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Date published: 11 June 2024
Townsville City Council opened a new tender on 10 June 2024 for the remaining land parcels at Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct.
With more than 50% of the developable land already committed to future proponents, Lansdown continues to attract substantial national and international industry interest. Council has already attracted significant funding from Commonwealth and State Governments, and remains committed to the delivery of Northern Australia’s foremost precinct for advanced manufacturing, processing, technology and emerging industries.
Tenders may be submitted at any time during the Tender Submission Period from 10 June 2024 to 7 April 2025. Tender evaluations will occur on a quarterly basis through the Tender Submission Period with the Tender Evaluation Dates in July 2024, October 2024, January 2025, and April 2025. Design, planning and development of enabling infrastructure continues, with further road upgrade work and a tender for the installation of the raw water pipeline expected later this year.
The Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct is jointly funded by the Australian Government and Queensland Government in partnership with Townsville City Council.
Date published: 31 October 2023
A leading global renewable energy infrastructure investor has been allocated a major parcel of land at the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct.
Townsville City Council is developing the Lansdown precinct, transforming it into an environmentally sustainable, advanced manufacturing, processing, and technology hub.
Australian owned Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners (Quinbrook) has been conditionally allocated a 200-hectare portion of the total 2200-hectare Lansdown site through a Council-run competitive tender process.
Quinbrook proposes to develop and build a state-of-the-art polysilicon manufacturing facility at Lansdown, powered by a large-scale solar and battery storage project it plans to build on land adjacent to Lansdown.
Benefiting from Townsville’s access to abundant solar energy and critical minerals resources, the multi-billion-dollar project would source high quality silica quartz from the North Queensland region, creating more than 1000 jobs in construction and operation.
Polysilicon is a basic building block for both solar panels and computer chips and Quinbrook believes the project has the potential to rank amongst the greenest polysilicon plants in the world given its access to low-cost renewable power at Lansdown.
The conditions of land allocation include a strict timeline to develop the project as well as contributing to critical Lansdown infrastructure.
Quinbrook is also partnering with Solquartz, who has already been conditionally allocated 64 ha at Lansdown to develop a metallurgical silicon metal processing plant. The partnership is intended to enable Solquartz to accelerate and integrate its project into Quinbrook’s larger polysilicon manufacturing facility.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said Quinbrook was a proven international investor in the global green energy arena, having been recently awarded Energy Investor of the Year for North America and Sponsor of the Year in 2022.
“Quinbrook had developed and is actively constructing several of the largest solar and battery storage projects ever undertaken in the US and the UK representing billions of new infrastructure investment,” Cr Hill said.
“This is an especially exciting announcement because Quinbrook are not only the developers and sponsors, but also the project funders, which means the money is on the table.
“Once the right operating partner is chosen by the company, the project can move forward at a rapid pace, subject to the normal government approvals.
“Townsville is becoming well known internationally for its potential in refining and building critical components for the green energy transition.
“This means thousands of long-term sustainable manufacturing jobs for Townsville as well as jobs in local supply chains supporting green refining at Lansdown.”
Quinbrook’s Senior Director Brian Restall said the company had targeted Lansdown because of its clear competitive advantages as a site for large scale manufacturing powered by renewables, logistics, site infrastructure and port access for export.
“Lansdown is close to the source of some of the best silica quartz resources in the world and it has the land and site infrastructure we need to build a truly state of the art manufacturing facility that will be powered by renewable energy,” Mr Restall said.
“Close proximity to the port and multiple transport corridors make it a very compelling location for energy intensive, export driven ‘green’ manufacturing.
“We have strong relationships with and are a major customer of leading solar and battery manufacturers across the globe – meaning components manufactured here in Townsville will be exported to these leading manufacturers and made into finished solar modules and batteries.
“Our aim is that Quinbrook will ultimately purchase that equipment for our global power generation projects with total confidence in the supply chain that produced them. This is a ‘win win’ outcome.
“We’re looking forward to working with Townsville locals to manufacture green polysilicon right here in Queensland and make this a leading example of Australia’s green superpower potential.”
The Lansdown Eco Industrial Precinct was declared by Deputy Premier Steven Miles as a project of state significance in March this year.
Companies such as Queensland Pacific Metals (QPM) Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub project and Edify Energy’s green hydrogen production facility are already well advanced in planning for construction at Lansdown over coming years.
The Quinbrook project aims to support the development of a fully integrated Australian solar manufacturing capability and help achieve the objectives of both the Queensland and Australian Government’s renewable energy and critical minerals strategies.
Date published: 4 October 2023
PUBLICATION OF PRELIMINARY DOCUMENTATION UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT)
The following notice is published pursuant to section 95A(3) of the EPBC Act.
Townsville City Council proposes to construct enabling infrastructure for the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct (LEIP), an advanced manufacturing, technology and processing hub at Woodstock, 40km south of Townsville. The enabling infrastructure includes:
construction and operation of a raw water network that includes:
900mm diameter buried pipeline and associated infrastructure from Haberecht Road, Majors Creek to LEIP
Raw water storage reservoir, pump station and internal raw water reticulation network within the LEIP
creation
creation of easements, new road reserve and roadworks construction that includes:
upgrades and modifications of Flinders Highway, Glenn Road, Old Flinders Highway, Woodstock Avenue, Jones Road at Woodstock
new road construction of No Name Road and Unnamed Road within the LEIP
construction of a temporary site laydown area for construction site offices and storage of materials, near the intersection of Flinders Highway and Woodstock-Giru Road.
The LEIP enabling infrastructure project was determined to be a Controlled Action under section 75 of the EPBC Act with assessment by Preliminary Documentation. The controlling provisions for the proposed action are Listed threatened species and communities (sections 18 and 18A).
Public comments are invited on the LEIP – Enabling Infrastructure.
Preliminary Documentation can be accessed electronically in the Preliminary Documentation documents folder on the right side of the Have Your Say Townsville page.
Hard copy documentation is available for viewing during business hours, Monday to Friday from Wednesday 4 October to Tuesday 17 October 2023 at:
Townsville City Council Customer Service Centre, 143 Walker Street, Townsville
Citylibraries Townsville (Northtown Building), Level 1/280 Flinders Street, Townsville
Citylibraries Aitkenvale, 4 Petunia Street, Aitkenvale
Citylibraries Riverway, 20 Village Boulevard, Thuringowa Central
QLD Department of Environment and Science, Level 10/445 Flinders Street, Townsville.
All submissions should reference EPBC 2022/09383 and can be lodged via:
Mail: Townsville City Council, PO Box 1268, Townsville QLD 4810
Web: Via the "Complete Form" button found on the Have Your Say Townsville page.
