Little Fletcher Bridge now open

Editor’s note: Overlay of bridge and an interview with Mayor Jenny Hill is available for download here. Drone footage of the bridge is available for download here.  

Construction works transforming Little Fletcher Bridge into a pedestrian thoroughfare have been completed in time for People’s Day at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium this weekend. Little Fletcher Bridge will link the Stadium Precinct to the rest of the Townsville CBD as part of the new Townsville Waterfront Promenade. Townsville City Council Mayor Jenny Hill said it was an important milestone in the revamping of Townsville’s city centre.

“I’m pleased to say that Little Fletcher Bridge is now open and ready for visitors to head to People’s Day at the Stadium on Saturday,” Cr Hill said. “Converting Little Fletcher Bridge into a pedestrian bridge is an important part of the transformation of the area along the Ross Creek for people visiting the Stadium Precinct.” Cr Hill said the opening of Little Fletcher Bridge, which was formerly closed to the public, was expected to make a positive impact on Townsville’s key activity precincts.

“Not only does Little Fletcher Bridge make the Stadium Precinct more accessible, it also opens up the city’s entertainment area,” she said. “Activating the CBD is a priority for Council. Being able to connect crowds from the Stadium with the Townsville CBD is expected to have a positive impact on visitors numbers in the city centre, which will be great for local businesses.” Townsville City Council has contributed $5.2 million to the $10.2 million project, with the additional $5 million coming in from the Queensland Government’s Building Our Regions program.

Infrastructure Services Committee chairperson, Councillor Mark Molachino, said he expected the bridge to become a bustling pedestrian link now that it is officially opened. “Crews worked to remove the rail tracks from the site and reinforcing the structure of the bridge,” Cr Molachino said. “There are now handrails and shade structures along the bridge, making it an accessible site for anyone walking to or from the Stadium Precinct.

“I think this bridge is going to be very popular with the public.” Work continues to progress on the remainder of the Townsville Waterfront Promenade, with the construction of more than 450m of concrete pathways and more than 170m of mangrove boardwalks along Ross Creek, as well as landscaping in the area. Pathways from Little Fletcher Bridge to the stadium will be open for People’s Day and Elton John but will be closed after each event to allow further works to continue. This work will be complete in time for the first NQ Cowboys home game on 13 March. #ends#

 

Go in the running to win $100 voucher with Townsville CityLibraries

Have your say on Townsville CityLibraries with the We Love Our Libraries survey this month. The online survey takes a look at how locals use their libraries so Townsville City Council can better understand what residents’ library needs are. Community and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson, Councillor Colleen Doyle, said this was an easy way to make sure the city’s libraries were providing the best services for our community.

“We want to hear from you and find out what you love about your local library and what could be done even better,” Cr Doyle said. “Council is always looking for ways to improve the services that we offer, and this three-minute survey is a quick and easy way to know what you’d like to see at your library.” Cr Doyle said completing the We Love Our Libraries survey could be done two ways.

“It’s very easy to do the We Love Our Libraries survey. Simply fill out the survey online or in person at your favourite CityLibraries branch to have your say,” she said. “Once you’ve done that, you’ll be in the draw for a chance to win one of five $100 gift vouchers.”

To fill out the We Love Our Libraries survey, visit www.townsville.qld.gov.au. The survey is open until 29 February.

 

Townsville Eats gets shake up for start of 2020 season

Put on your best floral shirt and join Townsville City Council for the first Townsville Eats event of the year. The much-loved event is extending over the Victoria Bridge for its first iteration on Friday 27 March, with carnival performers bringing a range of fun acts to the iconic bridge. Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said it was great to have Townsville Eats back in the city centre for a second year.

“Townsville Eats was extremely popular in 2019, which is why Council has decided to bring it back this March,” Cr Hill said. “The event draws thousands of people into the city and is a great way to celebrate our local food vendors, entertainers and our diverse range of community acts.” Local councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said there would be a few tweaks to the program in March.

“There will still be food vendors and market stalls, live music, entertainment and our outdoor cinema, but our performances will now be held on River Stage at Ogden St,” Cr Greaney said. “Council has also worked to create two event layouts that can cater to both wet and dry weather situations, which is great news.” Cr Greaney said it was great to be able to boost visitor numbers to the city centre with the event. “The turn out to our Townsville Eats season last year was phenomenal. There were thousands of attendees for each event, which is a huge increase in foot traffic along Flinders St,” she said. “Council is committed to activating the Townsville CBD and hosting Townsville Eats is one way to bring more visitors into the city to not only enjoy the Townsville Eats offerings, but to also explore the shops and restaurants open in the area.”

Townsville Eats presents Tropical Friday on Friday, 27 March from 5pm to 9.30pm on Flinders St. For more information, visit whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au.

