefront of this Industrial Precinct. One of the key projects looking to be based at the Lansdown Industrial Precinct is the lithium-ion battery plant.
The battery plant will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs and position the city as a national leader in advanced manufacturing. Council has recently released tenders for the Lansdown Precinct to attract exciting new job-creating industries that will build our city for the future.
By creating a smarter city, we will support businesses and entrepreneurs to prototype, test and scale innovative business models, making Townsville a more attractive place to invest, relocate, and study.
As our world changes we must ensure we are not only well positioned to support new industry but empower future local generations with the skills and expertise to become industry leaders.