Submissions close 5pm Tuesday 17 October 2023.
Persons requiring assistance (i.e. persons with English as a second language or a visual impairment) may contact Council on 13 48 10.
Date published: 29 August 2023
The next stage of enabling transport infrastructure works for the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct (LEIP) has started with local contractor BMD Constructions set to upgrade a section of the Flinders Highway intersection at Old Flinders Highway and Woodstock-Giru Road, Woodstock.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the LEIP is a home for future industries and Council was committed to ensuring roads and raw water supply were in place to meet the precinct’s operational requirements.
“These works will build on the work already completed in 2020 when the intersection was upgraded to include a 500m acceleration lane, which allows vehicles to safely accelerate and merge with highway traffic,” Cr Hill.
“BMD will be widening and extending the lanes to facilitate safer entry to the precinct.
“These works are necessary for the LEIP as it becomes a hub for future industries and jobs in Townsville.
“Lansdown is a Council-led project which will generate thousands of future jobs for the city.
“Industry has shown a lot of confidence in the project with companies like QPM, Edify, Solquartz, Origin Energy Future Fuels and North Queensland Gas Pipeline all currently allocated land at the precinct.
“Each tender awarded and completed milestone for the Lansdown project is a significant step toward achieving our goal of growing Townsville.
“Once complete it will make Townsville Northern Australia’s foremost eco-industrial precinct for advanced manufacturing, processing, technology and emerging industries.”
Works on the Flinders Highway intersection upgrade are expected to be completed early 2024, weather and construction conditions permitting.
The LEIP is jointly funded by the Australian Government and Queensland Government in association with Townsville City Council.
Date published: 7 February 2023
Works at the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct (LEIP) are set to continue, with Townsville City Council awarding the pipe supply tender to Iplex Pipelines Australia Pty Ltd.
Infrastructure Services Committee Chairperson Kurt Rehbein said Council awarded the tender for the supply of approximately 16.25km of raw water pipeline as part of upcoming enabling infrastructure works.
“Iplex Pipelines Australia demonstrated the best value for money proposition for the project and has experience in delivering large diameter pipe, with a proven track record locally for their work on the Haughton Pipeline Duplication project,” Cr Rehbein said.
A second tender has also been released for the raw water pipeline install in preparation for works to start mid-2023.
“The raw water pipeline project is part of enabling infrastructure works at the Lansdown site,” Cr Rehbein said.
The raw water pipeline connects to the existing 900mm Ross River pipeline at a point near the junction of Haberecht Road, Mountview Drive and Major Creek Road, Majors Creek and finishes in the Lansdown precinct.
Construction of the raw water pipeline to the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct will allow early proponents access to raw water by December 2024.
“These works compliment the Albanese Governments’ recent commitment to a hydrogen hub for North Queensland and supports Council’s vision to position Townsville as a leader in advanced manufacturing and as a hydrogen and renewable energy hub, creating significant jobs for the region,” Cr Rehbein said.
“Each tender and milestone for the Lansdown project is significant toward our goal of growing Townsville and bringing us one step closer to becoming Northern Australia’s foremost eco-industrial precinct for advanced manufacturing, processing, technology and emerging industries.”
The Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct is jointly funded by the Australian Government and Queensland Government in association with Townsville City Council.
Date published: 7 March 2023
The Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct has been declared a prescribed project, paving the way for a major green manufacturing hub and a new era of growth for North Queensland.
The declaration by Deputy Premier Steven Miles will fast track approvals to deliver the enabling infrastructure required for the 2,500 hectare precinct taking shape 40km south of the Townsville CBD.
As a prescribed project, the Coordinator-General will work with the Townsville City Council to provide further coordination and structure an approach to de-risk infrastructure planning and accelerate investment readiness of the precinct.
Townsville City Council plans to develop the estate over the next 20 years to transform it into an environmentally sustainable, advanced manufacturing, processing and technology hub.
The declaration will provide Council with additional State Government support to deliver this significant project.
The enabling infrastructure works required to develop the precinct include the development of rail and road connections, delivery of water to the precinct and the development of internal road networks to support future project proponents.
The precinct will deliver a local jobs boom – about 5,000 during construction and an estimated 1,600 direct and 9,100 indirect jobs once projects located there are up and running.
It will be a centre for growth industries such as renewable hydrogen and advanced battery manufacturing, with six companies already signed on to operate at the site.
This includes Queensland Pacific Metals (QPM), which has chosen the Lansdown precinct as the future home of its proposed $2.1 billion Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub project.
QPM plans to process 1.5 million tonnes of ore a year to produce critical materials for use in new-technology batteries.
The Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct is jointly funded by the Australian Government and Queensland Government in partnership with Townsville City Council.
It was flagged as the top project priority arising from the Townsville City Deal, which has the commitment of all levels of government to drive new industries and export growth for the city.
The Queensland and Commonwealth governments have committed $74 million to date to build the enabling infrastructure needed to get the precinct off the ground.
For more information, visit the Queensland Government website.
Date published: 25 March 2022
The development of the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct has achieved another key milestone with Townsville City Council formally endorsing the infrastructure master plan for the jobs-generating estate.
Mayor Jenny Hill said the master plan would guide the progressive and sustainable development of the precinct in the years ahead.
“The Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct is set to take Townsville to a greater tomorrow from a jobs, economic, and environmental perspective,” Cr Hill said.
“It will be Northern Australia’s foremost precinct for advanced manufacturing, processing, technology and emerging industries.
“This master plan sets an infrastructure roadmap for the development of the advanced manufacturing precinct with the potential to support more than 5,000 construction jobs, around 1,600 initial jobs and more than 9,100 indirect jobs.”
Under the master plan, the precinct will be developed in stages.
Enabling infrastructure works will start this year and will include road access to the northern part of the precinct and the installation of a raw water pipeline.
“Council will take a long-term, sequential and collaborative approach to developing the precinct,” Cr Hill said.
“Developing Lansdown into an advanced manufacturing precinct will provide long-term economic benefits and jobs for the city.
“We are continuing to work with the Australian and Queensland Governments to support the enabling works with $16 million in funding secured to date and another $12 million in the pipeline. Council will continue to pursue further funding for the development of the precinct and its supporting infrastructure.
“Any shortfall in funding for enabling works will form part of agreements between the project proponents and Council.
“Funding for operational infrastructure will be the responsibility of project proponents.”
Seven proponents have conditionally been allocated land in the precinct following tender processes conducted by Council. They are:
Queensland Pacific Metals
Edify Energy
Imperium3 Townsville
RTE Energy Pty Ltd
Origin Energy Future Fuels Pty Ltd
Solquartz Pty Ltd and
North Queensland Gas Pipeline.
