Community Plan townsville 2011-2021 - Townsville City Council
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leading, creating, connecting: shaping a place to be proud of
Community Plan
townsville >> 2011-2021
in 2021, our community will be defined by the statement Townsville is the northern gateway to Queensland. Our well-built city connects people to their community, via an active lifestyle that is enjoyed by all who live and visit. We are leaders of positive environmental action. We are acclaimed for our business entrepreneurship, government enterprise, innovation, technology and cultural stewardship.
townsville >> 2011-2021
From the Mayor
I am very pleased to present Leading,
creating, connecting: shaping a place to
be proud of, Townsville Community Plan
2011-2021, a vision for Townsville which
will guide the city over the next 10 years
and beyond.
Townsville’s community plan provides an
opportunity to strategically plan a future
that the community, council, government,
non-government organisations, business
and stakeholders can work towards
together.
The community plan has been developed
by the Townsville community, for the
community. More than 7,000 people were
involved in some way in the development
of this plan, and it includes the visions,
comments, and suggestions of those
people. The community embraced the
opportunity to be part of a vision for the
city, and that is reflected here.
I am sure you will agree that working
together towards a positive and
sustainable future is an exciting prospect.
Cr Les Tyrell oam
Mayor of Townsville
1
townsville >> 2011-2021
Contents
From the Mayor 1
Townsville Local Government Area (LGA) 3
People, Place and Lifestyle 4
Townsville Community Plan 9
SpeakUp Townsville 10
The Community’s Vision 12
Strong, Connected Community 13
Environmentally Sustainable Future 19
Sustaining Economic Growth 23
Shaping Townsville 27
Moving Ahead 31
thank you
Townsville City Council would like to sincerely thank the community for their
enthusiasm and responsiveness to the SpeakUp Townsville engagement process. The
visions, suggestions, and comments provided by the community have resulted in
the development of Leading, creating, connecting: shaping a place to be proud of,
Townsville Community Plan 2011-2021.
Many individuals, government agencies, community organisations and community
groups have been part of our extensive journey in the development of this plan.
Council looks forward to continuing these valued partnerships and connections, as the
community moves forward with a whole-of-community response to the vision provided
for Townsville.
2
townsville >> 2011-2021
Townsville Local Government
Area (LGA)
Mutarnee
Crystal Creek Balgal
Beach
Rollingstone
Toomulla
Magnetic
Island
Bushland
Beach
Mt Low Rowes Bay
Burdell
Jensen West End Townsville
Deeragun
Kirwan Mysterton
Rangewood
Annandale Murray
Gumlow
Pinnacles
The Ross River flows from the foothills of Townsville is located
the Hervey and Mount Stuart ranges to its approximately halfway between
outlet in Cleveland Bay, where the central
the tip of Cape York and Brisbane.
business district’s skyline is dominated by
the distinctive Castle Hill with beautiful
Magnetic Island just eight kilometres
offshore.
Townsville’s local government area covers
3,736 square kilometres.
3
townsville >> 2011-2021
People, Place and Lifestyle
our history Settlement
With separation from the Colony of New
Indigenous South Wales and new land legislation
For thousands of years, the ancestors of in the 1860s, pastoral settlement began
the traditional owners of the region now to spread from the frontier township of
known as Townsville, the Wulgurukaba Bowen to the hinterland. John Melton
and Bindal people, utilised and cared Black took up land which became
for the environment. For the Aboriginal Woodstock Station to the north of the
community, land has a spiritual meaning. Burdekin River in 1863. In 1864, Black
The Dreaming tells of the journey and despatched Andrew Ball and Mark Watt
the actions of ancestral beings who Reid in search of a site for a suitable
created the natural world. Dreaming port and boiling down works. The
is never-ending and links the past with establishment of a port further north
the present to determine the future. It is on Cleveland Bay circumvented the
the natural world; the mountains, rivers, dependence on the overland road to the
fauna and flora, land and country to port of Bowen. Ball’s party established
which Aborigines belong, which is the link a site by the mouth of Ross Creek which
between the people and the Dreaming. eventually became Townsville.
The traditional owners of Townsville In the late nineteenth century, as the
believe that the preservation of old sugar industry blossomed, gold spurred
growth native vegetation is imperative hinterland development and western
in protecting the natural and cultural pastoralism supplied the establishment of
values of their homelands. The Leading, local meat-works; the port of Townsville
creating, connecting: shaping a place to boomed. This economic growth in
be proud of, Townsville Community Plan Townsville was supported by the
2011-2021 acknowledges and respects development of the Northern Railway in
these people as the traditional owners of the late nineteenth century, and fostered
the land. urban expansion.
First Contact Commercial and industrial development
continued into the twentieth century.
