Press Release – Townsville Enterprise
Townsville Enterprise has released its 2017/18 Townsville North Queensland State Election Priorities with a sharp focus on securing sustainable energy pricing and access for North Queensland.
The priorities are a call to action to the State Government ahead of a looming State Election to provide targeted financial and policy assistance for vital community focused projects and job generating infrastructure.
The priorities were developed based on broad consultation with Townsville City Council, Burdekin Shire Council, Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Charters Towers Regional Council and Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council, along with broader business and industry across the region.
Townsville Enterprise Chair Kevin Gill said the priority issues of energy and water were crippling industry and impacting communities across North Queensland.
“For a region abundant with natural resources it is unacceptable to live with the unsustainable costs of accessing these basic necessities”, said Mr. Gill said.
Mr. Gill said majority of the State priorities are aligned to the City Deal and North Queensland’s competitive advantages in areas such as Defence, Tropical Research and Innovation, and Tourism.
“Townsville and the broader region have been doing it tough in recent years and we need targeted government investment and policy to support growth, attract investment and stimulate business confidence”.
Townsville Mayor Cr Jenny Hill said with water security for Townsville now achieved thanks to the Water Taskforce, and $225 million in Queensland Government funding, the focus was now on growing new jobs.
“Our next major priority is the development of a Lithium-ion Battery manufacturing plant and the thousands of direct and indirect jobs that come along with it,” Cr Hill said.
“Funding the feasibility study for this Australian first project would see not only Townsville, but Queensland move onto the global innovation stage. Importantly it will replace and exceed the jobs lost from the QNI closure.”
Hinchinbrook Mayor Ramon Jayo said that the key to ensuring the region is at the forefront of the State Government’s mind is a united approach.
“In order to secure the projects and polices important to Hinchinbrook we are working with all the councils in the Townsville North Queensland region and presenting a collaborative list of priorities to the State Government”, said Cr Jayo.
“We are a stronger force if all five councils work together for the betterment of the region”.
Supporting the Water and Energy priorities are a package of projects and policies that will drive new job generation, create economic opportunity and encourage business and industry to invest.
Townsville Enterprise is calling on the State Government to commit to the following:
Critical Infrastructure:
– Lower Energy Prices
– Water Security for North Queensland
Port City:
– Channel Capacity Upgrade Project
– Mount Isa to Townsville Rail Connection
– Townsville State Development Area
Destination Development:
– Townsville Entertainment and Exhibition Centre
– Museum of Underwater Art
– Drive It
– State of Origin Bid
– Townsville Concert Hall
Innovation & New Industries:
– Townsville North Queensland – Defence Industries Development Agenda
– Lithium-ion Battery Plant
– Australian Tropical Biosecurity Network
– Reinstatement of Economic Development Funding
– Palm Island Retail and Business Precinct
The 2017/18 Townsville North Queensland State Election Priorities document can be viewed here.
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