With just two weeks until Queensland heads to the polls on 26 October 2024, Townsville Enterprise, the region’s peak advocacy body, has unveiled its first Election Scorecard. The Scorecard assesses commitments from all political parties against Townsville North Queensland’s State Election Priorities, revealing that minor parties are currently leading the way in pledging support for critical infrastructure and economic development projects.
Despite this, several major infrastructure needs remain unmet, and Townsville Enterprise is calling on all political parties to address these urgent gaps.
Townsville Enterprise, CEO, Claudia Brumme-Smith, stressed the importance of ensuring Townsville North Queensland is not sidelined during this election.
“Our region’s future depends on targeted investments in housing, health, tourism, water security, and port infrastructure. These aren’t optional extras—they are essential to unlocking North Queensland’s full potential and securing a prosperous future for our community,” Ms. Brumme-Smith said.
“As a region we are anticipating a requirement for an additional 20,000 construction and operational workers in the next five years. With an unemployment rate of less than 3.6% and rental vacancies below 1%, we can’t wait another election cycle to see strategic investment commitments delivered. Our more than $30 billion project pipeline is at risk without full funding commitments to these key areas.”
She highlighted that Townsville North Queensland is one of this nation’s most strategically important regions, and our contribution to Queensland’s economy, should not be underestimated.
“Townsville North Queensland contributes over $22 billion to Queensland’s economy each year. Our communities deserve to see that wealth reinvested into the region to drive continued growth and liveability.”
While Ms. Brumme-Smith welcomed bi-partisan support for the delivery of CopperString, Australia’s largest transmission line project, she pointed out the lack of progress on other vital initiatives:
“It’s encouraging to see both major parties backing CopperString, which will unlock renewables and critical minerals in the Northwest Corridor. But beyond this, we’ve seen little from the major parties in terms of commitments to health, housing, tourism, and liveability. These are the projects that will drive economic prosperity for both North Queensland and the state as a whole.”
“We need all political parties to step up and make real commitments to the North Queensland community to ensure economic growth and improve quality of life for North Queenslanders. Our region has the capacity, capability, and determination to lead in key industries the world demands.”
Townsville Enterprise remains resolute in being a strong voice for the region and will continue to hold all political parties accountable as election day approaches and in the weeks and months after, regardless of who forms government post-election.
