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The Federal Government has today announced a $55 million investment in two key projects as part of the transformational Townsville City Deal.
The investment will help revitalise two iconic organisations in North Queensland.
A $40 million funding boost will help transform Reef HQ – the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium – into Australia’s national centre of excellence for tropical coral reef education, making it a premium international tourism destination as COVID-19 restrictions ease.
This funding is in addition to the $40.1 million already provided to Reef HQ by the Government since 2019 to upgrade the facility and help boost Great Barrier Reef tourism.
The upgrade will provide visitors with a range of immersive experiences and revitalised exhibits, including educational activities, hands-on experiences, onsite diving programs, scientific demonstrations and the use of interactive technology.
The redevelopment of Reef HQ will also contribute to the revitalisation of the Townsville City Waterfront Priority Development Area, which is one of the key objectives of the City Deal.
The Morrison Government is also providing a $15 million funding boost to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section), matched by a $15 million commitment from the Queensland Government, to expand its Townsville facilities to provide important medical services across the North Queensland region.
The two projects will ensure the Commonwealth’s original $195 million commitment to the Haughton Pipeline Stage 2 remains in Townsville, following the Queensland Government’s decision to sole-fund this project and deliver it outside the Townsville City Deal.
The Townsville City Deal is a 15 year agreement to the value of $986.1 million.
Signed in 2016 by Deal Partners – the Australian and Queensland governments and Townsville City Council – the City Deal sets out a comprehensive plan to grow the economy of Townsville by supporting the city to be, by 2030:
The City Deal is transforming the Townsville region, creating sustainable jobs and attracting more investment for Townsville through infrastructure and planning projects that drive private sector investment, support existing and emerging economies, and boost local and Indigenous employment opportunities. Projects include the delivery of new transit, sporting facilities that enhance amenity and make Townsville a lifestyle-rich city for residents and visitors alike.
The Federal Government has today announced a $55 million investment in two key projects as part of the transformational Townsville City Deal.
The investment will help revitalise two iconic organisations in North Queensland.
A $40 million funding boost will help transform Reef HQ – the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium – into Australia’s national centre of excellence for tropical coral reef education, making it a premium international tourism destination as COVID-19 restrictions ease.
This funding is in addition to the $40.1 million already provided to Reef HQ by the Government since 2019 to upgrade the facility and help boost Great Barrier Reef tourism.
The upgrade will provide visitors with a range of immersive experiences and revitalised exhibits, including educational activities, hands-on experiences, onsite diving programs, scientific demonstrations and the use of interactive technology.
The redevelopment of Reef HQ will also contribute to the revitalisation of the Townsville City Waterfront Priority Development Area, which is one of the key objectives of the City Deal.
The Morrison Government is also providing a $15 million funding boost to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section), matched by a $15 million commitment from the Queensland Government, to expand its Townsville facilities to provide important medical services across the North Queensland region.
The two projects will ensure the Commonwealth’s original $195 million commitment to the Haughton Pipeline Stage 2 remains in Townsville, following the Queensland Government’s decision to sole-fund this project and deliver it outside the Townsville City Deal.
*Story first published in July 2021.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority acknowledges the expertise, wisdom, and enduring connections that have informed the guardianship of the Reef for millennia. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners as the first managers of this land and sea Country, and value their traditional knowledge which continues to inform the current management and stewardship of the Reef for future generations. We pay our respects to the Gurambilbarra Wulgurukaba Traditional Owners on whose land the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium is situated on. We acknowledge their connection to Country and are honoured to be collaborating with the Gurambilbarra Wulgurukaba community to co-design exhibits highlighting culture values and connections to sea Country.
