Board to plan site’s big future

A BOARD of nine business leaders tasked with steering Townsville’s southern industrial corridor will meet for the first time today, two months after the Government resumed swathes of land at Stuart and Cluden for potential third party development.

The establishment of the Townsville Industrial Development Board by the State Goverment is part of its commitment under the Townsville City Deal.

Townsville City Council Mayor Jenny Hill said the board would ensure a “more strategic approach” to industrial development.

“The board’s aim is to provide a co- ordinated and clear vision for future industrial developments in Townsville that will help attract investment from the private sector,” Cr Hill said.

State Development, Manufacturing and Infrastructure Minister Cameron Dick said the board would work to facilitate industrial development in Townsville’s medium and heavy industrial precincts.

Mr Dick said they would use their expertise in town planning, project management, engineering, local government, development law, transport and logistics.

“They will also work to secure priority industrial sites to attract freight and port- related businesses and services to Townsville’s industrial areas, including the Townsville State Development Area,” he said.

The State Government resumed 810ha of land on both sides of the Southern Port Rd in June from mining company Glencore.

The lack of government control over the Townsville State Development Area, where much of the land has been held privately, has long been a criticism of the region’s business leaders.

Board members include council chief executive Adele Young, Port of Townsville CEO Ranee Crosby and JCU Provost Chris Cocklin.