All Things Townsville

Flinders Lane to Revitalise CBD

A new laneway and lifestyle precinct for the CBD is a step closer, with Townsville City Council endorsing plans to build Flinders Lane.

The Flinders Lane project will connect the heart of the CBD to the Bus Hub via a new laneway with retail stores and cafes.

The old Sportspower building will be demolished and the laneway will integrate with the adjoining building and also provide new public toilet facilities for the inner city.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said Flinders Lane would create a crucial new pedestrian link between the Bus Hub and the CBD.

“The project will deliver easier access to the new Bus Hub and we are expecting it to become a destination in its own right,” Cr Hill said.

“We’ve seen the success of City Lane and there’s no doubt there’s a demand for new and innovative spaces in the CBD.”

Deputy Mayor Les Walker said demolition of the old Sportspower building was expected within weeks.

“A concept plan has been done and further design work is currently underway,” Cr Walker said.

“When demolition works start there will be a large number of locals working on site to deliver this exciting project.”

Local Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said Flinders Lane was an important Townsville 2020 project to continue the revitalisation of the CBD.

“A number of developments are underway in and around the CBD and Flinders Lane will help continue that momentum,” Cr Greaney said.

“Importantly, Flinders Lane will provide upgraded pedestrian links and open up new retail and hospitality business opportunities in that area of the city.”

Funding Announced for Castle Hill Concept Plan

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill has welcomed the announcement of $1.96 million in Federal funding for the Castle Hill Concept Plan as part of Townsville 2020 vision for our city.

“I’d like to thank the Federal Government for their funding commitment for the Castle Hill Concept Plan,” Cr Hill said.

The Castle Hill Concept Plan includes a vivid-style light show installation, a café at the summit, a zipline and a pedestrian connection to Walker Street.

“The Castle Hill project is a key part of the Townsville 2020 Master Plan and vision for our city,” Cr Hill said.

“This funding means work is expected to start this year on what is a key project to improve our North Queensland lifestyle and world-class tourism experiences within Townsville.

“Castle Hill is an iconic landmark and we want to give both residents and visitors the opportunity to experience everything that it has to offer.

“Securing the funding for this project is a significant milestone for Townsville and will build our profile as a tourism destination.”

For more information, visit the project page.

Free Dumping to Finish This Weekend


Townsville City Council has recorded nearly 22,000 tonnes of waste dumped at all facilities as part of the flood recovery with free dumping finishing on Sunday 3 March.

Council crews are moving through the worst impacted areas of the city to finalise the collection of all flood waste.

Townsville Local Recovery and Resilience Group Chair Deputy Mayor Les Walker said the waste clean-up had been a massive job for everyone involved.

“Council has recorded nearly 22,000 tonnes of flood waste dumped by residents throughout the recovery so far,” Cr Walker said.

“The Australian Defence Force were a fantastic help in removing a large amount of waste initially with Council crews and contractors finalising the pick-up by the end of this week.

“Residents are still able to dump their domestic flood waste at all of our facilities for free until the end of the week.”

The waste collection and free dumping is limited to flood affected house contents and does not include any demolition waste.

Townsville Water and Waste Committee Chair Cr Russ Cook said Council’s free annual kerbside collection will kick off for all residents later this year.

“Council will be finalising the flood waste collection by the end of this week, but our regular kerbside collection will begin in late March,” Cr Cook said.

“This is different to the flood clean up and residents will be notified when they are able to place their waste out.

“I’d also like to remind all residents are able to dispose of green waste and recyclables for free all year.”

The temporary dump at Lou Litster Park will also close to the public at 5pm, Sunday 3 March.

All recovery information is available through the Emergency Management Dashboard at disaster.townsville.qld.gov.au.

Free Community Barbecues being Held Across Townsville


Free community barbecues are being held across the city to help lift morale and bring the city together!

The Barbie in the Burbs are family friendly events that will feature live entertainment, children’s activities, food trucks and a free barbecue. 

Townsville Local Recovery and Resilience Group Chair Cr Les Walker said the barbecues are a great way to recuperate and relax after what has been a big month. 

“The Barbie in the Burbs is a way for the community to get together and enjoy a relaxed afternoon after dealing with the flood,” Cr Walker said.

“We’re holding multiple events over two different weekends to make this accessible for all residents.”

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the barbecue would also include pop-up stalls where residents can access information to help with their recovery.

“There will be a number of Townsville City Council and State Government departments holding pop-up stalls at the barbecues, so residents can find out how to access services and help,” Cr Hill said.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to take stock of the past few weeks, eat some food, relax, and talk to different organisations in the one place.

“This is also a way to thank everyone involved in the rescue and clean-up effort – the Townsville has really come together during a very trying time and I couldn’t be prouder of our community.”

Division One Councillor Margie Ryder said it is fantastic to have the first event out at Bluewater.

“The Bluewater community was one of the first areas impacted by the weather and it has been a tough time for many of them,” Cr Ryder said. 

“This is a good way to show they haven’t been forgotten, and bring the services to them in a casual environment.”

All events will run from 3-6pm on the following dates:

2 March – Bluewater Community Centre 
3 March – Townsville City Netball Association – Murray Sporting Complex
9 March – Townsville Recreational Boat Park 
10 March – Corcoran Park

For more information visit: https://whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au/events/barbie-in-the-burbs-bluewater

Volunteers Support Flood-Affected Residents

Volunteers have visited almost 13,000 homes in flood-affected suburbs to check on the wellbeing of residents.

Youth With A Mission (YWAM) is working with Townsville City Council, the combined churches and 99.9 Live FM to speak with residents and hear how they are doing and provide information and referrals to support services. 

Townsville Local Disaster Management Group Chair Mayor Jenny Hill – who was out with volunteers on the weekend – said the volunteers have played an important role in the recovery.

“The information collected by the YWAM and community volunteers will help flood-affected residents recover by understanding what individuals and families need to get them back on their feet,” Cr Hill said.

“Each resident has a different story and may require specific services to ensure they are able to recover from these unprecedented floods.

“Even the act of going to these homes and spending time with residents to ask how they are coping after the floods can have a powerful positive impact.”

The Lions Club have also supported the initiative by providing lunch for the volunteers every day. 

Townsville Local Recovery and Resilience Chair Deputy Mayor Les Walker said YWAM has also opened its doors to people in need.

“YWAM is providing emergency housing and medium-term accommodation for flood-affected residents on Blackwood Street in the city,” Walker said.

“YWAM has also taken in workers who’ve come to Townsville to help with the recovery – and there are still beds available for short-term accommodation.”