Yule be sorry if you miss Townsville’s 25 Days of Discounts

Enjoying the Townsville CBD this Christmas time has just gotten a whole lot cheaper with the roll out of 25 Days of Discounts.

The Townsville City Council initiative involves a range of unique CBD traders who have a variety of discounts available at their stores in the lead up to Christmas Day.

Local Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said 25 Days of Discounts was extremely popular when it was launched last year.

“Council has worked with local businesses and franchises set up in the city centre and over on Magnetic Island to create a coupon flyer with more than 20 discounts and deals,” Cr Greaney said.

“This is a fun way to help locals celebrate Christmas together and make sure our CBD’s economy is stimulated throughout the festive season.”

Cr Greaney said businesses were expecting a high amount of uptake.

“We have some really great discounts on offer with the 25 Days of Discounts promotion, and we’re hoping locals and visitors take advantage of this and grab themselves some bargains,” she said.

“We all know wallets are stretched at this time of year, so it’s a great idea to save yourself a bit of money when you’re buying Christmas presents or going out for a bite to eat.”

Cr Greaney said the savings didn’t stop there, with Council also rolling out its free two-hour parking offer.

“Free parking will be available for more than 500 two-hour parking spots across the city for the whole month of December,” she said.

“It’s a great time to get your Christmas shopping done, enjoy some local food and entertainment with your family, and save some money while you’re at it.”

25 Days of Discounts runs from 1 to 24 December at participating traders.

To download the coupon flyer, head to https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/about-townsville/christmas-together-2019/25-days-of-discounts .

The GEMS are here Townsville!

For the month of November we are celebrating & highlighting local icons, attractions & not-for-profits in our beautiful community.

20 Gems of the North – Check in here each day to hear the next GEM revealed! 

Do you have a favourite GEM?  We wanna hear from you!

You can vote for your favourite GEM below and win some sweet prizes!!! 

Neighbours bringing Christmas together with $200 grant

Townsville City Council is helping you enjoy Christmas with your neighbours this festive season.

The Bringing Christmas Together initiative is all about neighbours celebrating the most wonderful time of the year with a $200 grant.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said it was essential for communities to connect, especially at Christmas time.

“It’s been a big year for us here in Townsville, so we want to see Christmas cheer being spread across our suburbs this December,” Cr Hill said.

“Christmas is a great time to reconnect with friends and family who might have had a rough time with the unprecedented monsoon event or who are struggling a bit financially at this time of year.”

Community and Cultural Development chairperson Councillor Colleen Doyle said the $200 grants would provide the funding needed to throw anything from intimate gatherings to a street party.

“There’s a lot of potential here for real connection between neighbours and friends, which is so important in our suburbs,” Cr Doyle said.

“We’re really excited to see the community activities across our neighbourhoods.”

The Bringing Christmas Together initiative is open to Townsville residents until 5pm on Friday 22 November.

For more information and to enter, head to www.townsville.qld.gov.au/about-townsville/christmas-together-2019

Stinger net installation starts this week

Nets are being rolled out at Townsville beaches this week to mark the start of the stinger season.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said protecting locals and visitors to the city was a priority for Council.

“Enjoying our great beaches is part of the North Queensland lifestyle, which is why Council makes installing stinger nets a priority as we head into summer,” Cr Hill said.

“We have a high number of visitors to Townsville in the summer months, and these nets play a vital role in protecting everyone who wants to enjoy our beaches from stingers.

“Council installs six nets across the city to make sure locals and visitors can make the most of summer while staying safe.”

Community Health and Environment Committee Chair Cr Ann-Maree Greaney said it was important to remember that stinger nets weren’t a silver bullet for swim safety.

“The nets offer a high level of protection, but they can’t stop every sting,” Cr Greaney said.

“Swimmers should take other precautions like wearing a stinger suit and keeping a close eye on kids.”

For more information about stinger net locations and lifeguard patrols, visit http://bit.ly/2Ja7hIF.

Net installation

Tuesday, 29 October: Balgal Beach

Wednesday, 30 October: Magnetic Island

Thursday, 31 October: Strand

Friday, 1 November: Pallarenda

Tobruk Baths redevelopment on-track

The redevelopment of the Tobruk Memorial Baths on The Strand has achieved another important milestone with earthworks for the replacement 50 metre pool complete and forming-up now underway.

 

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said contractors working on the project were now also working to remove the existing toddler pool, which was also being replaced as part of the $11.3 million project.

“The redeveloped baths will feature a new, wider 50 metre pool and toddler pool, as well as an updated filtration system, new shade structure and refurbished facilities,” Cr Hill said.

 

“Tobruk Baths have served the community for more than 60 years and this project will ensure that it can continue to do so for many years to come.”

 

The Tobruk Memorial Baths were opened to the public in the 1950’s and named in commemoration of the Australian servicemen that took part in the Siege of Tobruk.

 

Infrastructure Committee Chair Cr Mark Molachino said the project was part of Council’s massive $409 million infrastructure program this year.

 

“Council is committed to providing the Townsville community with world-class infrastructure and the redevelopment of the Tobruk Baths is yet another demonstration of that,” Mr Molachino said.

 

“Local contractor Jackson + Semler is doing a fantastic job, with an added benefit of the project being that it is supporting jobs for locals.”

 

The redevelopment is expected to support more than 120 jobs. Seventy-eight contractors have already been inducted on to the site.

Local Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said the project remained on-track to be completed by February.

“It’s exciting to see the progress that is being made and, like plenty of other Townsville residents, I can’t wait for the project to be completed and for swimmers to be back using the facility.”