“Council will continue to work with all proponents to bring their proposed developments to fruition and unlock the jobs and economic stimulus they will provide to our city and region,” Cr Hill said.
Date published: 4 November 2022
The development of the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct has achieved yet another key milestone with Queensland Pacific Metals (QPM) securing Australian Government approval, under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999, to construct and operate the Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub (TECH) Project.
This announcement comes on the back of last month’s exciting news that US automotive giant General Motors plan to invest up to US$69m ($108m) in QPM to develop the TECH project at the Lansdown site, 40km outside of Townsville.
“QPM getting written EPBC Act approval from the department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to construct and operate the TECH project is another huge boost for Council’s Lansdown precinct,” Mayor Hill said.
“This announcement is another affirmation of Council’s vision to create Australia’s leading eco-industrial precinct at Lansdown.
“Our job as a council is to progress with enabling infrastructure works at Lansdown so QPM and other tenants can start turning the sod on their projects as soon as possible.”
Date published: 25 November 2022
Townsville’s major new eco-industrial precinct at Lansdown is officially underway, with access road construction starting today on the Council-led project that will generate significant jobs for the city.
Works to progress construction of the No-Name Road access road are anticipated to take up to four months to complete, weather and construction conditions permitting.
The start of site works at Lansdown follows the recent announcement by US industrial giant General Motors (GM) to invest $108M to support Queensland Pacific Metals (QPM) develop and construct its proposed Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub (TECH) project at Lansdown.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the start of site infrastructure works was a key step in the Council’s ambition to create Northern Australia’s first environmentally sustainable advanced manufacturing precinct.
An infrastructure masterplan for Lansdown was released in March this year, with the State and Federal Governments tipping in $74M to build the vital enabling infrastructure.
“Townsville is ready to go to the next level when it comes to developing an advanced manufacturing, hydrogen and renewable energy hub, and Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct is key to this,” Cr Hill said.
“As well as QPM, that confidence has been backed by companies such as Edify, RTE Energy, Solquartz, Origin Energy Future Fuels and North Queensland Gas Pipeline, all signing on to operate at the precinct.”
Member for Mundingburra and State hydrogen champion Les Walker said the Palaszczuk Government had allocated funding in this year’s budget to upgrade road, rail and water infrastructure to support the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct.
“Businesses have the confidence to invest in Lansdown and Townsville because our government is making significant investments too,” Mr Walker said.
“There are huge opportunities to develop Lansdown into a job creating precinct which will support Townsville now and into the future.
The Lansdown Precinct is a home for future industries and Council has committed to ensuring roads and raw water supply are in place to meet the operational requirements of proponents.
Date published: 15 December 2022
Momentum continues at the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct as Queensland Pacific Metals (QPM) receives development approval for its Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub (TECH) project.
Townsville City Council approved a development proposal for QPM to commence development of the TECH project which looks to supply new energy solutions to support the growing electric vehicle industry.
QPM’s development proposal was assessed by Council’s planning officers and recommended for approval having met the requirements of the Townsville City Plan.
Mayor Jenny Hill said the inclusion of the TECH project at the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct will elevate Townsville to the next level when it comes to developing an advanced manufacturing, renewable energy hub.
“We are proud QPM have chosen Lansdown as the future home for their TECH project which will create sustainable jobs for the region and help grow Townsville,” Cr Hill said.
“This vote of confidence in our city and the Lansdown project is key to Council creating Northern Australia’s foremost eco-industrial precinct for advanced manufacturing, processing, technology and emerging industries.”
QPM Managing Director and CEO Dr Stephen Grocott welcomed Council’s approval of the development application and said the Lansdown Precinct is the ideal site for the TECH project.
“We’re very pleased to be a first mover in the establishment of Lansdown. Townsville is the ideal location for the TECH project due to its attractive location and its proximity to critical infrastructure, such as port, rail, road, gas, and water, in place together with quality engineering services and skilled labour,” Dr Grocott said.
“We thank the Council and also thank the State Government’s Office of the Coordinator General for their assistance in reaching this milestone.
“The TECH project was developed in response to the growing demand for battery materials for electric vehicles, particularly nickel and cobalt. Once operational the project will be a world-leading zero waste, carbon negative, sustainable, clean and green production facility.
“The project is backed by world class shareholders including US industrial giant General Motors (GM) who have committed $108M toward sourcing nickel and cobalt to power their upcoming electric vehicles including the GMC Hummer EV, Chevrolet Silverado EV and Cadillac LYRIQ.
“QPM looks forward to operating a leading, advanced manufacturing facility in the electric vehicle supply chain and in helping the Council to establish the Lansdown Eco-industrial Precinct as a globally recognised centre of new-generation manufacturing,” he said.
This is the second development application to be approved over land within the precinct with Edify Energy’s development application gaining approval in late 2021.
Date published: 12 July 2021
The Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct development has reached an important milestone with Townsville City Council formally agreeing to partner with the Palaszczuk Government to deliver a suite of road and rail projects to enhance access to the site.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government is delivering on its election commitment for the area.
“Leading up to the October 2020 election, we committed $12 million to improve truck access at the Lansdown Industrial Precinct, and this agreement moves us closer to delivering it,” Mr Bailey said.
“This is about backing Lansdown as the new home for manufacturing in Townsville to support Queensland’s energy industry.
“There is an amazing economic opportunity for North Queensland to be an advanced manufacturing and renewable energy powerhouse, and we want Townsville to be at the centre of it.
“Projects like Lansdown will help to drive Queensland’s economic recovery from Covid-19.
“As will building infrastructure around these projects, that’s why the Palaszczuk Government has made a record $27.5 billion roads and transport investment over four years, which is creating 24,000 jobs.”
Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said the Palaszczuk Government’s $12 million commitment would deliver road upgrades to improve access for trucks travelling to and from the increasingly busy precinct.
“Developing the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct has the potential to support 160 construction jobs, and around 1,600 ongoing jobs in stage one alone,” Mr Harper said.
“Building this enabling infrastructure now will ensure we unlock the precinct’s full economic potential, which will benefit North Queensland for decades.
“We’ve already delivered a $5 million upgrade to create new turning lanes and improve safety on the northern approach to the precinct on the Flinders Highway, so this is the next step for this project.
“We’ve also got substantial Bruce Highway upgrades happening north and south of the city and have now started work on Townsville Ring Road Stage 5.
“The Palaszczuk Government is investing in local road upgrades to support growing communities.”
Mayor Jenny Hill said it was pleasing to see the State Government deliver on the October 2020 election commitment.