In 1770, Captain James Cook paved
During World War II, the region was an
the way for European settlement by
important staging point for the Pacific
ceremoniously claiming the land for
War and was host to seventy thousand
Britain. Less obviously, he had claimed
military personnel in hospitals, staging
it through placing a host of European
camps, air support depots and supply
names on the landmarks he charted
facilities during the 1942-45 period. The
along the east coast. In our region,
government developed infrastructure
Captain Cook named Cleveland Bay and
in the area to connect and support the
Magnetic Island. As a result of European
area’s numerous military, air and service
settlement, Indigenous people were
establishments.
dispossessed of their traditional land.
4
townsville >> 2011-2021
Post World War II to the present day has
our place and
been an era of progress for the region.
With the establishment of Lavarack
lifestyle
Barracks and RAAF Base Townsville The Townsville region encompasses a
and the development of Townsville as major urban coastal area, a restricted
a regional centre for state and federal rural area, mountain ranges, a major
government departments, commercial, offshore island (Magnetic Island) and
industrial and residential development a number of smaller islands and rock
increased. Today, Townsville offers an shoals including Herald and Rattlesnake
alternative lifestyle for people wishing Islands. Townsville has capitalised on
to escape from bigger cities in the south its low level terrain and relatively low
and is one of the fastest growing local tropical rainfall to provide an efficient
government areas in Australia. access route and service centre for
North Queensland. Townsville provides
the northern link for state and federal
our people governments, as well as for private
Townsville is the largest city in North enterprise in primary and secondary
Australia, and one of the fastest growing industries, mining, commerce, retail
cities in the state of Queensland in and community and cultural services.
terms of population. At 30 June 2010, Townsville is widely regarded as the
the estimated resident population of capital of North Queensland.
Townsville was 185,768 people, or 4.1 per
cent of the state’s population, and was Townsville is renowned for its easygoing
ranked fifteenth for fastest growth (2.2 pace, tropical weather and natural
per cent) and ranked seventh for largest surroundings, and the residents of
growth from 2009 to 2010. Townsville’s Townsville are passionate about
population in 2031 is projected to be preserving the unique character and
270,500 people; at that time this will diverse experiences the region has
account for 4.3 per cent of Queensland’s to offer from a mix of reef, outback,
total population. rainforest, beautiful beaches and all the
benefits of a big city in a beautiful part
Townsville has a strong profile of cultural of Australia. The Townsville lifestyle has
diversity due to current migration, something for everyone!
refugee and humanitarian arrivals within
an existing context of Indigenous and
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse
(CALD) communities.
5
townsville >> 2011-2021
"I would like to see Townsville develop as
a major business hub, an alternative to
the south-east corner of Queensland"
Townsville community member, 2010
issues facing arrivals – within an existing context
our region of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse
(CALD) and Indigenous communities. One
Every issue which Townsville faces has of the key issues facing these groups
its own challenges and opportunities. within Townsville is a chronic lack of
If we fail to strategically plan as a affordable housing, and the barriers
community, these issues may develop as that they face in accessing that housing.
critical inhibitors. However, with careful Another issue is employment, particularly
planning and using Leading, creating, for young people.
connecting: shaping a place to be proud
of, Townsville Community Plan 2011-2021 As the population increases and much of
as a guide, the issues identified in this the new development within Townsville
plan can become opportunities to achieve occurs on the urban fringes there is
the community’s vision. increased pressure on human services
(health, education, family and community
An inclusive community support, cultural development, recreation
Townsville, like many communities, is and public safety) and their associated
facing rapid social change as we work infrastructure. Key areas of concern
towards a socially inclusive community. identified by the community include
There are several issues which impact on recreation, employment and training
our community, potentially contributing options particularly for youth, family
barriers to social inclusion. support services to meet the needs
of mobile populations (e.g. defence
Townsville has a large, transient personnel), decentralised community
workforce due to the growing defence health services, particularly Aboriginal
presence, and the fly-in/fly-out workers and Torres Strait Islander health services
from the mining industry. The subsequent and adult mental health, accessible
social impacts on families can lead to community-based facilities, enhanced
barriers to social inclusion. personal and community safety and the
provision of community and cultural
The Townsville community has identified services which reflect cultural diversity
affordable housing as a critical issue for and needs and ensures equity of access.
the social and economic development
of the community. The presence of the
Our environment
Australian Defence Force, a large mining
workforce contingent and James Cook The Townsville region supports an
University’s increasing student numbers, amazing diversity of animals and plants,
contribute to increased pressure on the comparing favourably with other, more
affordable housing market. widely recognised biodiversity hotspots,
such as the Gold Coast hinterland and
Townsville has a strong profile of cultural the broader wet tropics region. This
diversity contributed to by current diversity can be explained by the range
migration, refugee and humanitarian of bioregions and habitats found in
6
townsville >> 2011-2021
the area, including the Wet Tropics, the agriculture combined with wetland loss,
Einasleigh Uplands, the Townsville Plains and activities such as coastal aquaculture
Province of the Northern Brigalow and and heavy industry, continue to affect
the Dry Tropics Coast bioregions. The our natural environment, including the
region is also home to internationally- water quality of receiving environments.
