City has plenty of positives

I READ with interest the letter from Ms Lauren Reichard ( TB 18/ 10/ 17).

I need to remind Ms Reichard that the Ogden Street Bus Hub will be delivered as promised and the final detailed design will have input from the surrounding stakeholders. It is sad that you resort to name- calling and belittling statements to try to make your argument stack up that the city is being deactivated.

We don’t need people like you knocking this great city. We need positive people to be community champions.

As you are very aware we have some individuals that want the live entertainment venues closed, restaurants closed and local hotel business activity restricted so they have no noise in the city. These are the very industries that we need in the city. Hospitality, entertainment and a vibrant lifestyle, are the way of the future for inner city living and revitalisation of our city heart.

As a council we support the North Queensland Stadium, The upgrade of Palmer St to meet community and visitor expectation and improved dining experience for all to enjoy. We have also invested in new coloured LED lighting on George Roberts Bridge in partnership with Queensland Government Works4QLD, completed lighting upgrade on Victory Bridge to LED and improved public safety, New World Cup Rugby League banners on the bridge as well.

Council is also investing $ 30,000,000 to upgrade the city centre water and waste utilities which Ms Reichard will be a beneficiary. We have the University of Central Queensland in the CBD and growing all the time. Hilton Double Tree Hotels looking at the opportunity of have one of their hotels right here.

We have an exciting 6 months ahead with World Cup Rugby League, world class cricket, a fantastic festival leading up to Commonwealth Games basketball matches in April 2018, and right here in Townsville. Our city will be in the spotlight right across the Commonwealth and Townsville will shine. CR LES WALKER,

Deputy Mayor