State unveils recovery plan for Townsville region

A pledge of $30 million for Big Rocks Weir outside Charters Towers and $10 million to support the DriveIT project in Townsville are among the economic kick-starters in a North Queensland recovery plan outlined today. A multi-million-dollar State Government support package to secure more than 1000 resource and manufacturing jobs by ensuring the continuation of Glencore's Mount Isa copper smelter and Townsville copper refinery was the headline announcement. (More HERE) It was one element in the Townsville Regional Recovery Action Plan unveiled by the Palaszczuk government today to support the region’s economic recovery and to create local jobs. Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said the plan also included more upgrades to Riverway and support for DriveIT. “It’s great to see there is more than $19 million for further safety and capacity improvements on Riverway Drive,” Mr Harper said. “And subject to further feasibility work, a $10 million boost will support the regionally-owned motor sport facility DriveIT delivering a range of programs and activities including driving courses, Emergency Services training, product testing and events.” Katter's Australian Party State leader Robbie Katter said today's commitment on Big Rocks Weir would bring the project to realisation. He said it followed the securing of $54 million ($24 million for investigations into Hells Gate Dam, the rest for construction of Big Rocks) by Federal Member for Kennedy Bob katter. "A total of $60 million will be for construction. This is game-changing for the Charters Towers economy and for the future of irrigated cropping along the Burdekin River in North Queensland," he said. The Townsville Regional Recovery Action Plan also lists previously announced items such as $14.8 million backing for the CopperString 2.0 project and $16 million to investigate the potential raising of the Burdekin Falls Dam wall. Townsville Regional Recovery Action Plan initiatives include: Financial support for Mount Isa Mines’ ongoing copper processing operations $30 million for Big Rocks Weir –to help secure water and support local agriculture, subject to a successful detailed business case.$19 million for more Riverway Drive upgrades$10 million boost to support DriveIT – subject to further feasibility work$2 million to support the development of an Australian first maritime autonomous system testing facility in Townsville to help position the region as a leader in the field.$195 million to construct stage 2 of the Haughton pipeline supporting over 500 jobs.$230 million in partnership with the Australian Government for stage 5 of the Townsville Ring Road underway$14.8 million to fast track support for the Copperstring 2.0 high voltage transmission line to drive investment in the North West Minerals Province.$16 million into investigating the potential raising and improvement of the Burdekin Falls Dam to boost the Townsville region's water supply.$950 million in payroll tax relief, supporting 25,300 jobs in the Townsville region.$42.4 million in COVID-19 Jobs Support Loans supporting around 3470 jobs at 283 Townsville region businesses$8.1 million in adaptation grants to 907 small businesses.

State unveils recovery plan for Townsville region

Industry Queensland

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