Governments must act faster to deliver job creating projects - Townsville

TOWNSVILLE Enterprise believes the Federal and State Governments need to take more decisive action on job creation in the wake of the mining downturn and the impact on business and confidence caused by job losses at QNI.

Townsville Enterprise Chair Kevin Gill said the region has faced uncertainty for too long.

“Fast, decisive action by the Federal and State Governments, acting in a coordinated way, is needed now,” Mr Gill said.

“Townsville Enterprise, the Chamber of Commerce and Regional Councils have presented projects that with an injection of Government funds, or more supportive policy settings, can have a direct impact on employment, build confidence and set the foundation for long term economic growth.

“These projects are not new and Governments are well aware of their benefits to the region as job generators.

“The wheels are starting to turn with a clear recognition from Governments that the region is hurting, but it’s vital that the speed dial for action is turned right up.

“If the Governments are serious about the Northern Australia Development Agenda, they will act now to keep jobs in the region and to retain workers that we are at a real risk of losing, by providing targeted funding for key priorities. It just makes good economic sense to keep people employed in the region rather than needing to attract a workforce back to Townsville North Queensland in the future.”

Townsville Enterprise outlined projects that Governments could support right now.

State Government

• Announce an immediate boost to funding for the Integrated Stadium and Entertainment Centre ($100m already committed to a $380m project)
• Expedite the mining lease for the Adani Carmichael Coal Mine and Rail project to start activity in the Galilee Basin
• Fast track the Ergon/Energex merger and relocation to Townsville
• Boost edutourism funding to take advantage of the development of a new export opportunity
• Support the development of PNG and Auckland flights to boost tourism, trade and commerce
• Fund the business case for the Townsville Eastern Access Rail Corridor

Federal Government

• Match funding with the State Government to complete the $380m Integrated Stadium and Entertainment Centre
• Base the headquarters of the $5billion Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility in Townsville – the business centre of Northern Australia.
• Fund road and rail projects to improve supply chains for agribusiness, cattle and mining industries.
• Announce that the  Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia will be headquartered in TownsvilleAward funding from the $25m National Water Infrastructure Fund to Townsville Enterprise for feasibility studies into raising the Burdekin Dam and the new dam at Hells Gate.

“We acknowledge the efforts of the State Government through the Accelerated Works Program and today’s announcement of the $25M commitment to the Mount Isa to Townsville upgrade.

"We also acknowledge the Federal Government’s commitment of an additional $1.9m to the Structural Adjustment Program, however, these efforts need to be turbocharged if they are going to make a real difference,” Mr Gill said.

Corporate website   |   Destination website   |   Convention Bureau website

ends