Townsville SDA Development Strategy released

Published Thursday, 07 February, 2013 at 02:30 PM

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Jeff Seeney

Queensland’s Coordinator-General today approved the Development Opportunities Strategy for the Townsville State Development Area (TSDA).

On announcing its approval Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the strategy outlined an exciting future for the TSDA.

“The strategy identifies the development opportunities available in the TSDA and will inform amendments to the Development Scheme for the TSDA,” Mr Seeney said.

“The TSDA, declared in 2003, expands 4,900ha immediately south of the Port of Townsville and has the capacity to accommodate large scale industrial development.

“One of the key goals identified in the strategy is to maximise development and infrastructure investment – we want industries to take advantage of the strategic location of the TSDA and efficiently use port, road and rail infrastructure.

“The strategy also aims to protect areas of environmental significance and establish a development framework that provides for the long-term.”

The land use elements of the strategy differ from the Development Scheme for the TSDA in the following ways:

  • ecological corridors and environmental conservation areas better align with areas of environmental value
  • development areas are based on detailed flood modelling
  • there is a greater range of precinct types and preferred land use intents
  • identification of a preferred service centre location in the TSDA
  • identification of required infrastructure networks
  • identification of preferred staging of development
The strategy underwent targeted consultation with key groups including Townsville City Council, Port of Townsville, government agencies and landholders.

“Townsville is key to the continued growth of Queensland and is a major hub for development in the state’s north,” Mr Seeney said.

“We need to ensure we get the development mix right, and that is exactly what this strategy outlines.

“Currently my department is drafting amendments to the Development Scheme and will have these completed later this year.”

For more information on the Development Opportunities Strategy for the TSDA visit: http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/coordinator-general/townsville-state-development-area.html

[ENDS] 7 February 2013

Media contact:
Kate Haddan 0418 373 516