City prioritises funding needs

AFFORDABLE energy, water security, infrastructure and job creation are among Townsville’s top funding priorities as government budget time approaches.

Townsville Enterprise will today launch comprehensive submissions to the State and Federal governments ahead of the 2018 budgets.

The submissions are based on consultation with local councils, Townsville Enterprise members and the wider business community.

Townsville Enterprise is calling on the Federal Government to progress the final investment decision for the development of Stage 2 of the Burdekin Falls Dam and commit to a whole- of- government approach to the development of the Big Rocks Weir.

The Government will also be asked to complete business case studies for connecting the Haughton pump station to adjoining high- voltage transmission network.

Both levels of government will be urged to police the behaviour of power generators so wholesale prices match the costs of energy production.

The submission will also recommend the Australian Defence Force conducts a study to determine infrastructure enhancements required to support the increasing presence of the Singapore military in North Queensland.

Other federal funding requests include $ 5 million for the development of the Museum of Underwater Art, and $ 2 million to support the use of macro- algae to minimise the impact of harmful sewerage flowing into the Great Barrier Reef. The State Government has been asked to complete the preliminary evaluation study and provide $ 150 million for the construction of a multipurpose Townsville Entertainment and Exhibition Centre by 2020- 22.

Townsville Enterprise chair Kevin Gill said most of the funding requests were for projects where Townsville had a competitive advantage such as defence, tropical research, exports and natural attractions.

“Townsville is in a perfect position to become the capital of Northern Australia, as long as the City Deal is appropriately executed,” he said.

“However, the basic necessities of a secure water supply and affordable power need to be urgently addressed and complemented by projects that can fill in the current gaps.”

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the recommendations had a strong focus on supporting the growth of the whole of North Queensland.

“This includes funding asks towards … Burdekin Shire Industrial Land Development and upgrades to the Mt Inkerman Rd- Bruce Highway intersection,” she said.

Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Alf Lacey said he was seeking state support towards the next stages of the new retail and business precinct on the island.

“A major obstacle to growth and opportunity on Palm Island is its underdeveloped business base,” Cr Lacey said.