“I commend the Premier and her government for delivering on their commitment and providing this funding now to allow Council to bring this exciting, jobs-generating precinct to fruition,” Cr Hill said.
“Council has formally agreed to enter into a formal agreement with the State Government to get the ball rolling on this work, the cost of which will total $16 million.
“The State Government will contribute the lion’s share of the funding, with a $12 million commitment. Council will contribute $2 million and a further $2 million will come from the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.”
The works will facilitate safe access to the precinct and include an intersection realignment at Jones Road and the Flinders Highway, internal precinct roads, relocation of a rail passing loop and relocation and upgrade of a level rail crossing.
The Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct will be Northern Australia’s first environmentally sustainable advanced manufacturing, technology and processing hub.
The precinct will realise the objectives of the Townsville City Deal, a tri-partisan agreement spanning 15 years and all levels of government, to activate industry and export growth for Townsville and its regional partners as the Industry Powerhouse of the North.
Three companies, Queensland Pacific Metals, Edify Energy and Imperium3 Townsville have signed up to establish themselves at the precinct, with DriveItNQ already establishing its driver education and motor sport facility adjacent to the Lansdown precinct.
Council is continuing to lobby the Federal Government for additional funding, which has become available under the Townsville City Deal, to install additional enabling infrastructure at the precinct and ensure it is ‘turn-key ready.’
“Council and the State Government have proven their commitment to Lansdown and the jobs and economic benefit it will provide to Townsville and North Queensland,” Cr Hill said.
“Momentum is clearly building behind Lansdown and we continue to hope that the Federal Government will come to the table soon so this project and its economic benefits can be fully-realised.”
Date published: 13 August 2021
Townsville City Council has today issued a new call for tenders from potential proponents to establish themselves at the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct as momentum continues to build for the development.
Mayor Jenny Hill said around 900 hectares of land, or around half of the developable land available, within the precinct was already committed or conditionally committed to advanced battery manufacturing, clean energy, and battery minerals processing industries.
“Council is establishing Lansdown as an environmentally sustainable, advanced manufacturing, processing and technology estate and we’re looking for more proponents that will fit this bill,” Cr Hill said.
“The precinct will drive economic growth and job creation for Townsville and North Queensland for decades.
“It will realise the objectives of the Townsville City Deal, a tri-partisan agreement spanning 15 years and all levels of government, to activate industry and export growth for Townsville and its regional partners as the Industry Powerhouse of the North.
“Three companies, Queensland Pacific Metals (QPM), Edify Energy and Imperium3 Townsville have already signed up to establish themselves at the precinct, with DriveItNQ already establishing its driver education and motor sport facility adjacent to the Lansdown precinct.
“Edify Energy has already lodged its development application and Council officers are continuing to work with QPM on its application.
“Council has also signed a formal agreement with the Queensland Government to deliver a suite of road and rail projects to enhance access to the site worth $12 million.
“Momentum is clearly building behind this exciting precinct and Council is now going to market to give companies who are interested in establishing themselves at Lansdown the opportunity to join.”
The tender process will close on 27 September and give preference to proposals that are in line with planning objectives of the precinct including:
Best-practice, low-emission, renewable energy-focussed ecologically sensitive industrial development;
Innovative and dynamic enterprises that support the creation of new sustainable job opportunities for Townsville residents;
Co-location of industrial uses, such as advanced manufacturing, processing and technology, with supporting and complementary enterprises that grow the domestic and international profile of Townsville; and
Minimising adverse amenity impacts upon lands outside the precinct.
Date published: 22 September 2021
The development of the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct has achieved a new milestone today with Townsville City Council formally approving the first development application over land within the precinct.
Edify Energy proposes to build and operate an up to 1 GW green hydrogen production plant as well as a behind-the-meter solar photovoltaic and battery storage facility at the precinct. Edify’s initial plans involve generating green hydrogen from a pilot scale facility of 10 megawatts and increasing capacity in stages to meet the needs of a growing domestic and export green hydrogen market.
Mayor Jenny Hill said the application had been independently assessed by Council’s planning officers and approved with conditions relating to development staging, roadworks and traffic safety upgrades.
“Momentum continues to build behind the development of northern Australia’s first environmentally sustainable, advanced manufacturing, processing and technology estate right here in Townsville,” Cr Hill said.
“Edify’s application is a major vote of confidence in our city, our developing green hydrogen industry and our Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct.
“Edify’s desire to establish itself at the precinct supports Council’s ongoing efforts to work with both the State and Federal Government through the Townsville City Deal to get the precinct investment ‘turn-key’ ready as soon as possible.”
Edify Energy Chief Executive Officer John Cole welcomed Council’s approval of the development application and said the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct represented a future vision of Australian industry and energy.
“We’re very pleased to be a leading player in the establishment of Lansdown, a blueprint for new age environmentally sustainable industrial ecosystems.” Mr Cole said.
“The eco-industrial precinct not only supports the use of natural mineral resources for advanced manufacturing and production, but also the use of renewable energy from the approved and co-located Majors Creek Solar Power Station, utilising advanced grid friendly technology and storage to dispatch renewable energy when it is most needed. Electricity from renewable sources is an essential part of green hydrogen production and the decarbonising of advanced manufacturing in Australia.”
“Existing rail and road infrastructure connecting Lansdown to the Port of Townsville makes the precinct an excellent location to lead the renaissance of exporting value-added Australian-made products to global markets. We have long held the view that Townsville is a very good place to create a green hydrogen export industry and meet the growing need domestically and across the world for this emission free fuel.
“The linking of clean electricity generation with the proposed advanced eco-industrial activity at Lansdown, together with the hundreds of millions of dollars in investment and opportunities for future proofed careers is what delights us. Our hydrogen development supports the State and Federal Government jobs, industry and long-term post-COVID recovery policies.
“We look forward to working with local businesses, contractors, and suppliers and other stakeholders to make the Edify green hydrogen production plant and the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct a success. We will continue to innovate and develop solutions that meets the needs of energy markets and industry.”
Cr Hill said the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct had the potential to significantly boost Townsville and North Queensland’s economy for decades.
Two other companies, Queensland Pacific Minerals and Imperium3 Townsville (iM3TSV), have also signed up to establish themselves at the precinct.
Queensland Pacific Minerals plans to produce battery-grade nickel and cobalt sulphate from nickel-cobalt ore while iM3TSV plans to develop an 18 GWh lithium-ion battery cell manufacturing facility.
“Lansdown is really significant to the city with the potential for thousands of jobs to be created which would be a huge boost to our economy and bring new skills to the community, particularly when the local economy is recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic,” Cr Hill said.
“We welcome the State Government’s strong support of this jobs-generating precinct and we will continue to lobby the Federal Government to similarly get behind the initiative and help realise the jobs and economic benefits it will deliver for North Queensland.”