recognised and significant areas such Other uses, such as commercial and
as the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area recreational fishery, marine tourism and
and the Bowling Green Bay Wetlands, the commercial port, also impact our
as well as many other locally significant natural environment.
areas. Magnetic Island is located in the
internationally-renowned Great Barrier The ready availability of water and
Reef World Heritage Area. All these areas the desire to ‘green’ a naturally dry
combined provide habitats on which environment, combine to create a
animals, plants and entire ecological high demand for water. In fact, within
communities depend, and several species Townsville, the average household
of plants, animals and some ecosystems consumes approximately 450kL of water
are unique to our region. In addition, per annum, with approximately 65 per
the local environment supports a diverse cent of this used outdoors.
range of recreational, tourism and Within Townsville the average household
commercial activities that are valued by consumes 7,147kWh per annum, and only
the community. around 18 per cent of households offset
Due to the impact of human activities, some of the carbon emissions through
these areas face a number of challenges. the purchase of green energy.
Habitat clearing and fragmentation within Townsville can experience climatic
Townsville has reduced the numbers extremes in the form of cyclones, tropical
of plant and animal species, isolated lows and flooding as part of the northern
species populations and created a more ‘wet’ season.
competitive environment for introduced
species, affecting the survival rates of Economic development
many native species. Townsville’s economy has displayed
a strong and stable performance over
Changing land uses and altered the past decade. Factors contributing
hydrological regimes have affected the to this are strong population growth,
water quality and ecosystem health of significant new public sector investment,
our local waterways, wetland and the the growing role of Townsville as a public
downstream marine environment of the and private sector regional service centre,
Great Barrier Reef, including inshore reef, and the city’s diversified economy with
seagrass beds, dugong protection and strengths in mining services, mineral
fish habitat areas. processing, international tropical marine
Land uses such new urban development research, defence, education and tourism.
and existing urban areas, cattle grazing, However, there are several issues
7
townsville >> 2011-2021
"We live in such a beautiful part of
the world. We are surrounded by bush,
rainforest and reef. We also have
beautiful urban green areas like parks
and gardens and the riverbank"
Townsville community member, 2010
which impact negatively on Townsville’s or cycling. To achieve this we need to be
economy. mindful of the following issues.
The impact of remoteness has The Townsville community has identified
implications for infrastructure associated affordable housing as a critical issue for
with connectivity and interaction. the social and economic development of
the community.
Mines have a finite production life, which
has an economic impact on Townsville In order to reflect cultural diversity and
with our high population of mine needs, and to ensure equitable access
workers. for all community members, consultation
with the community needs to occur in
There are challenges to the Townsville respect to required community services
economy to cater for specialist business and recreational infrastructure.
services that may be required by large
national and international companies that Design of housing and associated
have invested in the region. The result infrastructure tends to follow national
of this can be outsourcing to other cities trends, so it is important to maintain the
more capable of responding. region’s traditional architectural character
and distinctive tropical image.
There is a need for the revitalisation
of some areas in Townsville in order to To enhance the cultural identity of
attract businesses to invest in the region. Townsville through the built environment,
it is important that sites of cultural
Planning and development heritage character are identified and
Townsville is a city experiencing rapid protected.
and continual growth which brings a Townsville would benefit from a more
different set of challenges. Integrated integrated approach to transport and
strategic planning has become land use planning in which economic,
increasingly important in the light of environmental and social objectives are
this growth. Our community’s aim is to achieved through demand management,
achieve residential variety and access to and the various transport modes are
housing, higher densities near activity considered and planned as components
centres and passenger transport routes, of a single integrated transport system.
relevant infrastructure for community
services and recreation, and improved
local accessibility especially by walking
Managing the issues the community has identified can be challenging.
However ‘Leading, creating, connecting: shaping a place to be proud
of, Townsville Community Plan 2011-2021,’ provides a framework which
will enable government, community and business to address some of
these issues in order to achieve the community’s vision for Townsville.
8townsville >> 2011-2021
Townsville Community Plan
Leading, creating, connecting: shaping a place to be proud of, Townsville Community
Plan 2011-2021 has been developed with the community, for the community.
The plan outlines the community’s from culturally and linguistically
vision for the future and the steps the diverse backgrounds to participate in
community as a whole needs to take discussions about council initiatives.
to achieve this vision. More than 7,000
>> adherence to an engagement policy
responses from community members,
and framework that focus upon
local organisations, business people
achieving meaningful community
and government agencies were gathered
engagement.
through the community engagement
process SpeakUp Townsville, which was >> fostering a council-wide culture of
conducted by the Townsville City Council. community engagement.
