townsville

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.”

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