Opportunity Townsville North Queensland - Edition 06

MAJOR SPONSOR

EXPLORING REAL WORLD SOLUTIONS

EXPLORING REAL WORLD SOLUTIONS

BRINGING BETTER TO LIFE

EXPLORING REAL WORLD SOLUTIONS BRINGING BETTER TO LIFE

BRINGING BETTER TO LIFE

LIVING LABORATORY

LIVING LABORATORY

LIVING LABORATORY

Welcome to TropiQ, Townsville’s Tropical Intelligence and Health Precinct. TropiQ community dedicated to helping the world access, understand, and benefit from breakthroughs and solutions in health and tropical science. Find out more on page 82.

Welcome to TropiQ, Townsville’s Tropical Intelligence and Health Precinct. TropiQ is a community dedicated to helping the world access, understand, and benefit from breakthroughs and solutions in health and tropical science. Find out more on page 82.

Welcome to TropiQ, Townsville’s Tropical Intelligence and Health Precinct. TropiQ is a community dedicated to helping the world access, understand, and benefit from breakthroughs and solutions in health and tropical science. Find out more on page 82.

WWW.TROPIQ.COM.AU

WWW.TROPIQ.COM.AU

WWW.TROPIQ.COM.AU

Townsville Enterprise Limited

ABN: 58 053 020 536

Office: 151 Sturt Street, Townsville QLD 4810

Mail: PO Box 1043, Townsville QLD 4810

Phone: +61 7 4726 2728

Email: tel@tel.com.au

townsvilleenterprise.com.au

Acknowledgement of country

Townsville Enterprise pays its deepest respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of the land in Australia, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and culture. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and commit to fostering a culture of learning from and working with First Nations peoples in the spirit of reconciliation and access to justice.

Welcome

Message from Townsville Enterprise CEO

Welcome to the sixth edition of Townsville Enterprise’s premier economic development and investment publication, Opportunity Townsville North Queensland (OTNQ).

Here you will find a comprehensive guide into the established and developing industries in the Townsville North Queensland region.

Our Project Pipeline provides an informative overview of the projects recently delivered, under construction or in various stages of development.

Townsville North Queensland encompasses five major regional centres: Townsville, Charters Towers, Burdekin, Palm Island and Hinchinbrook. The region contributes over $17.2 B (Remplan, 2021, Release 2) annually to the Queensland economy and is home to nearly 240,000 people. The region has one of the most diverse economic bases in Australia and enjoys a stunning natural environment that provides tourism growth opportunities and an attractive lifestyle for its residents.

The global pandemic has impacted economies globally and whilst Townsville North Queensland has not been immune to its impacts, the region has weathered the storm well with many sectors recording strong growth and a positive outlook.

Townsville North Queensland is well placed for long-term economic recovery due to it’s diversity and strategic location. From our strengths in agriculture in the Burdekin and Hinchinbrook, one of the richest minerals provinces to the west from Charters Towers and beyond, the largest defence base in the country, our worldclass port, leading health, education and marine science research centres, the Great Barrier Reef off our coast, the list goes on. It is key to not view these natural and built assets in isolation, but instead as a collective. As Townsville Enterprise, it is our role to tell the story of their linkages and what the opportunities can be for our region, our state, and our nation when these strengths are leveraged. With targeted support we have the capacity to deliver the jobs, sovereignty, and economic prosperity critical to our nation’s recovery and future resilience.

The important role our region plays in energy generation cannot be overstated. In March 2023, the State Government committed $5 billion to building the CopperString project. This 1,100km transmission line, from Townsville to Mount Isa, will connect the North West Minerals Province with the National Electricity Grid for the first time in Australia’s history. This transmission line will unlock $740 billion in untapped minerals in the North West and unleash 33GW of renewable energy along this corridor. The region has what the world wants and with CopperString, North and North West Queensland will be unstoppable. The project is expected to be completed by 2029.

Our message to Unlock the North has been a concept about seeing opportunity through adversity and promoting the important role the North can play in not just the economic recovery of Queensland but also as the engine room for the economic recovery for Australia.

We acknowledge our valued members and partners for supporting Townsville Enterprise in its objective to attract major investment, create jobs, improve liveability and increase visitation, which ultimately delivers economic prosperity and opportunity to the region. Thank you to all sponsors featured in this edition, particularly Major Sponsor, Colliers International Townsville for their continued support.

If you wish to provide project details for inclusion in the next edition of this publication or require assistance to invest in the Townsville North Queensland region, contact our Regional Development and Investment team at tel@tel.com.au.

Claudia Brumme-Smith CEO of Townsville Enterprise

Message from Townsville City Council Mayor

Townsville continues to rebound from COVID-19 with a dynamism that would have been unthinkable just a few short years ago.

While business around the nation face challenges such as high inflation and a tight labour market, there still remains much cause for optimism in our city.

Investment in infrastructure and industry from all three levels of government means that Townsville is future-proofing its economy and setting ourselves up for sustained long-term success.

Progress on key water infrastructure, on road upgrades and the Lansdown Eco-Industrial precinct is emblematic in the vision for and confidence in Townsville for many years to come.

Investors from around the world are looking to Townsville for opportunities in defence, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and minerals processing, with the knowledge that our city is a

Message from our Major Sponsor

North Queensland’s property market has undergone a period of growth over the last 18-months, with a strong project pipeline. As the economy stabilises, post-covid growth presents new challenges for the region with high inflation and rising interest rates.

Interest rates are expected to have a modest impact on the second half of 2023, and in addition to increasing construction costs, commercial property sale volumes will likely contract over the coming months.

However, as the latest edition of Opportunity Townsville North Queensland will illustrate, the strong pipeline of committed, full-funded projects planned over the coming years will help ensure that the regions remains largely unaffected by these new challenges.

The projects mentioned in this publication will fulfill a global demand for clean, renewable energy and metals that can be used to manufacture solar panels and batteries. And our traditional

Partners

safe place to do business and affords the certainty that enterprise relies on.

With international borders reopened to pre-COVID levels, we are now welcoming back thousands of tourists and business travellers, and the future for our region’s visitor economy is looking very bright, with investment in tourism infrastructure and facilities coming from both the private sector as well as from Council and government.

Jenny Hill Mayor of Townsville

industries continue to deliver prosperity for the region, attracting both private and public investment that will see the development of new, world-class technology here in North Queensland.

This is the sixth year Colliers has supported Opportunity Townsville North Queensland. We’re proud to align our brand with the region’s peak investment collateral and support Townsville Enterprise on their vision to secure the future of Townsville North Queensland.

Peter Wheeler Managing Director Colliers International Townsville

Townsville Enterprise works collaboratively with a number of agencies in economic development to deliver outcomes for businesses, investors and projects in the region:

Cr

North Queensland Regional Industry Growth Plan

The North Queensland Regional Industry Growth Plan was released in March 2023 and provides a holistic vision of the region’s future economic growth. The Regional Industry Growth Plan was designed to incorporate the actions from the Queensland Government’s Regional Plan in coordination with input from local councils and key industry stakeholders. This plan has been written by industry for industry, identifying key macro-economic trends and the key actions for each industry that will deliver economic development for the region.

The plan also includes key economic insights, population, labour force and Gross Regional Product (GRP) growth projections.

Industry action plans have been developed for the region’s key industry sectors outlining future projects which will be used to promote cross-industry collaboration and to inform Townsville Enterprise’s future advocacy efforts.

To download our Regional Industry Growth Plan, head to our website.

Townsville Enterprise Members

PRINCIPLE PARTNER MAJOR PARTNER

PLATINUM MEMBERS

GOLD MEMBERS

SILVER MEMBERS

COPPER MEMBERS

BRONZE MEMBERS

Australian Institute of Marine Science

BMD Construction

Cubic Defence Australia Pty Ltd

Edify Energy Pty Ltd

Exante Management Pty Ltd

FGH Group

Gabrielli Constructions Pty Ltd

Gallagher Insurance Brokers

Hutchinson Builders

LIFE MEMBERS

Iberdrola Australia Limited

Incitec Pivot Limited

Kernow Charters Towers

Lendlease

Mater Hospital and Health Service

Origin Energy

Pacific Biotechnologies

Queensland Country Bank

Ravenswood Gold Pty Ltd

RGM Maintenance

SeaLink Queensland Pty Ltd

South 32

Stadiums Queensland

Vetta Creative

Watpac Construction Pty Ltd

Windlab Development Australia Pty Ltd

+310 ASSOCIATE, LEVEL 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 AND RECIPROCAL MEMBERS

Alison Ferry Geoffrey Plante

Edward Scott

Graham Jackson OAM Greg Peel John Bearne

Laurence Lancini AO Tony Mooney AM

Burdekin Shire Council

Townsville North Queensland offers a unique investment proposition.

Townsville is the thirteenth largest city in Australia, and by far the largest population base in Northern Australia. The region has one of the most diverse economies in regional Australia and is widely considered the commercial hub of Northern Australia whilst maintaining an enviable lifestyle for residents and a stunning natural environment.

To learn more about the investment opportunities for the North Queensland region, scan the QR code or contact Townsville Enterprises invest team at investtsv@tel.com.au.

TOWNSVILLE AIRPORT

JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY

Bernard

No other region of comparable size has the connection into the future prosperity of the Australian nation as Townsville.

Project Pipeline

MAJOR SPONSOR

Great Barrier Reef Aquar ium

The Great Barrier Reef Aquarium is the Australian Government’s National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef and is home to the world’s largest living coral reef exhibit.

Our journey towards creating unforgettable experiences is now expanding. Working alongside Traditional Owners, we are embarking on a significant transformation to elevate our offerings.

The reimagined Aquarium will feature new and immersive experiences that will leave a lasting impression on visitors. We remain committed to providing everyone with an opportunity to experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

LEARN mORE:

www.greatbarrierreefaquarium.au

Bringing together Reef management and Reef education in a world-class attraction.

TRADITIONAL OWNER CO-DESIGN

HANDS-ON

IMMERSIVE EXHIBITS

SHOWCASING THE REEF’S BEAUTY FOR OVER 35 YEARS

Continued investment in local community infrastructure

Proposed purpose-built maternity and renal dialysis units are the next stage in Mater Private Hospital Townsville’s master plan to address the unmet healthcare needs of the community on one integrated campus. This project is currently seeking federal government support.

Project Pipeline

Opportunity Townsville North Queensland provides an overview of all the key upcoming and future projects planned for the region. This section also includes a breakdown of project value and employment opportunities by region and industry.

This report aims to provide greater context on the economic outlook for North Queensland over the coming years. It also seeks to highlight the investment in North Queensland for new renewable energy and hydrogen projects planned for our region, as well as the continued expansion of the region’s core industries (health, defence and education).

