Spurred on by the region’s strategic location and diverse economy, the growing momentum of both public and private investment is heralding a new era for Townsville.
Amounting to a staggering $42.2 billion in projects across the project pipeline lifecycle, Townsville
North Queensland is a leader in the State’s economic growth. With almost 20% of this pipeline either committed or underway, the region’s economic projection over the next decade is a significant contributor to the Queensland project forecast, equating to 15% of the total State value of projects (committed or underway).
This increase in projects forecast for the Townsville region has skyrocketed by over 2,300% in the last six years alone, evidencing that the city’s vision is (literally) breaking ground and delivering a future- focused strategy through industry collaboration.
Townsville Enterprise Director of Regional Development and Investment, Chris McDougall, says the region’s vision toward becoming Australia’s most liveable green manufacturing city is now a reality and gaining international acclaim as investments break ground on innovative projects across the full span of the region’s economic pillars.
“Our role at Townsville Enterprise has always been to secure the future of Townsville, North Queensland, working with key industry partners and all levels of Government to identify the best opportunities for this community and then advocating to remove roadblocks that will hamper our progress,” Chris says.
“Our vision to become world leaders in sustainable technologies – across all industries – is now a reality with projects committed and underway. Some of these will be a first for Australia and these projects are being delivered by locals in our own backyard.
“In partnership with our Members and the business community, the future project pipeline is a testament to the region’s tenacity in the pursuit of excellence and in seeing the region grow to claim its potential – brightening the future for generations to come.”
Marking close to a decade since the closure of the Queensland Nickel refinery which saw over 700 North Queenslanders lose their jobs, the city has rebounded into its new era with a focus on renewables leading the charge.
As a long-established hub for agriculture, mining, and tourism, in more recent times its economic base has diversified to now include renewable and onshore manufacturing, placing Townsville at the epicentre for modern industries.
Projects such as the country’s first sustainable aviation fuel plant, hydrogen production facilities, and pit-to-port vanadium battery production, are placing Townsville in a strong position as an in- demand investment destination for years to come.
“We’ve surpassed the region’s darkest days of low employment and negligible forethought to the projects on the horizon – into a new chapter which sees over 62 projects earmarked for the region, bringing with it immense opportunity for skilled employment, and economic diversity.”
“It’s an exciting future ahead for this city, and the vision of tomorrow is now in our grasp – and it’s a future we should all be proud of.”
COPPERSTRING The testament to a visionary future-focused project – CopperString was a project over 10 years in the making, with advocacy achieving its ultimate announcement goal to progress to reality in early 2023. CopperString has officially broken ground with work underway on workforce accommodation and facilities in Hughenden as part of Phase 1 of the project. CopperString 2032 is the most significant investment in economic infrastructure in North and North West Queensland in generations. Unlocking affordable renewable energy and critical minerals which will benefit Townsville, Mount Isa, and every town in between – supporting thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investment. CopperString 2032 is on track for completion by 2029, with commissioning and energisation of the transmission line expected by 2031. TOWNSVILLE BREAKWATER MASTER-PLANNED PROJECT The Morris Group has earmarked the vacant land adjacent to The Ville Resort-Casino as the next stage of its expansion. The project which is estimated to contribute $1 billion into the local economy over an eight-to-10-year period will include a mix of residential living, short-term hotel accommodation, conference and function spaces, car parking, retail, and open public areas – further enhancing Townsville’s appeal as a premier destination.
“Townsville is booming, and the demand
for not only residential development, but
also domestic and international tourism is outgrowing the city’s capacity.” – Chris Morris, Morris Group.SUN HUQ HYDROGEN HUB One of Townsville Enterprise’s first advocacy wins was securing the Sun Metals Refinery for Townsville in 1995, and the evolution of the world’s largest zinc refinery now includes its renewables arm – focusing on solar and hydrogen. Ark Energy – the sister company to Sun Metals, and a leading Australian renewable energy company – is on the way to commissioning their flagship hydrogen refuelling facility, decarbonising their fleet of heavy vehicles transporting zinc products between the refinery and the Port of Townsville.
