Townsville City Council has launched a CBD clean-up operation with the first multi-team collection removing more than 300 kilograms of abandoned property and waste from makeshift camps across the city centre.
Mayor Nick Dametto said the operation was part of Council's commitment to getting back to basics and ensuring the CBD remained clean, safe and welcoming for residents, visitors and businesses.
"Townsville is open for business, and that starts with ensuring our city centre presents well and reflects the pride we have in our community," Cr Dametto said.
"Local businesses are working hard to attract customers and create jobs, and Council is doing everything within our remit to support them by maintaining a clean, safe and inviting CBD."
Council officers conducted the first CBD clean-up operation in late June, removing more than 300 kilograms of waste from multiple locations.
Items collected included abandoned tents, clothing, food packaging, alcohol and drug paraphernalia.
"This sort of behaviour has no place in our CBD and has a negative impact on our city, local businesses and the broader community, which is why Council is taking action where we can," Cr Dametto said.
"We've brought together teams from Community Safety, Waste and other areas of Council as part of our back-to-basics approach to address the increasing number of abandoned camps and illegal dumping.
"This is a widespread issue that we are working across the entire city to address, however small, targeted campaigns like this is where we can achieve the maximum outcome and benefit with our limited resources.
"We're also continuing to invest in community safety initiatives, including additional funding in the 2026/27 Budget to the tune of $360,000 for our City Safe patrols to operate seven days a week, while working closely with Queensland Police and other government and non-government agencies to address antisocial behaviour.
"There is no single solution to revitalising the CBD, but by working collaboratively with those who can all collectively create change like our State MPs, government agencies, support services, businesses and the community, we can continue building a city centre that people want to spend time in, invest in and enjoy."
Council will continue to undertake targeted CBD clean-up activities as required.