The pipeline consists of ‘underway projects’ which includes those projects which are fully funded and underway; and ‘future opportunities’ which include projects that have been credibly proposed and are awaiting either final approvals or funding commitments.

2022

ARDO MORRIS GROUP

200 Construction Jobs, 180 Operational Jobs

$88 M

Ardo is the latest addition to Morris Group’s tourism offering which includes The Ville Resort-Casino and the Northern Escape Collection suite of luxury properties. The resort will feature premium accommodation, world-class dining, day spa and a rooftop pool deck.

TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION COMPLEX

JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY

270 Jobs

$96 M

Construction of the state-of-the-art Technology Innovation Complex (TIC) is underway and is expected to open in early 2023. This facility would boost enrolment in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) higher education training for the next generation of employees and entrepreneurs.

LANSDOWN ECO-INDUSTRIAL PRECINCT

TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL

EDIFY ENERGY

ORIGIN ENERGY

QUEENSLAND PACIFIC METALS

RTE ENERGY SOLQUARTS

5,000 Construction Jobs, 1,600 Direct Operational Jobs, 9,100

Indirect Operational jobs

$2 B

The Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct will be Northern Australia’s first environmentally sustainable advanced manufacturing, processing and technology estate powered by locally generated renewable energy.

HAUGHTON PIPELINE

- STAGE 2

TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL & QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT

300 Jobs

$274 M

The Haughton Pipeline Project (HPP) proposes extending the new, larger 1800mm Stage 1 water pipeline to source water from the Burdekin River to Ross River Dam, supporting the city’s Ross River Dam water catchment. When complete, the HPP will provide greater capacity to provide raw water into the Ross River Dams to augment water level during periods of very low rainfall.

COMMON-USER VANADIUM PROCESSING FACILITY QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT

TBC

$75 M

The Queensland Government is planning to build and own a new vanadium processing plant to kickstart local production and assist junior miners. Construction is expected to begin in late 2022, with the plant scheduled to be operational by 2023.

SUN HQ HYDROGEN HUB

ARK ENERGY/KOREA ZINC

TBC

$20 M+

The SunHQ Hydrogen project will involve the installation of a 1 MW PEM electrolyser co-located at the Townsville refinery. The produced hydrogen would be primarily used in diesel fuel displacement, with Ark Energy procuring five new hydrogen fuel cell heavy haulage trucks. Ark Energy’s hydrogen-powered trucks are expected to hit the road in early 2023.

2023

KIDSTON PUMPED HYDRO GENEX

800 Construction Jobs, 100 Operational Jobs

$777 M

Located in Far North Queensland, 270km northwest of Townsville, the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project will utilise two existing mining pits as a closed loop system to transfer water from the upper and lower reservoirs. Generating 250MW of peak power production over an 8-hour period that feeds into the national electricity network.

AUSTRALIAN SINGAPORE MILITARY TRAINING INITIATIVE (ASMTI)

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

350 Jobs

$1.25 B

ASMTI is located near Greenvale North Queensland to support the training of up to 14,000 Singaporean Armed Force personnel. This is an opportunity for Australia to build defence capability and enhance its bilateral relationship with Singapore, while providing enduring economic benefits to Central and North Queensland.

SAINT ELMO VANADIUM MINE MULTICOM RESOURCES

250 Construction Jobs, 150 Operational Jobs

$250 M

Multicom Resources is seeking to develop the Saint Elmo Vanadium Project for the purposes of mining and processing vanadium and alternative vanadiumbased products.

HYDROGEN ELECTROLYSER PLANT

EDIFY ENERGY

TBC

$45.7 M

Located in Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct

The Edify Green Hydrogen Project secured development approval in September 2021 for a 1GW+ green hydrogen production facility with a behind-the-meter solar PV and battery storage facility. At full scale the project is expected to produce 150,000+ tonnes of green hydrogen per year.

TOWNSVILLE ENERGY CHEMICALS HUB (TECH PROJECT) PURE MINERALS/QPM

800 Construction Jobs, 300 Operational Jobs

$1 B+

Located in Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct

The facility proposes to produce 1.5 million tonnes of ore annually to produce nickel sulfate, cobalt sulfate and high-purity alumina. The TECH Project is expected to become a leading supplier of high-grade advanced battery materials.

CHANNEL UPGRADE PROJECT

PORT OF TOWNSVILLE

120 Construction Jobs, 245 Operational Jobs

$232 M

The project will see the Platypus channel widened to 180m, tapering to 120m offshore, to accommodate vessels up to 300m in length. The Channel Upgrade project is the largest infrastructure project in the Port’s history and is the first stage of the 30-year Port Expansion Project.

TAFE HYDROGEN AND RENEWABLE ENERGY TRAINING FACILITY

45 Jobs

SCONI PROJECT

AUSTRALIAN MINES PTY LTD

500 Construction Jobs, 300 Operational Jobs

$1.5 B

The Sconi Project will supply high-quality battery-grade nickel and cobalt materials to LG Energy Solutions, the world’s largest producer of advanced batteries for the electric vehicle industry.

MATER MATERNITY AND NEONATAL UNIT AND RENAL DIALYSIS PROJECT

100+ Construction Jobs

$33 M

This proposal is the next stage in the Mater Private Hospital Townsville’s masterplan to address the unmet healthcare needs of the community on one integrated campus. The proposed Maternity and Neonatal Unit will adjoin the recently-completed Mercy Centre on Diprose Street with 18 in-patient beds, four birthing suites, and an eight-cot Special Care Nursery. The proposed Renal Dialysis Unit will double the number of dialysis chairs at Mater Private Hospital Townsville.

2024

$12.45 M

Queensland Government has invested $12.45 million to build a hydrogen and renewable energy training facility for training in renewable energy such as hydrogen, solar and wind at the Bohle Trade Training TAFE in Townsville. The project will be completed during 2023–24. The upgrade is expected to result in approximately 500 extra students by 2024-225.

GREAT BARRIER REEF AQUARIUM REDEVELOPMENT

300+

$80.1 M

Great Barrier Reef Aquarium received funding from the Australian Government to upgrade the aging infrastructure. The project also received funding for the upgrade and maintenance of the animal life support systems and to improve visitor access.

TOWNSVILLE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL EXPANSION

1,276 Jobs

$530 M

The expansion of the Townsville University Hospital will deliver around 143 extra beds to the region by 2026. The expansion will include a significant boost to beds for rehabilitation and surgical patients, additional day-procedure spaces, and the relocation of the helicopter landing pad to the roof, freeing up that space for a new clinical building.

Underway

Projects

Fully funded by the Queensland State Government

COPPERSTRING CUSTRING

800 Construction Jobs, 50-100 Operational Jobs

$5 B

The 1,100km CopperString 2.0 transmission network, extending from Woodstock out to Mount Isa and the North West Minerals Province (NWMP), will be the largest geographic extension of the National Electricity Market (NEM). The Palaszczcuk Government has purchased the project to unlock new economy mineral deposits in the North West.

MAJOR ENABLING INFRUSTRUCTURE

REGENAQUA - WATER TREATMENT PROJECT PACIFIC-BIO

200 Construction Jobs, 370 Operational Jobs

$24 M

RegenAqua is a homegrown, world-leading technology pioneered by James Cook University in partnership with Pacific Biotechnologies (PacBio). Regenaqua uses sunlight to convert these nutrients into macroalgae (seaweed), which is then processed into a biostimulant to replace conventional fertilisers. Regenaqua is looking to establish facilities across the LGAs of Townsville, Hinchinbrook and the Charters Towers regions. Project is seeking funding for a three-staged approach to the development of this opportunity.

Fully funded by the Federal Government

NQ SPARK

TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL TROPIQ

JCU

TOWNSVILLE HOSPITAL & HEALTH SERVICES

834 Construction Jobs, 555 Operational Jobs

$35 M

NQSpark will consolidate and maximise the regional defence, science, health and knowledge expertise in Townsville to construct an Advanced Environmental Simulation Facility. NQ Spark received a $32M commitment from the Federal Government in May 2022.

IMAGE BY CAMERON LAIRD

Future Opportunities

HELLS GATES DAM PUMPED STORAGE HYDRO SCHEME TOWNSVILLE ENTERPRISE

800+ Construction Jobs, 30+ Operational Jobs

$TBC

The proposed Hells Gates Pumped Storage is adjacent to the Upper Burdekin River and will have a capacity of 808MW. Project is expected to have a six-year construction time frame. Currently, the project is seeking funding for business case development.

AYR INDUSTRIAL ESTATE EXPANSION

BURDEKIN SHIRE COUNCIL

225 Construction Jobs, 176 Indirect Jobs

$5.6 M

The Burdekin Shire Council proposes to develop additional land for industrial purposes in Ayr as the existing industrial estate is now close to capacity. The provision of suitably located and serviced industrial land in Ayr will help meet business and industry needs.

Stage 1 expansion will create 25 new businesses in the district with an estimated construction activity worth $54.1 million. A business case, Cost Benefit Analysis and Cost Summary have been prepared, and is awaiting State or Federal Government funding to support the project.

CHARTER TOWERS ENTERPRISE PRECINCT CHARTERS TOWERS REGIONAL COUNCIL

83 Construction Jobs, 51 Operational Jobs

$20 M

Charters Towers Enterprise Precinct is a new commercial and industrial precinct to secure the future of economic investment and growth in the Charters Towers region, with proximity to Charters Towers CBD, access to electricity, and features that make it versatile and attractive for a variety of commercial and industrial uses. Project is seeking funding from Federal Government to complete trunk water infrastructure.

UPPER BURDEKIN WIND FARM WINDLAB

150+ Construction Jobs, 10+ Operational Jobs

$1 B

The proposed wind energy project will generate up to 400 MW of power from 100 turbines and will be located 65km south-west of Ingham. Apple has entered into a power purchase agreement with the project to secure energy once the project comes online in 2026.

HELLS GATES DAM

10,855 Construction Jobs, 5,500 Operational Jobs

Project Status: Business Case Complete

$5.4 B

The proposed Hells Gates Dam is capable of storing 2,100 GL of water and open 60,000ha of agricultural land, which would make it the largest dam in Queensland if constructed. The purpose of the dam is to provide reliable and secure long-term water supply for irrigations, high-value agricultural production for the Charters Towers and Townsville region, with significant agricultural export potential. In May 2022, the Hells Gates Dam detailed Business Case was delivered to the Queensland and Federal Governments.

