Townsville Enterprise congratulates Chris Morris and The Morris Group on today’s announcement of a transformative master plan for Townsville’s Breakwater precinct. This visionary project will deliver much-needed housing, boost the region’s tourism sector, and inject an estimated $1 billion into the local economy over the next eight years.
The Morris Group has earmarked the vacant land adjacent to The Ville Resort-Casino as the next stage of its expansion. The proposed development will include a mix of residential living, short-term hotel accommodation, conference and function spaces, car parking, retail, and open public areas—further enhancing Townsville’s appeal as a premier destination.
Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith commended The Morris Group’s unwavering commitment to North Queensland.
“In recent years, The Morris Group has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into our region, reshaping our tourism landscape with luxury experiences never seen before in Townsville," Ms Brumme-Smith said.
“From the transformation of The Ville Resort-Casino to the opening of our first five-star hotel, Ardo, and the creation of world-class island getaways at Pelorus and Orpheus Islands, The Morris Group has set a new benchmark for excellence. Their dedication to delivering first-class products and exceptional visitor experiences—while championing our local community—is truly unmatched."
“Today’s announcement is not just an investment in infrastructure but a testament to Townsville North Queensland’s position as one of the fastest-growing tourism regions in the country. The confidence shown by The Morris Group reinforces the strength and potential of our visitor economy.”
This announcement also comes as Townsville faces increasing housing pressures. New data reveals that 10,000 new homes will be needed across the region in the next decade to meet growing demand.
Ms Brumme-Smith stressed the urgency of addressing the housing shortage.
“Townsville’s population is growing, and demand for workers continues to rise. With a $41 billion pipeline of projects proposed in this region, and further migration expected, housing supply simply isn’t keeping up."
“Our region has faced a housing crisis for too long, with rental vacancy rates sitting around 1%. The inclusion of residential living within the Breakwater master plan is a positive step, and we commend The Morris Group for recognising this urgent need. We encourage all levels of government to support this project and fast-track solutions to ensure Townsville remains an attractive place to live and work.”
This investment reinforces Townsville’s status as a dynamic, forward-looking city—one that continues to grow and evolve with the needs of its residents and visitors alike.
