Waterfront Promenade a landmark for Townsville

The first stage of community infrastructure within the Waterfront Priority Development Area (PDA) will be underway within months with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Mayor Jenny Hill today announcing $28 million for construction of Stage 1 of the Waterfront Promenade.

Up to 60 jobs are expected to be created during the project that will be funded by council and the State government’s Catalyst Infrastructure Program through the Advancing Our Cities and Regions strategy.

In announcing the funding for the first stage of the $28 million project, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Townsville CBD Waterfront Promenade was a prime example of the Queensland Government’s new, Advancing Our Cities and Regions strategy.

Under the arrangement, the State Government and Council will each provide $14 million, with Council to pay back 70 per cent of the State’s investment over 10 years.

“This project is the beginning of a landmark revitalisation of Townsville’s CBD, which will encourage further local economic development while also delivering 11 jobs during construction,” the Premier said.

“This is the start of a major transformation for Townsville and I can’t wait to see it become a reality.

“With flow on economic benefits, including 60 direct jobs, this project is another example of how my Government is delivering for Townsville.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Jackie Trad said that the project was funded through the government’s Catalyst Infrastructure Program.

“The $14 million from our Catalyst Infrastructure Program will kick-start this project which, when complete, will become a catalyst and focus point for economic development across the region.

“Investing in this kind of community infrastructure is key to attracting private sector investment. We have seen this happen with similar projects like the Strand Foreshore and Riverwalk in Brisbane which have become the heart of significant urban renewal and employment hubs.”

Mayor Jenny Hill said the project would be a landmark one for Townsville that would eventually link the upper reaches of the Ross River to the CBD and beyond to Pallarenda.

“The promenade is the key to opening up areas along the creek and transforming Townsville’s inner-city area into an exciting world-class lifestyle precinct,” Cr Hill said.

“Establishing a network of paths and boardwalks from the Strand to the CBD, linking both sides of the creek will encourage new residential, commercial and business development in the Waterfront area.

“Importantly, the concept design for Stage 1 has been completed by a locally-based company, meaning we will be ready to commence work on site as early as April.”

Minister Assisting the Premier for North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke said that this project was integral to the growth of Townsville’s tourism sector.

“The 5.9 km promenade will run through some of Townsville’s most iconic spots – connecting from the top of Ross River, running through the heart of the CBD, then onto the world-class Strand Foreshore, Jezzine Barracks Parklands and to Cape Pallarenda.

“Large sections of this area are vacant and unused and this project represents a fantastic opportunity to transform our city with a vibrant CBD precinct that is attractive to both tourists and businesses.”

Stage one of the Waterfront Promenade project will rejuvenate a 1 kilometre stretch of Ross Creek frontage with a pedestrian and cycle pathway running from Reef HQ and the Museum of Tropical Queensland through to Lowths Bridge on Stanley Street.

The designs of Stage One have been completed by locally based design company SMEC Australia.

Media contact: Premier's office 3719 7000