On the eve of the State Election, the future of North Queensland hangs in the balance, with the major political parties yet to make firm commitments on critical projects that will shape the region’s trajectory.
Townsville Enterprise, in partnership with North Queensland’s councils, has been advocating for the strategic investments essential to secure the region’s growth and prosperity.
Townsville Enterprise, CEO, Claudia Brumme-Smith, emphasises the stakes for the region.
“Our region’s future hinges on strategic investments in housing, workforce attraction and liveability, infrastructure and policy reforms. These projects are not optional—they are critical to securing a prosperous future for our community,” said Ms. Brumme-Smith.
The region faces pressing challenges, including the need for an additional 20,000 construction and operational workers in the next five years, coupled with an unemployment rate of less than 3.6% and rental vacancies below 1%. Without commitments to key projects, the future of North Queensland’s $30 billion project pipeline is at risk.
“North Queensland cannot afford to wait another election cycle for strategic investments. Our region is at a tipping point, and we need action now,” Ms. Brumme-Smith added.
Despite contributing over $22 billion annually to Queensland’s economy, North Queensland has yet to see the kind of reinvestment required to sustain its growth and improve liveability.
While Ms. Brumme-Smith welcomed bipartisan support for the CopperString transmission line, which will unlock renewable energy and critical minerals in the Northwest Corridor, she stressed that this is merely one piece of a larger puzzle.
“Both major parties have supported CopperString, which is a significant step forward. However, we have seen insufficient progress in other essential areas like health, housing, and tourism - projects that will drive economic prosperity for both North Queensland and the state.”
She urges the incoming government to step up and make real, tangible commitments to the North Queensland community.
“Our region has the capability and determination to lead in industries critical to the future of Queensland and the nation – but only the Katter’s Australian Party and the Australian Greens have committed investment to our region in this election which is disappointing. We need strategic investment to ensure our continued growth and liveability, and that requires the new elected government to deliver these commitments.”
“The message is clear: let’s demand not just promises, but real action and results for North Queensland – commitments the region has long deserved.”
Regardless of the election outcome, Ms. Brumme-Smith reaffirmed Townsville Enterprise’s commitment to advocacy.
“Regardless of the outcome, our advocacy will continue as we tackle key challenges such as housing, health, tourism, and liveability, alongside vital infrastructure developments. We stand united with our community, ready to positively collaborate with the incoming Government to ensure that Townsville and North Queensland receive their fair share, recognizing our role as a major contributor to both the state and national economy, with a vibrant community of 250,000 Queenslanders.”
Townsville Enterprise’s advocacy is not limited to the short term; together, we are laying the foundation for a prosperous future for Townsville and North Queensland. The time to deliver for our region is now. The needs of our community are clear, and we expect our elected representatives to respond with the urgency and specificity that these challenges demand.
Looking beyond the election, Ms. Brumme-Smith emphasised the importance of collaboration with the incoming government to deliver on the region's priority projects.
“We look forward to the opportunity to work with the new government to deliver the best outcomes for our community. By working together, we can deliver these vital projects that will shape the future of North Queensland and ensure the region continues to thrive.”
