State drives Townsville waterfront transformation

Townsville’s waterfront is set for a major job-creating revitalisation with the declaration of a Priority Development Area in key parts of the city’s waterfront.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney today declared the Townsville City Waterfront Priority Development Area paving the way for the transformation of 97.2 hectares of Townsville’s outer CBD.

“The Queensland Government’s overhaul of state planning laws is creating jobs and business opportunities across Queensland’s major provincial cities and today it’s Townsville’s turn to share in that exciting process,” Mr Seeney said.

“The Townsville City Council identified parcels of land either side of Ross Creek and adjacent to the CBD where the State Government can help get much-needed developments happening more quickly to grow the city’s economy.

“We are happy to work with Council, the Port of Townsville and the private sector to develop this area, creating jobs and supporting growth in local business and tourism.”

Mr Seeney said proposals for development in the area would be assessed under a streamlined Development Approval process against criteria which would be established following public consultation.

“This Priority Development Area will lead to more efficient planning and approval decisions, faster construction starts, and a stronger Townsville economy,” he said.
 
“Early next year, the public will have the opportunity to have a say about the conditions that will apply to new developments in the waterfront precinct.”

Mr Seeney said under the new Priority Development Area, planning and approval responsibilities would be shared between the State, Council and the Port of Townsville.

“Council will have planning and development assessment responsibility for the majority of the site, but the State Government will retain responsibility for the strategic port land and will work with the Port of Townsville to facilitate development which complements port activities,” he said.

Member for Townsville John Hathaway said today’s declaration of the Priority Development Area was welcome news for the city.

“I am very happy that the Deputy Premier has been so responsive to the community’s calls for this PDA,” Mr Hathaway said.

“It will provide a unique opportunity for the city to activate prime water front space that has been under-utilised for many years.

“It will also be a catalyst for further development and with it jobs and business activity that our city needs.”

Townsville City Council Deputy Mayor, Cr Vern Veitch, said today’s announcement and the rejuvenation of the Townsville waterfront would provide a point of difference for future investment, recreation and civic life. 

“We are looking to facilitate a transformation to this area, attract private investment and attract up to 30,000 people living and working in the wider CBD by 2030,” Mr Veitch said.

“There are many opportunities for renewal, including a proposed boardwalk, pedestrian bridge, entertaining and dining strip, and parkland.

“Council and the State Government, in conjunction with the Townsville community, will explore all ideas and opportunities, and jointly develop one plan for the area.

“We are excited by this opportunity to plan for the future of Townsville that will revitalise the riverfront area and improve links to the CBD.

“This in turn will attract investment to the city and provide new facilities and amenities, benefitting Townsville businesses and residents, as well as visitors to the area.”

A draft plan for the Townsville Waterfront PDA is expected to be released for public consultation in early 2015.

[ENDS] 3 September 2014

Media Contact: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754

**Editor’s note PDA map attached