Mixed fortunes for some of Townsville’s major projects

TOWNSVILLE City Council has explained why its ambitious plans to revitalise Castle Hill have changed.

In March 2019, Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill announced council would proceed with its Castle Hill Concept Plan, matching the $1.96m provided by the Australian government’s Building Better Regions Fund.

The initial $3.93m plan featured a zip line, a cafe at the summit, a vivid-style light show installation, and a pedestrian connection to Walker Street – with only two of plans becoming reality.

The zip line plan was scrapped after the unprecedented monsoon of February 2019 combined with community concerns.

A council spokesman said they reprioritised their service delivery to focus on helping the community recover.

“Council had also received expressions of concern from the Gurambilbarra Wulgurukaba peoples, the traditional owners of the area, about the possible impact of the zip line project on the cultural heritage of Castle Hill,” the spokesman said.

“As a result, council decided to put the zip line project on hold to focus on recovery from the monsoon and until the concerns of the traditional owners could be allayed and a formal agreement reached for the use of the area over which the zip line would travel. Funding for the zip line project was repurposed with the approval of the Australian government.”

After calling for tenders to construct a new eatery and events space near the summit of Castle Hill in December 2019, Cr Hill said the plan was abandoned after the tenders failed to deliver on the council’s vision.

The council instead pursued an alternative $1.24m plan to create a new community space accommodating food trucks, two covered viewing platforms, a grassed area, access stairs and a ramp.

Considerable site rehabilitation was required, including the removal of 400 tonnes of concrete waste and the refurbishment of a nearby carpark, with the new space opening in February 2021.

Council said the 800 sqm space had already attracted visitors to a variety of events.

“The space has been booked for two weddings and council has received inquiries to host a baby shower, charity dinner and community reception at the space. Food truck vendors can book the space at times that suit them through the council’s website.”

The

construction

of

the $1.14m boardwalk-style pedestrian staircase from the western end of Walker Street up through to the Jones Street Reservoir above ‘The Cutting’ carpark started in August 2020. Initially slated to take seven months, the project has experienced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and weather.

When completed, the staircase will directly connect to the existing Maidenhair track, “providing an enhanced and centralised entry point from the heart of the city to Castle Hill for our community and visitors to enjoy”.

The $1.54m permanent light infrastructure for the popular HALO event has been installed near the base of Castle Hill adjacent Gregory Street in North Ward.

“In addition to being used for future HALO events, the infrastructure will be used to beam light on to the hill 300 days a year, creating a unique tourism offering unmatched in Australia,” the council spokesman said.

“The inaugural HALO was held in 2019 in conjunction with the inaugural North Australian Festival of the Arts. Tens of thousands of people experienced the stunning light show. After a break caused by the coronavirus pandemic, HALO: Life Below Water was held in January, again attracting thousands of people.”