Mayor sees the Lagoon on horizon

MAYOR Jenny Hill is confident construction of a Lagoon water precinct at The Strand could start by 2020 if development approvals are secured.

The 6ha Lagoon was a key component of the Townsville City Council’s bold masterplan to revitalise the city and make it more appealing to younger generations and visitors by 2020.

The council’s 2018- 19 Budget included about $ 900,000 for a feasibility study to assess the viability of the proposal.

Cr Hill said she did not think the council would have “any trouble” constructing the Lagoon “in and around 2020”.

“I’ve actually seen how they construct the lagoons in America, they’re ( built) a different way to what we’ve traditionally seen in Australia,” she said.

“The real issue for us will be government restrictions.

“We’ve got to work through both state and federal governments on that.”

Cr Hill said the council would lobby for support for the Lagoon during the upcoming federal election.

“( The Lagoon) is one of the ways that we can transform not just ( The Strand) but this city in terms of attracting tourists,” she said.

“We know a lot of the Asians don’t like swimming in the sea per se and they are used to swimming in these style of lagoons … so I think would be a major attractor.”

Cr Hill said a lagoon would also give locals the ability to swim safely.

“Whether it’s stinger season and people are worried about crocodiles, it also means that visitors to our city will have a safe environment,” she said.