Battery factory study, pipeline funding, walkways top Hill’s list

FUNDING for a battery factory feasibility study, an advanced manufacturing hub, the Haughton water supply pipeline and the stadium precinct walkways are on the Townsville City Council wish list for today’s State Budget.

Mayor Jenny Hill said she wanted to ensure the state delivered on an election promise to contribute $ 3.1 million towards a feasibility study for a battery manufacturing plant proposed by the Imperium3 consortium.

She said the project, along with plans for an advanced manufacturing hub, could go a long way to ensuring long- term jobs for the city.

On the stadium now under construction in the inner- city, Cr Hill said there were obviously other works needed in and around the stadium precinct and the council would like to see some commitment funding for that.

“We need to have a good look at the precinct around it. The funding for the construction of the stadium didn’t necessarily include some of the auxiliary services, particularly walkways and things like that,” Cr Hill said.

“We’d like to see some support funding there so we are able to ensure that precinct is complete the day the stadium opens.” to

Cr Hill said there were further discussions the council would like to have with the government on how to make the previously announced Waterfront Promenade walkway from the stadium along Ross Creek to ReefHQ more attractive.

“What we have there is an opportunity to create, in one hit, a whole facility,” Cr Hill said. “I don’t want to go back and do little bits and pieces after the stadium is complete.”

Cr Hill said she hoped the State Government could bring forward funding for the $ 200 million Haughton pipeline project.

While “the bureaucrats” had thought the project would need four years to complete, the council was finishing it in two years, she said.

“We’ve made representation to government. I’m hopeful we’ll see a good announcement in the budget,” Cr Hill said.