The development of Leading, creating,
The development of a community
connecting: shaping a place to be proud
plan for Townsville is in line with the
of, Townsville Community Plan 2011-2021
requirements of the Local Government
encompassed a number of phases:
Act 2009, which places an increased
emphasis on planning and accountability. Phase 1 – Information gathering – what is
This community plan will have significant currently happening in the community?
influence on other council planning
documents, and provides community Phase 2 – SpeakUp Townsville – what
direction for the region, community could be happening for the community,
and all levels of government and non- and how the community would like
government organisations in future Townsville to be shaped in the next 10
planning for this region’s community. years and beyond?
The Townsville City Council’s approach Phase 3 – Data collection and analysis.
to the engagement process used in
Phase 4 – Development of a draft
the development of this plan was
Community Plan.
underpinned by the council’s Community
Engagement Policy principles: Phase 5 – Community feedback stage.
>> providing inclusive opportunities for Phase 6 – Policy and adoption – the
informed community involvement in finalised Leading, creating, connecting:
council’s decision making. shaping a place to be proud of,
Townsville Community Plan 2011-2021.
>> ensuring that all groups in the
community are provided with
This is a whole of community’s
opportunities to engage with the
Townsville City Council.
plan for everyone, individuals,
business and government to work
>> commitment to the provision of
together for a better city.
culturally appropriate processes
to encourage increased access by
Aboriginal people, Torres Strait and
South Sea Islanders, and people
9townsville >> 2011-2021
SpeakUp Townsville
To identify the community’s vision for the future, Townsville City Council facilitated
its largest ever community engagement process - SpeakUp Townsville.
SpeakUp Townsville was a multi-faceted, organisations, Aboriginal and Torres
inclusive and innovative community Strait Islander representatives and noted
engagement process, which involved community members. The process also
holding over 60 community engagement sought input from the council’s youth,
activities across approximately 20 disability, seniors, women’s, families,
different geographical areas from Paluma community safety and Aboriginal
to Cungulla. More than 7,000 responses and Torres Strait Islander Advisory
were received. Committees.
Engagement sessions were also held with Throughout the SpeakUp Townsville
key representatives from the Townsville engagement program, a variety of
community including business owners, engagement techniques were used to
government departments, sport and obtain an understanding of the vision,
recreation organisations, community values and aspirations of the Townsville
service organisations, cultural and community. (Refer to next page for
arts organisations, non-government diagram)
10townsville >> 2011-2021
y Workshop
Communit s
l
ura Ma
yM p
nit A number of targeted pin
mu workshops where held g
om with an identified focus
C and attended by key
community organisations
A mural painted by people
from the Townsville and community Through the use of maps
community depicted our representatives. These of the Townsville region
coastal, tropical city. The workshops were aimed at participants were asked to
mural identified aspects exploring and discussing design their city by placing
of community safety which past, present and future stickers and notes indicating
Sp
were then explored further trends and challenges. where there is a need for
ea
through questions and services, buildings, roads,
ps
responses on printed key open spaces etc.
kO
patterns.
Po
utW
Vox
al l
Council staff set up a SpeakOut Wall
at a number of community locations
Vox pops allowed individuals to and events throughout Townsville. A
video record their comments and SpeakOut Wall is an informal method
vision for the future. for individuals to write and display
their comments and discuss their
vision with council staff.
World Cafe Room
Zing Technology
Engagement
World Café is an engagement technique that
is open and about shared communication. Through the use of technology – one laptop,
Multiple tables are set up in a room each with multiple keyboards and a projector screen
different questions/themes to evoke responses – groups of people were able to identify
Techniques
and discussions. Via a time facilitated process, and discuss their vision for Townsville. Zing
participants move from table to table to discuss Technology was used as an alternative
the various questions, and the discussions are method of engagement at major SpeakUp
recorded by a table facilitator. Townsville tents/events.
A Samoan Circle is a meeting without a leader.
Council staff attended various A Samoan Circle has people seated in a circle
gs
community group meetings to listen within a circle with the inner circle being the
to, and discuss areas of challenges, discussion area. People move from the
etin
visions and aspirations relating to that inner to outer circle as they wish to be
Sa
particular community group. involved in the discussion topic, and
m
Me
all other participants are to remain
oan
silent whilst listening to the
p
discussion.
rou
C
An Information Maze is an
i r
G
open house, informal style
cle
As a method of gauging
of engagement providing
ty
individuals priorities on Post back surveys were multiple styles of engagement
s
i
un
topics, we used a ‘vote distribution to key techniques with different
with your hands’ activity
m
community facilities topics, and the technique
where people used their
m
and handed out at all of allows for participants to
own painted hand prints to
Co
the SpeakUp Townsville involve themselves in areas that
cast votes engagement activities as they consider of interest.
an alternative method for In
individuals to share their fo
s t ideas and suggestions. rm
Our survey was also
Prin available for completion
ati
o
d nM
n and submission on-line.
