Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill is urging the Federal Government to prioritise the city's long-term economic recovery plan to help the community get back on its feet after the unprecedented monsoon.
Cr Hill will ask the Federal Government to back four key programs – investment for business recovery, defence growth, a smart precinct and a tourism package – to make the city's economy more resilient and sustainable.
"This Federal Budget is a crucial opportunity to ensure Townsville gets the funding it needs to recover after the unprecedented monsoon," Cr Hill said.
"The recovery effort is already beginning to create jobs and injecting money into the economy but we need to ensure there is funding available for long-term economic recovery projects.
"We don't want the city's economic and jobs growth to decline after the immediate rebuild of our city is finished."
Cr Hill is urging Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg to contribute substantial funds for creating long-term jobs and rebuilding the largest city in North Australia.
"The City Investment and Business Recovery Package examines redeveloping sites and encourage new businesses to invest in Townsville," Cr Hill said.
"The Defence Industry and Naval Capacity program will develop and grow our unique strengths as Australia's combat training centre and includes synthetic training that incorporate live, virtual and simulated environments.
"Our Smart Precinct NQ program will attract new jobs and support local start-ups and develop a skilled workforce.
"The Townsville Tourism Package will build on our natural advantages with projects like the Castle Hill zip-line, Mount Louisa activation, the Strand Lagoon and also push for support for the proposed Entertainment and Concert Hall."
