Board ready to drive city

A HIGH- POWERED board of government and business leaders has been appointed to head up the Townsville Industrial Development Board.

The Queensland Government has established the board as part of the key commitments under the intergovernmental Townsville City Deal.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the board would lead investment attraction, market engagement and co- ordinate case management for potential investors in Townsville’s industrial areas.

“Townsville’s prime advantage is its ability to offer investors development land well serviced by major infrastructure, with direct connections to national highways and in proximity to world- class port facilities,” Mr Dick said.

“The board of nine experienced business leaders will continue to build on North Queensland’s reputation as a premier location for industrial development projects of re- gional, state and national significance, and will work to boost investment and jobs in the region.”

Mr Dick said the appointments followed an extensive search across Queensland for industry and government leaders with a proven track record of championing regional economic growth.

The board members are: Rachel Hunter, director general Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning; Barry Broe, Queensland Coordinator- General, Office of the Co- ordinator- General; Adele Young, chief executive officer Townsville City Council; Ranee Crosby, chief executive officer Port of Townsville; Stephen Cantwell, non- executive director SASCAN Advisory Pty Ltd; Patrick Brady, executive director Premise; Professor Chris Cocklin, Provost James Cook University; Connie Navarro, Special Counsel Emanate Legal; Stephen Motti, director Brazier Motti.

The board convened its first meeting on September 25.

Mr Dick said the board would work with industry to attract and facilitate development in Townsville’s medium and heavy industrial precincts and guide their long- term growth.

“Calling upon their expertise in town planning, project management, engineering, local government, development law, transport and logistics, the board will also work to secure priority industrial sites to attract freight and port- related businesses and services to Townsville’s industrial areas, including the TSDA,” Mr Dick said. “This includes working closely with representatives from my department, the Coordinator- General, Townsville City Council and Port of Townsville to guide future industrial development.”

Townsville MP Scott Stewart said he was confident the board could achieve success in planning a bright future for the city.

“It’s a clear demonstration of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to partnering with industry to strengthen regional economies,” Mr Stewart said.