HILTON GARDEN INN BY HILTON HOTEL

FOCUS PACIFIC

168 Construction Jobs, 129 Operational Jobs

$50 M

The Hilton Garden Inn by Hilton Hotel will be an upscale seven-storey 166-room hotel located on the western side of the Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

CONSTRUCTION BEGINNING SECOND QUARTER OF 2023

RICHMOND - JULIA CREEK VANADIUM PROJECT

RICHMOND VANADIUM TECHNOLOGY PTY LTD

50 Construction Jobs, 200 Operational Jobs

$242 M

Green-field open-cut vanadium mine with a yield of up to 4.2 million tonnes per annum run of mine (ROM) ore mined over 20 years. An updated pre-feasability study (PFS) for the project was released in March 2022.

MOUNT JAMES WIND FARM

IBERDROLA

300 Construction Jobs, 5 Operational Jobs

$2.6 B

Iberdrola has acquired the rights to the 1GW Mount James Wind Farm development, 80km north of Hughenden. Environmental studies of the 50,000-hectare development site have now been completed to inform the design of the project.

Number of Jobs by Region

PROJECT PIPELINE Jobs in each Industry

2,052

EDUCATION

790

DEFENCE

23,388

WATER AND AGRICULTURE

3,747

TOURISM AND RECREATION

1,261

ROADS OTHER

1,182

7,154

ENERGY

1,709

ENVIRONMENT

3,714

HARBOURS, PORTS AND FREIGHT

1,919

HEALTH

14,010

HOUSING AND COMMUNITY

7,210

Stages of Projects

Number of Projects by Status in Industry

DISCLAIMER

The data in this section has been gathered by Townsville Enterprise based on information gathered from a variety of organisation’s publications including Construction Skills Queensland Knowledge Centre, RDA Construction Industry Pipeline Report and Queensland Major Projects Pipeline Report. Townsville Enterprise understands that project information is frequently changing or updated, and the following is only a guide to the civil and commercial projects in our region.

Economic Overview

MAJOR SPONSOR

Economic Overview

North Queensland has shown its economic resilience by remaining stable throughout the global pandemic. The key industries North Queensland has been built upon (Defence, Health, Education and Mining) continued to demonstrate growth during this period of global economic hardship.

Whilst North Queensland’s tourism sector was severely impacted by the closure of state and international borders, the resumption of the cruise industry and the rise of eco-tourism has ensured this sector is well on its way to recovery with positive forward growth predicted.

The key to North Queensland’s continued success is its strong and economically diverse profile with not one sector contributing more than 15% towards the Gross Regional Product. This is set to continue for the foreseeable future.

In a post-Covid environment with high interest rates and high inflation, a sense of trepidation remains with murmurs that a global recession may be on the horizon as major economies slow-down and readjust to the new economic climate.

North Queensland is in a strong position to weather these uncertain conditions should they arise, with low unemployment and a strong project pipeline for all industries in the region.

Our economic diversity will continue to strengthen as North Queensland develops its emerging industries which will play a pivotal role in the region’s decarbonisation efforts. Due to an abundance of natural assets identified in North West Queensland, this region has been earmarked by both governments and industry as a Green Energy Hub, capable of producing up to 33GW of clean, green energy through solar and wind output. The region is also delivering on its promise as a Renewable Hydrogen Hub, with ideal export facilities,

proximity to key Asian markets and bipartisan support for the development of these industries which has the potential to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors of our economy.

The mining sector has shown promise of new, diversified opportunities with the global rise of new economy minerals. North West Queensland contains an estimated $740 billion of untapped critical minerals including vanadium, cobalt, copper and rare earth minerals. The resources are critical for the development of advanced technologies such as solar panels and battery manufacturing. Combined with this region’s enormous renewable energy potential, several new projects are looking to utilise this clean energy to produce world first “green” minerals and ores. Townsville, as the central business hub and home to key export infrastructure such as the Port of Townsville, has all the key assets required to develop and support this emerging industry.

In March 2023, The Palaszczuk Government committed to the CopperString Project which will provide affordable, renewable energy to open up the North West Minerals Province. The 1,100km transmission line from Townsville to Mount Isa will be 100% government owned. This $5 billion transmission line is the most significant investment in economic infrastructure in North Queensland since the railways. With the first $500 million down payment made from the coal royalties. Construction will be completed by 2029.

Countless opportunities abound in our region, whether its world-leading marine research, the growth of new agri-food exports, advanced tech and simulation facilities or the reinvigoration of local manufacturing capabilities, the Townsville North Queensland region has strong growth potential for years to come.

LOOKING OVER THE STRAND TO MAGNETIC ISLAND

Population Overview

Townsville North Queensland

237,452

4.7%

Regional Population Projections to 2041 by Age Group

237,452 TOTAL 324,317

2.5

GROWING TOWNSVILLE

Townsville City Council is dedicated to building a robust and economically valuable investment environment where our local and new industry businesses, partnering organisations and residents will thrive.

Our vision is for Townsville to be a connected, lifestyle driven and innovation focused city while continuing to deliver service excellence and be led by our community to create an exciting today and future.

2.3

Living the Dream...

The Charters Towers Region in North Queensland is offering the dream of an easy-going country lifestyle with the benefits of city living.

Over the last couple of years, there has been a growing trend for families to get out of the cities and move to the country.

The Towers has everything you need from pristine landscapes for camping, fishing, four-wheel driving and biking. It’s a great community with many sporting clubs and only a 90 minute drive from the coast. No traffic, great shopping, lots of jobs, affordable housing, health care, education, and a real sense of community. There’s no better place than Charters Towers.

With the anticipated growth over the next decade, multiple large-scale projects have begun the construction phase, including a new commercial, industrial, and retail precinct, and residential development.

To find out more about the Charters Towers Region, visit bit.ly/LifestyleCTRC

1.9

LIVE THE HINCHINBROOK

WAY

3.7

Connectivity

MAJOR SPONSOR

Townsville Airport Port of Townsville Road and rail

Townsville Airport is the centre of aviation in North Queensland and plays a significant role in the operations of the North Queensland economy.

Townsville Airport operates domestically and has international airport status, linking 1.7 million passengers per year with Australian capital cities and key North Queensland towns.

Townsville Airport will be a major contributor to the future development of the North Queensland region and Northern Australia.

Townsville Airport has direct connections to and from most major capital cities and is serviced by all major airline carriers including Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Bonza, Alliance, Skytrans and Rex.

The airport is a short 7-minute drive to the centre of Townsville city and acts as a transport hub offering pick-up points for taxis, ride shares and the airport shuttle.

Rental cars are available for hire with major companies like Avis, Sixt, Europcar, Enterprise, Hertz and Budget located in the terminal.

The airport terminal has been recently upgraded with a new security screening point and upgrades to the existing check-in area and baggage handling conveyor system. These improvements were funded through the $9.15M Federal Government Regional Airports Screening Infrastructure (RASI) Grant. Retail works were also undertaken to positively transform the customer experience with new airside and landside cafes supported by a news and bookstore outlet.

The Port of Townsville is the largest container port in Northern Australia. The Port also handles a variety of other commodities such as fuel, minerals, and cement and represents an important link for the Asia Pacific region.

The lucrative cruise market injects more than $5 billion dollars into the economy and supports more than 18,000 jobs across the Australian coastline each year. The Port of Townsville Quayside terminal welcomes over 20,000 domestic and international cruise ship passengers each year, with cruise liners including Viking Cruises, Silversea Cruises, and Seaborn Cruises to name a few. It is estimated that each passenger spends an average of $500 per person with local businesses during their day ashore.

The Port of Townsville is currently undergoing a $232M Channel Upgrade Project which will see the channel widened to 180m, tapering to 120m offshore, to accommodate vessels up to 300m in length when completed in 2024. This will allow for a significant increase in the number and size of cruise and export and import vessels.

NBN Connectivity

As Australia’s digital backbone and national telecommunication asset, the nbn network is lifting the digital capability of Australia, enabling greater productivity, economic prosperity, and social prosperity.

Queensland Rail utilises Townsville as its northern passenger hub and offers scheduled services to a range of destinations. Rail freight operators Aurizon and Pacific National offer a full range of general, container, bulk and intermodal freight services throughout Queensland and interstate from their Townsville terminals.

Planned major infrastructure developments, such as the Townsville Eastern Access Rail Corridor (TEARC) project, will enable improved connectivity between the Port of Townsville, Mount Isa and Northern Queensland. Further efficiencies will be realised with increased capacity, improved flood immunity, reduced maintenance issues, and strong contributions to the local economy and regional growth.

These efficiency and cost reducing benefits will flow beyond the resource sector to other supply chains such as horticulture and agriculture.

Transmission

The Queensland Government will fund the $5 billion CopperString project and construct a 1,100km transmission line connecting Townsville to Mount Isa. This project is a key enabler for the development of new economy mineral deposits and renewable energy.

“CopperString is the most significant investment in economic infrastructure in North Queensland in generations”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

map

Townsville has direct aviation connection to most capital cities along Australia’s Eastern seaboard.

consumption by superpower is supplied of largescale solar PV. transmission 266GW of 72GW of inter-regional regions. beyond the resource energy zones. Our mega-renewable energy zones far-north west QLD and modelling suggests required in a far-north west QLD zone in the

quantity remote zones, we transmission technology alternating current or

Green Energy Super Hub

The global trends towards decarbonisation and renewable energy technology have meant that nations and large corporations are looking to invest in regions that can meet this demand. North Queensland is uniquely positioned to become a world leading green energy super hub with a combination of ideal natural resources, existing common-user infrastructure, proximity to key markets and elite educational institutions to deliver the skilled workforce required to grow this emerging industry.

Transgrid’s ‘Energy Vision’ report was designed to guide Australia’s energy transition and provide a clear vision that we can collectively strive for. Transgrid partnered with CSIRO, ClimateWorks Australia and The Brattle Group to develop and model six possible futures for Australia’s energy future for Australia’s energy system out to 2050. Under the Clean Energy Superpower scenario, Australia leverages all of its abundant natural energy resources and mineral ores to become a global clean energy superpower, exporting green hydrogen and metals to the world.

This modelling outlines the sheer potential that North and North West Queensland are capable of producing, including the highest combined wind and solar outputs of any other region along Australia’s Eastern seaboard. The model suggests that our region is capable of producing up to 33 GW of renewable energy, which ensures that North Queensland is ideally positioned to become a globally significant producer and exporter of renewable hydrogen.

Figure 40: Renewable energy zone and transmission maps for Clean energy superpower

NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Supported By Your nbn Local Team

The days of listening to your computer dial up to the internet are now just a distant memory. Businesses have evolved and technology has changed; meaning secure, fast and reliable internet connection is more important now than ever before.

Helping to support innovation, business growth, job creation and education across north-west Queensland is a top priority of nbn™ Local.

