Townsville a priority
AS Premier of Queensland, I’ve always made Townsville jobs and the region’s economic development a major priority for my government.
As many local residents will know, I’m a frequent visitor to the region, in good times and bad.
I know the first half of this year hasn’t been easy as the region continues to recover and rebuild.
While the water may have subsided, my government and I will continue to be here to help until everyone gets back on their feet.
Here in Townsville I’m fortunate to have three strong and vocal members of government representing the region, with minister Coralee O’ROurke in Mundingburra, Aaron Harper in Thuringowa and Scott Stewart in Townsville.
Not a week goes by when Scott, Aaron or Coralee aren’t in my ear advocating for new local jobs or lobbying for critical local infrastructure. That’s one of the main reasons why so much is happening in Townsville at the moment to build new infrastructure and create new local jobs.
Right now, my government is helping deliver the $193 million Townsville port channel widening project, creating 120 full-time jobs and boosting the region’s export potential.
Right now, we’re investing $225 million to help deliver water security for Townsville, creating 600 new jobs and supporting new industries for the future.
Right now, my government is continuing to upgrade and improve the Bruce Highway with the $514 million Haughton River Floodplain upgrade on the Bruce.
Right now, we’re building the new $290 million, 25,000seat Townsville Stadium, supporting 250 jobs per year ahead of its opening for the Cowboys’ 2020 NRL campaign.
Apart from setting up the Cowboys for league domination, Townsville Stadium will also be the catalyst for the once-in-a generation urban renewal of Townsville’s inner city and waterfront.
Right now, we’re restoring the local frontline health and education services cut under the former Newman LNP Government, with 145 more nurses, 20 additional doctors, 144 new teachers and 37 extra teacher aides delivered for the region since 2015.
At the end of last year, I also took a hands-on role to help secure the $300 million expansion of Sun Metals for Townsville, supporting 350 jobs during construction and 100 additional permanent refinery jobs once operational.
And after the critical Mount Isa to Townsville line was destroyed by floods, a great team effort meant we were able to get it repaired in just 11 weeks rather than the nine months initially estimated.
But I know there is always more work to be done.
Just as I am for the jobs of today in Townsville, I’m also for the jobs and industries of tomorrow.
My government has an ambitious agenda to ensure Townsville remains the economic engine room it is, harnessing the continued growth in the Asia-pacific region.
That’s why I want North Queensland to be a global hub for the resources of the future, establishing new local industries in hydrogen as well as the fine metals needed to manufacture batteries.
There’s no reason why Townsville can’t become a global powerhouse for battery manufacturing, with the Townsville Port shipping them out right across the world.
I want Townsville to continue growing as an international education hub, leveraging off the calibre of James Cook University.
I also want more defence maintenance work taking place in Townsville, a matter I plan on taking up with the Prime Minister when I meet him next week.
As you may be aware, next month I’ll again be visiting Townsville, this time with 92 of my fellow colleagues as we bring the entire Queensland Parliament to town for a momentous special sitting of the Parliament – the first sitting of Parliament in regional Queensland since 2011.
I hope to meet as many Townsville residents as possible over this week, whether it’s along The Strand on my morning walk, at a local workplace or at the parliamentary sitting itself.
See you next month.