Date published: 8 December 2021
The development of the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct is going from strength to strength, with four more companies signing on to establish themselves at the nation-leading precinct.
RTE Energy Pty Ltd, Origin Energy Future Fuels Pty Ltd, Solquartz Pty Ltd and North Queensland Gas Pipeline have been tentatively allocated space in the precinct following a tender process conducted by Townsville City Council.
The news comes after Council formally agreed to partner with the Queensland Government to deliver a $16 million suite of road and rail projects to enhance access to Lansdown and the Australian Government committed $12 million for enabling infrastructure.
Mayor Jenny Hill said the four companies signing on as proponents was another show of strength for the precinct following Edify Energy, Queensland Pacific Minerals and Imperium3 Townsville signing on previously.
“The confidence in Lansdown is clearly on display. We are now entering into the most exciting phase, with long-term proponents preparing to move into construction and new proponents from across Australia putting their hand up to also establish themselves at the precinct,” Cr Hill said.
“That RTE Energy, Origin Energy, Solquartz and North Queensland Gas Pipeline want to establish themselves at Lansdown for their environmentally-sustainable businesses is a tremendous vote of confidence for both the city and the precinct.
“These four companies will provide a significant boost to the local economy through the potential for sustainable high-value jobs for many Townsville residents. Our city has a wealth of workers who will be ready to take on this new challenge and do their part to support these projects right here in North Queensland.
“Council is building a circular economy in Townsville that advances business and moves towards zero waste and net-zero emissions. Embracing these clean energy businesses in Townsville will help us future-proof our city both environmentally and economically.”
RTE Energy proposes to deliver a world class, best practice photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing facility with low emission outcomes while manufacturing 100% recyclable products.
The project would be partially powered by solar panels to be constructed as a solar park. The project would support around 450 full-time equivalent direct and indirect jobs during its construction phase and around 825 jobs once operational.
Construction of the factory is forecast to commence in 2022, with construction of the solar farm starting in 2023. Manufacturing would start in 2023, with full production by March 2024.
Construction is expected to add around $59 million to Townsville’s gross regional product (GRP), while the total project budget is expected to add around $290 million.
Solquartz proposes to construct a multi-module silicon smelter, which will supply silicon to the solar PV and battery manufacturing industries.
The facility would produce 52,000 tonnes per annum of silicon metal and 9,100 tonnes of silica fume (powder).
The first phase of the smelter construction is forecast to start in 2023, with phase two to start in 2025.
Construction is forecast to support around 860 direct and indirect jobs, while operation of the smelter is expected to support around 240 jobs.
Construction is expected to add around $111 million to Townsville’s GRP, while the operational phase is expected to add around $94 million.
Origin Energy Future Fuels is proposing to develop a commercial-scale green hydrogen production facility within the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct, enabling zero carbon fuels to be exported to Asia and Europe.
Subject to project feasibility, construction could start in 2026, with production in 2028.
Preliminary economic modelling indicates a project of this scale has the potential to support around 2,500 direct and indirect jobs during construction and add around $350 million to the Townsville’s GRP, with operations potentially supporting over 700 jobs and add around $270 million to GRP per annum.
North Queensland Gas Pipeline proposes to build and operate a gas let-down station that would connect to the adjacent North Queensland Gas Pipeline, accessing untapped gas resources to provide reliable, low-cost gas supply to put Townsville and the surrounding region at the centre of the transition to a low carbon economy over the long term.
Subject to financial investment decision, construction would start in January 2023, with operations to commence in August 2023.
Construction of the station is expected to support around 45 jobs and add around $7 million to Townsville’s GRP. As enabling infrastructure for the precinct, the station is expected to attract other proponents to the Precinct.
Planning and Development Committee chairperson Mark Molachino said Lansdown was going from strength to strength, with businesses tendering to come on board the precinct.
“Lansdown is on the way to becoming Northern Australia’s first environmentally sustainable advanced manufacturing precinct and that means environmental and economic benefits for our community,” Cr Molachino said.
“We have said from the start that Lansdown would provide a foundation for Townsville and North Queensland’s economic future, creating thousands of jobs and that’s exactly what we’re seeing with these proponents.
“The proposed projects would support close to 6,000 direct and indirect full time equivalent jobs and add a massive $1.2 billion to Townsville’s gross regional product.
“Council approved Edify Energy’s development application to build and operate up to a 1 GW green hydrogen production plant as well as a behind-the-meter solar photovoltaic and battery storage facility at the precinct in September.
“Days later, the Queensland Government declared Queensland Pacific Metals’ Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub (TECH) project, also to be built at Lansdown, a prescribed project.
“Through this tender process, we are conditionally committing further land to these four companies, as they have shown their projects fit within our expected outcomes for the precinct.
“From this point, they will need to submit development applications and wait for approval in the same way Edify Energy did before commencing construction.”
Date published: 17 December 2021
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill has welcomed the announcement that Queensland Pacific Metals (QPM) has received conditional finance support from Export Finance Australia for its proposed Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub (TECH) project.
The TECH project will be one of the first developments to be established at the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct, which is being developed by Council to secure the city and region’s economic future.
Cr Hill said the finance support, which includes up to $250 million in debt funding, is another important milestone for QPM’s project and the nation-leading industrial precinct.
“It is encouraging to see the support that QPM is receiving both nationally and internationally for its proposed Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub project,” Cr Hill said.
“I look forward to this jobs-generating project coming to fruition and the economic boost it will provide for Townsville and North Queensland.”
The Queensland Government declared the proposed TECH a prescribed project in late September, allowing the Coordinator-General to work with QPM to ensure all necessary project approvals are obtained in a timely manner.
Cr Hill said momentum was continuing to build behind the development of the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct.
“Lansdown will be northern Australia’s first environmentally-sustainable advanced manufacturing, processing and technology hub,” she said.
“The precinct is perfectly positioned to spur economic growth and job creation for Townsville and North Queensland for decades to come.
“Just last week, Council announced four new project proponents had signed-up to establish themselves at the Lansdown precinct.
“RTE Energy Pty Ltd, Origin Energy Future Fuels Pty Ltd, Solquartz Pty Ltd and North Queensland Gas Pipeline have been conditionally allocated space in the precinct following a tender process conducted by Council.
“They join QPM, Edify Energy and Imperium3 Townsville who have previously been allocated space.
“We will continue to work with all proponents to bring their proposed developments to fruition and unlock the jobs and economic stimulus they will provide.”
Date published: 26 May 2020
Townsville City Council has today formally adopted an amendment to its planning scheme to create a new, jobs-generating industrial precinct on the former Lansdown Station site at Calcium near Woodstock.
