What’s happening?
An agreement has been finalised to support the transformation of Townsville’s historic North Rail Yards.
The partnership between the Crisafulli Government, Townsville City Council and local developer BM Webb will fund restoration and remediation works across the site.
These works will prepare the precinct for future high-density residential housing, public spaces and commercial development.
The project focuses on revitalising the long-abandoned rail yard while preserving its heritage features.
Located within the Townsville Waterfront Priority Development Area and adjacent to Queensland Country Bank Stadium, the site is positioned at the centre of the city’s growth plans.
Originally established in the 1880s, the North Rail Yards operated as a Queensland Rail maintenance depot before closing in 1990.
Since then, the site has remained unused and deteriorated, becoming a derelict area within the CBD.
Treasurer David Janetzki said the project would help deliver long-term benefits for Queenslanders.
“We are delivering more Queenslanders a place to call home and a better lifestyle through a stronger economy after Labor’s decade of decline,” Treasurer Janetzki said.
Why it matters?
The redevelopment is aimed at increasing housing supply in Townsville through high-density residential options.
This is seen as critical for regional cities facing housing shortages.
The project also removes a major barrier to development by addressing contamination and stabilising heritage structures.
“With Townsville’s population set to grow by at least 40,000 people in the next 15 years, vibrant housing and commercial precincts like North Rail Yards are critical,” Treasurer Janetzki said.
“Our $35 million investment addresses the most significant financial hurdle of the project to cover remediation and heritage stabilisation works, making the site ‘development-ready’.”
The redevelopment is also positioned as part of broader efforts to improve lifestyle and economic outcomes.
Local Impact
The project is expected to activate Townsville’s CBD and support economic activity.
Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said the redevelopment responds to community concerns raised by residents.
“Townsville residents voiced their concerns about youth crime, housing, energy and the state of the healthcare system when voting for a fresh start,” he said.
“The Crisafulli Government is listening and delivering, increasing residential development opportunities in the CBD will help breathe new life into the area while addressing the housing shortage.”
Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto said the project reflects both the city’s history and future needs.
“The rail yards were one of the first projects I visited after becoming mayor,” he said.
“Council recognised the potential of this vacant site and worked to secure funding for what will be a gateway to our city centre.
“This is a rare opportunity to convert a dilapidated site into a residential and commercial hub that honours our past and embraces our future.”
Local developer and CEO of BM Webb Group Brad Webb said the project would be significant for the city.
“The Webb Group has been investing in Townsville for more than 47 years and we are proud to keep reinvesting locally in projects that strengthen the city’s future while respecting its history,” Mr Webb said.
By the numbers
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A total of $35 million has been committed to fund remediation and heritage stabilisation works, removing key barriers to development.
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The North Rail Yards site covers 4.5 hectares within the Townsville Waterfront Priority Development Area, near major city infrastructure.
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Townsville’s population is projected to grow by at least 40,000 people over the next 15 years, increasing demand for housing.
Zoom In
A key focus of the project is the removal of contaminated materials across the site.
Historic rail buildings will also be stabilised and restored as part of the redevelopment process.
Brad Webb said these works require careful planning and execution.
“There is a vast amount of contaminated material that must be carefully removed and replaced, and the historic rail buildings must be stabilised and restored.
“We appreciate the cooperation of both State and local government and ask the community to bear with us during the works.”
Zoom Out
The North Rail Yards project forms part of a broader push to increase housing supply across Queensland.
High-density housing developments are being prioritised to address shortages in regional centres.
The redevelopment also reflects efforts to balance heritage preservation with future growth.
What to look for next?
Attention is now on remediation and restoration works as the site is prepared for future development.
Progress on housing and commercial planning will shape the next stage of the precinct’s transformation.
