Advocacy Group Calls for State Budget to ‘Unlock the North’ With Billions in Investment
By Neha · Published 22 Jun 2026 · Updated 22 Jun 2026
Townsville, Queensland · Queensland News
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Advocacy Group Calls for State Budget to ‘Unlock the North’ With Billions in Investment - Townsville, Queensland
Smart summary
North Queensland business leaders are urging the Queensland Government to deliver major infrastructure, housing, energy and transport funding in the state budget to accelerate economic growth and address long-standing...
North Queensland advocates have called on the Queensland Government to continue investing billions of dollars into critical infrastructure projects, arguing that strategic spending is essential to unlock the region's economic potential and support future growth. The push comes ahead of the release of the 2026–27 Queensland State Budget.
The campaign is being led by Townsville Enterprise, which has identified infrastructure, housing, water security, energy and defence industry development as key priorities for the region. The organisation argues that North Queensland is positioned to become a major driver of economic growth but requires sustained government investment to overcome infrastructure constraints.
Townsville Enterprise Chief Executive Claudia Brumme said strategic investment is critical to supporting regional development while helping communities manage rising living costs and population growth. Advocacy efforts have focused on securing funding for projects capable of delivering long-term economic benefits across northern Queensland.
Among the major projects highlighted are the Copper String 2032 energy transmission project, housing infrastructure initiatives, upgrades to the Bruce and Flinders highways, water security programs and further development of industrial precincts. Several of these projects have already received preliminary funding commitments or support from government agencies.
One of the largest investments expected to benefit the region is the $3.2 billion Copper String project, designed to connect North West Queensland's energy and mining regions to the national electricity grid. Supporters argue the project will strengthen energy security, attract investment and create employment opportunities across northern communities.
Housing remains another significant concern. Advocacy groups have welcomed major housing infrastructure commitments but continue to push for additional funding to unlock residential development and address shortages affecting regional centres. Population growth and increasing demand have placed pressure on housing availability throughout North Queensland.
Nick Dametto has also highlighted priorities including water security initiatives, transport improvements, community infrastructure and preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Local leaders argue these investments are necessary to ensure regional communities share in the benefits generated by major state and national events.
The advocacy campaign additionally seeks support for the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct, expansion opportunities at the Port of Townsville, improved international aviation links and environmental initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable economic growth.
Business leaders say the region has a unique opportunity to capitalise on renewable energy development, defence manufacturing, critical minerals processing and logistics industries. However, they argue that success will depend on government investment in enabling infrastructure that attracts private-sector capital and supports long-term employment growth.
With the budget expected to contain significant spending commitments, North Queensland stakeholders remain hopeful that major projects will receive the backing required to transform the region's economic future and strengthen its role within the Queensland economy.
QueenslandInfrastructureGrowthNorthDevelopment
North Queensland advocates have called on the Queensland Government to continue investing billions of dollars into critical infrastructure projects, arguing that strategic spending is essential to unlock the region's economic potential and support future growth. The push comes ahead of the release of the 2026–27 Queensland State Budget.
The campaign is being led by Townsville Enterprise, which has identified infrastructure, housing, water security, energy and defence industry development as key priorities for the region. The organisation argues that North Queensland is positioned to become a major driver of economic growth but requires sustained government investment to overcome infrastructure constraints.
Townsville Enterprise Chief Executive Claudia Brumme said strategic investment is critical to supporting regional development while helping communities manage rising living costs and population growth. Advocacy efforts have focused on securing funding for projects capable of delivering long-term economic benefits across northern Queensland.
Among the major projects highlighted are the Copper String 2032 energy transmission project, housing infrastructure initiatives, upgrades to the Bruce and Flinders highways, water security programs and further development of industrial precincts. Several of these projects have already received preliminary funding commitments or support from government agencies.
One of the largest investments expected to benefit the region is the $3.2 billion Copper String project, designed to connect North West Queensland's energy and mining regions to the national electricity grid. Supporters argue the project will strengthen energy security, attract investment and create employment opportunities across northern communities.
Housing remains another significant concern. Advocacy groups have welcomed major housing infrastructure commitments but continue to push for additional funding to unlock residential development and address shortages affecting regional centres. Population growth and increasing demand have placed pressure on housing availability throughout North Queensland.
Nick Dametto has also highlighted priorities including water security initiatives, transport improvements, community infrastructure and preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Local leaders argue these investments are necessary to ensure regional communities share in the benefits generated by major state and national events.
The advocacy campaign additionally seeks support for the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct, expansion opportunities at the Port of Townsville, improved international aviation links and environmental initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable economic growth.
Business leaders say the region has a unique opportunity to capitalise on renewable energy development, defence manufacturing, critical minerals processing and logistics industries. However, they argue that success will depend on government investment in enabling infrastructure that attracts private-sector capital and supports long-term employment growth.
With the budget expected to contain significant spending commitments, North Queensland stakeholders remain hopeful that major projects will receive the backing required to transform the region's economic future and strengthen its role within the Queensland economy.
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