The Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct reached another major milestone today, with Townsville City Council endorsing a formal Commercial Framework giving industry certainty on the terms of establishing at the precinct.
The framework is a consistent set of agreements governing land tenure, Council’s delivery of precinct enabling infrastructure, and each proponent’s proportionate contribution to Council’s costs.
Standardised terms now apply to every proponent, shortening negotiations and helping convert industry interest into committed investment.
The move further strengthens Lansdown’s position as one of Australia’s most significant emerging advanced manufacturing and processing hubs.
Mayor Nick Dametto said the endorsement was a significant step in transforming Lansdown from a strategic vision into a functioning industrial precinct.
“Lansdown is no longer just a vision for the future. We’re seeing real investment, real industry interest and real infrastructure being delivered on the ground,” Cr Dametto said.
“The Commercial Framework gives industry greater certainty about how development at Lansdown will occur and demonstrates Council’s commitment to creating the right environment for investment and long-term growth.
“We’ve created the conditions for industry to succeed through strategic planning, investment in enabling infrastructure and strong advocacy with all levels of government.
“The response we’re seeing confirms confidence in Townsville as a destination for advanced manufacturing and clean industry.”
The report considered by Council noted Lansdown remains Council’s principal industrial investment attraction asset, with $303 million committed to roads and raw water supply infrastructure over the next seven years and a return to Council over the next 40 years that will support investment in essential services and infrastructure.
The endorsement comes during a period of significant momentum across the precinct.
In August, Townsville City Council released a new land tender inviting Australian and international proponents to secure a place within the 2,200-hectare precinct and help shape North Queensland’s industrial future.
The tender covers the remaining 520 hectares of Council-owned land and runs for 12 months with quarterly evaluation rounds, with the first submissions closing on 31 October 2026.
A further milestone was reached at the August investor forum, with Townsville City Council and Quinbrook-owned project company Solquartz signing a Memorandum of Understanding to progress the Northern Quartz Campus, a multi-module silicon manufacturing project.
The project has the potential to create up to 1,200 jobs across construction and operations while supporting domestic and international supply chains for solar technology, semiconductors and other advanced manufacturing applications. The agreement establishes a pathway towards Lansdown’s first Project Development and Infrastructure Agreement and demonstrates the growing confidence of major investors in the precinct’s long-term potential.
The forum attracted 80 attendees from more than 40 organisations, including existing proponents, prospective investors, government agencies and infrastructure providers.
Council has committed to delivering enabling infrastructure over the next seven years through significant investment in roads and raw water supply.
Milestones already delivered include the Jones Road upgrade and the opening of sealed public access to DriveIt NQ in May, while internal road works are expected to be complete in November. Further water and transport upgrades are progressing through tender evaluation and planning.
“As development accelerates, Lansdown is firmly establishing itself as a catalyst for economic diversification, investment and long-term job creation for Townsville and North Queensland,” Cr Dametto said.
