NQ project wishlist focus on long-term
WATER and electricity infrastructure projects are high on the list of wants Townsville Enterprise Limited is hoping to see supported in the 2022 federal government budget.
TEL CEO Claudia Brumme-smith said the organisation’s budget submission highlighted a range of projects across various industries that would help Townsville grow.
“Our job has always been to think five to 10 years out, to secure the future of Townsville North Queensland,” Ms Brumme-smith said.
“We are now looking at
what this region needs to be successful in 2025 and beyond. The fact is that investments that enable critical infrastructure need to be made now, to ensure we stay globally competitive and generate economic returns and jobs for our region into the future.”
Among the range of products TEL highlighted as focuses, Ms Brumme-smith said long-term projects remained their “mandate and passion”.
“We released our sneak peek a fortnight ago that highlighted some of the pro
jects in the defence, affordable power and water security sectors, and our advocacy focus will remain on longterm projects like these that will see our region prosper into the next decade.”
Ms Brumme-smith said that areas like green hydrogen could provide billions to the state and national economies if properly supported with appropriate infrastructure projects.
“Townsville is the industrial, economic, and defence capital of Northern Australia and has performed well above its weight over the last two
years while the nation has dealt with the ramifications of Covid,” Ms Brumme-smith said.
“We are beginning to see major transformational growth and can continue to outperform for Queensland and the nation, provided we’re given the infrastructure and funding we need to get started.”
Defence, health, education, energy and environmental projects are all on the shortlist for consideration in North Queensland.
Among the funding sought is a further $22 million for the
Lansdown Eco-industrial Precinct and $70m for hydrogen industry infrastructure.
Townsville City Council Mayor Jenny Hill said more infrastructure would result in higher levels of private investment in the region.
“We have the pieces of the puzzle lined up and ready to go, provided we can lock in the infrastructure and project funding that will open the door to private investment into the region,” Ms Hill said.
The federal budget is expected to be handed down by the treasurer on Tuesday, March 29.