Ha az e
Community Surveys
11townsville >> 2011-2021
The Community’s Vision
During the engagement process, the key topic shared was the importance of creating
Townsville as a ‘great place to live and be proud of’.
This direction and passion for Townsville >> Strong, connected community
was reiterated throughout all of the Townsville community has a diverse
community engagement activities and has make-up of cultures, community groups
formed the basis of the Leading, creating, and backgrounds which are recognised
connecting: shaping a place to be proud as key strengths in the community and
of, Townsville Community Plan 2011-2021 these elements need to be embraced and
vision. nurtured. It was also identified that a
well-connected community builds a strong
Vision community.
In 2021, our community will be defined
by the statement: >> Environmentally sustainable future
Our community values the natural
Townsville is the northern gateway to environment of Townsville and recognises
Queensland. Our well-built city connects it as a key aspect of our lifestyle. Our
people to their community, via an active community wants Townsville to be a
lifestyle that is enjoyed by all who live leader in environmental sustainability,
and visit. We are leaders of positive including embracing the use of renewable
environmental action. We are acclaimed energy.
for our business entrepreneurship,
government enterprise, innovation, >> Sustained economic growth
technology and cultural stewardship.
The community identified the importance
Conversations and feedback from the of continuing to build a strong,
community around how they felt this balanced and sustainable economic
vision could be achieved included the base for Townsville. This vision can
need to create a community that is: be achieved by continuing to embrace
new technology and providing avenues
>> resourceful, connected and safe for skill development and employment
opportunity.
>> takes responsibility to protect and
nurture the environment >> Shaping Townsville
>> has economic viability The community believe it is important
>> is well-planned in its design, and that Townsville is well-designed, taking
into account the local climate, while also
>> is culturally vibrant. preserving our heritage and traditional
From this information, four overarching characteristics. The community also
themes have been identified to form believe it is important that any planning
Leading, creating, connecting: shaping for the city is done proactively and
a place to be proud of, Townsville facilitates lifestyle choices, including
Community Plan 2011-2021. transportation, diversity of services and
open space facilities.
12townsville >> 2011-2021
Strong &Strong,
Connected
Connected
Community
Community
our vision for building a strong and connected community
A community that draws on the diversity, skills and expertise of
residents to build a community that has pride in its culture and lifestyle.
13townsville >> 2011-2021
Strong, Connected Community
A community that draws on the diversity, skills and expertise of residents to build a
community that has pride in its culture and lifestyle.
guiding principle guiding principle
Strengthen community Value the richness of diversity
cohesion The diversity of cultures and community
Becoming a supportive and groups represented within Townsville
interconnected community that are embraced so that all community
works together to make people feel members can become champions of
comfortable and safe within their street, social inclusion.
neighbourhood and the wider community.
Together we can achieve this by:
Together we can achieve this by: >> increasing community recognition and
>> encouraging individuals to make involvement of the traditional owners,
connections with their neighbours and the Bindal and Wulgurukaba people,
local community groups and other members of the Aboriginal,
Torres Strait and South Sea Islander
>> creating learning opportunities that community
encourage people to learn from each
other and draw on the diversity of >> promoting social harmony through
skills and experience of Townsville building awareness of the needs and
residents backgrounds of the many community
groups and cultures represented in
>> providing ‘common purpose’ Townsville, such as people with a
community events and creating places disability, people from a culturally
and spaces that bring people together and linguistically diverse background,
to meet and play seniors, youth, woman, families and
>> providing opportunities for community Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
members to be part of local clubs and peoples
groups >> holding events and gatherings to
>> building a community that works bring us together to experience the
in partnership with government, social diversity within our community.
community and private organisations We can measure our achievements
to achieve real and lasting local through:
cohesion.
>> participation at cultural events
We can measure our achievements
>> availability of services and facilities
through:
>> the level of volunteering within the >> our connection to, and awareness
community of, culturally and linguistly diverse
backgrounds.
>> the use of community venues and
facilities
>> participation in community activities.
14townsville >> 2011-2021
"A place that is welcoming and filled
with stories."
Townsville community member, 2010
guiding principle guiding principle
Develop a vibrant arts lifestyle Nurture and value families
Embracing the richness and talent of the Providing opportunities to raise children
arts community. within our unique lifestyle, and providing
them with a great place to grow up.
Together we can achieve this by:
>> recognising and supporting our local Together we can achieve this by:
art professionals and groups >> increasing access to sports, arts,
history, traditional culture, schooling
>> encouraging festivals and events that
and life-long education
provide opportunities for creativity
and leisure >> providing avenues to strengthen and
support the diversity of family units
>> ensuring community art facilities
grow and develop according to the >> making Townsville a fun, active and
community’s needs. vibrant place to inspire our children
and youth
We can measure our achievements
through: >> providing reasons for our young
>> attendance at performance centres people to want to continue to live in
and galleries the Townsville community.
