Land sale plan to push growth
THE State Government has launched a new initiative to encourage industrial development in Townsville, offering hundreds of hectares of land on the city’s southern corridor for sale.
It is also reviewing provisions of the development scheme guiding the Townsville State Development Area to simplify planning assessments.
The moves have been welcomed by civic leaders but doubts remain about a lack of trunk infrastructure to support industry.
There is also concern about a lack of focus on the needs of industrial users, particularly mining and mineral processing proponents in northwest Queensland.
The Government’s Department of State Development is leading the latest push that has emerged from commitments in the 2016 inter- governmental City Deal.
Governments agreed to establish a Townsville Industrial Development Board to lead investment attraction, while the City Deal recognised Townsville as the preferred location for industrial development in North Queensland.
The industrial development board convened its first meeting in September and in June the Coordinator- General resumed 810ha of land in the State Development Area at Stuart from mining company Glencore.
About 310ha of this land flanking the Townsville port access road is now being offered for sale to developers in an expression of interest campaign.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said Townsville’s prime advantage was its ability to offer development land well serviced by major in- Townsville frastructure with direct connections to national highways and close to the port.
“A strong Townsville makes for a strong North Queensland, and maximising Townsville’s SDA is crucial to achieving long- term economic and employment growth,” Mr Dick said.
“This land is uniquely positioned close to the city centre, close to the port, and with direct access to rail, roads, and a workforce eager to take advantage of every industrial opportunity presented to them.”
Mr Dick said 16 developments had been approved in the State Development Area since its declaration in 2003, including Aurizon’s freight distribution centre and Sun Metals zinc refinery’s solar farm.
Key changes in the development scheme include fewer precincts and passing control of lot reconfiguration assessment from Townsville City Council to the CoordinatorGeneral. Mayor Jenny Hill welcomed the opportunity.
“The Townsville SDA will be important in attracting major industrial developments of regional, state and national significance,” Cr Hill said.
Senior valuer and project manager with Opteon Property Group Jennifer- Lee Sinclair said limited development had occurred in the State Development Area because of a lack of trunk infrastructure and, until recently, a lack of coordinated infrastructure planning. She hoped the changes would lead to a more streamlined application process. Townsville Enterprise CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said it had received inquiries on the Townsville State Development Area.
“Most parties are attracted to its central location and proximity to Townsville’s logistical infrastructure,” Ms O’Callaghan said.