Townsville community to have a strong say on waterfront revitalisation

Hundreds of jobs and development opportunities in the Townsville area are a step closer following an announcement by Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Jackie Trad that the Townsville City Waterfront Priority Development Area is open for consultation.

Ms Trad encouraged residents to have their say on the PDA that will transform of 97 hectares of waterfront land in Townsville’s city centre into a world-class precinct of apartments, retail and commercial facilities and public spaces.

“This is a plan to transform Townsville into a world-class destination that will attract significant investment to the city, create jobs and boost the economy,” Ms Trad said.

“Community consultation is important to the Palaszczuk Labor Government, and we invite the Townsville community to have their say on this development scheme.

“Council forecasts that 30,000 people will be living and working in the wider CBD by 2030, and this project will play a major role in this growth.

“The economic development of Townsville is not only important for the city itself, but for the regional communities surrounding it.

“This project is a good example of the benefits of having a streamlined planning and development framework in place to boost economic and community development,” Ms Trad said.

Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland, Coralee O’Rourke said the Palaszczuk Labor Government had committed $100 million to support the development of a stadium as part of the project.

“This is a strong example of our commitment to seeing Townsville reach its full potential as an economic powerhouse in the north,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“We want to reinforce Townsville’s position as a strong, thriving city that will draw new residents, visitors and investment, and offer many opportunities for small businesses and jobs.”

Mayor Jenny Hill welcomed the government’s support for the Townsville City Waterfront PDA as a significant step in driving new investment, construction and jobs in Townsville.

“I want to thank the Palaszczuk Labor Government for their vote of confidence in Townsville and for the work EDQ has done with us and the Port of Townsville Limited to facilitate the Waterfront PDA,” Cr Hill said.

“We now have an opportunity to deliver a once-in-a-generation project that will take Townsville to a whole new level as a lifestyle and investment destination, just as The Strand did 15 years ago.

“The Waterfront vision will provide a 15 to 20-year plan to transform the inner-city area along Ross Creek into a world-class attraction, and it’s vital the community has a say.

“Today marks the start of an extensive public consultation campaign and the opportunity for residents to learn more about The Waterfront and the concepts being proposed.

“We want people to go online and visit the displays, check out the 3D fly-through, meet face to face with planning staff and make a submission.

“The Waterfront vision includes exciting ideas incorporating pedestrian boardwalks and bridges, arts and cultural facilities, residential and retail opportunities, public open space, and the proposed integrated stadium and entertainment centre, and the community will be able to see the great potential for our city.”

Port of Townsville Limited CEO Ranee Crosby also encouraged residents to have their say on the proposed development scheme.

“We’re pleased to be partnering with Council and EDQ to transform our city’s waterfront, and want to hear the community’s feedback and suggestions on the proposed development scheme,” Ms Crosby said.

“The proposed development scheme has a strong focus on bringing people back to the waterfront, with complementary precincts linked by land and water connections, ensuring that each contributes to the successful growth and modernising of the City, the port and the region.”

The Townsville City Waterfront PDA was declared on 5 September 2014, and is a joint project between the Queensland Government’s commercialised business unit Economic Development Queensland, Townsville City Council and the Port of Townsville Limited.

Public consultation is open for 30 business days until 18 August 2015.

Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office 0488 996 667