Mayor Jenny Hill said Council recently received notice that it could adopt the amendment to its scheme, with conditions, from the State Government.
“Council is committed to establishing an environmentally sustainable, advanced manufacturing, processing and technology estate on the site that will drive economic growth and job creation for North Queensland,” Cr Hill said.
“This growth and job creation are important for our economic recovery from the COVID-19 global pandemic as well as our long-term future.
“Council welcomes the State Government’s approval of our proposed amendment and will continue to engage with project partners to progress potential projects for the Lansdown industrial precinct.”
Cr Hill said council acknowledged that some residents still had concerns about future development in the precinct negatively impacting on the health and amenity of the area.
“Council has taken these concerns very seriously,” she said.
“That’s why we imposed a raft of additional requirements, including those conditioned by the state government, that any future development on the site will have to meet, on top of the rigorous standards already in-place.”
These additional rules include:
retaining part of the site in the rural zone to protect water quality;
increased scrutiny and level of assessment of applications to use the land for industrial purposes to ensure they do not impact the environment;
new rules in the sport and recreation zone to minimise noise pollution;
additional rules and provisions in the industry zone relating to landscaping, noise amenity, vibration and groundwater to ensure that development creates minimal impact on surrounding uses; and
additional provisions for the protection of water quality and groundwater resources.
Planning and Development Committee chair and local councillor Les Walker said Council had commissioned a groundwater study in the area, work on which is currently underway.
“This study will provide base line information on groundwater resources and inform future master planning and development proposals in the Lansdown area,” Cr Walker said.
“Council is undertaking this study to address issues raised by the community during the planning scheme amendment public consultation process regarding groundwater and potential future development impacts on it.
“Council has also committed to implementing an ongoing groundwater monitoring program, once the Lansdown Groundwater Study has been completed.”
Council is also progressing the design and construction of critical trunk infrastructure to service the site in the future.
Date published: 17 June 2020
Townsville City Council has released a new round of tenders for the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct at Woodstock.
It follows Council receiving notice from the State Government that it could adopt the major planning scheme amendment, with conditions.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said potential proponents can now submit tenders for the precinct with confidence that the precinct is zoned appropriately.
“Council welcomed the State Government’s approval for the proposed amendment to the Lansdown Precinct and it’s great that we received it in time for the latest tender round to go ahead,” Cr Hill said.
“This allows our current project partners to move ahead with their projects and any potential proponents to submit a proposal with confidence that the precinct is the right location for them.
“Council has committed to Lansdown being established as an environmentally sustainable, advanced manufacturing, processing and technology estate and we’re looking for proponents that will fit this bill.
“Lansdown is really significant to the city with the potential for thousands of jobs to be created which would be a huge boost to our economy and bring new skills to the community, particularly when the local economy is suffering because of the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic.”
The tender process will close on 30 June and give preference to proposals that are in line with planning objectives of the precinct including:
Best-practice, low-emission, energy-efficient ecologically sensitive industrial development;
Innovative and dynamic enterprises that support the creation of new job opportunities for Townsville residents;
Co-location of industrial uses, such as advanced manufacturing, processing and technology, with supporting and complementary enterprises that grow the domestic and international profile of Townsville; and
Minimising adverse amenity impacts upon lands outside the precinct.
Planning and Development Committee Chair Cr Les Walker said the tender stage is just the first part of the process and potential project partners would still have to seek development approval.
“The tender process is really about conditionally committing land to projects that fit within the expected outcomes for the precinct – all of these proponents will still have to meet all relevant development approvals.
“Council is also moving ahead with the groundwater study that we have commissioned that will provide base line information on the groundwater resources and inform development proposals for the precinct.
“We’re undertaking this survey to address concerns raised by the community and we will also be implementing an ongoing groundwater monitoring program once this study has been completed.”
Council is also progressing the design and construction of critical trunk infrastructure to service the site in the future.
Date Published: 13 July 2020
The Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct continues to gain momentum and will support the region’s economy post COVID-19 with another project being conditionally committed land.
Edify Energy has had 41 hectares of land conditionally committed to them following a successful bid in round 4 of tender applications.
This land would allow Edify Energy to build a renewable hydrogen electrolyser pilot plant, which will be able to provide hydrogen to other industry parties at the precinct and further reduce their carbon footprint.
Up to 9.7 hectares has also been conditionally committed to Edify Energy for a potential sub-station to connect the Precinct to the high voltage powerline network and wider energy grid into the future.
TaskforceNQ chairperson and Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the announcement is fantastic news for the local economy and for growing Townsville as an advanced manufacturing hub.
“Edify Energy’s proposal will continue to consolidate Townsville as the home of renewable hydrogen with the construction of a two-stage renewable hydrogen facility starting with a scalable pilot plant in the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct,” Cr Hill said.
“This would be a significant boost to Townsville’s economy and could play a huge role in the long-term recovery of the North Queensland region.”
Edify Energy Chief Executive John Cole said renewable hydrogen represents a significant opportunity for Townsville and broader North Queensland region.
“Edify is proud to continue to strive to find smarter and more cost-effective ways to use renewable energy, and renewable hydrogen represents a significant opportunity to leverage North Queensland’s abundant sunshine to help decarbonise local industry and thereafter the globe. We are looking at a number of sites in the region to add to our project portfolio,” Mr Cole said.
Cr Hill said the benefits of Edify Energy joining the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct are immense.
“The objective of the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct is to drive renewable and eco-friendly industries and position North Queensland as leaders in this space,” Cr Hill said.
“This is even more crucial now as the world both recovers from the long-term economic impacts of COVID-19 and moves to using renewable energy as its main energy source.
“North Queensland is uniquely positioned as a prime location to produce renewable energy such as solar and green hydrogen thanks to our 300 days a year of sunshine.
“This proposed project not only aligns with Council’s planning goals for the precinct, it also aligns with both state and federal strategies for the hydrogen industry.
Date published: 17 August 2020
Townsville City Council welcomes today’s announcement that the Imperium3 Townsville (iM3TSV) board has decided to proceed to the next stage in the development of its 18 GWh lithium-ion battery cell manufacturing facility in Townsville.
Magnis Energy Technologies, which owns one-third of iM3TSV, has announced to the Australian Stock Exchange that iM3TSV will now start discussions with potential equity partners on the project.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the decision was a vote of confidence in the Townsville region.
“This is another exciting step in seeing this jobs-generating development established in our city,” Cr Hill said.
“In addition to seeking project funding, iM3TSV is also moving forward with its development application to Council.”
Cr Hill said the announcement underlined the importance of bringing the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct to fruition.
