Charters boosts its TEL funds

T OWNSVI L L E E n t e r p r i s e has received a major boost to its membership base, with Charters Towers Regional Council increasing its annual contribution to the organisation by nearly $ 15,000.

The council has upgraded its membership from a bronze level – $ 7260 a year – to silver, which is $ 22,000 a year.

Charters Towers Mayor Frank Beveridge said the council had worked closely with TEL in the past 18 months.

“TEL is the peak economic development and tourism promoter for our region and, recognising that, this council will remain most proactive in promoting our region with TEL’s assistance, which I believe is of a high quality,” he said.

“We now have TEL listening to us but we have to put in a lot of effort to make sure this happens on an ongoing basis. I believe this membership upgrade will take the promotion of the Charters Towers region to the next level.”

TEL chief executive Patricia O’Callaghan said the organisation would work with the council to promote tourism and economic infrastructure in the region, including water and energy projects on the Burdekin River.

“This is a positive decision by Charters Towers Regional Council and reflects the fact that what is good for Townsville is good for the region, and what is good for the region is good for Townsville,” she said.

TEL also recently inked a new three- year agreement with Townsville City Council.

The organisation will receive $ 305,000 a year from the council for core administrative tasks, as well as additional funding for “agreed services”.

TEL also receives income from other councils, with Palm Island, Hinchinbrook and Burdekin bronze members.