What’s happening?
Townsville City Council has launched a clean-up operation targeting abandoned camps and illegal dumping across the CBD.
The first operation was conducted in late June across several city centre locations. Teams from Community Safety, Waste and other council areas worked together during the collection.
Officers removed abandoned tents, clothing, food packaging, alcohol and drug paraphernalia from makeshift camps.
The operation forms part of the Council’s back-to-basics approach to keeping the CBD clean, safe and welcoming. Further targeted clean-ups will be carried out when required.
Why it matters?
Council believes the condition of public spaces can affect how residents, visitors and businesses experience the city centre.
Abandoned property and waste can make streets less inviting while placing added pressure on businesses working to attract customers.
The clean-up also forms part of a wider response to antisocial behaviour. Council is working with Queensland Police, government agencies and community organisations on the issue.
While waste collection will not resolve every CBD concern, it allows Council to respond directly within its responsibilities.
Local Impact
The operation aims to improve public areas used by CBD workers, residents, visitors and customers.
Cleaner streets may also support local businesses by creating a more inviting environment around shops, offices and hospitality venues.
Council said the problem extended beyond the CBD and was being addressed across Townsville. However, smaller campaigns allow teams to focus their limited resources where they can have the greatest effect.
The work will continue alongside City Safe patrols and cooperation with police, support services and local businesses.
By the numbers
- More than 300 kilograms of abandoned property and waste were collected during the first multi-team operation.
- $360,000 was included in the 2026/27 Budget to provide extra funding for City Safe patrols.
- Seven days a week is the funded operating schedule for City Safe patrols under the expanded program.
Zoom In
Mayor Nick Dametto said the operation formed part of the Council’s effort to support local businesses and improve the city centre.
“Townsville is open for business, and that starts with ensuring our city centre presents well and reflects the pride we have in our community,” Cr Dametto said. “Local businesses are working hard to attract customers and create jobs, and Council is doing everything within our remit to support them by maintaining a clean, safe and inviting CBD.”
He said abandoned camps and illegal dumping affected more than the immediate locations where waste was left.
“This sort of behaviour has no place in our CBD and has a negative impact on our city, local businesses and the broader community, which is why Council is taking action where we can,” Cr Dametto said.
Council brought together staff from several areas to carry out the operation and make better use of its available resources.
“We’ve brought together teams from Community Safety, Waste and other areas of Council as part of our back-to-basics approach to address the increasing number of abandoned camps and illegal dumping,” Cr Dametto said.
“This is a widespread issue that we are working across the entire city to address, small, targeted campaigns like this is where we can achieve the maximum outcome and benefit with our limited resources.”
Zoom Out
The clean-up forms part of a broader response involving safety patrols, police, government agencies and community services.
Cr Dametto said Council was also increasing its investment in City Safe patrols through the 2026/27 Budget.
“We’re also continuing to invest in community safety initiatives, including additional funding in the 2026/27 Budget to the tune of $360,000 for our City Safe patrols to operate seven days a week, while working closely with Queensland Police and other government and non-government agencies to address antisocial behaviour,” he said.
He said lasting improvement in the CBD would depend on cooperation between Council, government representatives, businesses, support services and the community.
“There is no single solution to revitalising the CBD, but by working collaboratively with those who can all collectively create change like our State MPs, government agencies, support services, businesses and the community, we can continue building a city centre that people want to spend time in, invest in and enjoy.”
What To Look For Next?
Council will continue targeted CBD clean-up activities when abandoned camps, illegal dumping or similar issues require a response.
The additional budget funding will also support City Safe patrols across all seven days of the week.
Continued cooperation between Council, police, businesses and support agencies may help improve confidence in the city centre over time.
