Townsville Concert Hall takes major step forward
A further three projects have been announced under the Townsville City Deal, which will help further industry and the arts.
Herbert MP Phillip Thompson said $2 million would fully fund a detailed business case for a concert hall, to help guide further funding for the project.
A further $12 million would be allocated to enabling infrastructure to support the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct – matching the Queensland State Government’s commitment, while $2 million would fund a feasibility study into the supply of re-used water for the growing green hydrogen industry in Townsville.
The funding for the projects has been allocated from the $195 million that was rejected by the State Labor Government for Stage 2 of the Haughton Pipeline.
Mr Thompson said the three projects would create hundreds of jobs and help drive investment to the city.
“The concert hall is a visionary project which would fill a gap that has existed for the arts sector in Townsville for far too long,” he said.
“The performing arts has been neglected in this city for many years and this is about building a facility that will attract thousands of artists and visitors to our city, while also boosting the economy during construction.
“This initial funding is for the business case do determine the where, what and how much. The intention is, if it all stacks up, to fund the majority, if not the whole project, with the remaining City Deal funding.”
Mr Thompson said the Lansdown and hydrogen projects would also be positive for the city.
“I’ve always said I will support initiatives that drive investment in our region which is why we’ve matched the State Government’s commitment for enabling infrastructure for Lansdown,” he said.
“The proponents need water though, so I call on the State Government and Council to get on with the job of building Stage 2 of the Haughton Pipeline – which could have been finished by now if the State Government hadn’t rejected the funding.
“We also know hydrogen is a priority for Townsville so it’s important we fund this study to determine the feasibility of reusing water to power the industry.”
A further $124 million in Commonwealth funding remains to be reallocated under the Townsville City Deal, with Deal partners in discussions on priorities for this funding.
The Townsville City Deal is a 15-year agreement between all three levels of government to support the development of community infrastructure that will help revitalise the city, enhance liveability and support the growth of industry and enterprise.
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