With less than 40 days until the 2024 State Election, Townsville Enterprise, in partnership with North Queensland’s regional councils, has unveiled the Unlock the North State Election Priorities. This comprehensive document outlines the strategic projects and policy priorities crucial for ensuring North Queensland’s long-term economic prosperity and unlocking its full potential for future generations.
Key priorities leading up to the State Election include housing solutions, workforce attraction and liveability initiatives, critical infrastructure, and policies that foster business growth and economic sustainability.
The Unlock the North initiative signifies a unified vision among North Queensland’s regional leaders. Input from Townsville City Council, Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Burdekin Shire Council, Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council, Charters Towers Regional Council, and industry members of Townsville Enterprise has shaped the document, which serves as a clear roadmap for the region’s future.
Townsville Enterprise CEO, Claudia Brumme-Smith, emphasised the importance of securing election commitments to ensure the delivery of these essential projects and policies for North Queensland and the broader State.
“Since the announcement of CopperString in March 2023, North and Northwest Queensland have experienced unprecedented growth, with public and private sector investments fuelling an economic boom across both established and emerging industries,” said Ms. Brumme-Smith.
“To accommodate our region’s projected population growth, we will need a 67% increase in current housing construction. Without new homes, we simply cannot attract the workforce required to deliver North Queensland’s $33 billion project pipeline and realise our true economic potential. That is why we are calling on all political parties to support a housing package that will unlock over 2,000 new homes and deliver more than 100 new apartments through a build-to-rent scheme in Townsville.”
Ms. Brumme-Smith further highlighted the need to make North Queensland the most liveable and attractive region in Australia.
"Housing is only part of the equation. To support workforce attraction and population growth, we must invest in catalytic projects such as a new entertainment centre, tourism infrastructure, and improved health facilities across the region. These initiatives will position Townsville as the most liveable regional city in Australia—a title our community is eager to claim."
“As a globally recognised hub for green manufacturing and critical minerals, North Queensland is at a pivotal moment.”
"What we need now are funding commitments for key projects like the Port Expansion Stage 2, Ayr Industrial Estate, RegenAqua in Hinchinbrook, and critical upgrades to the Flinders Highway. These are the lifeblood of our regional economy," Ms. Brumme-Smith said.
“Now is the time to seize the moment. With our abundant renewable resources and skilled workforce, we are poised to develop nationally significant industries in green energy, critical minerals refining, and advanced knowledge sectors. At the same time, we must address the challenges facing North Queenslanders to ensure a brighter future for all.”
North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NQROC) Chair, Mayor Liz Schmidt from Charters Towers Regional Council, said that the priorities within Unlock the North were essential to the region’s future growth.
“The countdown to state election is on. It is important to deliver a clear and concise list of priorities that will unlock billions of dollars of economic opportunities for North Queensland.”
“This election will be about ensuring that North Queensland capitalises on the growth of projects of regional importance like the Charters Towers Hospital and Renewable Energy projects.
“It is also about ensuring that we have the community, health and housing infrastructure that the region needs to manage our forecast growth.”
Read full submission here: https://issuu.com/townsvilleenterprise/docs/tel_unlockthenorth_aug2024_state_election_issue_f?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQIssuu - Publication
