Boost for new ferry terminal
A NEW ferry terminal and tourism hub will receive $ 15 million in funding from the Federal Government.
The project, which is called the Townsville Marine Tourism Precinct, has been described as a game changer.
SeaLink is working with Honeycombes Property Group on the multimillion- dollar project on the southern end of the current Breakwater Terminal.
North Queensland- based Senator Ian Macdonald said the project would be funded through the Federal Government’s Regional Growth Fund. “It’s extremely exciting to get such a large and significant amount of funding for a very important project,” he said.
Honeycombes managing director Peter Honeycombe said this was an important step and would see the precinct plans move forward.
A “GAME changer” for Townsville is a step closer after it was given $ 15 million funding.
Today the Federal Government will reveal the Townsville Marine Tourism Precinct will receive the money through its Regional Growth Fund.
SeaLink is working with Honeycombes Property Group on the multimilliondollar project.
A new ferry terminal and integrated transport and tourism hub on the southern end of the current Breakwater Ter- minal is planned for the project.
The builders have been invited to submit full business cases for assessment under the Regional Growth Fund, which is stage two of the process.
Northern- based Senator Ian Macdonald said the project would be a driving force for North Queensland’s economic growth and jobs.
“It’s extremely exciting to get such a large and significant amount of funding for a very important project,” he said.
“It’s a game- changer for North Queensland.”
The project is expected to generate opportunities in the tourism, transportation, retail, food, accommodation and education sectors.
It will also help improve connections between Townsville and Palm Island.
Honeycombes managing director Peter Honeycombe said this was an important step.
“It’s a project that we see as a significant part of marine tourism and transport for the region,” he said.
In July this year, a SeaLink spokesman said the project was a priority and SeaLink and the developer were committed to delivery by mid- 2020.
LNP candidate for Herbert Phillip Thompson said he had been “advocating” for the project and was happy to see it gain funding.
“This will create 74 jobs during construction and 445 ongoing jobs once complete,” he said. “Importantly it will be a major boon to the Townsville tourism industry.”
Mr Thompson said the ferry terminal would increase passenger movement from 1 million to 1.4 million.
“This project will also allow the creation of beautiful open spaces for locals to enjoy,” he said.