Townsville City Council has today voted to reallocate City Deal funding from the proposed Concert Hall project at a Special Meeting, with nine councillors, including myself, voting to redirect $100 million to Reef HQ and a further $4.9 million to securing arts infrastructure for Townsville's leading arts organisations.
Council voted to reallocate the funds after it received the Australian Government's Concert Hall business case about two weeks ago. The cost of the Concert Hall is significantly more than $100 million and as such is financially unviable at this point in time. During the Ordinary Meeting on August 7 Council resolved to request the business case be released by the Australian Government. The Australian Government will determine if and when the business case will be released.
Through the reallocation of $100 million of City Deal funding, work will be able to immediately start on Reef HQ, upgrading a key environmental and tourism asset for Townsville and providing employment opportunities for Townsville residents.
Council has also voted to request a commitment of $60 million in the next federal budget to fund the design and construction of the Ross Creek Pedestrian Bridge and associated works on Flinders Street East and Plume Street, providing much needed connectivity, economic growth, safety and accessibility for residents and visitors.
Townsville City Council is not here to be used as a political football. Councillors and myself will be pushing for the best interests of Townsville at the upcoming Bush Summit.
It is very disappointing for us to not be delivering a concert hall at this time, but we will be pushing for the Queensland and Australian Governments to come on board and continue our vision for Townsville's future.
Council will continue discussions with the Queensland and Australian governments regarding an Arts and Cultural Precinct for Townsville.
