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Initial earthworks have started on the new Townsville Waterfront Promenade, supporting 34 local construction jobs.

The project has received joint funding of $10.2 million – $5.2 million from Townsville City Council and $5 million from the State Government’s Building our Regions program.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the project is vital for boosting the local economy and attracting people into the city.

“The Townsville Waterfront Promenade will transform the area along the Ross Creek for those visiting the Stadium Precinct,” Cr Hill said.

“Watpac, who are constructing this first stage of the promenade, has begun the initial earthworks and the construction of this section of the promenade is due for completion by the time the new stadium opens in early 2020.

“This first stage of construction activity is being managed on behalf of Council by the Department of Housing and Public Works in conjunction with the delivery of the North Queensland Stadium project.

“I would like to thank the State Government for co-investing in this crucial project and helping us get it off the ground so quickly.”

The Promenade project will in total include the construction of 460 metres of concrete pathways and 177 metres of mangrove boardwalks, converting Little Fletcher Bridge into a pedestrian bridge and landscaping.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said he was pleased to help ensure vital infrastructure like the promenade was being delivered by a local workforce in time for the opening of the North Queensland Stadium.

“Alongside supporting a 97 per cent local workforce and 79 apprentices, a driving objective of the North Queensland Stadium is the regeneration of the Townsville City centre and the attraction of further investment in the North Queensland region.

“Critical to achieving this is the stadium’s proximity and connectivity to the CBD and accommodation and entertainment precincts of Townsville,” Mr de Brenni said.

“We can all look forward to an unforgettable fan experience both in and out of the North Queensland Stadium.”

Townsville Deputy Mayor Les Walker said the waterfront promenade would connect future developments such as North Rail Yards, the CBD and Palmer Street.

“The waterfront promenade will provide a pedestrian and cycling link over the Ross Creek and allow residents and visitors to access our new cultural and entertainment precincts,” Cr Walker said.

“This development will also encourage other investment into the Stadium Precinct and Waterfront PDA and provide a boost to Townsville’s economy.”

Townsville Eats is back for May and this time Townsville City Council is bringing the taste of Italy to the CBD.

The inaugural Townsville Eats brought around 10,000 people to Flinders Street to explore some of the city’s best food from brick and mortar businesses and food trucks alike.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said this month’s Townsville Eats is shaping up to be bigger and better than the first significantly more food vendors.

“Council received a lot of feedback after the first event and we have been working with food vendors and restaurants to step it up for the Taste of Italy,” Cr Hill said.

“We’ve engaged with more local businesses, changed the layout of the event and are bringing in more chairs and tables to accommodate for the large crowds we saw last month.

“It really is looking to be an exciting event with roving entertainment, live music and a special North Australian Festival of Arts announcement.”

Townsville Eats will kick off from 5pm and Council is partnering with Donna Bionda to hold a pasta eating competition with prizes to be won.

Local Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said it was amazing to see so many people in the CBD last month.

“There were around 10,000 people eating, drinking and shopping in the CBD during the last Townsville Eats – it was an amazing event,” Cr Greaney said.

“Council is always looking for a way to activate the CBD and Townsville Eats has shown that we can work collaboratively with businesses to bring people into the city.

“There will be another Park and Ride for residents and I’m looking forward to seeing the event grow and support local businesses into the future.”

For more information, visit: https://whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au/events/townsville-eats