>> participation in arts and cultural We can measure our achievements
organisations through:
>> the availability of child care facilities
>> community satisfaction with the arts
and cultural opportunities available. >> participation in welcoming ceremonies
such as citizenship and Welcoming
Babies
>> availability of educational facilities
>> participation in community workshops
and events.
15townsville >> 2011-2021
guiding principle guiding principle
Develop a sense of safety Provide active and passive
An environment in which the community sport and recreation
feels safe to live, work and play. opportunities
An environment where there is a choice
Together we can achieve this by:
of active and passive recreational
>> increasing safe connection options
activities that contribute to the health
between places and spaces within
and wellbeing of our city.
the community through adequate
transport links and further expansion Together we can achieve this by:
of bike paths and walkways
>> ensuring our recreation areas and
>> on-going discussions with the open spaces are accessible, respond
community and key organisations to the needs of the community and
to identify and address new priority provide positive use for multiple
areas relating to community safety activities
and crime prevention
>> ensuring Townsville has adequate
>> advocating for a community that sporting facilities for local and
doesn’t accept anti-social or violent regional events
behaviour
>> providing recreation and sporting
>> appropriate allocation of safety programs appropriate for people of all
measures at popular community ages and levels of ability
spaces
>> encouraging joint use of facilities by
>> creating safe environments for clubs and community groups
residents, workers and visitors.
>> managing community and recreation
We can measure our achievements facilities in an accessible and
through: equitable manner
>> the use of public transport within the >> developing connection with our
city waterfront and diverse landscape to
>> community perception of safety and provide amenity for a healthy and
wellbeing active lifestyle.
>> crime rates in the city. We can measure our achievements
through:
>> opportunity to participate in sport and
recreation activities
>> availability of public recreational
facilities and spaces
>> the number of residents who regularly
take part in physical activity.
16townsville >> 2011-2021
"A place that is
still comfortable
and relaxed in
living with a great
community feel."
Townsville community member,
2010
guiding principle
Open, honest and accountable
leadership
Inclusive engagement and communication
encourages community participation in
local decision-making.
Together we can achieve this by:
>> ensuring that key decisions regarding
the Townsville community are based
on inclusive engagement with the
community
>> providing opportunities for all
Townsville community groups to be
heard and be able to participate in
community consultation and activities
>> establishing and maintaining
constructive relationships between
the community, community services,
business and government sectors.
We can measure our achievements
through:
>> participation in community
engagement activities
>> community perception of the
availability of information
>> community perception of their ability
to participate in decision making.
17townsville >> 2011-2021 18
townsville >> 2011-2021
Environmentally
Environmentally
Sustainable Future
Sustainable Future
our vision for fostering an environmentally sustainable future for townsville
Our community recognises and values the natural environment. We acknowledge the need
for a more sustainable future and seek to achieve this through solutions that minimise our
impact on the environment.
19townsville >> 2011-2021
Environmentally
Sustainable Future
Our community recognises and values the natural environment. We acknowledge the need
for a more sustainable future and seek to achieve this through solutions that minimise our
impact on the environment.
guiding principle >> community perception of the health of
the natural environment
Valuing our natural >> the extent of natural vegetation
environment and urban green protected or restored.
spaces
The Townsville community recognises,
protects, retains and enhances the values
and condition of the natural environment,
urban green spaces and scenic amenity.
Together we can achieve this by:
>> maintaining and rehabilitating
bushland, coastal and other natural
areas
>> retaining and protecting natural areas
that provide habitat for native wildlife
>> integrating natural area conservation
into strategic planning
>> participating in tree planting activities
(utilising local native species)
>> replacing hard surfaces with local
native trees and shrubs
>> providing and maintaining a mixture
of parks and bushland in urban areas
>> ensuring key landscapes, views and
scenic amenity are maintained and
protected
>> providing infrastructure for improved
access to these views and landscapes
>> providing habitat for local species
by planting local natives in our
backyards.
We can measure our achievements
through:
>> the level of participation in natural
area conservation and restoration
activities
20townsville >> 2011-2021
"Sustainability needs to be a mindset and
hold a place in the values of residents."
Townsville community member, 2010
guiding principle guiding principle
Taking responsibility for the Adopting an environmentally-
health of the local waterways, sustainable lifestyle at home,
wetlands and marine areas work and play.
The community takes appropriate actions The community understands that our
to maintain the values and condition of activities have an environmental impact.
the local waterways, wetlands and the Individually and collectively, we take
marine environments. responsibility for undertaking appropriate
actions at home, work and play to
Together we can achieve this by: minimise these impacts.
>> reducing littering behaviour and
participating in organised community Together we can achieve this by:
clean-ups >> increasing the use of renewable
energy such as solar, wind and other
>> volunteering with community groups
sources
who undertake natural resource
management activities >> promoting sustainable use of water,
energy and other natural resources
>> monitoring water quality and
ecosystem health of the waterways, >> implementing measures to reduce
wetlands and in-shore marine areas greenhouse gas emissions
>> implementing measures to improve >> using more energy-efficient forms of
the health of the catchments and transport
waterways
>> recognising and valuing community
>> providing appropriate vegetated champions of sustainability
waterway corridors
>> reducing, reusing or recycling waste.
