PROJECTS TO UNLOCK THE NORTH Regions ready to recover
TOWNSVILLE Enterprise has identified the three projects that need to happen to revitalise the Burdekin and help with North Queensland’s economic recovery.
The projects are included in TEL’S Unlock the North Projects and Policies report, which was recently presented at Parliament House as part of the organisation’s push to secure commitments for the North in the upcoming federal budget and state election.
The three key projects include the Ayr Industrial Estate, Macro-algal Bioremedial Facility and the Wongaloo Conservation Park.
The industrial land project is expected to generate 17 construction jobs, three ongoing positions and 57 indirect jobs at a total cost of $5.2m.
Burdekin Shire Council has committed to funding half this cost once the government has confirmed its support.
Burdekin Mayor Lyn Mclaughlin said the expansion of the industrial estate was identified as crucial to not only attract new industries to the shire, but to allow existing businesses to expand their footprint.
Cr Mclaughlin said the other two projects were equally as important.
“The Macro-algal Bioremediation Facility is a stateof-the-art project ... that will pave the way for new water treatment technology not only benefiting the Burdekin, but with implications on a national and global scale,” she said.
Construction of the $6.5m 5.5ha site will enable the development of a full-scale demonstration facility, which has the potential to be duplicated at several water treatment sites throughout Queensland that discharge into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.
The final project highlighted is the Wongaloo Conservation Park, which is home to a vast array of flora and fauna.
However, to capitalise on the growing demand for nature-based tourism experiences, funding from the state government is needed to construct a pedestrian rail crossing, as well as $50,000 towards basic power and phone service supply.
Townsville Enterprise chief executive Patricia O’callaghan said that the Burdekin had the ability to play a meaningful role in the economic recovery and prosperity of North Queensland and the state.
“Maximising the potential the agriculturally rich of
Burdekin region and supporting industry development is critical and will require targeted government investment and policy support as outlined in our document,” Ms O’callaghan said.
“State and federal governments are the piece of the puzzle that will enable the North to realise its full potential, and our regions stand ready to play their role in delivering tangible economic outcomes for the state.”
STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS ARE THE PIECE OF THE PUZZLE THAT WILL ENABLE THE NORTH TO REALISE ITS FULL POTENTIAL
PATRICIA O'CALLAGHAN