Townsville delegates bend top dogs’ ears

A DELEGATION of Townsville civic leaders has met with federal powerbrokers to discuss the way forward for the region, while ensuring existing commitments are delivered

Townsville Enterprise chief executive Patricia O’callaghan said the delegation of industry representatives and regional mayors, including Townsville’s Cr Jenny Hill and Hinchinbrook’s Ramon Jayo, had met with multiple ministers since Monday.

Cr Hill yesterday discussed the Townsville City Deal personally with Deputy Prime Minister Michael Mccormack and Cities Minister Alan Tudge. The deal will be reviewed within 12 months.

Cr Hill said her discussions with federal ministers were mainly around expanding Townsville’s capability as a defence hub and how to use the city deal to shape economic recovery.

Delegates also met the Singaporean High Commissioner to Australia regarding the military training initiative at Greenvale and an upcoming trip to the Southeast Asian republic at the end of October.

Meetings have also been held with Trade Minister Simon Birmingham and advisers from the office of Small Business Minister Michaelia Cash, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Industry, Science and Technology Minister Karen Andrews.

“I think the objective of the delegation was to welcome and thank the Prime Minister for making a number of commitments,” Ms O’callaghan said.

“In the lead-up to the federal election the region secured over $400 million for our major priorities.”

Ms O’callaghan said the delegation was now working to ensure those commitments were delivered and that the “scene” for the next three years is set.

Herbert MP Phillip Thompson, who has been guiding delegates, confirmed commitments would be delivered.