The second annual progress report on the Townsville City Deal suggests that despite the floods, the city is making progress on improving water security, freight movement and economic growth.
Federal Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population, Alan Tudge, said progress on Australia’s first City Deal over 2018-19 showed what could be achieved when all levels of government worked together.
Minister Tudge said the Townsville City Deal was more important today than ever before, as it bolstered local industry in its recovery from the recent catastrophic flooding.
“We understand the Townsville economy still faces challenges – especially after the devastating effects of the floods – but the second year of the Townsville City Deal shows we are heading in the right direction and are delivering real projects that generate jobs and support the economy.”
Queensland Deputy Premier and Treasurer, Jackie Trad, said the City Deal had helped to identify and prioritise transformative projects and create more jobs in Townsville.
“The City Deal has secured full funding for the Port of Townsville Channel Capacity Upgrade – a $193 million project that will ensure the port can accommodate the large cargo and passenger ships of the future,” Deputy Premier Trad said.
“The channel widening project will create 120 full time jobs over six years, support 245 ongoing jobs throughout Queensland and generate more than $380 million in economic benefits over the next 40 years.”
Townsville Mayor, Jenny Hill, joined Mr Tudge and Ms Trad in acknowledging the success of the City Deal, particularly its focus on improving water security.
“The City Deal has enabled us to make decisive progress on water security for Townsville through fully-funded projects that are already creating jobs for local residents and will provide the confidence that industry needs to do business in Townsville,” Cr Hill said.
The Townsville City Deal – signed in 2016 – is a 15-year agreement to transform the city’s economy and central business district, and the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Townsville City Council will continue to work together to deliver the commitments in the Deal.
The Annual Progress Report is available here.