20th November 2024
Townsville Enterprise is proud to share the highlights from its 2023-2024 Annual Report, underscoring a year of remarkable achievements that are transforming Townsville and North Queensland into an economic powerhouse.
With a strong commitment to advocacy, investment attraction, and project support, the region is positioned well as leaders in economies of scale, and importantly – as strategic partners in the national sovereign agenda ahead of the 2025 Federal election.
“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.”
“Our role has always been to stand as the enduring voice of the North to secure the future of Townsville North Queensland, and this year we’re proud to see over $2.5bn committed to this region, and legacy projects break ground.”
“Setting a vision and bringing this to reality is part of the role of Townsville Enterprise, and to finally see shovels in the ground for 10-year advocacy projects like CopperString is huge win – not just for the team, our Members and partners – but for the entire North Queensland community.”
“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.”
“The purpose of this organisation has always been to focus on the region’s future, and we look forward to working with our members, partners and business community to ensure the future of this region continues to grow brighter.”
“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.”
“From major infrastructure projects such as the Mater Hospital expansion, and commencement of CopperString to a booming green energy sector with new investments into Hydrogen and energy training hubs, our region is well and truly on the rise.”
“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 – and while this is an unfathomable amount of investment – projects such as Quinbrook’s state-of-the-art polysilicon manufacturing facility at Lansdown, and $100M into our new Great Barrier Reef Aquarium are projects that will put Townsville and North Queensland on the global stage.”
“The years ahead are bright – with growth across our Defence sector set to welcome 900 new families to the region, and continued investment events to bring more world-class acts such as P!nk to the Events Capital of the North, this community is on the rise.”
“We remain cognisant of external pressures and know that this road ahead will not be without its challenges – housing being a clear priority in our discussions with the new State Government and ahead as we advocate for Federal budget submissions and the Election in 2025.”
“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.”
Over the next decade, Townsville and North Queensland is set to experience a staggering $30+ billion in investment across key sectors, from infrastructure to green energy. Investments include establishing a state-of-the-art polysilicon manufacturing facility at Lansdown, powered by a large-scale solar and battery storage project it plans to build on land adjacent to Lansdown, key infrastructure investments into Lavarack Barracks amid defence posture changes announced as part of the Defence Strategic Review, and
This momentum is propelling the region to new heights, creating a tangible reality of economic expansion and job creation.
Townsville Enterprise continues to play a critical role in facilitating these investments, positioning the region as a leader in sustainable growth.
One of the standout achievements this year has been the progress of the CopperString project, the largest commitment to clean energy infrastructure in Queensland’s recent history. This transformative project will lay the foundation for a new energy era in North Queensland, supporting industries, fuelling innovation, and creating jobs. CopperString is a clear signal that North Queensland is at the forefront of the national green energy revolution, with long-term benefits for the community and the environment.
The region has made significant strides in attracting major investments, including the $2 billion-plus in Defence funding, the $530 million expansion of Townsville University Hospital, and Quinbrook's $8 billion Polysilicon Refinery. In addition, the region has secured over $2.5 billion in funding for green energy initiatives. These projects are not only boosting the local economy but also ensuring Townsville’s position as a leader in renewable energy and defence sectors on the global stage.
A standout community victory was securing the final $100 million in Federal funding to rebuild the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium. This hard-fought win was the result of years of advocacy and a powerful community movement, culminating in an announcement by the Prime Minister in August 2024. The redevelopment of the Aquarium will have a lasting impact on tourism, conservation efforts, and the local community, ensuring the region remains a global leader in marine research and education.
Townsville’s tourism sector is thriving, with over 300 sales meetings held across Australia, the UK, Europe, and Singapore. Interest in the region has never been stronger, with the opening of the new 5-star Ardo hotel and a record number of Townsville operators attending the Australian Tourism Exchange. The region’s events calendar continues to shine, with P!nk’s sell-out concerts at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in March 2024 injecting more than $40 million into the local economy. As the Events Capital of the North, Townsville continues to prove it is a dynamic destination for major events and entertainment.
While major wins are cause for celebration, Townsville Enterprise also recognizes the small victories that make a big impact. This year, the team of 60 local tourism ambassador volunteers welcomed the millionth visitor to the Information Centre. Their dedication and passion for promoting Townsville North Queensland have been truly inspiring, and their tireless work continues to build the region’s reputation as a must-visit destination.
Looking Ahead:
Townsville Enterprise is committed to continuing this momentum, building on the solid foundation laid in 2023-2024. Ahead of the Federal Government election in 2025, the region is well placed as leaders in clean energy, infrastructure and tourism.
