Townsville City Waterfront development scheme ready for revitalisation

The revitalisation of the Townsville City Waterfront Priority Development Area (PDA) is ready to begin after the development scheme was formally adopted by the Queensland Government.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Jackie Trad said the Queensland Government, Townsville City Council and the Port of Townsville Limited had collaborated on the scheme, which establishes a blueprint to revitalise land along Ross Creek adjacent to the Townsville CBD.

“The community support for this plan was overwhelming. We received over 270 submissions with a huge majority in favour,” Ms Trad said.

“This reflects the great spirit of the Townsville community that they are not only open to change, but they are embracing it for their city.

“This development will transform Townsville’s waterfront and attract significant investment to the city, creating hundreds of jobs.”

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

“A new stadium will give us the ability to host more major events, attract more visitors to our region, and create jobs during construction and beyond,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

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

Townsville Mayor Councillor Jenny Hill said the Townsville City Waterfront PDA would drive long term investment, job creation and lifestyle opportunities in the same way The Strand did over 15 years ago.

“We now have an exciting opportunity to unlock the potential of prime areas of the CBD and create a world class inner-city precinct that will become a hub for tourism, commerce and lifestyle,” Cr Hill said.

“Investor interest in Townsville is already gaining momentum and the Townsville City Waterfront PDA development scheme will provide financiers and the development industry with greater confidence and certainty in backing major projects in the city.

“As a further sign of our commitment, the council has already commenced design work on the Waterfront Promenade project and is negotiating the purchase of the proposed site for the Integrated Sport and Entertainment Centre on the south side of Ross Creek.”

Port of Townsville Limited CEO Ranee Crosby also welcomed the adoption of the Townsville City Waterfront PDA development scheme, saying it will transform the city’s Ross Creek frontage and encourage a mixture of new uses.

“Critical for the port and our customers is ensuring that the areas between the port and CBD are carefully planned and managed so that current and future port operations are protected, and to improve the amenity of neighbouring areas around the port,” Ms Crosby said.

“A number of areas along Ross Creek also have strong historical maritime significance which is highly important to the port and many members of the community, and we will be examining ways to protect and showcase these features within public realm areas and public walkways for the community and visitors to enjoy.”

For further information on the Townsville City Waterfront PDA development scheme, visit www.townsville.qld.gov.au

Media contacts:        Deputy Premier’s Office:        0488 996 667