Townsville was one of the nation’s first nbn™ pilot sites. Excitingly, the nbn™ multi technology mix has evolved over time. Many Townsville and Ayr businesses that rely on the nbn™ network can now access business-grade fibre product-business nbn™ Enterprise Ethernet- via retail service providers based on CBD equivalent wholesale pricing.

It is the fastest symmetrical wholesale product available, with a 99.95 per cent network availability uptime target, helping to reduce business downtime.

Head of nbn™ Local Queensland Kylie Lindsay said Enterprise Ethernet helps regional businesses access the same digital opportunities as those in major capital cities.

“Businesses are increasingly using business nbn™ Enterprise Ethernet to support cloud-based business operations, remote file storage, content hosting, unified communications, large file distribution, and to connect head office locations,” Kylie said.

“For business nbn™ Enterprise Ethernet customers, we are helping to level the playing field and ensuring that more

businesses throughout Australia in more locations can participate in the digital economy on an equal footing, with greater parity on recurring monthly wholesale charges.

Locally, on the ground, the north-west Queensland region is fortunate to have four dedicated nbn™ Local specialists and a team of field engineers working together to raise our digital capability.

Townsville-based Business Lead Stuart McDonald said the team understood the challenges and needs of business, industry and customers because they are involved in their local communities and were passionate about what they do.

“We have Casie Scott in Townsville who is the Community Engagement Manager, who is focused on strategy, whilst also working with a wide variety of stakeholders,” Stuart said.

“We also have two Community Ambassadors who help individuals and community groups with 101 sessions, scam awareness and connection issues”.

“I engage directly with businesses, business groups and Information Communication Technology providers to make sure they are making the most of their network connection.

“Our job is essentially to help with questions or problems that customers may have and to help them so our Region can thrive.”

For more visit nbn.com.au/business or contact Stuart McDonald at stuartmcdonald@nbnco.com.au

Business nbn™ Enterprise Ethernet is only available in the nbn™ Business Fibre Zones, nbn™ Fixed Line network footprint and at limited premises served by the nbn™ Fixed Wireless and Satellite networks.

Customer experience, including the speeds actually achieved over the nbn™ network, depends on the configuration over which services are delivered to your premises, whether you are using the service during the busy period, and some factors outside of nbn’s control (like your equipment quality, software, chosen broadband plan or how your provider designs its network). If your service provider has not selected a bandwidth in the highest of three classes of service available for business nbn™ Enterprise Ethernet, the speeds you experience may be affected by contention on the nbn™ network, particularly in busy periods. nbn is a wholesaler and does not control costs charged by service providers. Customers should contact their preferred service provider to ask about availability and any fees and charges from their provider that may be applicable.

Proven Investment Destination for Green Hydrogen

11,400 MW

RENEWABLE SOLAR POTENTIAL BY 2050

The North Queensland Hydrogen Consortium (NQH2) led by Townsville Enterprise, brings together industry leaders to harness the region’s abundance of solar, wind, hydro. and biomass resources to generate green hydrogen for a cleaner energy future for all.

Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct

Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct will be Northern Australia’s first eco-industrial precinct, led by Townsville City Council. It will be a hub for advanced manufacturing and processing. Development Approval (DA) for a hydrogen production plant has already been granted.

2,200 ha

40 km south of Townsville CBD Water and Grid access

Road, Rail and Port Connectivity

Declared a prescribed project to fast-track approvals from Queensland Government. Received $60 million in funding commitments from both the State and Federal Governments

Edify Energy

Edify Energy has been granted development approval to build and operate a green hydrogen production plant, with capacity of up to 1 GW. The project will be constructed in phases to meet market demand.

1GW of hydrogen production

Behind-the-meter renewable energy and battery storage

150,000 tonnes of hydrogen annually

Export and domestic potential

Origin Energy

Origin Energy is working with Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) to develop a commercial scale, 300 MW export-focussed project. First exports from the project are expected late 2020 to early 2030.

Produce 36,500 tonnes of green liquid hydrogen

Signed MoU with the Port of Townsville.

18,600 MW

RENEWABLE WIND POTENTIAL BY 2050

Sun HQ Hydrogen Hub

Ark Energy is the Australian subsidiary of Korea Zinc Company Ltd, the largest zinc, lead and silver producer in the world. The initial phase of the SunHQ Hydrogen Hub will see the installation of a 1 MW PEM electrolyser located at the Townsville Zinc Refinery Site. The produced hydrogen will mainly be used in diesel fuel displacement. Also further developing opportunities for export to green hydrogen to Korea. Behind-the-meter connection to existing 124 MW solar farm Produce 140 tonnes of hydrogen per year

Ark Energy has signed with Hyzon Motors for the supply of five heavy-duty hydrogen fuel cell-powered trucks

Townsville State Development Area (TSDA)

Defined area of land that has been dedicated to industrial development.

4915 ha

6 km south of Townsville CBD Road, rail and port connectivity

Skills and Education

The Queensland Government is investing $12.45 million in Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Training facility at TAFE Townsville Trade Training Centre. James Cook University is also vital in providing the region with a highly-skilled workforce required for the growth of the hydrogen industry. Additionally the University is also collaborating with industry to provide further research and development for renewable hydrogen.

Common User Infrastructure Master Plan

NQH2 is developing a Common User Infrastructure Masterplan that will identify the investment requirements for the whole hydrogen ecosystem and supply chain in the region. This includes (but not limited to):

Water treatment facilities and water pipelines to production facilities

Green energy inputs (wind, solar and hydro) and the transmission of green energy to production sites.

Pipelines and storage infrastructure

Export infrastructure at the Port of Townsville

The development of Townsville as a global leader for the production and export of renewable hydrogen aligns with the following State and Federal Government policies:

Queensland Hydrogen Industry Strategy 2019-2024

Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund

Queensland 50% Renewable Energy Target by 2030

Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy

Common User Infrastructure

Port of Townsville

The Port of Townsville is the largest general cargo port in Northern Australia. The Port has currently signed three Memorandums of Understanding to deliver and export green hydrogen. The Port of Townsville will be instrumental in positioning Townsville as a global leader for clean energy exports. As a deep-sea port with proximity to Asian markets, the Port of Townsville has a strategic advantage in the production and export of renewable hydrogen.

Currently undertaking a $232 million channel upgrade project to widen shipping channels

Reclaiming 158 hectares of land

Developing 6 additional berths

Proposal to develop North Queensland Hydrogen Hub and associated infrastructure

There is a growing demand from hydrogen proponents to identify optimal methods for the efficient and cost-effective delivery of hydrogen from production plant to port and the end user. NQH2 is seeking input from industry for any developments in the technology that enables the transport of commercially viable quantities of hydrogen in bulk. For more information, please reach out to the NQH2 team.

NQHYDROGEN.COM.AU

Metals Refinery Worlds first green zinc refinery by 2025

Case Study

James Cook University: Tropical Aquaculture Accelerator

This project will combine James Cook University’s (JCU) global expertise in Aquaculture innovation, research and commercialisation and world-leading, fit-for-purpose facilities. The project is shovel-ready, just awaiting funding from State Government to match funding already committed by JCU and the Federal Government.

Why is North Queensland important for your project?

North Queensland is the epicentre and driver of growth in Northern Australia aquaculture with largescale expansions and investment seen in prawn and barramundi aquaculture between Port Douglas and Mackay, and into new enterprises such as rock lobsters and oysters. The prawn farming sector which is 80% located in North Queensland is predicted to grow over the next 7 years to 2030 from ~$100 M, to $432 M and requiring 600 new positions.

North Queensland also has the optimal mix of environmental attributes for the tropical species farmed in northern Australian aquaculture, as well as for the same species farmed across south-east Asia, suitable land, water and resource availability, supply chain and logistics such as the Port and Airport, but most critically is home to a globally recognised research team and the advanced research and development technology and expertise that is crucial to drive innovation and improvement within the developing industry, as well as the ability to train the appropriate workforce.

How can the region benefit from an emerging industry like aquaculture?

The aquaculture industry provides strong potential for both the domestic market and export of product and services into the rapidly growing markets of south-east Asia where the demand for high quality seafood is growing with the rise of the middle class, where Australian seafood has a reputation for high quality and sustainable production values. The aquaculture industry has potential to expand to around five times its current size, unlock high value production in hundreds of thousands of hectares of land, and exceed $1.3B p.a in production with over a 1,000 new high-value jobs. Ensuring that the research and development capability stays in North Queensland will help to maximise the growth of the industry, but also maximise the benefits that accrue and remain in Queensland, rather than allowing this work to go offshore.

What role do emerging technologies (AI, automation) have in this project? Why is it important for regional cities to build on their digital capabilities?

Emerging technologies are fundamental to this project – Aquaculture management is essentially a black box where historically it was difficult to understand what exactly was happening under the water and the health and growth of farmed animals. Modern aquaculture production operations, however, are moving towards use of automation in feeding and water quality monitoring and increasingly reliant on Internet of Things style smart-sensors, connectivity and data flows, with strong potential for productivity gains associated with sensor and control R&D in production. However, the highest potential for gains in productivity lie in a combination of genetically improved broodstock development, disease monitoring and control, and aquaculture feed improvements. These are strongly dependent on emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and image analysis, genome sequencing and “big data” approaches to integrating those technologies to inform line selection in broodstock improvement.

What are the challenges this project faces being based in a regional city?

Most regional cities would not have the research capability required to support this project, however, Townsville has JCU as a world leader in marine and aquaculture sciences to form the crucial human capital basis of the project. It is worth noting that Singapore recognizes the global relevance and value of that expertise and is actively engaged in accessing JCU aquaculture expertise in addressing its own food security.

An advantage of the project being based in a regional city is that the aquaculture industry is regional and the majority of aquaculture production in North Queensland occurs within a 400km radius of Townsville. This allows easy and direct access to the facility, researchers and industry.

How can the region continue to support innovative projects like the Aquaculture Accelerator?

Truly innovative projects require a strong engagement and ongoing association between industry innovators and research and development experts. In this instance, Townsville has a strong base for innovation across a range of areas due to the underlying university research and teaching expertise that creates the capability for both creating new approaches, and also providing a workforce that is prepared to take advantage of the advances. Stronger ties in innovation between the university and regional industry are important, with both university and industry committed to the relationship. A good example of this can be seen with Townsville’s Smart Precinct innovation enabler co-located at JCU and with a shared appointment to progress regional innovation.

LOOKING ACROSS THE PORT OF TOWNSVILLE

Industry Features

MAJOR SPONSOR

INDUSTRY FEATURES

Mining & Advanced Manufacturing

Just west of North Queensland lies the North West Minerals Province (NWMP), the richest region in Australia for mineral and ore deposits worth an estimated $740 billion. This region has a successful history of gold mining operations, with emerging opportunities in cobalt, nickel, scandium, silica, rare earths, vanadium and molybdenum projects.

