Business groups praise focus on jobs
LOCAL business groups say they have faith the Townsville City Council’s “responsible” Budget will deliver muchneeded jobs to the region.
The council’s 2018- 19 Budget, which was handed down on Tuesday, included a $ 432.5 million infrastructure allocation, which is expected to generate hundreds of jobs.
Townsville Chamber of Commerce president Debbie Rains said the business com- munity had long been asking the council to spend money on job- creating projects.
“It appears to be a Budget that has delivered on what businesses have been asking for in regards to jobs,” she said.
“The expenditure on utility infrastructure is unprecedented, which speaks volumes about how seriously the council is taking this issue.”
Ms Rains said the business community backed the council’s decision to fast track con- struction of the Haughton Pipeline duplication project, even though it required borrowing more than $ 130,000 from Queensland Treasury.
“It delivers on the council’s commitment to prioritise water security,” Ms Rains said.
“The pipeline will be a critical enabler for industry development in the future.”
Ms Rains said she would be interested to see if the council’s decision to implement free 15- minute parking in the CBD would increase traffic in the area.
“I think the policy is a really good compromise.”
Townsville Enterprise directory of policy and investment Michael McMillan said the council’s Budget was “very balanced”.
“It’s focused mainly on job creation and also what we need, not just in terms of critical infrastructure, but also social infrastructure to stimulate the economy,” he said.
Mr McMillan said it was important government act as a stimulant during “lean” economic times.
“I think it was a responsible move by the council to shift the money from the Adani airstrip to focus on shovelready projects,” he said.
Mr McMillan said revitalisation of the CBD was a “key priority”.
“The way they’ve allocated funds, such as the free parking initiative, is really supportive of small and medium businesses in the CBD.”