NEW HOPE FOR HIVE PLAN

THE future of a major Townsville CBD development could be decided as early as this week by the council CEO.

The Hive’s development approval has been delegated to Townsville City Council CEO Adele Young over concerns of a conflict of interest for Mayor Jenny Hill and council- lors. The Griffin Group, which is linked to the $ 450 million project’s proponents, donated to the Hill team’s election campaign.

Cr Hill said if there was the possibility of a perceived conflict of interest, her council delegated decisions to the CEO.

THE Hive development proposed for Townsville’s CBD could be just days away from being approved after council referred the decision to the city’s CEO.

At yesterday’s Townsville City Council meeting, the decision on the project was delegated to CEO Adele Young.

The move came after it was revealed the project’s proponent, the Geon Group, was linked to the Griffin Group, which donated to the election campaign of Mayor Jenny Hill and her team, which makes up the entire council.

Brisbane- based Geon Property, in partnership with Townsville family- owned company The Gleeson Group, would develop the precinct if approved.

The $ 450 million development would cover almost an entire city block fronting The Strand and Flinders, King and Wickham streets.

Cr Hill said the decision was made to assure transparency in the process.

“For these big projects, where there is a perceived conflict of interest, we have always delegated that responsibility to the CEO and we will continue to do that during the life of this council,” she said.

The Hive development is proposed to include a library, concert hall, art gallery, offices, shops, food and drink outlets, marine- based research facility, environmental tourism, residential and short- term accommodation.

It’s estimated the project would contribute about 1900 full- time jobs during construction and about 1200 full- time jobs when completed.

Cr Hill said there had been a lot of conjecture around The Hive, particularly concerning the Criterion Hotel, a Heritage- listed site that would need to be demolished.

“I think the basis of the plan is a good outcome for that site but there are still some details in terms of the preliminary approval that the CEO will need to review,” she said. “The CEO will have to go over a number of recommendations and determine what it is that is believed to be in the best interest of the community.”

Cr Hill said she was hoping to have a final decision this week on the project.

“The CEO has just returned from holiday, and she must review all of the information first,” she said.

A development application said The Hive had the potential to give Townsville a national identity for cultural tourism and research.