Townsville Budget sets $328m capital works mark

Townsville City Council’s 2024/25 Budget has earmarked $328 million for capital works, including $45 million for the Haughton Pipeline Stage 2 project. It is part of a $79 million council commitment to date to the water project, which has seen significant cost escalations during the construction phase. In a written statement on the issue, the council said it was working with its state and federal partners to agree on a suitable funding solution. Acting Mayor Paul Jacob said the 2024/25 Townsville Budget achieved a strong balance, combining community-focused projects like water security with investments in streamlining council’s efficiency and ability to deliver to the community, while maintaining key strategic investments. Acting Mayor Paul Jacob. It allocates $280.4 million on capital works for roads, water, wastewater networks, and waste management, with a further $5.7 million towards renewing parks, playgrounds, and open spaces. There is $41.9 million for drains and stormwater, fleet vehicles and machinery required to deliver core services to the community. Cr Jacob said the council had committed to road repairs, upgrades and safety improvements to locations like Mitchell St, Angus Smith Drive and Charles St. He said water security was a key focus of the Budget, with renewals at he Douglas and Northern Water Treatment Plants and the Ross River Dam included, as well as additional works for leak detection and pipe replacements across the city. Related: Haughton Pipeline Stage 2 forges ahead “Funding has also been allocated to support key multi-year projects such as Haughton Pipeline Stage 2 and Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct. Revegetation of the Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant pipeline easement will close out the pipeline renewal project following the successful commissioning completed earlier this month,” he said. Paid parking changes Cr Jacob said Townsville City Council had been hit hard when it came to rising costs of materials and services, having to pass on an average rate and utilities increase of 5.1 per cent across the board. In addition, the council’s paid parking fees will increase by $1 per hour from July 29, and paid parking will extend to The Strand, Gregory St, Palmer St and at the Fulham Rd medical precinct. “Most people may not be aware, it costs over $6 million a year to maintain the Strand alone. It is also close to 25 years old and what was fit for purpose for our population in 1999 has since had no additional parking solutions provided," Cr Jacob said. "It is anticipated that by 2026, 20 per cent of users will be unable to find a parking space at The Strand. “The inclusion of paid parking at these locations is expected to improve the turnover of parking bays and increase visitor numbers whilst also providing much needed funding toward upkeep.” You may also like: https://industryqld.com.au/council-outlines-capital-spend-of-130m-for-mackay-region

Townsville Budget sets $328m capital works mark

Industry Queensland

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