Rockpool Redevelopment

Investment Council will use the concept design to secure funding for the redevelopment.
Goal

Goal 1 — A City for Everyone.

1.1.2 Enhance public spaces, pathways, and gathering areas to create welcoming, accessible places for residents and visitors.

1.2.3 Ensure community facilities, events, and services are accessible, safe, and welcoming for all people.

Goal 3 — A Future-ready City.

3.3.1 Grow Townsville’s visitor economy by strengthening tourism products, experiences, and partnerships across key attraction sites.

Goal 4 — A Well-managed City.

4.1.2 Funding advocacy and allocation of budget to maintain essential services, critical infrastructure, and long-term asset renewal.

Strategic Purpose To deliver a community-informed concept design for a resilient, accessible Rockpool landmark that grows Townsville’s visitor economy and attracts external funding.
Status Concept Design

Project Overview

Townsville City Council is planning for the future of The Strand Rockpool, one of the city's most iconic waterfront destinations.

In 2025, more than 1,500 community members shared their ideas for the future of the Rockpool precinct. This feedback provided valuable insight and helped shape a concept plan for the site.

The project is currently in the concept planning phase, with a second round of community consultation now underway. This consultation provides an opportunity for the community to review the proposed concept plan, see how feedback has helped shape the design and identify any matters Council should consider before progressing to detailed design.

Council will use the concept design to secure funding for the redevelopment.

Project Background

The Strand Rockpool is a popular destination for residents and visitors, providing opportunities for swimming, recreation, relaxation and social connection.

During the first round of consultation, the community told us they wanted to see improvements to water quality, accessibility, amenities, shade, seating, family-friendly facilities and safety. These priorities have helped inform the development of the concept plan.

Proposed Benefits

The proposed concept plan aims to:

  • improve water quality, safety and the overall visitor experience
  • enhance accessibility and inclusion
  • upgrade amenities and supporting infrastructure
  • provide additional shade and seating opportunities
  • improve family-friendly recreation spaces
  • strengthen connections to the waterfront and surrounding landscape
  • retain the Rockpool's role as a free community asset.

Community Consultation

Round 1: Community Ideas and Priorities

Between June and July 2025, Council invited the community to share their ideas for the future of the Strand Rockpool.

The consultation received 1,503 survey responses from across all age groups.

More than 70% of respondents said they visit The Strand at least weekly. The Rockpool was identified as an important place for swimming, exercise, family outings and relaxation.

Round 2: Concept Plan Consultation

The second phase of consultation provides an opportunity for the community to:

  • view the proposed concept plan
  • see how community feedback has influenced the design
  • ask questions and seek further information
  • identify any matters Council should consider before determining the project's next steps.

Visit Have Your Say Townsville to share your feedback on the concept plan. This phase of consultation is open until Tuesday 15 December 2026.

Visit Have Your Say Townsville

Next Steps

Following consultation, Council will review the feedback received before progressing to detailed design. Council will use the concept plan to secure funding for the redevelopment.

Documents

Media Releases