townsville

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.”

Focus is on mental wellbeing this weekend

Townsville residents are being invited to come along and learn how to keep on top of their mental health and wellbeing at a new expo being held this weekend.

Townsville City Council’s new Mentally Healthy City Wellness Expo is being held at the Palmetum Botanical Gardens on Saturday and will feature Saroo Brierly – the inspiration behind the movie Lion – as a guest speaker.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the expo is a fantastic opportunity to focus on the mental health of the community, particularly after the unprecedented monsoon.

“This new expo is a great way to bring our community together and start an open and honest dialogue about mental health,” Cr Hill said.

“We’re reaching nine months since the city was devastated by the monsoon and it’s important that we focus on the social and mental impacts that it has had on our residents.

“Townsville has signed on as Australia’s first Mentally Healthy City and we want our residents to have every chance to achieve their best mental health and have access to services when needed.”

Project Manager of Mentally Healthy City Townsville Brendon Marty said Townsville City Council has been one of the biggest supporters of the Mentally Healthy City Townsville Project from the start.

“When I approached the events team with the concept of bringing all the professional services and local wellbeing businesses together, they absolutely ran with it and made it their own,” Mr Marty said.

“This project is a fantastic opportunity to improve the overall mental health and wellbeing of our community and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate it. I look forward to seeing this grow in the coming years.”

Community and Cultural Development Committee Chair Cr Colleen Doyle said it’s important for the community to have easy access to services following a major disaster.

“We know that the Townsville community is incredibly resilient but it’s important that we put a spotlight on the services available for anyone that may be struggling with their mental wellbeing,” Cr Doyle said.

“This expo brings a number of services together that can educate and support the community in an idyllic and family friendly environment at Palmetum.

“There will be lots of entertainment in addition to the stallholders and there will also be a free shuttle bus operating from the major shopping centres and Riverway.”

For more information, visit: https://whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au/events/mentally-healthy-city-wellness-expo

New Promenade to Connect Townsville Sports, Culture and Entertainment

Townsville’s waterfront is set to undergo a major facelift off the back of funding through Round 4 of the Palaszczuk Government’s successful $295 million Building our Regions (BoR) program.

The $10.2 million Townsville Waterfront Promenade is receiving $5 million from BoR, with Townsville City Council contributing $5.2 million and will support 34 construction jobs.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the project will result in new commercial, residential, hospitality and retail investment in Townsville’s CBD.

“This is a transformative project for Townsville that will energise the city centre, boost jobs, and propel the local economy forward,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“The new Townsville Waterfront Promenade will link the CBD to North Queensland Stadium, which is due for completion in time for the 2020 NRL season.

“Creating pathways that tie together the exciting new cultural and entertainment precincts with the stadium will ensure these investments in the city are maximised.

“Our government is committed to the north and will continue working hard to deliver more employment and business opportunities for the region.”

The four-metre-wide promenade will link Ross Creek to North Yards, Central, North Queensland Stadium, the CBD, Palmer Street dining precinct, Civic Theatre and Reid Park precinct, Central Precinct and the Bus Hub.

It will consist of 745 metres of pathways and 69 metres of mangrove boardwalks, while Little Fletcher Bridge will be converted to a pedestrian bridge, with significant landscaping throughout.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the project will see the area evolve into a year-round destination.

“These works will create jobs and boost revenue for retailers in Townsville’s CBD through greater visitor spending,” Mr Dick said.

“By investing in Queensland communities through our Building our Regions program, we’re strengthening our entire state with the infrastructure needed for the future.”

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said on game days over 2500 pedestrians will access the stadium via the bridge after using park-and-ride facilities at Central and at Flinders Street.

“Locals and visitors will soon be able to immerse themselves in the Ross Creek environment and move seamlessly between key activity precincts,” Mr Stewart said.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the waterfront promenade would provide a crucial new pedestrian and cycling link over the Ross Creek connecting the Stadium Precinct to the CBD.

“This project will not only create jobs for locals now but play a crucial role in encouraging the ongoing development of the Stadium Precinct and other areas in the Waterfront PDA,” Ms Hill said.

“I’d like to thank the Queensland Government for co-investing in our city’s important urban renewal projects.

“The waterfront promenade will be a catalyst for other future developments such as the North and South Rail Yards and the remaining council-owned land in the Stadium Precinct and will provide a direct connection between the CBD via the Stadium Precinct to Central Park and Palmer St.”

Communities Minister and Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said the project was yet another shot in the arm for Townsville.

“This government backs Townsville – it’s as simple as that,” the Minister said.

Palmer Street Revamp

Palmer Street is set to light up the CBD after Townsville City Council endorsed a project to revitalise the popular dining strip.

The project will include lights along Palmer Street including footpaths, pathways and the lighthouse being lit up and new entry statement signage.

Townsville Deputy Mayor Les Walker said Palmer Street is a vital part of the CBD and new lighting would help bring residents and visitors to the area.

“Palmer Street received some upgrades during the preparation for the Commonwealth Games last year and this is a good opportunity to follow on and continue improving the CBD,” Cr Walker said.

“Council has been looking at ways to activate the city centre and this is one way we can attract residents and visitors to spend time in the area.

“We are working with local businesses in Palmer Street to get this project off the ground and make sure it really fits their needs.”

Local Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said new lighting is crucial to attracting people to the city centre.

“New lighting is important for not only how the street looks, but also for the safety of everyone that visits the area,” Cr Greaney said.

“Palmer Street has such a great atmosphere, and this will really improve the space for everyone to enjoy.”