Australias most liveable green advanced manufacturing city

Townsville's economic landscape is as diverse as its natural beauty, with a robust array of industries driving its growth and prosperity. At the heart of its economic engine lies the thriving resources sector, anchored by a bustling port that serves as a vital gateway for the export of minerals, agricultural products, and commodities. The city's strategic location also fuels a booming logistics and transportation industry, facilitating trade and commerce across the region.

This agricultural powerhouse shapes the local economy and identity, with iconic sugar mills dotting the landscape.

The region's irrigation infrastructure, including the Burdekin Dam, supports year-round farming ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce to markets far and wide. As the Burdekin region continues to evolve, its industries remain deeply rooted in the land, honouring tradition while embracing innovation to sustainably meet the demands of a changing world.

Charters Towers stands as a beacon of historical significance and modern vitality.

With a history extending all the way back to the gold rush era, the town's mining industry continues to play a pivotal role in its economy. The region's economy is also supported by the agriculture sector, primarily beef cattle production and the tourism sector which highlights the regions rich history and natural attractions.

Hinchinbrook offers a mix of natural beauty and economic opportunity. The region thrives on marine industries like fishing and aquaculture, while agriculture, particularly sugar cane, is also vital.

In addition to its traditional industries, Hinchinbrook embraces innovation, with emerging sectors such as eco-tourism and renewable energy gaining traction. The region's breathtaking natural landscapes, including the iconic Hinchinbrook Island National Park, draw visitors seeking immersive experiences in nature.

Palm Island/Bwgcolman, also known as Great Palm Island, is the largest of 12 tropical Islands in the Palm Island Group.

Palm Island is the largest discrete Indigenous community in Australia with approximately 4,000 people residing on the Island. There is high mobility between Palm Island and the mainland, and the population can increase to over 5,000 people during festivals and events.

Just a short ferry ride from Townsville, Magnetic Island offers the natural beauty and serenity of an untouched paradise within a thriving community.

Boasting a unique natural environment of palm-fringed beaches, large granite boulders, hoop pines, sandy beaches and fringing coral reefs, Magnetic Island is an island paradise of endless sunshine, koalas, hiking trails, topless cars, snorkelling adventures and more!

The Port of Townsville is Northern Australia's largest general cargo port, facilitating trade with over 44 countries.

The major commodities traded through the Port include sugar, lead, copper and zinc. It is also a strategic defence and cruise Port. The Port of Townsville trades over $10 billion worth of goods annually, with nearly $7 billion in exports. 

The Townsville Airport is a crucial gateway for both trade and travel, facilitating economic and social growth for the region.

The Townsville Airport has connections to 10 destination across Australia and welcomes more than 1.5 million passengers through the terminal annually, connecting the region to all major capital cities and key regional hubs across Australia. The Townsville Airport has declared international airport status.

The 4915-hectare Townsville State Development Area (SDA) is a defined area of land dedicated for heavy industry development. 

This precinct is currently under development and will be a dedicated eco-industrial precinct for advanced manufacturing, processing, technology and emerging industries.

Glencore's copper refinery produces up to 300,000 tonnes of 99.995% pure copper cathode annually.

The refinery uses Glencore's proprietary IsaKIDD electrolytic refining process to refine the smelted copper from the North West Mineral Province and is then exported through the Port of Townsville.

Sun Metals Zinc Refinery is located 15km south of the city of Townsville in North Queensland, Australia.

The refinery produces a Special High Grade of Zinc metals which meet stringent quality standards required under its registration at the London Metal Exchange.

Sulphuric acid, low grade zinc concentrate and copper cake are also produced and sold to domestic and international markets.

A 840km high-voltage electricity transmission line connecting the North West to the National Electricity Market (NEM).

The project will connect new renewable generators to the national market and provide for affordable and clean energy to the resource rich North West Mineral Province.

The Townsville University Hospital (TUH) is Northern Australia’s largest tertiary referral hospital.

The hospital treats patients as far north as Cape York Peninsula, and west to Mount Isa. TUH is a hub for health research with a dedicated research space and its close proximity to James Cook University supports cutting edge tropical medicine research.

Mater’s regional services provide a diverse range of healthcare solutions tailored to meet the regions needs.

The Mater operates two campuses: Mater Hospital Pimlico and Mater Hospital Hyde Park, providing specialised care in areas such as cardiology, orthopedics, neurosurgery, and maternity services.

The largest Australian Army base

Home to the 3rd Brigade and elements of the 1st Division, 11th Brigade and 17th Sustainment Brigade and one of the major military establishments in Northern Australia.

Located near the heart of Townsville, this base plays a crucial role in both national security and regional disaster response.

Home to various Army and Airforce units, including surveillance, combat support, and training, RAAF Base Townsville serves as pivotal defence hub. The movement to enhance Northern Australia's defence capabilities has seen signifcant investment into the Townsville Base over the coming years which will contribute to economic growth and providing local job opportunities.

Wilmar operate six sugar mills across the North Queensland region, and another two near Mackay.

These mill process locally grown sugarcane, transforming it into raw sugar for both domestic use and export. As one of Australia’s largest raw sugar producers, the company works closely with growers, fostering partnerships that support regional communities and sustainable farming practices.

TAFE Queensland offers six campuses across the North Queensland region, providing the region with accessible, high-quality vocational education and training.

TAFE Queensland offers specialised training facilities and play a vital role in delivering the current and future workforce. TAFE Queensland also offers flexible learning options, including online and part-time study to accommodate students’ varied schedules. 

James Cook University (JCU) has around 13,000 students study at the Townsville campus, including over 1,500 international students.

At the heart of a tropical health and knowledge precinct, JCU Townsville offers a unique study experience. As a major tertiary education centre, JCU is vital for upskilling and developing the regions workforce for current and future workforce needs.  

The Townsville CQ University campus is located in Townsville CBD and is home to over 1,000 students. The campus boasts state of the art nursing and paramedic science labs, teaching spaces and study spaces.