ESG Insights
GREEN PROJECTS DRIVING BETTER INDUSTRIAL YIELDS
EXCLUSIVE BY SANDRA LOGIUDICE, READY MEDIA GROUP
Ross River Solar Farm - Townsville
Better known for its mining and military industries, a green evolution is set to drive the economy of regional city Townsville, and the rest of the country is taking notice.
The rich, north-western Queensland minerals province of Townsville is home to Australia’s largest defence base and is a major manufacturing and logistics hub which is now undergoing a green transformation with several key sustainability projects planned for the region. “There are a number of key projects that are attracting the attention of investors from traditional markets looking for higher investment yields,” Mr Pascoe said. “The Landsdown Eco Industrial Precinct, a hub for environmentally sustainable advanced manufacturing, processing and technology, has now secured funding from all tiers of government and has the potential to create 5,000 new construction jobs and 1,600 ongoing jobs. With around $80million in funding
committed, this is now a reality for Townsville and has the ability to future-proof the town’s economy by becoming a global player in the booming green energy and advance manufacturing space.” There are also other, much talked about billion- dollar projects that are in the planning stage and have the potential to reshape the region. These include the $1.75billion Copperstring 2.0, the $5.4 billion Hells Gate Dam and the $330million Kidston Pumped Hydro Project, now underway. These projects are in addition to traditional infrastructure investments such as the $2.25billion Singapore Military Training initiative shared between Townsville and Rockhampton. Also progressing is the $232 million channel widening at the port of Townsville which will see vessels of up 300 metres accommodated. Once completed, it will deliver improved accessibility for
10 – September / October 2022
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