Townsville City Council has adopted a new City Activation Plan that will deliver more than $18 million in projects and initiatives aimed at revitalising the CBD and creating a safer, more welcoming and vibrant city centre.
The Townsville City Activation Plan 2026, passed unanimously at today's General Meeting, brings together a coordinated program of funded projects and initiatives focused on improving safety, amenity, visitation, wayfinding and business confidence in the CBD between 2026 and 2028.
The plan outlines both immediate actions and longer-term projects designed to support the gradual transformation of Townsville's urban heart.
Mayor Nick Dametto said the strategy was an important step towards tackling the challenges facing the CBD, including declining foot traffic, vacant premises and perceptions around safety and amenity.
"This plan is not a quick fix to a problem that has developed over decades," Cr Dametto said.
"What it does provide is the ammunition we need to drive meaningful change and create momentum to deliver the kind of city centre Townsville deserves.
"Activating a CBD doesn't happen overnight – it takes investment, consistency, partnerships and a clear vision.
"This plan brings those elements together in one coordinated approach and is the platform upon which Council – and all others who have an economic, social or cultural interest in the CBD – can build.
"At Council we're focusing on practical actions that make a visible difference, whether that's improving lighting and safety, increasing events and activations, supporting local businesses or making our city centre more inviting and accessible."
Mayor Dametto said the CBD belonged to the people of Townsville, not just Council, and encouraged everyone to play their part in building a thriving city centre.
"After being elected Mayor almost a year ago, one of my key priorities was getting back to basics across the city, and that includes truly addressing the elephant in the room that is the Townsville CBD," Cr Dametto said.
"Over the past 11 months, Council and I have engaged with business operators, investors, event managers, tourists and residents to hear their perspectives and build a plan for the future of the city centre.
"Now, for the first time, we have a single roadmap that clearly outlines what Council is delivering and where we're investing resources.
"We've experienced what our CBD can be like, with the recent Socceroos v Brazil Street Party, and we're seeing more businesses take the initiative to activate their venues.
"This plan lays the foundations for a CBD that is open for business - one that feels safe, activated and focussed on people."
The Townsville City Activation Plan 2026 includes a range of initiatives already underway or funded through Council budgets, including CCTV and lighting upgrades, city safety patrols, streetscape improvements, pop-up activations, enhanced cleaning programs, event attraction and business support measures.
