Townsville to host World Economic Forum roundtable

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill has welcomed the arrival of the World Economic Forum (WEF) to the city this week.

WEF is holding a round table in Townsville today off the back of a report identifying Australia as a high-potential country for advanced manufacturing.

Cr Hill said it’s an exciting step in the right direction to see international interest and support for Townsville to become an advanced manufacturing hub.

“Council has been leading the charge on bringing advanced manufacturing to Townsville and it’s exciting to have the World Economic Forum and the Chief Entrepreneur’s Office here again so soon after her last visit to our city.

“There has been a slate of recent announcements that bode well for confidence in Townsville and our economic development.

“This includes the date announcement for the Hydrogen Industry Forum from the State Government which is a huge indicator that Townsville could become the next Hydrogen Hub in Queensland.”

The Lansdown Industrial Precinct has also reached another milestone with the State Government giving the Planning Scheme Amendment approval to move to public notification.

Planning and Development Committee Chair Les Walker said the progress on the Lansdown Precinct is a promising sign of things to come.

“The State Government has given us approval to move to public notification for the amendment to the Planning Scheme which will open on Monday 4 November and close in late November,” Cr Walker said.

“The work we are doing with Lansdown is ground-breaking and will really help our economy transition to future-proof industries that will create thousands of jobs for locals in the advanced manufacturing, processing and technology sectors.

“I would encourage all residents to jump on to our website when the notification period goes live and to see what Council is aiming to achieve in renewable industries.

To view the Planning Scheme Amendment or provide feedback when it goes live on Monday, visit Applications on Public Notification.

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