“I will be seeking funding support from the Member for Herbert to ensure the Lansdown precinct is ready to support thousands of new jobs as we continue to attract manufacturing companies which want to establish themselves in the Townsville region,” she said.
“This is not just about iM3TSV – there are a lot of manufacturers looking at the North as a potential base and we must have a suitable location ready to go.
“Developing the Lansdown site into a turn-key site is one of TaskforceNQ’s priority projects to stimulating economic activity and jobs for the region. It’s a shovel-ready project. All we need is funding from the Australian Government.”
Date published: 15 September 2020
The new Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct is perfectly positioned to spur economic growth and job creation for Townsville and North Queensland for decades to come, business leaders say.
The precinct, around 40 kilometres south west of Townsville’s port, has been identified by all levels of government, including in the Townsville City Plan and NQ Regional Plan, as an ideal industrial estate and is currently the focus for strategic development by Townsville City Council.
It will become Northern Australia’s first environmentally sustainable, advanced manufacturing, processing and technology estate powered by locally-generated renewable energy, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the North Queensland economy.
TaskforceNQ is supporting Townsville City Council in its bid to attract $50 million in funding from the Queensland and Australian Governments to get the site investment-ready, and expediting the establishment by proponents.
The precinct has already attracted substantial private sector interest with over half of the developable land committed or conditionally committed to advanced battery manufacturing, clean energy, and battery minerals processing industries.
Three companies, Pure Minerals, Edify Energy and Imperium3 Townsville, have signed up to establish themselves at the precinct.
Pure Minerals plans to produce battery-grade nickel and cobalt sulphate from nickel-cobalt ore. It will also produce high-purity alumina, which is a by-product of the process.
Chief Executive Officer, Dr Stephen Grocott, said Townsville and the Lansdown precinct were ideal for the establishment of a high-tech refinery such as the QPM TECH plant.
“At Lansdown, we have access to an industrial site with easy access to the Port of Townsville through which we can connect to our suppliers and markets in Asia and the Pacific,” Dr Grocott said.
“There is also a skilled local labour force in Townsville, not only to carry out the TECH project construction but also to fill production roles.
“As a company focused on production of materials required for high technology industries, the other advantage of Lansdown is the opportunity to start from the ground up amongst other like-minded businesses using the latest green technologies.”
Edify Energy plans to build a renewable hydrogen electrolyser pilot plant at Lansdown, which will be able to provide hydrogen to other industry parties at the precinct and further reduce their carbon footprint.
Chief Executive Officer John Cole said the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct represented the future of Australian industry and energy.
“The precinct not only supports the use of natural mineral resources for advanced manufacturing and production, but also the use of renewable energy from the approved and co-located Majors Creek Solar Power Station to provide low-cost energy. This is an essential part of green hydrogen production and advanced manufacturing in Australia,” Mr Cole said.
“Existing infrastructure connecting Lansdown to the Port of Townsville makes the precinct an excellent location to lead the renaissance of exporting value-added Australian-made products to global markets.”
Imperium3 Townsville (iM3TSV) plans to develop an 18 GWh lithium-ion battery cell manufacturing facility at Lansdown. iM3TSV recently announced that it was starting discussions with potential equity partners for the project.
Director Mitch Tolhurst said iM3TSV identified Townsville as being the most attractive location for its high-tech manufacturing plant.
“iM3 carefully considered strategic locations throughout Northern Australia for its high-tech manufacturing facility,” Mr Tolhurst said.
“Townsville possesses great access to material inputs and critical infrastructure, including an international port, and capable workforce that is required for our operations.
“It is critical that private and public enterprise work together to deliver this high-tech manufacturing hub, stimulating new industry and creating thousands of jobs for Townsville and the greater area.”
TaskforceNQ steering committee chairperson and Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill urged the Queensland and Australian governments to get behind the precinct’s establishment.
“Developing the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct has the potential to support 160 construction jobs, around 1600 ongoing jobs and more than 9100 indirect jobs,” Cr Hill said.
“Investing in the enabling infrastructure now would ensure we unlock the precinct’s full economic potential, which will benefit North Queensland for decades.
“With Australia entering a recession for the first time in 30 years and North Queensland fighting to recover from the COVID-19 global pandemic, this is an ideal project for governments to invest in.”
Townsville City Council is seeking a $50 million investment, which would deliver:
intersection upgrades to provide road access to the precinct, which would also have positive safety outcomes for Woodstock residents;
relocation of the rail infrastructure to maximise strategic opportunities for creation of a multi-user rail siding within the precinct providing a second method of transporting product to and from the site through to the Port of Townsville and the North West Minerals Provinces;
provision of a raw water supply for proponents from the Haughton Pipeline Duplication Project located just 13km from the Precinct;
creation of internal access roads that will immediately facilitate finalisation of the first stage of DriveIT NQ and enable operations for all early Precinct users to commence; and
a precinct-wide gas microgrid that will support 24-hour industrial operations within the precinct, supplementing low-cost solar power feed for day-time uses.
Date published: 28 May 2019
Townsville City Council has approved progressing the rezoning application for the Lansdown Industrial Precinct to a State Interest Review at Full Council today.
The Lansdown precinct is currently zoned for rural use and Council is seeking to amend the Townsville City Plan to change it to a strategic high-impact industrial zone.
Planning and Development Committee Chair Les Walker said the application will support the Lansdown site’s long-term development focus and attract emerging green industries to the city.
“The development of the Lansdown precinct is the perfect opportunity to attract new industries and is already looking promising with Council committing land to Drive-It and the proposed battery plant,” Cr Walker said.
“These commitments will encourage future developers to consider Townsville as a location to invest in high-impact industries and create jobs for the community.
“Council purchased this land to support future industry and this approval today means we can formally move to the next stage in the process.”
Council had resolved to undertake the Lansdown major amendment in 2017.
Cr Walker said the state interest review is the next stage of getting the precinct off the ground.
“Council has been working with the State Government to ensure the zoning application has the best chance of being accepted and this approval means it can be sent for review,” Cr Walker said.
“Part of this process included completing a number of items to support the application such as Cultural Heritage, Environment, Traffic and Transport studies.
“If the planning application is accepted without any major issues during the state interest review Council can move to community consultation for the amendment.”
Date published: 11 June 2019
Tenders have been released for Townsville’s Lansdown Industrial Precinct at Woodstock to attract new job-creating industries.
Townsville City Council is seeking proposals from potential proponents to establish operations at the Lansdown Industrial Precinct – west of the city.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the call for project partners was a major milestone in developing a precinct to attract new industries such as advanced manufacturing.
