- They want funding to come from $195 million of City Deal funding
- Project will result in 11,000 direct and indirect jobs
- Emerging industries such as renewable hydrogen are interested in the precinct
Steven Miles, Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, along with Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill and Townsville’s State MPs, has called for the Federal Government to assist in funding the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct.
If built, it will be the first environmentally sustainable advanced manufacturing, processing and technology hub precinct in Australia.
The $195 million of funding would fall under the Townsville City Deal, with the precinct itself being built on 2200 hectares of freehold land currently owned by the Townsville City Council.
The Townsville City Deal is a 15-year commitment between the Federal and State Governments along with the City Council to deliver projects to the area and so far has included the North Queensland Stadium and commencement of the Port of Townsville Channel Upgrade project.
“The Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct is the number one project we want funded under the City Deal funding the Morrison Government owes Townsville,” Dr Miles said.
“It will kick-start a new age in industry that will create jobs and that North Queensland is poised to take advantage of.”
Mayor Jenny Hill said developing the precinct will result in a significant jobs boost for the region by supporting almost 11,000 direct and indirect jobs.
“Lansdown is perfectly positioned to spur economic growth and job creation for Townsville and North Queensland for decades to come,” Cr Hill said.
“An investment by the Federal Government through the tripartite City Deal would ensure we unlock the precinct’s full economic potential.”
Zoning amendments were approved last year by the Queensland Government that allow new and emerging industries, such as renewable hydrogen, to easily access the Port.
Eventually, it is hoped this will facilitate the local economy’s expansion into the Asia Pacific markets.
“A significant portion of the precinct has already been committed to advanced battery manufacturing, clean energy and battery minerals processing industries” said Mr Stewart, the Minister for Resources and the Member for Townsville.
Three companies – Pure Minerals, Edify Energy and Imperium3 – have all signed up to base themselves at the precinct if it is built.
