KPMG OFFICE MAKES RETURN
ACCOUNTING firm KPMG is re-establishing an office in Townsville as it grows to meet demand from the North Queensland market and expand its regionalisation strategy.
The big-four firm, which provides advisory services to the government and private sectors, is leasing the entire top floor of the Suncorp tower in Sturt St.
While the firm already has a strong presence supporting clients across North Queensland, the move marks a return to Townsville after last having a permanent office here in 1992.
The premises can support up to 50 staff, while a team of 15 specialists has already established temporary residence in the building.
The Townsville operation will be led by Derek Campbell, partner, geographical lead –
Northern Territory, and Steve Abbott, Queensland managing partner for the firm’s mid-market KPMG Enterprise business.
Mr Campbell said KPMG was expanding its reach into North Queensland’s dynamic, growing and diverse regional economy.
“Townsville is the capital hub for North Queensland and hosts a range of government, community and business headquarters for the region. It also offers goods and services via the extensive logistics network in the region for rail, road, sea and air,” Mr Campbell said.
“A number of our teams already visit the area and our plan is to not only build our core on the ground team but significantly increase the presence of our specialist subject matter experts in the region to support our clients.”
Mr Campbell said having a
regional presence also helped attract staff who did not necessarily want to live in capital cities. Several staff have relocated from Brisbane.
Colliers Townsville executive, commercial and industrial, Todd Walsh said KPMG
was leasing 550sq m in quite possibly the best office in Townsville.
Mr Walsh said along with the rest of the property market, the office leasing market in the CBD had also improved.
Several genuine new en
trants were looking to establish in the city.
“It’s a positive thing to see in an office market that has been stagnant for years. It’s been quite active,” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Campbell said KPMG
had been involved in some key projects including the new stadium and work supporting the proposed Big Rocks Weir and Hells Gates Dam projects and the new office would allow it to continue to support clients in the region.