Townsville Issues & News.

[Gertzy]

Hello Everyone.
I've taken the chance to steal Bergin's Idea and make one into a Townsville Issues Thread. I'd like it if all the Townsvillians/Thuringowans also have something to contribute to this. Any News of Any sort could be put in here, General, Building, Notices etc. Look here for future posts. :)

Thanks
Gertzy

[Gertzy]

There were numorous Racial tags by an Unknow Racial group/s condemning Indigenious groups stating numerous references about Palm Island. The Infamous Nazi Swatstika also makes many appearances on the wall of the Conteki Funiture group Warehouse at Willows (Next to Solly's Warehouse). It is believed to have been the work of the KKK (Who I really hate) or numerous other Racial (Nazi Propagandist Groups, Scumbags) based within Australia.

The vandals called for "White Power" (We were here first you bunch of Idiots) and wrote "Adolf Hitler" (He's Dead, nothing you can do about that) and Insult like "Filthy N****r Scum"

[Gertzy]

On Friday, Transport Minister Paul Lucas launched the new Ford Sunbus Buses to help to improve Mass Transit in The Twin Cities. The new Buses are just slightly bigger than the Mercedes buses launched into Sunbus service in 2002/2003 used on the 1a Route between the Hospital and the City. The new buses will work on the routes to the strand and on the 1 and 1a routes and the new 1b, 1c and 1x services that pretty much follow the 1 route to Thuringowa Central (Willows).

[Gertzy]

If the Ross River Catchment recieves no rain this season, Ross dam has still enough to last till May 2005.

NQ water have also stated that if there is enough rain to eqaul the worst wet season on record, pumping from Burdekin Falls wont start till November 2005.

[Oriolus]

Be interesting to see what Sunbus are going around now, because I'm pretty sure there aren't any new ones - 3 ex-Brisbane refitted buses plus some new small buses went into service about a month ago - I think they might be the ones they're talking about.

New timetable looks good though - if you live near an express stop along Ross River Rd or Charters Towers Rd you can now get a bus into the city every 7 1/2 minutes.

[Gertzy]

Trying it out Tommorow Actually, hopping on the Bus for a Launch down at the strand.

[Gertzy]

In a Public Meeting with TCC and residents of North Ward, Belgian Gardens and The CBD last week, the residents accepted the council's proposal for a new Arterial link via Bundock St, Denham St or North Ward rd. The new proposal is to include, Four Lanes at areas that aren't already 4 laned like from Ingham rd Hugh Street to the new Traffic lights at Bundock Street etc and a giant partisian in the middle of the road. The plan is to also include more Traffic lights and another 1000 cars going past the residents of that road.

[ferdinand]

There were numorous Racial tags by an Unknow Racial group/s condemning Indigenious groups stating numerous references about Palm Island. The Infamous Nazi Swatstika also makes many appearances on the wall of the Conteki Funiture group Warehouse at Willows (Next to Solly's Warehouse). It is believed to have been the work of the KKK (Who I really hate) or numerous other Racial (Nazi Propagandist Groups, Scumbags) based within Australia.

The vandals called for "White Power" (We were here first you bunch of Idiots) and wrote "Adolf Hitler" (He's Dead, nothing you can do about that) and Insult like "Filthy N****r Scum"
People like this make me sick! Ok so we know that they hate coloured people, they dont need to make it known... hey Gertzy the reason why these sick and twisted people are writting grafiti on the wall? cos no one is taking notice of them thats why and i doubt that thier parents ever did or they wouldnt be carrying on like this... But anyways as long as the community and respected leaders are condemning this insane behaviour... The indigenous community in Townsville need to unite and publicly condemn such sick behaviour, through protests and letters to mp's and other influential public personalities... I cant believe people in Townsville let this go on and just put up with it! If these twisted f*** heads ever try anything like this in Cairns... oh my lord they wont stand a chance, they wanna make sure that they have some sort of funeral insurance cos these bastards wouldnt last one day in Cairns... :)
ps. sorry about my language.. makes me very angry when you hear of things like this

[ferdinand]

On Friday, Transport Minister Paul Lucas launched the new Ford Sunbus Buses to help to improve Mass Transit in The Twin Cities. The new Buses are just slightly bigger than the Mercedes buses launched into Sunbus service in 2002/2003 used on the 1a Route between the Hospital and the City. The new buses will work on the routes to the strand and on the 1 and 1a routes and the new 1b, 1c and 1x services that pretty much follow the 1 route to Thuringowa Central (Willows).
Do you know if Cairns are getting any new buses?