>> developing partnerships with relevant
We can measure our achievements
government agencies to improve
through:
management, accessibility and
awareness. >> amount of waste produced
We can measure our achievements >> levels of emissions produced
through: >> quantity of water recycled
>> the ecosystem health of Townsville’s >> number of properties choosing the
waterways, wetlands and marine areas two-part tariff water pricing option
>> level of participation in waterway >> community perception of Townsville as
conservation and restoration activities a sustainable city.
>> community perception of the health of
the waterways, wetlands and marine
areas.
21townsville >> 2011-2021 22
townsville >> 2011-2021
Sustaining
Sustaining
Economic Growth
Economic Growth
our vision for sustaining economic growth
The community recognise that it is fundamental to have a strong and balanced economic
growth in order to enhance our city’s way of life.
23townsville >> 2011-2021
Sustaining Economic Growth
The community recognise that it is fundamental to have a strong and balanced economic
growth in order to enhance our city’s way of life.
guiding principle guiding principle
Strong and diverse economy An innovative and highly-
The community recognises that sustaining skilled city
a strong and diverse economy is vital for We will create new skills and business
long term prosperity. opportunities.
Together we can achieve this by: Together we can achieve this by:
>> building a dynamic economy >> supporting and encouraging the
>> promoting the city’s role as the uptake of innovative technology
service centre for the greater North >> developing a city and region that
Queensland region supports lifelong education and career
>> promoting a cost-competitive business pathways
environment and encouraging new >> promoting a culture of
investment entrepreneurship.
>> developing infrastructure that We can measure our achievements
supports and stimulates economic through:
development
>> participation in tertiary training and
>> developing Townsville’s strengths, education
competitive advantages and
>> growth in industry sectors
resources.
>> growth in research institutions.
We can measure our achievements
through:
>> economic diversity and growth within
the region
>> investment in new development
within the region
>> strength of tourism.
24townsville >> 2011-2021
"Continue forward thinking with regard
to maximising government agencies, tourism,
mining, community and local businesses."
Townsville community member, 2010
guiding principle guiding principle
A community that benefits from A city that sustains and
Townsville’s economy prospers from its environment
We will ensure that the benefits of The community will partner with business
economic growth are shared throughout and industry to create a more resource-
the community. efficient economy that generates new,
sustainable development, businesses and
Together we can achieve this by: jobs.
>> building industry partnerships and
promoting collaboration Together we can achieve this by:
>> positioning Townsville to capitalise on
>> including people in planning and
sustainable industries
expanding our economic base
>> promoting environmentally-sustainable
>> supporting businesses and jobs for
practices within businesses
the benefit of Townsville and the
region >> promoting investment in the
environmental business sector.
>> building and diversifying Townsville’s
lifestyle opportunities We can measure our achievement of this
through:
>> working with industry to promote
Townsville. >> growth in the environmental
businesses sector
We can measure our achievements
through: >> growth of the eco-tourism sector.
>> the level of participation by industry
in promotional activity
>> gross regional product per capita
>> average household income
>> employment rates and diversity.
25townsville >> 2011-2021 26
townsville >> 2011-2021
Shaping
Shaping
Townsville
Townsville
our vision for shaping townsville
Our city will meet the diverse and changing infrastructure and service needs of
the community.
27townsville >> 2011-2021
Shaping Townsville
Our city will meet the diverse and changing infrastructure and service needs of the
community.
guiding principle guiding principle
A vibrant, sustainable, Preserve and enhance
connected urban form Townsville’s heritage and
Creating places that provide for a great character
lifestyle. The traditional character, identity and
Together we can achieve this by: heritage of the city is retained, enhanced
or complemented by development.
>> neighbourhoods that will be
well-connected with supportive
Together we can achieve this by:
transportation options
>> protecting areas identified as having
>> ensuring greater diversity of housing
significant character and heritage
to meet future housing needs
value
>> improving access to housing for
residents with special housing needs >> ensuring development is sympathetic
to historic and character buildings
>> identifying and consolidating
residential areas >> promoting the importance of
Townsville’s heritage
>> ensuring development is supported
by attractive and convenient retailing, >> ensuring scenic and aesthetic qualities
community facilities, entertainment of the landscape and key views such
areas, educational, health and cultural as Castle Hill, Mount Stuart and
facilities Magnetic Island are protected.
>> ensuring weather risks are taken into
We can measure our achievements
consideration when planning location,
through:
scale and intensity of development
>> the number of heritage and character
>> ensuring sustainable practices are
places preserved
included in new development and
building design >> community perception of Townsville’s
>> re-energizing and improving the unique character.
vitality of key areas in Townsville
>> providing a diverse range of housing
options to meet the needs of all
residents.
