Work has heart of city in top nick

THE heart of Townsville will soon be in “perfect shape” for prospective developers as a suite of utilities upgrades nears completion.

In her Townsville City Council Budget speech, Mayor Jenny Hill yesterday likened the past three years of utilities upgrades in the CBD to “open heart surgery”.

“We are now in the final stages of the CBD Utilities Upgrade Program, with an allocation of $ 15.9 million toward services in the ( area),” she said.

“This work is the equivalent to performing open heart surgery on our CBD, and now means our city heart will be in perfect shape.”

Cr Hill said more than 300 locals had been employed during the project, which began when unemployment in Townsville was “far higher than it is today”.

“The task of undertaking works to ageing infrastructure nearing 100 years old has fallen upon our generation and this council to complete, and these works will be finalised within the next financial year,” she said.

Cr Hill took the opportunity to thank the retailers and businesses in the area who had to “put up” with the disruptive work.

Once the work is complete CBD traders are also expected to benefit from the introduction of free 15- minute parking in two- hour car spaces within the city centre.

“This initiative aims to encourage an increase in trade for business in the CBD and is a great opportunity for people to grab a coffee, return a library book, post a letter or run errands,” Cr Hill said.

The council also confirmed free two- hour parking would return this Christmas period.

“We hope to see more locals return to the city heart.”