[Gertzy]

I'm not sure to be exact. Probably very sure that Cairns would get some.

[Gertzy]

Townsville, just recently had two more proposals for High-Rise towers in the CBD. compared to the 8-12 story buildings that have been proposed/approved/UC, these buildings are both 20 stories high and will complement The Sturt Street twin towers that has been proposed by Hedley group.

The First Tower, Highgate Apartments is being planned for the old wintergarden thertre site next door to the central police station. According to Forum member, Oriolus, The building is only 66m and not the 70m reported in the Townsville Bulletin. The developer is Cairns based City Breeze developments.

The Denham house development is also 20 stories but the exact height is not known, so I'll report 70m. It is developed by Blenz Properties.

In other news relating to the CBD High-Rises, Sanctuary on Sturt, A Hedley development looks like its going to be completed early. Its deadline was reported mid-June.
Construction of Gateway on Palmer, the city's first 12+ High-rise in more than a decade is set to start construction next month or later this month according to Wezza.
The Ibis Hotel project and 37 Palmer street have been approved a few months ago, with both projects due to start construction very soon.
The Ramada Hotel chain is planning to annouce its proposal for a hotel on Palmer street very soon, although it was reported that a hotel chain will annouce a hotel on palmer street, It is not clear if its Ramada Hotels even though Terry Butts had reported that, But however most other developments he tallked about, were true.
GPD's Nautica, on The TMBYC, has been approved and launch dates for the project is mid-march.

[Gertzy]

On 7 Local News, Townsville Airport was Awarded $17m for development.
I did'nt get much though as I was writing for this thread,

However, I'll try to get more information for this thread.

[Wezza]

^ Are you sure thats what you heard? I was just watching WIN local news and there was something on there about Queensland Airports Ltd (Owners of Gold Coast airport) have taken over control of TSV & ISA. They did say that when AAL aquired the airport 7 years ago it cost $17 million & QAL have just payed $75 million i think it was for it.

[Gertzy]

Wow, looks like we're probably getting more flights and development then.

[Wezza]

There is renewed hope of Jetstar coming to Townsville soon. Talks are going to begin next week between the airports new owners, Queensland Airports Ltd & Jetstar. Here's hoping for a good outcome!!

[Gertzy]

Hopefully, we will. Jetstar is just stupid. They would'nt fly to Townsville when AAL had ownership and now they will fly due to bloody QAL because QAL gives them good bloody deals to fly. Stuff Jetstar, I'm never flying with Jetstar, even if it is an A320.

[Wezza]

I honestly couldn't blame Jetstar for not coming to Townsville in the first place. AAL were notorious for the high charges for the use of the airport. We nearly didn't get the terminal redevelopment because Virgin didn't want to pay the extra cost on top of the already high charges.

[Gertzy]

That is true, But I'm still not Flying Jetstar.

[Wezza]

Did you read the article about the airport charges in the Townsville Bulletin on Friday?

[Gertzy]

Yes, I did see that, but the Airport is in Denial Mode.

[Gertzy]

The Anticipated opening of Douglas Arterial Road is soon and forecoming, The Road is due to open within the next Month, The Road is pretty much finished but the finishing touches are being applied. New Overhead Motorway style Directional Signs have been added on University Drive but I'm not sure if there are some on Angus Smith, and Upper Ross River road, and signs like "Motorway Entrance", "Start/End Motorway" and "Wrong way go Back" have been added, looks like it may possibly be opened earlier.

[Gertzy]

Another Item of Racism has appeared in the Items, something that I was a witness to, and this won't be the last of Racism Items in this thread.

