Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct labelled Townsville’s number one City Deal project priority

The Queensland Government and Townsville City Council have joined forces to push for Australia’s first environmentally sustainable industrial precinct to be funded under the Townsville City Deal.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles along with Townsville’s State MPs and Mayor Jenny Hill said he would be calling on the Federal Government to fund the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct under the $195 million City Deal money.

Speaking at the Townsville Bulletin Business Breakfast: Unlock the North, Mr Miles said it was the highest priority project.

“The Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct is the number one project we want funded under the City Deal funding the Morrison Government owes Townsville,” Mr Miles said.

“The Precinct will be Australia’s first environmentally sustainable advanced manufacturing, processing and technology hub.

“It will kick-start a new age in industry that will create jobs and that North Queensland is poised to take advantage off.”

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said developing the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct had the potential to support 160 construction jobs, around 1600 ongoing jobs and more than 9100 indirect jobs.

“Lansdown is perfectly positioned to spur economic growth and job creation for Townsville and North Queensland for decades to come,” Cr Hill said.

“An investment by the Federal Government through the tripartite City Deal would ensure we unlock the precinct’s full economic potential.”

Last year, the State Government approved zoning amendments for the precinct to enable new and emerging industries such as renewable hydrogen to easily access the Port of Townsville and tap into Asia Pacific markets.

Minister for Resources and Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said three companies had already signed up to establish themselves at the precinct - Pure Minerals, Edify Energy and Imperium3. 

“A significant portion of the precinct has already been committed to advanced battery manufacturing, clean energy and battery minerals processing industries,” Mr Stewart said.

“Our Government is serious about this, that’s why we committed $12 million for road upgrades to get better access to the precinct during the 2020 election.”

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said last year the Federal Government had broken a promise to fund $195 million for Stage 2 of the Haughton Pipeline.

“The Palaszczuk Government stepped in and funded the Haughton Pipeline project,” Mr Harper said. 

“Townsville is now owed $195 million from the Morrison government for job creating, industry boosting projects - and Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct is the best project for this.”

Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said North Queensland was the place to be for the first sustainable industrial precinct in the country.

“Lansdown is ideally placed. It has easy access to the Port of Townsville which can connect suppliers and markets in Asia and the Pacific.” Mr Walker said.

“This will mean jobs and stable employment in new and existing manufacturing industries for the locals in Townsville.”

ENDS

Media contact:         Katharine Wright - 0428 957 903