Connecting Pit to Port is the Mount Isa Line System, which represents over 1000km of track extending from Townsville through to Mount Isa. The Mount Isa Line is of particular national interest as it runs along some of the world’s largest deposits of copper, lead, zinc, silver, and phosphate rock.

As a result of the growing investment in the north west minerals province, North Queensland is considered to be the epicentre for renewable advanced manufacturing of batteries, solar panels and other critical technologies.

The nations first vanadium battery electrolyte facility will be built right here in Townsville, with production expected in the later half of 2023.

Additionally construction has commenced on the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct, Northern Australia’s foremost eco-industrial precinct for advanced manufacturing, processing, technology. Already six companies have signed on to be part of the precinct including to progress renewable hydrogen and advanced battery manufacturing.

Upcoming Project QPM TECH Project

The TECH Project will see Queensland Pacific Metals (QPM) import high-grade nickel laterite ore to Townsville from New Caledonia for processing. Townsville was selected by the company as the optimal location for the facility due to its close proximity and extensive history of importing nickel ore from New Caledonia.

Once operational, the TECH Project will be a carbon negative, sustainable, clean and green production facility that will ultimately position QPM as an attractive supplier of key chemicals to the electric vehicle and energy storage industries.

QPM recently secured Australian Government approval, under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999, to construct and operate the Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub (TECH) Project.

This announcement comes on the back of last month’s exciting news that US automotive giant General Motors plan to invest up to US$69 M ($108 M Australian dollars) in QPM to develop the TECH Project at the Lansdown site which is located only 40km from the Townsville centre. Queensland Pacific Metals have received Significant Investment Project status for their Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub at Lansdown.

Agriculture, Aquaculture & Horticulture

Agriculture and horticulture continue to play a key role in the North Queensland economy. North Queensland is the largest producer of sugar cane as well a significant exporter of beef cattle. The industry is also a strong exporter of fruit, fisheries and vegetable production. Emerging markets like aquaculture provide the region with boundless future opportunities for growth, as it is expected to be Australia’s second largest agri-food export by 2050.

Upcoming Project RegenAqua Macroalgal Facility-Burdekin

Regenaqua is a world-leading project based locally through its project proponent James Cook University (JCU) in partnership with Pacific Biotechnologies Pty Limited (PacBio), a 100% Australian-owned company.

RegenAqua uses native Australian seaweed, macro-algae combined with sunlight to naturally remove contaminants such as phosphorus and nitrogen from municipal wastewater treatment plant and aquaculture farming. This project meets the objectives of the Reef 2050 plan in its ability to improve water quality.

The Burdekin Shire and Pacific Bio are leading the way with a shovel ready project designed to protect its community, enable local industry growth, and reduce its impact on the Great Barrier Reef. Construction of a commercial scale facility will commence in early 2023 with plans to replicate the project in the Hinchinbrook and Palm Island Regions.

3,559

JOBS IN AGRICULTURE

Source Remplan, 2022.

AGRICULTURE EXPORT VALUE

$420.4M

Source Remplan, 2022.

North Queensland’s construction industry has grown exponentially due to the post-pandemic nation-wide construction boom. Government stimulus packages to keep the industry afloat during these uncertain times have resulted in a pipeline of projects projected well into 2025. Over this period, we have seen building approvals remain steady.

To address the recent nation-wide housing shortage, several residential construction projects are planned for the region. This includes the proposition of new housing styles such as the Build-to-Rent project, which if constructed would be the first regional city to deliver this type of accommodation.

The focus of new residential construction projects are primarily medium/high density accommodation close to major employment hubs such as the CBD.

Key highlight Core Developments NQ Airport Security and Screening Upgrade

In May 2022, Core Developments NQ completed new upgrade works at the Townsville Airport which consisted of the design and construction of a new security screening point and upgrades to the existing check-in area and baggage handling conveyor system.

9,486 JOBS IN CONSTRUCTION

2,956

RESIDENTIAL BUILDING VALUE

$375.8M $404M CONSTRUCTION BUSINESSES

NON RESIDENTIAL BUILDING VALUE

Defence & Public Safety

As the largest garrison city in Australia, and the headquarters of the 3rd and 11th Brigade, the defence industry is key for the region’s growth. The North Queensland defence industry supports a comprehensive range of capability including air, land and maritime bases, advanced training ranges, port, logistics and industry necessary for mobilisation, preparation, projection, and sustainment of Australian or coalition forces.

North Queensland is home to over a third of the Australian Army combat forces, the deployable 3rd Brigade, the Amphibious Taskforce Specialised Landing Force (2RAR Group) and elements of the 11th Brigade, which are all centrally located at the Townsville Lavarack Barracks.

A principle component of North Queensland’s defence capability is the presence of the Australian Army Combat Training Centre providing the best practice for combat training, and Cubic Defence Australia (Cubic) which is a world leader in live simulated, augmented training and computer services and command and control systems.

Townsville is considered an ideal long-term posting location in Northern Australia due to lifestyle, affordability, excellent schools, Northern Australia’s only tertiary referral hospital, an internationally recognised university and spousal employment opportunities.

Upcoming project NQ Spark

NQ Spark will be northern Australia’s first collaborative industry hub focused on developing defence and research capability. The project will bring together the regional science, defence, health, and knowledge expertise in Townsville to create an advanced environmental simulation facility and technology-orientated collaborative precinct.

NQ Spark is being developed under the TropiQ partnership with support from Townsville City Council, James Cook University, Townsville Hospital and Health Service and the Queensland Government. It will be built in the centrally located suburb of Douglas between James Cook University, Townsville University Hospital and Lavarack Barracks. It will include around 13,400 square metres of commercial industry space.

13,798 FTE

Source Remplan, 2022.

INDUSTRY CONTRIBUTION VALUE

$2.7B

Source Remplan, 2022.

Tourism & Hospitality

With over 300 days of sunshine every year, Townsville North Queensland is the quintessential tropical paradise and the perfect place to discover the unexpected.

At its centre is the city of Townsville, a thriving urban metropolis with a rich cultural and military history and stunning natural wonders including Magnetic Island which recently ranked in the 100 Most Loved Destinations Around the World.

The region is one of the globes top 100 sustainable destinations. From the majestic Great Barrier Reef and tropical islands to the World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforest and framed by the iconic Australian Outback, the region offers a myriad of tourism experiences delivered with authentic Northern Queensland hospitality.

A diversified visitor base delivers consistent and strong occupancy rates throughout the year with a calendar of world-class events which injects millions into the local economy annually.

With the spectacular North Queensland weather, contemporary and unique conferencing and event venues, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, incentive programs, industry tours, world-class attractions and dining on offer, Townsville North Queensland offers a unique and well catered for conference destination. With a strong economic base and one of regional Australia’s most diverse industry portfolios, Townsville North Queensland offers great industry linkages and learning opportunities for conferencing and trade delegates. The region is renowned for it’s leading research centres, projects, and operations, and can provide access to some of the nation’s most sought-after academic professionals, case- studies, field trips and key industry leaders.

Tourists and locals alike are spoiled for choice with diverse dining options including three Hatted restaurants and is renowned for its high quality cultural shows and concerts.

The region’s tourism and events sectors support approximately 7,008 direct and indirect jobs and contributes $1.2 B1 annually to the regional economy. A significant 10% increase in holiday visitation was represented in the first quarter of 2022 with leisure becoming the key driver for visitation.

A twelve-month research project was undertaken in 2022 to deep dive into the brand positioning for the region and to gain an understanding of the key target markets. This process sees the region poised to position the distinction that Townsville North Queensland offers and highlight and promote the region’s hidden gems and affable personality.

A pipeline of projects set to launch in the tourism space displays the market confidence of investment into the region.

Upcoming projects Ardo

Development is underway for the new luxury hotel, Ardo. The $88 million resort will offer premium accommodation, world-class dining, a luxurious day spa, and a stunning rooftop pool deck and bar with panoramic views across the Coral Sea to Magnetic Island. Ardo will be the latest addition to the Morris Group’s tourism offering which includes The Ville and the Northern Escape Collection suite of luxury properties.

1 Source Remplan 2020 R1

Key highlight Museum Of Underwater Art

Ocean sentinels is a series of eight sculptures, modelled off world leading marine scientists and conservationists. they are a hybrid form sculpture - a synthesis of human figures and natural marine forms. they are the protectors of the Great Barrier Reef.‘Ocean Sentinels’ is the Museum of Underwater Art’s third art installation in the Townsville North Queensland region. Each standing 2.2 metres tall these pieces are the work of internationally renowned artist Jason deCaires Taylor, they vary in weight from 0.94 to 2.8 tonne. They have been crafted using a new high grade, low carbon earth friendly concrete, and reinforced with marine stainless steel.

$786 $153

3.9 days 1.25M

AVERAGE SPEND PER DAY

(overnight)

$203

$190

AVERAGE LENGTH OF STAY

DOMESTIC OVERNIGHT VISITORS

REASON FOR VISIT 39% Holiday 26% Business 8% Other 27% Visiting friends and family

ACCOM & FOOD SERVICES TOTAL VISITORS TO REGION

$323M

2.89M VISITORS

Health

As the industry with the highest employment for the region in North Queensland, the health sector remains critically important. The pandemic has shown how imperative it is to have a highly functional, well-resourced health system that is equipped to handle the unexpected. The industry has continued to thrive with renewed State Government investment in additional bed capacity and upgrades to existing infrastructure.

TropiQ is a tropical intelligence and health precinct development in North Australia’s largest city – Townsville. The precinct is home to two of Townsville’s biggest powerhouses, James Cook University (JCU) and Townsville University Hospital (TUH) and a range of other health, education, research and innovation enterprises such as CSIRO, Tec-NQ, Australian Institute for Tropical Health and Medicine and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies. The co-location of these sizable institutions sees a significant advantage for Townsville in leveraging their cumulative offerings to attract new talent, new innovations and a new knowledge-based economy to Townsville.

Upcoming projects Townsville University Hospital Expansion

Townsville University Hospital is set to undergo a $530 M expansion as part of the Palaszczuk Governments investment in new hospitals and new beds across Queensland. This major expansion of will deliver around 143 extra beds to the region by 2026, creating around 1,276 constructions jobs. This expansion will include a boost to beds for rehabilitation and surgical patients, additional day procedure spaces, and the relocation of the helicopter pad to the roof to free up space for a new clinical building. Construction is expected to be completed in the latter half of 2026.

Weststate Private Hospital

Presently under construction in West End, the new $60.5 M development will include a five-storey hospital, featuring four operating theatres and 50 day and overnight beds, and is expected to be completed by 2023. Weststate Private Hospital is leading the way in Queensland by harnessing the power of an end to end, connected healthcare platform to deliver a superior patient care experience.

