Townsville Enterprise, the region’s peak economic development and tourism body, is this week celebrating its 33rd anniversary of advocating for and securing the future of Townsville North Queensland.
The milestone coincides with the announcement that the organisation has successfully secured private and public investment and economic outputs totalling more than $70 billion—an amount almost double the annual output of countries like Iceland or Papua New Guinea.
Townsville Enterprise Chairman Kevin Gill highlights that the region's prosperous economic outlook is a testament to more than three decades of collaboration with industry and government.
“Over the past 33 years, our collaboration with industry, government, and our growing membership base has resulted in more than $70 billion in investment and economic returns for our city and region,” Mr Gill said.
“The success of Townsville Enterprise is intrinsically tied to the success of our city and region. For our team and the industry partners that support us, there is no greater pride than that which we take in our mission to secure the future of North Queensland.”
“As a membership-based not-for-profit organisation, it is with the support of our members and partners that we can deliver for North Queensland, and in celebrating this milestone, we extend our gratitude to the North Queensland business community for its unwavering commitment to Townsville Enterprise and the economic prosperity of the region.”
Townsville Enterprise has championed major projects such as Queensland Country Bank Stadium, the Defence Strategic Review, Sun Metals Zinc Refinery, Carmichael Mine, CopperString and – most recently – the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium.
Townsville Enterprise CEO, Claudia Brumme-Smith emphasises that the economic wins are driving outcomes for generations ahead of us.
“The total economic impact from our advocacy is a huge milestone, but what we take greater satisfaction in is what this means for the future of North Queensland. Driving investment attraction that will see the creation of over 4,200 permanent local jobs across major projects in the next six years is contributing to a prosperous economic outlook for generations to come,” Ms Brumme-Smith said.
“Townsville North Queensland is on the most significant growth trajectory we’ve seen in over a decade, and the growing demand and interest in our city from both investors and regional relocators, is only expected to continue – and our team will proudly continue to champion for the region we call home.”
Townsville Enterprise was established by Townsville City Council in 1991 under the leadership of then-Mayor Tony Mooney. Reflecting on the role of the peak economic body, Mr. Mooney, now a life member of Townsville Enterprise takes great pride in the organisation’s ongoing success.
“Townsville Enterprise has played a crucial role in every major project and investment in our region for over a generation, bringing lasting benefits to our community,” Mr Mooney said.
“I am immensely proud to witness the ongoing successes and continuous support for Townsville Enterprise. As a city, we were in a challenging economy in 1991 and needed a strong advocacy voice independent of government to attract new investment and promote our city.”
“33 years later, with over $70 billion in investment and economic and lifestyle benefits, I believe Townsville Enterprise is more important than ever to help our city and the region?continue to thrive.”
