Townsville City Council has today endorsed the 2026/27 Annual Operational Plan for Townsville Enterprise Ltd (TEL), paving the way for the delivery of key economic development, destination marketing and major event initiatives to the benefit of community and businesses over the next 12 months.
The move follows the signing of a Strategic Partnership Agreement in July, cementing Council's 35-year partnership with TEL for another four years.
TEL will receive $4.17 million from TCC in the 2026-2027 financial year, split across a $679,000 Economic Development Contribution, a $2.49 million Major Events Contribution and a $1 million Destination Marketing Contribution.
Mayor Nick Dametto said the partnership would deliver tangible benefits for residents, businesses and visitors.
"Townsville is the Capital of Northern Australia, and we need to continue to act like it," Cr Dametto said.
"This partnership ensures we have a clear plan to keep driving investment, jobs, tourism and major events into our region.
"Townsville Enterprise has a strong track record of advocating for our city and working with industry, business, government and other community stakeholders to unlock opportunities for development.
"This agreement provides a roadmap for the year ahead and gives Council confidence our significant investment is being directed towards initiatives that deliver real economic outcomes for North Queensland."
Through the Economic Development Contribution TEL is funded for the purpose of driving investment, advocacy and economic growth across priority sectors and in conjunction with the local business community and our fellow North Queensland regional councils."
The $1 million Destination Marketing Contribution, drawn from differential rates levied on short stay accommodation providers, will be utilised to deliver a Townsville North Queensland tourism campaign expected to achieve $32 million worth of incremental visitor expenditure.
Meanwhile, the city's Major Events Contribution will be used alongside funding provided by the Queensland Government to deliver $55 million in local economic return from 10 supported events.
Cr Dametto said collaboration would be key to the plan's success.
"The agreement councillors have voted in support of today outlines a range of activities and programs attached to specific KPIs that are designed to grow Townsville in line with Council's long-term strategic objectives," Cr Dametto said.
"We have already seen great results since TEL took over bidding for and managing major event contracts on behalf of Council at the start of last year.
"Events such as Jelly Roll and Shaboozey, Country Fest and Dream Fields Festival, as well as the upcoming Foo Fighters concert, have all been made possible through this partnership, showcasing our city on a national stage and injecting millions into our economy.
"Through this agreement and our ongoing collaboration with TEL, we know there is so much more to come."
Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme said the plan reflected a shared commitment to Townsville's economic future and continued growth as a leading destination for visitors and major events.
"Townsville has so much potential, and working closely with Council is key to turning that potential into opportunities for our region," Ms Brumme said.
"Our 2026/27 Annual Operational Plan reinforces the partnership between Townsville Enterprise and Townsville City Council, under Mayor Nick Dametto's leadership, and our shared vision to grow Townsville's economy, raise our profile as a destination and keep Townsville at the forefront of the events industry in North Queensland.
"Over the next four years, we'll continue advocating for our region, pursuing new event opportunities and building on our existing calendar to attract more visitors, support local businesses, promote the region and deliver lasting economic benefits for Townsville."
