COVID-19 FIGHTBACK Council's million-dollar list

A $210 MILLION freight line is at the top of Townsville City Council’s wish list for postCOVID-19 recovery.

The critical rail connection from the North Coast rail line to the Port of Townsville is one of two major projects the council has put forward as part of the $608 million Local Government Association of Queensland COVID-19 recovery battle plan.

Mayor Jenny Hill said the council had compiled a list of shovel-ready projects in a bid to secure stimulus from the Queensland Government.

“Modelling indicates that Townsville’s economy will lose around 5 per cent, or more than half a billion dollars, in total value-added because of the coronavirus pandemic,” Cr Hill said.

“It also indicates that our city is facing a 7 per cent reduction of its workforce, with unemployment likely to peak at around 14 per cent in the second half of this year.

“Pulling together shovelready infrastructure and environmental projects to be considered as part of state and federal government’s budget process is an important step forward in our recovery.”

The council has also put forward the construction of the North Australia Concert Hall and Arts Precinct.

The Burdekin Shire Council has identified a number of “noteworthy” projects including the expansion of the Ayr Industrial Estate, the Burdekin Memorial Hall entrance revitalisation and stage two of the

Burdekin ment.

Local Government Association of Queensland president Mayor Mark Jamieson said councils stood ready to help Queensland meet the challenges of the economic crisis caused by COVID-19 with the LGAQ’S battle plan to create more than 14,000 jobs.

“The battle plan’s programs will provide a critical boost to the construction, tourism, small business and agricultural sectors,” Cr Jamieson said.

“They will provide appren

Theatre refurbishticeships and traineeships for those looking to enter the workforce for the first time or to retrain.

“They will create work for local businesses, contractors and labourers.

“They will ensure Queensland communities not only weather the COVID-19 storm but emerge from it stronger than before.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has committed to work with the LGAQ and Opposition leader Deb Frecklington has also supported the plan.