Townsville to host historic international rugby double-heade

Townsville MP Scott Stewart has today revealed the Palaszczuk Government has secured two international rugby tests for North Queensland for the first time since the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Mr Stewart said – thanks to a series of negotiations led by the government – the Wallabies and Wallaroos will play a double-header at the city’s new stadium in July this year. The local member announced Queensland Country Bank Stadium would host the Qantas Wallabies v Fiji and the Buildcorp Wallaroos v Canada on 18 July 2020 – a blockbuster double-header and a first for the city.

“It’s the State Government that’s built a brand new stadium in Townsville and it’s the State Government that’s leading negotiations to make sure it’s filled,” he said. “We’ve negotiated for months to lock away this deal because we know how important major events are for North Queensland. “World class footy content brings thousands of tourists – supporting local businesses and local jobs. That’s what this is all about. “We’re expecting a strong turnout. It will be a great opportunity for rugby fans from southern states to escape the winter blues and head north to experience an epic double-header in beautiful North Queensland.”

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the game was expected to generate 13,000 visitor nights, and $3 million for local businesses. “Scott lobbied hard for a new Townsville Stadium for years. And he’s been harassing me for months about securing new footy content in 2020 and 2021. It’s early days but the calendar is looking great,” she said. “The flow-on benefits of this double-header will be great for local businesses.

“With the Reef, rainforest and a growing list of tourism attractions, there’s something for everyone in Townsville. We’re encouraging  fans to stay in North Queensland and have a holiday after they watch the footy to support the local tourism sector.” Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni said North Queensland was continuing to produce some Australian rugby greats.

“We committed and have now have delivered a world class stadium in the heart of North Queensland meaning local rugby fans will have never been closer to the action. “And it’s not just the Queensland Country Bank Stadium pitch that will be seeing some action, the Palaszczuk Government is working with Rugby Australia on a series of community events in the lead-up,” he said. “There’s going to be a buzz around this event that we want to harness and convert to inspiring participation in grassroots rugby clubs like the Ross River Redskins and Brothers Rugby Union Club.”

Townsville City Council Mayor Jenny Hill said the historic rugby double-header demonstrated the city’s growing reputation as the events capital of Northern Australia.  “This double-header is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Townsville to the rest of Australia and the world,” Cr Hill said.  “It’s also great news for locals who will be able to witness world-class rugby in their very own stadium.  “Townsville City Council is proud to partner with Tourism and Events Queensland and Rugby Australia to deliver this event, which we hope will be the first of many high-profile events at our magnificent stadium.” Rugby Australia Chief Executive, Raelene Castle said the teams were looking forward to their first matches in North Queensland.

“The Qantas Wallabies and Buildcorp Wallaroos are coming to Townsville for the first time this July and we are ready to turn the city Gold ahead of this historic double-header,” Castle said. “We were hugely impressed by Queensland Country Bank Stadium and the offering it will provide for fans, both from the North Queensland region and for those travelling from interstate and abroad.  “It’s a world-class facility that the sports-loving people of North Queensland have been craving for many years and we look forward to being one of the first sports to experience the venue.

“Fiji have proven themselves to be well and truly on the rise, and I know Dave Rennie and the rest of the Wallabies coaches are preparing for another very tough contest. “We’re also delighted that the Buildcorp Wallaroos will share the stage in Townsville and continue their growth ahead of their Rugby World Cup next year. “Head Coach Dwayne Nestor has done a great job of developing the team on the field but also connecting with the community off-the-field, and we’ll be looking to continue that when we visit the region.” Tickets for the international rugby double-header go on sale Wednesday 22 April.

Vouchers up for grabs to enhance social connection this Neighbour Day

Townsville City Council is giving you the chance to win one of 45 vouchers to help you celebrate Neighbour Day this March. Neighbour Day 2020 has a social connection theme, which Council wants to see locals embrace by going into the running to win a $200 voucher to help throw a Neighbour Day event. Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said it was important to build and strengthen existing connections including the relationships forged during the 2019 monsoon.

“The community that you want starts at your front door,” Cr Hill said. “Our community here in Townsville collectively went through a traumatic event when the 2019 monsoon event happened. “It’s important that  we all open our doors to our neighbours and our friends and to not forget about the impact that the monsoon may have had on us or our loved ones. “If we all do this, we can help continue to build strong communities in our suburbs.”

Townsville Local Recovery and Resilience Group Chairperson, Deputy Mayor Les Walker, said social connection was essential to having a happy community. “Whether you live on a farm or in an apartment block, we all feel lonely sometimes. By reaching out to our neighbours we can all do our part to help alleviate isolation and reduce the amount of loneliness and isolation in our neck of the woods,” Cr Walker said. “Knowing your neighbours is also a great way to improve community safety, so make sure to introduce yourself to your neighbours and keep an eye out for them.”

To enter the Neighbour Day competition for your chance to win a $200 voucher to enhance your Neighbour Day event, head to townsville.qld.gov.au.