Townsville City Council's 2026–27 Budget sends a clear signal that the city is open for business.
Mayor Nick Dametto said the Budget delivers a strong pipeline of enabling infrastructure and investment designed to position Townsville for the future.
"This Budget continues to invest in the infrastructure and opportunities that drive our economy," Cr Dametto said.
"In a challenging global environment, we are maintaining momentum and delivering the projects that will keep Townsville moving forward."
Council's capital works program includes significant investment in enabling infrastructure, with $86.8 million committed to the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct for enabling road and water infrastructure - supporting industrial development and delivering long-term economic benefits, including thousands of construction and ongoing jobs.
Councillor Dametto said more than $262 million has been allocated to Council's road and transport network, including pathways, bus stops, roads, bridges and culverts, along with major works to improve connectivity and enable growth across the city.
"We're getting on with the job of unlocking thousands of homes in our key growth corridors, delivering projects that open up and link the northern beaches through the Svensson Road and Bruce Highway intersection, thanks to funding through the Residential Activation Fund Round 1," Cr Dametto said.
"As we await the outcome of the Residential Activation Fund Round 2, Council has progressed advanced planning and design of the Lionel Turner Drive extension, trunk sewage and water infrastructure for the Upper Ross and major infrastructure to unlocking further housing opportunities around Mount Louisa.
"Investment in critical infrastructure remains a key focus, ensuring Townsville has the essential services needed to support a growing city."
Further investment includes a $20.5 million investment in the Haughton Pipeline project for the next stages of design of the Burdekin Pump Station.
"We're committed to delivering the Haughton Pipeline and progressing the Burdekin Pump Station to make sure Townsville has a reliable water supply as our city grows," Cr Dametto said.
Council is investing in infrastructure to support future demand, including $121.8 million in water treatment and storage, $23.7 million in wastewater infrastructure and $14.2 million in stormwater and drainage works.
A $23.8 million investment in waste facilities will extend the life of Stuart Landfill as our city grows.
Councillor Dametto said these investments were critical to maintaining momentum and enabling future growth, supporting the services needed to support a growing population.
"You can't grow a city without the right foundations in place, we need the infrastructure to support more people, more homes and more industry," he said.
Investment in community infrastructure will also continue, supporting recreational spaces and public assets that contribute to a liveable city.
"Investing in great places goes hand in hand with investing in the infrastructure that supports growth," Cr Dametto said.
"If we want people to not just visit Townsville, but to choose to live here, we need both, strong infrastructure and great lifestyle opportunities."
Alongside the Budget, Council is actively advocating to all levels of government to support upgrades to the Rockpool and the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre, while advancing projects such as recreational use at Ross River Dam, activating the CBD, and delivering other initiatives that enhance lifestyle and local facilities across the city.
The Budget also continues to support the visitor economy through investment in major events and tourism.
"We're investing $3 million in major events acquisition across the city, as well as $1 million in destination marketing to strengthen Townsville as the events capital of Northern Australia," Cr Dametto said.
"Driving visitation to our region, supporting local jobs and business activity, and building confidence in Townsville as an open, investment-ready destination.
"No matter which way you look at it, Townsville is open for business."
The budget includes:
- $262 million critical infrastructure (water, waste, roads)
- $86.8 million Lansdown
- $20.5 million Haughton Pipeline Project
- $46.8 million Growth corridors
- $1 million Destination Marketing investment
- $3 million Major Events acquisition
- $7.5 million community grants and partnerships
- $11.9 million Libraries
- $2.9 million Theatres and Galleries
- $1.2 million NAFA
- $500,000 CDB activation
- $270,000 Recreation on Ross Dam
Visit our Budget 2026/27 page for more details.
