What’s happening?
Townsville Enterprise has secured over $2.5 billion in investments during the 2023-2024 financial year, marking a pivotal year for the region.
The funds are part of a broader $30 billion investment pipeline set to transform Townsville and North Queensland across key sectors, including clean energy, defence, healthcare, and tourism.
Chairman Kevin Gill highlighted the significance of the milestone: “Celebrating 33 years in business this year, Townsville Enterprise is proud to be a driving force in the region’s transformation, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the business and civic community of Townsville North Queensland.”
Why it matters?
These investments are set to propel Townsville to the forefront of national and global initiatives in renewable energy, defence, and economic growth.
Projects such as the CopperString clean energy infrastructure and Quinbrook’s $8 billion polysilicon refinery will generate jobs, drive innovation, and solidify Townsville’s reputation as a leader in sustainable development.
“The last financial year has been a true turning point for the region – taking a vision and turning this into reality, setting the path ahead for an evolution in the Townsville North Queensland story,” said CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith.
Local Impact
- The CopperString project broke ground, ushering in a new era of clean energy for North Queensland.
- Townsville’s defence sector is expanding, with $2 billion in funding and 900 new families moving to the region.
- The $100 million redevelopment of the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium will boost tourism, education, and marine conservation efforts.
- Over $40 million was injected into the local economy from P!nk’s sell-out concerts, reinforcing Townsville’s status as the Events Capital of the North.
By the Numbers
- $2.5bn: Secured for 2023-2024 projects.
- $30bn: Total investment pipeline for the next decade.
- $8bn: Quinbrook polysilicon refinery investment at Lansdown.
Zoom In
Kevin Gill reflected on the progress of long-term projects like CopperString: “To finally see shovels in the ground for 10-year advocacy projects like CopperString is a huge win – not just for the team, our Members and partners – but for the entire North Queensland community.”
The region’s burgeoning tourism sector also shone this year. “This isn’t just talk—it’s a tangible reality, driven by an historic $30 billion project pipeline set to unfold in the next 10 years,” Brumme-Smith added.
Zoom Out
These achievements bolster Townsville’s position as a key player in Australia’s economic, defence, and environmental landscape. “With our advocacy efforts and our commitment to investment attraction, we continue to work in partnership with our regional Councils and Members to shape a future that’s not just economic, but sustainable and innovative,” Gill stated.
What to Look for Next?
Townsville Enterprise will continue advocating for housing, infrastructure, and Federal budget support as it prepares for the 2025 Federal Election.
Further investments in clean energy hubs, tourism, and defence are on the horizon to sustain this momentum and ensure Townsville’s bright future.
As Brumme-Smith affirmed, “We’ll continue to push for the infrastructure, the policies, and the investments that will ensure Townsville North Queensland thrives; receiving our fair share for the contribution this region makes to the state and national landscape.”