6,074 HEALTHCARE & SOCIAL ASSISTANT WORKERS

FTES HOSPITAL JOBS

Source Cencus Calculator

$1.59B

Source Remplan 2022

1,406

INDUSTRY CONTRIBUTION VALUE

Source Remplan 2022

19,610

BABIES DELIVERED IN 2021

TOTAL SPECIALIST DOCTORS

799 TUH 200+ MATER

1000+ TOTAL

TOTAL BUSINESSES FOR HEALTH CARE & BUSINESS

Source ABS (2022) Counts of Australian Businesses.

3,102

Source ABS (2022) Births

Source Queensland Health (2022) Townsville University Hopsital. Mater (2022) Mater at a glance.

Mater Private Hospital Townsville Case Study

Townsville is the proud home of the Mater Private Hospital providing critical health care services to the region and employing hundreds of locals.

Why is Townsville well-placed to become a major leader in health care?

Townsville is already the healthcare capital of North Queensland – and demographer Bernard Salt has identified we are well-placed to become the healthcare superhub of Northern Australia with collaboration and continued investment in infrastructure, technology and workforce. By continuing to attract and retain healthcare workers to the region through state-of-the-art surgical robots, leaders in their respective fields, and contemporary facilities, Townsville is well-placed to remain a major healthcare leader.

What unique challenges do health care providers face in North Queensland?

Unlike other regions, Townsville’s healthcare services are not confined to residents of the immediate surrounding region, with more than 700,000 residents from the wider North Queensland area West to Mount Isa and North to the Cape accessing Townsville’s facilities. This places more focus on making services accessible to rural and remote communities through innovative delivery methods such as Mater Private Hospital Townsville’s virtual rehabilitation.

What role do health care services have to play in ensuring the continued economic growth for the region?

When people are considering moving to a new city, they are not only looking at cost of living, but at the quality of healthcare and education in the region. By delivering world-class healthcare and continuing to invest in Townsville healthcare facilities, organisations such as Mater Private Hospital Townsville are attracting and retaining not only the healthcare workforce of the future but ensuring the continued economic growth of the wider region in all industries.

How can the region continue to support our health care industry?

Even if healthcare workers move out of the region to study, it is important that they know there are a range of opportunities waiting for them to return home to. With Mater Education’s Diploma of Nursing now offered on-site at Mater Private Hospital Townsville, the healthcare workforce of the future can learn skills in a hospital setting without leaving the region.

Education & Training

This industry has remained vitally important to the economy in addressing the skills shortage that many other industries have experienced post-covid. The region’s two primary tertiary education providers James Cook University (JCU) and Central Queensland University (CQU) are experiencing a growth in international student numbers as a result of international borders reopening. TAFE Queenslands Townsville campus will be expanding with the State Government’s commitment to constructing two additional facilities targeting the skillsets required for emerging industries in renewable energy and advanced technologies.

Upcoming project TAFE Queensland Renewable Energy Hub

The Palaszczuk Government has committed $12.45 M to the Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Training Facility at TAFE Queensland’s Townsville Trade Training Centre at the Bohle Campus. This training will ensure the safe production, handling and use of hydrogen across various applications in the energy transition and in particular ultra-heavy transport to reduce CO2 emissions. In July 2022, TAFE Queensland signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ark Energy Corporation Pty Ltd to deliver training for one of Australia’s fastest growing industry workforces. Ark Energy is one of the first movers in the green hydrogen industry, and have recognised the importance of securing a highly trained workforce to achieve their goal of building North Queensland’s domestic hydrogen economy.

STUDENTS ENROLLED

FTE EDUCATION

3,323 teachers

35,606

9,841

FTE 37.5 HOURS

Source Remplan Education & Training

TOTAL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS NORTH QUEENSLAND REGION

81 Primary 15 Secondary

8 P 10/12 Schools

3 Special Schools

2 Schools of Distance Education

Source Teach Queensland (2021) North Queensland at a glance.

INDUSTRY-RELEVANT FUTURE-FOCUSED TRAINING

TAFE Queensland – the largest, most experienced training provider in the state, with a history of serving communities in Queensland for more than 140 years.

Hands-on training > Real-life experiences > Flexible study options

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tafeqld.edu.au

Financial, Professional & Science

Townsville is a major business hub providing key services across Northern Australia, with more than 900 financial and insurance services based locally.

Key highlights

KPMG New Townsville Office

Premier accounting firm KPMG have re-established their office in Townsville, leasing the entire top floor of the Suncorp Tower in Sturt Street. While the firm hasalready have a strong presence supporting clients across North Queensland, the move marks a return to Townsville after last having a permanent office here in 1992. The premises will have the capacity to support up to 50 staff, a team of 15 specialists have already established temporary residence in the building.

FINANCIAL & INSURANCE SERVICES

469

PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL SERVICES

6,342

1,476

EMPLOYED TOTAL

Source ABS (2022) Counts of Australian Businesses.

Source ABS (2022) Counts of Australian Businesses.

Source Remplan 2022.

Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services

Over the past year, Australia has been in the midst of a rental housing crisis, facing issues with availability and affordability. Townsville’s housing market was not immune to this nation-wide crisis and is only now just showing signs of easing.

In 2022, local economics firm AEC delivered a Housing Demand Assessment for Townsville’s CBD. The report demonstrated that across the Townsville LGA, an additional 9,142 dwellings are expected to be required by 2026, with 78.4% (7,165 dwellings) expected to be separate houses.

By 2041, the number of dwellings required is expected to grow to 34,228 and 26,823 respectively.

In Townsville’s inner city, an additional 1,574 dwellings are expected to be required by 2026, with 59.6% (940 dwellings) expected to be town houses or apartments. This number is expected to grow to 4,486 and 2,677 respectively by 2041. As the region continues to flourish and attract more residents, the demand for new, housing projects will continue to grow over the next few years.

Upcoming Project Build-to-Rent

Build-to-Rent is an emerging housing trend in Australia with most projects currently located in major capital cities. This housing model sees apartment complexes built and designed by developers who retain ownership when complete. The apartments are then rented to tenants with the developer maintaining and managing the complex. These developments are typically underwritten by an institutional investor like a Superfund.

1,768 RENTAL, HIRING AND REAL ESTATE SERVICES BUSINESSES

DETACHED HOUSES DWELLINGS SOLD

UNITS & TOWNHOUSES SOLD TOTAL DWELLINGS SOLD

Source ABSQSGO (2023) Residential land development activity profiles.

6,262

1,676

7,938

Northern Lifestyle

MAJOR SPONSOR

Northern Lifestyle

Townsville North Queensland is the perfect mix of professional opportunity and a relaxed, tropical lifestyle. Townsville city is a major regional hub which provides all the conveniences of a metropolitan city without the lengthy commute.

Local residents are proud to call North Queensland home. Surrounded by natural wonders, the region has the excellent level of health and education infrastructure to continue to support and attract more families to the region. There are endless entertainment options, with arts and cultural festivals being held year-round across the region, and a variety of different dining options to suit every palate.

Sporting

North Queensland is proudly home to North Queensland Toyota Cowboys (National Rugby League), NRLW Gold Stars (Women’s Rugby League) and JCU Townsville Fire (Women’s National Basketball League). The newly constructed Queensland Country Bank Stadium has hosted many major sporting events since its opening in Febuarary 2020 including rugby league, rugby union, cricket, boxing and many major music artists.

Arts & Culture

Townsville’s cultural and performing arts scene is wellingrained within the community, with acts, live shows and exhibitions regularly presented throughout the city’s creative spaces and galleries. Townsville enjoys two major art galleries, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery and Pinnacles Gallery and is home to globally-recognised contemporary dance company, Dancenorth. The Northern Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) is held in Townsville, a hybrid curated and Fringe arts cultural festival. NAFA has become a signature event for the region, with hundreds of different performances, experiences, and venues for the community to enjoy throughout a monthlong celebration of the arts. The region’s calendar also includes the internationally acclaimed Australian Festival of Chamber Music, Supercars, the Australian Italian Festival and the Charters Towers Goldfield Ashes- the largest amateur cricket carnival in the southern hemisphere.

QUEENSLAND COUNTRY BANK STADIUM

STRAND EPHEMERA - TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL

Townsville offers a laid-back coastal lifestyle on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforests

Just 8km from Townsville’s CBD lies Magnetic Island, a tropical paradise well on the way to becoming one of the most eco-sustainable islands. There are over 23 bays and beaches to explore, with a variety of different activities available from snorkeling, jet skiing,

Way which showcases Charters Towers’ rich history and continue on to explore the unspoilt beauty of

Back to the Coast, Lynch’s Beach in the Burdekin Region is a well-known launching spot for dive boats heading out to the S.S. Yongala Shipwreck. This dive has been ranked as one of the top 10 wreck dives in the world due to the breath-taking coral and marine

BROADWATER - ABERGOWRIE STATE FOREST

Townsville Campus in Townsville’s CBD in 2015 providing vocational certificates through to Bachelor degrees and PhDs. Both universities have built strong connections with local industries to develop a highly-skilled future workforce.

Leading training and education provider TAFE Queensland has local campuses in the Burdekin, Charters Towers and Ingham, as well as two campuses in Townsville. TAFE provides over 200 training programs ranging from Certificate through to Advanced Diploma level.

There are 71 state schools across North Queensland and a further 38 independent and catholic schools.

Tec-NQ is also providing the regions emerging workforce with critical trade skills, as a secondary school and a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), offering full-time apprentice training, school-based apprentice programs. Construction is underway for the expansion of the learning areas on Tec-NQ’s Douglas Campus.

A TOUCH OF SALT TOWNSVILLE

Indicative Development Sites

TropiQ, Townsville’s Tropical Intelligence and Health Precinct is a global destination situated at the nexus of Townsville University Hospital (TUH) and James Cook University (JCU) and shares a boundary with Lavarack Barracks, Australia’s largest Army base.

In leveraging TropiQ’s strategic location, access to industry, colocation of world-class institutes and enviable proximity to global markets, the TropiQ Precinct is reimagining;

• How health, education, research and defence is undertaken, individually and collaboratively to drive innovations

• The industries growth

• The tropical that

• The public’s

$1 billion

industries that will drive new economic growth for Townsville and the region tropical health and science innovations will underpin progress for the entire Tropics region worldwide

public’s perception of Townsville as a powerhouse of tropical health and knowledge.

2035, the precinct will generate an additional billion in economic output for Townsville and support an additional 5,500 FTE jobs.