“One of the key projects that is looking to be based at the Lansdown Industrial Precinct is the lithium-ion battery plant, which will charge the city’s economy for decades to come,” Cr Hill said.
“The battery plant will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs and position the city as a national leader in advanced manufacturing.”
The tender process will give preference to proposals that are in line with the council’s objectives for the Industrial Precinct including:
Best-practice, low-emission, energy-efficient ecologically sensitive industrial development;
Innovative and dynamic enterprises that support the creation of new job opportunities for Townsville residents;
Co-location of industrial uses, such as advanced manufacturing, processing and technology, with supporting and complementary enterprises that grow the domestic and international profile of Townsville; and
Minimising adverse amenity impacts upon lands outside the precinct.
Cr Hill said the decision to market the area followed increasing interest in the industrial precinct.
“Council has already committed and set aside land within the precinct for the Drive-It project and the lithium-ion battery plant – with interest in the precinct increasing as a result,” Cr Hill said.
“The precinct has 1500 hectares of land available to support development and jobs into the future, and with projects such as the battery plant progressing, it’s a good time to test the market.
“By calling tenders we will be undertaking an open and transparent process for interested parties to come forward with proposals for the area.
“Council purchased Lansdown almost 20 years ago for future industry and we have a great opportunity to fulfil the area’s potential to attract new projects and jobs.”
Council is well advanced in the process to rezone the land to allow new and innovative industrial uses, with a planning scheme amendment being reviewed by the Queensland Government.
Date published: 25 July 2019
The Lansdown Industrial Precinct has reached another milestone with two new companies seeking to co-locate within the precinct.
Townsville City Council sought proposals from potential business partners in a tender process that closed on 10 July.
Pure Minerals Limited and Edify Energy have both reached the next stage of the tender process subject to negotiations over conditions for the land.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said it was great to have so much interest in the Lansdown Precinct from advanced manufacturing and renewables.
“The Lansdown Industrial Precinct is off to a promising start with Pure Minerals and Edify Energy indicating they would like to be involved in this development,” Cr Hill said.
“The call for business partners was a major milestone for the development of the Industrial Precinct and these companies bring the potential to create thousands of jobs in advanced manufacturing.
“This is another step in the process to activate Lansdown with industries that deliver a major economic boost for the city, but with limited impacts on the local area.
“Once Council and these companies have reached an agreement for conditions on the land, the next stage will be to go through the development application process.”
The tender process gave preference to proposals that were in line with Council’s objectives for the Industrial Precinct including:
Best-practice, low-emission, energy-efficient ecologically sensitive industrial development;
Innovative and dynamic enterprises that support the creation of new job opportunities for Townsville residents;
Co-location of industrial uses, such as advanced manufacturing, processing and technology, with supporting and complementary enterprises that grow the domestic and international profile of Townsville; and
Minimising adverse amenity impacts upon lands outside the precinct.
Pure Minerals Limited and Edify Energy will join the proposed lithium-ion battery plant with Imperium3 and the DriveIt project if an agreement on the land is reached.
Pure Minerals Limited have partnered with Direct Nickel Process™ and CSIRO on leading-edge next-generation technology.
Planning and Development Committee Chair Cr Les Walker said the result of the call for project partners showed that business and industry was positive about opportunities in the city.
“Council purchased the land at Lansdown almost 20 years ago to encourage the growth of new industries in Townsville,” Cr Walker said.
“There is 1500 hectares of land in the Industrial Precinct available to support new developments and green industries in the city and we are seeing the interest really starting to pick up.
“The interest shown by the renewable industry sector will encourage future developers to consider Townsville as a location to invest.
“It is important that the industries secured for Lansdown have limited impact on the amenity of local residents.”
Council has advanced the process to rezone the land to allow for new and innovative industrial uses with a planning scheme amendment currently being reviewed by the Queensland Government.
Date published: 11 September 2019
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill has welcomed a number of announcements relating to advanced manufacturing in the Townsville region last week.
The announcements included news that the National Australia Bank will be the financial adviser for the Battery Plant and the potential for Townsville to become the next hydrogen hub for Queensland.
Cr Hill said these announcements and the second stage of tenders for the Lansdown industrial precinct show that confidence in the region is growing.
“The Lansdown Industrial Precinct has support from both Imperium3 and Pure Minerals, with Edify Energy on board to power the area from its Majors Creek Solar Farm,” Cr Hill said.
“Council has opened a second round of tenders calling for project partners to further develop the site and join these companies in bringing new industries and jobs to North Queensland.
“NAB’s support of Imperium3 and the Premier’s comments about Townsville’s potential as a hydrogen hub show that confidence is growing for our city to become a leader in sustainable industries.”
Cr Hill said the tender process for Lansdown would continue while land remains available and eco-industries are being encouraged to apply.
“Council is well underway with the major planning scheme amendment process with the State Government completing its first review of the draft package submitted by Council and working with us to get the site development ready.
“The second round of tenders for project partners is open until the end of September and we are looking for projects that focus on sustainable manufacturing, processing and technology.
“It would be great to see companies looking to develop hydrogen projects consider the benefits of locating within Lansdown.
“The Lansdown Industrial Precinct is perfectly positioned to enable local growth of a green hydrogen market with an existing gas pipeline running parallel to the highway and direct access to the Port of Townsville.”
Date published: 31 October 2019
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill has welcomed the arrival of the World Economic Forum (WEF) to the city this week.
WEF is holding a roundtable in Townsville today off the back of a report identifying Australia as a high-potential country for advanced manufacturing.
Cr Hill said it’s an exciting step in the right direction to see international interest and support for Townsville to become an advanced manufacturing hub.
“Council has been leading the charge on bringing advanced manufacturing to Townsville and it’s exciting to have the World Economic Forum and the Chief Entrepreneur’s Office here again so soon after her last visit to our city.
“There has been a slate of recent announcements that bode well for confidence in Townsville and our economic development.
“This includes the date announcement for the Hydrogen Industry Forum from the State Government which is a huge indicator that Townsville could become the next Hydrogen Hub in Queensland.”
The Lansdown Industrial Precinct has also reached another milestone with the State Government giving the Planning Scheme Amendment approval to move to public notification.
Planning and Development Committee Chair Les Walker said the progress on the Lansdown Precinct is a promising sign of things to come.
“The State Government has given us approval to move to public notification for the amendment to the Planning Scheme which will open on Monday 4 November and close in late November,” Cr Walker said.
“The work we are doing with Lansdown is ground-breaking and will really help our economy transition to future-proof industries that will create thousands of jobs for locals in the advanced manufacturing, processing and technology sectors.
“I would encourage all residents to jump on to our website when the notification period goes live and to see what Council is aiming to achieve in renewable industries.