We can measure our achievements
through:
>> population growth of Townsville
>> community satisfaction with the city’s
design to enhance our lifestyle
>> the amount of land used for urban
purposes.
28townsville >> 2011-2021
"Good sense of history (such as in
architecture and social history) but
progressive enough to move and
embrace the possibilities"
Townsville community member, 2010
guiding principle guiding principle
A lively, diverse and connected Effective and adequate public
city centre infrastructure
Townsville’s CBD will be recognised as The effective design and timely provision
Townsville’s heart, bustling with activity of adequate infrastructure will allow a
and creativity. growing population to enjoy a great
lifestyle.
Together we can achieve this by:
>> creating a safe and accessible Together we can achieve this by:
environment >> ensuring infrastructure can meet
future demands whilst exploring
>> actively promoting future growth and
innovative and effective approaches to
investment
improve sustainability
>> offering a diverse range of higher-
>> providing and maintaining an
density living.
adequate infrastructure base to enable
We can measure our achievements the provision of health, emergency,
through: education, law enforcement and
>> residential population and technological services
employment numbers within the CBD >> maintaining the city’s energy
>> business occupancy rates in the CBD infrastructure base to a high standard
>> number of visitors to the CBD. >> ensuring there is a secure, reliable
and sustainable water supply, which
meets the needs of a growing
population.
We can measure our achievements
through:
>> community satisfaction with
Townsville’s infrastructure.
29townsville >> 2011-2021
"Would like
infrastructure to
grow with the
rising population"
Townsville community member,
2010
guiding principle
Well connected Townsville
The provision of infrastructure such as
public transport, roads, walking and
bike paths, communications and digital
networks that enables access for all in
our community.
Together we can achieve this by:
>> proactively planning our present and
future transport linkages to ensure
they allow efficient movement of
people and products
>> connecting communities by
maintaining and delivering footpaths
and bicycle links within new and
existing communities
>> concentrating expansion into areas
that can be serviced by public
transport
>> ensuring that air, rail, road and sea
transport movements are protected
and enhanced.
We can measure our achievement of this
through:
>> the number of people walking and
cycling
>> use of public transport
>> average travel time to work
>> the success and strength of the air,
rail, road and sea transport industries.
30townsville >> 2011-2021
Moving Ahead
"Community involvement
is vital."
Townsville community member,
2010
Leading, creating, connecting: shaping a place to be proud of, Townsville Community
Plan 2011-2021 is a ‘living’ document for the Townsville community.
The plan is a reference point for the achievement of the community vision,
residents, organisations, businesses please visit the council website at
and all levels of government. The plan www.townsville.qld.gov.au or by
is at the forefront of council’s planning, contacting the Coordinator, Community
informing the Corporate Plan 2009- Planning and Development on 1300 878 001.
2014, long-term financial plan, asset
management plans and operational Copies of Leading, creating, connecting:
plans.,The plan should also be used to shaping a place to be proud of,
feed into, or in conjunction with, other Townsville Community Plan 2011-2021 will
broader strategic documents at all levels be available at CityLibraries branches, the
of government, and within community Community Information Centre and on the
organisations and the business sector. Townsville City Council website.
The success of this plan is the
responsibility of the whole community working together to
and you are encouraged to actively measure achievements
participate in achieving a place and city The Townsville community want to see
that we will be proud of. The guiding the suggestions they made during the
principles outlined in Leading, creating, engagement process being put into
connecting: shaping a place to be proud practice to achieve their vision. This
of, Townsville Community Plan 2011- included having a Community Plan that
2021 are those that have been identified was measurable and able to be evaluated
through the engagement process. on a regular basis to identify progress
However, these are by no means the only achieved
avenues available, as one idea can be
tackled in many different ways. This plan includes methods that could
be used to measure achievement
In the development of this plan, council against each guiding principle, and
has worked in partnership with a these measurements will help track
number of government departments and the well-being of our community over
community organisations. Council will time. It is important to understand
continue to work in partnership with that council is not the only player in
these organisations, which have included achieving the community vision, and
the Department of Transport and Main that council’s degree of influence with
Roads, Department of Communities, these measurements varies. These
Department of Defence, Department of measurements should be viewed more
Families, Housing, Community Service and as ‘barometers’ of whole-of-community
Indigenous Affairs, James Cook University, performance.
Department of Environment, Economic
Development and Innovation, Education Through the use of a reporting system,
Queensland, Department of Veteran council will provide an annual report
Affairs, Department of Community Safety, to the community on the progress in
Coastal Ecosystems and Water Control achieving the themes.
and numerous community groups and
It is anticipated that information within
community organisations.
the plan will be reviewed every five
If you or your organisation would like to years to consolidate progress, reconfirm
know how you can contribute towards direction and reflect changes that have
occurred.
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