Invest Collaborate & Innovate at TropiQ

Under the Vision for TropiQ, ‘To protect and empower life through the application of Tropical Intelligence’, our strategic partners will advocate and drive for priority investment and collaborative partnership’s in the following sectors;

• Advanced Manufacturing

• Agrifood

• Biosecurity

• Circular Economy

• Clean Energy and Renewables

• Critical Minerals

• Cyber Security

• Defence

• Digitech

• Education and Research

• Enabling Technologies and Sciences

• Health & Life Sciences

• Infrastructure

• Transport & Logistics

Underpinning the innovation agenda, is a master planned infrastructure program that builds on the existing capabilities in health, research, education and defence, to attract both government and private investment that activates and stimulates further connectivity across the TropiQ community.

To this extent there are a number of key infrastructure investment opportunities that align directly with the next phase of precinct development, these include;

• Private Hospital

• Hotel and associated step-down capabilities

• Office accommodation and associated clinical and consulting spaces

• Aged care and retirement living

• Childcare

• Phase 2 of the defence industry collaborative zone (following completion of the North Queensland Simulation Park - NQ SPARK)

• Tropical Aquaculture Accelerator

• Australian Tropical Biosecurity Network (PC2 and PC3 research testing laboritories)

• Clinical Practice Building - Phase 3 (commercial mixed-use, clinical and related professional services)

• Residential Developments

• University linked High School

TOWNSVILLE CBD

Company Profiles

MAJOR SPONSOR

Company Profiles

A. G. Coombes PTY LTD

A.G. Coombs is the leading Australian provider of specialist building services.

Level 8 Suncorp Tower, 61-73 Sturt Street, Townsville QLD 4810 (03) 9248 2700

customerservicevic@agcoombs.com.au agcoombs.com.au

In Townsville and North Queensland, we offer an integrated range of technical services for all systems in buildings, from advice and design through to installation, commissioning, maintenance and ongoing operation and management. Our expertise is in air conditioning and mechanical services, fire protection, hydraulics, electrical services and lighting, and building control technologies.

We work with building owners, constructors, project managers, property managers, facility managers, occupants and tenants alike across a wide range of market sectors including commercial property, healthcare, defence, telecommunications and data centres, government, education, financial, arts and recreation, retail, transport and infrastructure, and industrial.

Our experience means we understand the particular requirements for these different types of facilities and can provide the specialist knowledge that is needed.

What makes us different? Our in-house local capabilities to provide full turnkey solutions from design, through construction, final commissioning and ongoing lifecycle management across a broad range of technical systems.

ANZ Banking Corporation

Founded in 1835 and headquartered in Australia, ANZ provide banking and financial products and services to over 8.5 million customers, and operate across 32 markets.

13 13 14 anz.com.au

Our expertise, products and services make us a bank. Our people, purpose, values and culture make us ANZ.

Davco Farming

Davco Farming is a farming business located 24 kilometers to the west of Ayr, North Queensland, Australia. Davco Farming is an internationally recognised leader in state of the art mechanised sugarcane production, having co-developed or introduced a number of technologies to the global sugarcane industry.

312 George Bundy Rd Upper Haughton QLD 4807 (07) 4782 7575

office@davcofarming.com

davcofarming.com

(07) 4720 0400

tsvmail@ghd.com ghd.com

GHD

GHD recognises and understands the world is constantly changing. We are committed to solving the world’s biggest challenges in the areas of water, energy, and urbanisation. We are a global professional services company that leads through engineering, construction, and architectural expertise. Our forward-looking, innovative approaches connect and sustain communities around the world. Delivering extraordinary social and economic outcomes, we are focused on building lasting relationships with our partners and clients. We are 11,000 diverse and skilled individuals connected by over 160+ offices, across five continents – Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America, and the Pacific region.

We have been part of the North Queensland consulting landscape for over 75 years, with our offices in the region including Townsville and Mount Isa. Our local team of more than 80 engineers, designers, drafters, environmental scientists, planners, and support staff are long-term residents of the area. Our local presence means that our employees understand the unique context of the North when designing and delivering projects. Our people are personally invested in the region. They are well connected to the community and are committed to delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients.

Our team operates across all market sectors in commercial, private, Local and State Government, Defence, industrial, and mining areas.

Our technical expertise encompasses:

• project management

• mining and industrial services

• water / wastewater technology

• hydrology / hydraulics

• environmental

• structural, electrical, mechanical, building hydraulics

• civil and transport

Together with our clients, we create lasting community benefit for generations.

Hurst Constructions Queensland

At Hurst Constructions Queensland we know words mean nothing in this industry unless they’re backed by proactive, measurable action. In our game, delivering projects ‘on time, within budget and to specifications’ is the baseline, not a selling point.

Any property developer, investor, project director or procurement manager worth their salt expects a construction partner will add value to their project from concept to completion. They expect fairness, integrity and a focus on getting the job done – the cornerstones of our business model.

8 Casey Street

Aitkenvale QLD 4814

(07) 4775 3014

info@hurstqld.com.au hurstqld.com.au

MMG Limited

Headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, MMG is a mid-tier, global producer of base metals including copper and zinc, operating across Australia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Peru.

Level 23, 28 Freshwater Place

Southbank VIC 3006

MMG.Information@MMG.com

Pacific Marine Group

Pacific Marine Group Pty Ltd was established in 1986 in Bowen, North Queensland and has been a leader in the Marine and Commercial Diving Industries in Queensland for over 30 years.

Now based in Townsville, North Queensland, Pacific Marine Group specialises in the following areas:

• Marine Construction

• Tug and barge services

• Marine Plant / Vessel Hire

• Commercial Diving / Scientific Diving

• Towage

• Salvage

• Fender / Brow Hire

• Fabrication

• Mooring Installation

• Artificial Reef Design and Installation

Pacific Marine Group operates out of a purpose-built waterfront marine facility located at the mouth of Ross River in Townsville. The facility has over 400m of deep water frontage available for barge and vessel loading and storage, and over 20,000m2 of hardstand available for project storage, project component assembly, or bulk materials stockpiling prior to barge loading.

Pacific Marine Group purchased the Mackay Shipyard in August 2017 and this plays an important role servicing both the company’s own fleet and the various marine operators in the Mackay region.

We also operate an office / marine base in Cairns. The Cairns branch specialises in Commercial Diving and general underwater and topside marine structure maintenance, however we are easily able to mobilise tugs, barges, cranes etc from our main base in Townsville to support larger scale marine construction projects in Cairns and Far North Queensland.

Currently employing in excess of 200 employees, the company is engaged in projects all over northern Australia, Papua New Guinea and out to the remote Pacific Islands. Many of these projects are supporting important marine infrastructure for the resources industries and the various ports and harbours along the Queensland coastline. Other projects such as the design and installation of artificial reefs and the Crown of Thorns Starfish control program are aimed at enhancing the marine environment.

100 Angus Smith Drive, Douglas (07) 4433 1111

townsville.health.qld.gov.au

Townsville Hospital & Health Service

The Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) covers a geographic area extending north to Cardwell, west to Richmond, south to Home Hill, and east to Magnetic and Palm Islands supporting a population of almost 250,000 people.

As northern Australia’s only tertiary-level health service, the health service delivers healthcare to an extensive geographic expanse stretching from Mackay in the south, north to the Torres Strait Islands, and west to the Northern Territory border with a referral catchment of almost 700,000 people.

Home to 21 facilities across its catchment, our 19 hospitals and community health campuses and two residential aged care facilities, all strive to be a leader in health care, research and education for regional Australia, and, as one of the region’s largest employers, we are also proud to be a part of the community that we serve.

Each day, the health service sees about 336 people in our emergency departments, 1,913 people through our specialist outpatient clinicsand 40 people in our operating theatres.

Our staff provide a person-centred approach to care, and we are passionate about living our values of integrity, compassion, accountability, respect and engagement in everything we do.

Our focus is always on delivering world-class healthcare for northern Queensland. Townsville University Hospital acts as the administration hub for the health service and it located at 100 Angus Smith Drive, Douglas. The hospital’s switch can be reached on 4433 1111.

223 Flinders Street East Townsville, QLD 4810

(07) 4771 5550

reception@aecgroupltd.com

aecgroupltd.com

Since AEC’s establishment in Townsville over 30 years ago, our local economics, finance and visual communications team have been focused on identifying and supporting large and small regional development priorities across Northern Australia.

Our team have a proud track record in delivering major initiatives from a simple idea and a basic vision, through preliminary and detailed appraisal and delivery. Key examples in Townsville include the redevelopment of The Strand and Riverway in Townsville, the Queensland Country Bank Stadium, the North Queensland Simulation Park (NQSPARK), the raising of Burdekin Falls Dam and the initial feasibility of Hells Gates Dam.

Our multi-disciplinary team local of consultants are passionate about delivering step-change in the economy and future prosperity in our region.

Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia

(07) 4722 2333

tsvl.info@the-ville.com.au

the-ville.com.au

Ergon Energy Network

Ergon Energy Network and Energex are part of Energy Queensland, Australia’s largest electricity distribution company, servicing 2.3 million customer connections from the Tweed River to Torres Strait and from Brisbane to Birdsville.

The distribution businesses are 100% owned by Queensland and are committed to delivering better outcomes for customers, employees and all Queenslanders as part of a vision to energise communities right across the state.

Ergon Energy Network and Energex maintain more than 212,000 km of electricity network.

Every day, crews connect customers to this network, and repair damage in Queensland’s varied environment and climates to ensure reliability and safety.

The Ville Resort-Casino

Discover Wonderful in Townsville, North Queensland. Offering 194 hotel rooms, 14 state-of-the-art event spaces and 5 dining experiences all available on-site at The Ville.

More than just a function space more than just an event. One show-stopping event can leave a lasting impression. Choose North Queensland’s premier events destination to create memories that last a lifetime.

Whether it’s a sophisticated corporate event or your dream destination wedding, The Ville offers 14 state-of-the-art conference and event spaces to suit functions of all sizes.

Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre The Centre is centrally located overlooking Townsville’s iconic Castle Hill and is positioned on the waterfront and situated next to The Ville Resort – Casino.

A versatile facility playing host to a variety of events including concerts, public and trade exhibitions, conferences, gala banquets and sporting events over 8 versatile event spaces.

Ardo is the new luxury destination completing The Ville’s leisure and entertainment precinct on the Townsville Breakwater due to open in late 2023. The hotel will feature sprawling suites world-class dining, a day spa, and signature rooftop pool deck and bar. Ardo will add another 132 rooms to The Ville Precinct bringing the total number of hotel rooms to 326 with many featuring views out to the Coral Sea.

The Port of Townsville

As Northern Australia’s largest general-cargo port, the Port of Townsville’s strategic priorities are to safeguard our environment and protect the way of life for hundreds of thousands of people living in northern Australia.

