Townsville City Deal continues to deliver

The Morrison Government has today announced a $55 million investment in two key projects as part of the transformational Townsville City Deal.

The investment will help revitalise two iconic organisations in North Queensland.

A $40 million funding boost will help transform Reef HQ – the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium – into Australia's national centre of excellence for tropical coral reef education, making it a premium international tourism destination as COVID-19 restrictions ease.

This funding is in addition to the $40.1 million already provided to Reef HQ by the Government since 2019 to upgrade the facility and help boost Great Barrier Reef tourism.

The upgrade will provide visitors with a range of immersive experiences and revitalised exhibits, including educational activities, hands-on experiences, onsite diving programs, scientific demonstrations and the use of interactive technology.
 

The redevelopment of Reef HQ will also contribute to the revitalisation of the Townsville City Waterfront Priority Development Area, which is one of the key objectives of the City Deal.

The Morrison Government is also providing a $15 million funding boost to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section), matched by a $15 million commitment from the Queensland Government, to expand its Townsville facilities to provide important medical services across the North Queensland region. 

The two projects will ensure the Commonwealth’s original $195 million commitment to the Haughton Pipeline Stage 2 remains in Townsville, following the Queensland Government’s decision to sole-fund this project and deliver it outside the Townsville City Deal.