Townsville Port is the country’s biggest exporter of copper, lead, zinc, fertiliser and sugar, and is a vital part of the supply chain for mining and agricultural communities west to Mount Isa, north to Cairns and south to Mackay.

As Northern Australia’s transport link to the world, the Port has a unique opportunity to protect the living environment whilst diversifying its business; ensuring that it continues to drive success for its customers, shareholders, employees and community.

In March 2020, the Port commenced the largest infrastructure project in its 156-year history – the Channel Upgrade Project. The first stage of the Project is the construction of a rock wall that will protect a 62-hectare reclamation area at the eastern end of the Port. This will be followed by channel widening that will allow ships up to 300 metres in length to access the Port by 2023. The Channel Upgrade is part of a longer-term Port Expansion Plan that will see the creation of six extra berths in the outer harbour by 2050.

The Port is driving the redevelopment of the 10-hectare tourism and marine precinct that is linking the Quayside Cruise Terminal with Palmer Street on the eastern bank of Ross Creek, as well as Reef HQ, the ferry terminal and casino on the west bank. Along with private sector investment in the new ferry terminal and hotel complex, the Port is working to create a single waterfront destination.

(07) 4781 1500 info@townsvilleport.com.au townsville-port.com.au

James Cook University

For 50 years JCU has been committed to creating a brighter future for the Tropics — starting right here at home. From groundbreaking research to teaching excellence, our discoveries make a positive impact on the lives of North Queenslanders, their city, and the environment. This strong commitment is why JCU ranks in the top 250 universities in the world1

1800

246 446 enquiries@jcu.edu.au jcu.edu.au 1 Zinc Road, Stuart, 4811 (07) 4726

Today, more than 13,000 students study at JCU Townsville, at our Bebegu Yumba and City campuses, enriching the educational, social and economic life of the city. Access to leading experts combined with opportunities for hands-on experience enable JCU students to not only be job-ready when they graduate, but also ready to contribute to their community.

From classrooms and hospitals to businesses and the environment, JCU graduates work in every industry, bringing the professional skills and knowledge developed at JCU into real-world applications, making a difference across the city and the region.

JCU is a leader in igniting and nurturing a passion for learning in North Queensland and is committed to supporting the region in creating a brighter future, creating students who are ready today for tomorrow.

1 THE World University Rankings 2021

Sun Metals Corporation

Sun Metals mission is to be the best zinc refinery in the world by being firstly the safest, the most environmentally responsible and the most competitive, zinc refinery in the world. he Sun Metals site is uniquely located to take advantage of its proximity to the Southeast Asian market, abundant raw materials, and skilled labour.

Sun Metals produces a Special High Grade of Zinc metals which meet stringent quality standards required under its registration at the London Metal Exchange.

Sulphuric acid, although a secondary product, is also an important part of Sun Metals’ production and is sold to clients for use in the production of fertilisers and other industrial uses.

(07) 4727 3211

info@tsvairport.com.au

townsvilleairport.com.au

Townsville Airport

Townsville Airport is the gateway to vibrant North Queensland, warmly welcoming visitors from around Australia and farewelling locals heading off for business and leisure travel.

The airport has extensive domestic connections including to Brisbane, Sydney and Darwin, and is also a key transit and destination port servicing locations across regional Queensland.

Townsville Airport has a long history of supporting events and community initiatives through its corporate sponsorship portfolio and Community Benefit Fund. The airport has been the proud presenting partner of the Father’s Day Fun Day at Magnetic Island, held as part of Magnetic Island Race Week, for several years.

Townsville Airport is also an air force base and operates under a joint-user agreement with the Department of Defence.

Townsville Airport has invested ~$18m in upgrades and terminal improvements over the past two years. Most notably, through the support of a Federal Government grant, stateof-the-art technology was installed in the security screening zone to streamline the passenger screening process and

enhance security service outcomes. Check-in facilities, retail spaces and landside amenities have also all been refurbished, including the addition of a striking 150m2 artwork, by local artist Brenda Stone. The next phase of works include significant improvements to the departure lounge and replacement of the escalators.

There are opportunities for businesses to join the growing Townsville Airport precinct. Land sites suitable for a range of aviation, aviation support, retail and commercial uses are available.

The airport is owned by Queensland Airports Limited, an accomplished airport operator which also owns and operates Gold Coast, Mount Isa and Longreach airports.

To find out more about what is happening at Townsville Airport, visit our website www.townsvilleairport.com.au or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. To discuss opportunities with the Townsville Airport team directly, contact us on (07) 4727 3211 or info@tsvairport.com.au.

1800 423 264

carmichael.project@bravus.com.au bravus.com.au

Bravus Mining & Resources

Bravus Mining and Resources is an Australian energy company. We are dedicated to creating regional Queensland mining jobs and opportunities for local communities. In 2022, we completed construction of the Carmichael Mine and Rail Project in central Queensland’s Galilee Basin. We could not have achieved this without the strong support of many people, especially those in regional communities. During construction we created more than 2,600 jobs across the project and paid more than $1 billion to regional Queensland contractors and businesses.

The Carmichael mine produces in the order of 10 million tonnes of thermal coal per annum for export to international markets. It is approved by the Australian and Queensland governments and complies with comprehensive regulatory conditions.

We are a proud Platinum Partner of the North Queensland Cowboys and have supported more than 100 community groups through our Community Partnership Program.

Business Events

Townsville North Queensland

Your next event destination

Townsville North Queensland is the largest city and proud events capital of Northern Australia, offering spectacular venues, more than 3,700 accommodation rooms, 1,400 retail outlets and a wide range of dining options including three chef hatted restaurants and locally sourced cuisine. The region proudly boasts exceptional local event services including professional audio visual, exhibition set-up, event theming, photography and transportation

With spectacular North Queensland weather, contemporary and unique conferencing and event venues, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, incentive programs, industry tours, world-class attractions and dining on offer, Townsville North Queensland will leave a lasting impression for your next event.

VIEW THE TOWNSVILLE CONVENTION BUREAU WEBSITE

New Migration pathways for North Queensland

Townsville Enterprise has recently secured a DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) for the region. Covering Townsville, Burdekin, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook, and the Northwest corridor to Mount Isa. The TNQ DAMA provides a flexible, and new migration pathway for North Queensland to help address our region’s workforce shortages.

Process for accessing overseas workers through the TNQ DAMA

The first stage of applying for the DAMA is to receive endorsement for the nominated position through the DAR (Designated Area Representative), which is Townsville Enterprise. Townsville Enterprise will assess the nominated position based on regional market demands and labour market testing.

There is a small fee associated with this process, this fee is scaled based on the size of business and positions requested. You will be required to prepare documentation to apply through the DAMA including:

Requirements for DAMA

• A signed Business Declaration Document (template provided)

• A cover letter/submission including supporting evidence of attempts to fill the position within Australia

• Job/position descriptions for each position requested

• An organisational chart showing where the positions are located and who they report to

• Images of your business that can demonstrate the scale and capacity of your business

• Evidence to ensure your business is lawfully operating

The three visa options available through the TNQ DAMA are:

- TSS VISA (Temporary Skills Shortage)

- SESR VISA (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional)

- ENS VISA (Employee Nomination Scheme)

• Townsville Enterprise’s endorsement review process takes approximately seven business days.

• Upon completion of endorsement, you will then need to undertake additional processes and timeframes as guided by the Department of Home Affairs.

For more details on the requirements for this endorsement visit skillstownsville.com.au

Frequently asked questions?

1. Will Townsville Enterprise find me staff? Townsville Enterprise does not match individuals with prospective employers and vice versa. If support is required to source international workers, businesses may, at their discretion, use a migration agent.

2. What are my obligations as a sponsored employer?

There might be changes to your, or the sponsored persons circumstances that you inform the Department of Home Affairs about in writing. Businesses that apply for the DAMA should consider and discuss accommodation and housing options for overseas workers as part of the onboarding process.

3. Do I have to have an employee ready prior to applying?

A business can seek endorsement to access the DAMA and be approved for a Townsville DAMA Labour Agreement without having identified any prospective worker/s in advance. This is because the endorsement and Labour Agreement are about the business need to address skills shortages. Nominating individuals comes next once a Labour Agreement with pre-approved occupation/s and position/s are in place.

4. What if I have an existing employee on a VISA – can I apply for the DAMA for them?

There is an opportunity for businesses to utilise the DAMA to retain existing employees. Depending on the current employee’s visa type, there may be Labour Market Testing (LMT) required to ensure that the business has made efforts to hire an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident before an overseas worker.

5. What if the occupation isn’t on the list of approved occupations?

The approved occupation list is extensive and covers 195 different positions across a diverse range of industries. There may be circumstances in which the occupation you are seeking is not listed on our occupation list. You can advise Townsville Enterprise to look at adding the occupation onto the list when reviewing the overarching agreement with the Commonwealth (every 12 months). There may be circumstances where the position a business is requiring links to the duties of another occupation on the current occupation list. Approval for this is at the discretion of Townsville Enterprise and the Department of Home Affairs.

6. Can individuals apply for the DAMA?

No. The TNQ DAMA is an employer-sponsored Visa program and can only be accessed by employers with genuine skill shortages who may then nominate individuals. Individuals cannot access the TNQ DAMA program directly or on their own.

7. What if I need help?

Head to skillstownsville.com.au for a full suite of resources and supporting materials. Townsville Enterprise cannot provide migration advice or assist with visas. If you have questions about the process or require further information, fill in the enquiry form online and our DAMA representative will be in touch.

Be part of securing the future of North Queensland

Join Us Today

Townsville Enterprise is the peak economic development and destination management organisation for Townsville North Queensland.

For more than 30 years, Townsville Enterprise has played a critical role in leading the economic progress for the region through strong political advocacy, investment attraction, tourism development and by promoting Townsville North Queensland as a place to visit, invest and live.

Our purpose is to secure the future of Townsville North Queensland, but we can’t do this alone! It’s with the support of our partners and a strong united voice that together we’ve achieved economic growth and opportunity.

Become a member today

Launched Townsville North Queensland destination brand “Up for Unexpected”

Secured Townsville Supercars

Secured CopperString 2.0

Secured the Carmichael Mine, resulting in more than 2,000 new jobs

Secured commitment to the Townsville City Deal and Townsville Port Channel Widening

Initiated the North Queensland Hydrogen Consortium

Completed the Hells Gates Dam Business Case

Launched the Museum of Underwater Art with a campaign that reached 180 million people globally

Supported the attraction of Sun Metals Refinery

Secured Queensland Country Bank Stadium attracting events worth millions to our economy

If you would like to advertise your business or feature your project in the next edition of Opportunity Townsville North Queensland, register your interest at: townsvilleenterprise.com.au or tel@tel.com.au