The Ignatius Park College Disco was interuppted momentarily as a group of Neo-Nazies attacked the Disco, calling for all Indigenious students to go out and fight them. I was a witness to this and I counted at least more than 50 of these Neo-Nazi idiots. There have also been reports of non-indigenious students were also harrased by these Arseholes.

More Later.

[ferdinand]

Another Item of Racism has appeared in the Items, something that I was a witness to, and this won't be the last of Racism Items in this thread.

The Ignatius Park College Disco was interuppted momentarily as a group of Neo-Nazies attacked the Disco, calling for all Indigenious students to go out and fight them. I was a witness to this and I counted at least more than 50 of these Neo-Nazi idiots. There have also been reports of non-indigenious students were also harrased by these Arseholes.

More Later.
Ok this is starting to go beyond a joke! Gertzy why dont you and i round up a large mob of blacks.. cruise around Townsville in search of these f*ckers and belt the piss out of them cos they will not stop...
Maybe i should organise for a bus load from Cairns to come down and link up with our black counterpaths in Townsville.
this has to stop, these arseholes will not stop! we need to do something now, the police in Townsville are useless, thier all for it and probably 50% of the population.
Racism in Townsville is getting worse by the day, and if the indigenous community dont stand up for ouselves, its going to get worse. I reckon the best solution is to have a big march through Townsville, bring the media, and every indigenous australians all should converge on Townsville! that way we will show these ignorant people that we have rights to live peacefully in this country without racism :)

[Oriolus]

Ok this is starting to go beyond a joke! Gertzy why dont you and i round up a large mob of blacks.. cruise around Townsville in search of these f*ckers and belt the piss out of them cos they will not stop...


Well that should solve a whole lot of problems. There's nothing like a decent riot to create racial harmony and settle social unrest. :D

What you're proposing is the problem not the solution.

[Malt]

^lol

Yes round up a mob of black people and drive around. thats going to make it worse.
if you want to round up a mob.. Make it both blacks and whites. Im sure there are many white people up there as bothered about that as u.

[Gertzy]

The Thing that pissed me right off about it was that in the Townsville Bulletin, Police Claimed that there was no mention of Racial Abuse, Which this is Bull Shit, I was standing on the Mound between the Iggy Park Hall and the No1 Oval where they were and all they were yelling out were, "you F**king C**ns, Come and fight us", or a smilar remark made by Graffitists which was "Filthy n***a scum" and mean while there were about 10 policemen and women just standing there.

Another thing too was that also reported in the Paper, was that an Indigenious leader thinks that a Racial Group is based in Townsville. Many people knew that, theres the possibility of groups in Cairns, and so on.
But then, I have to agree with both Oriolus and Malt on this one Bro, It will make the Problem worse, could end up if happening as the LA Riots of Australia. But If I did agree with the mob, I'd go with Malts idea, there are people who are concerned about Indigenious Issues as well.

[Gertzy]

But I do agree with the Mob Partially though :)

They Interrupted a good night at the Disco :dance:

[ferdinand]

Well that should solve a whole lot of problems. There's nothing like a decent riot to create racial harmony and settle social unrest. :D

What you're proposing is the problem not the solution.
ok im not talking about a riot, i miss worded and responded my reply "in the heat of the moment" kinda thing, i apologise to those who were offended. I dont at all agree to violence, however trying to convince ignorant people that racism is wrong is very challenging.
Townsville being a military hub and multi-cultural city has a range of people with different opinions. And thats ok, i believe everyone has the right to thier own opinion. But to express your views in an offending manner at a function where there's people from diverse backgrounds attending like these neo-nazi wanabes is just so un-Australian!

[ferdinand]

In regards to those neo-nazi wanabes, hitler has been and gone.. Get a f*cking life, this is the year 2005, we've moved on from then. You are living in the past tense! please come back to the future! lol

[Gertzy]

Only In Townsville :), A mob can do the Trick, only temporally though, and also apparantly, an Aboriginal Girl got poked in the eye by these fuckers at the dicso.

I'm also going to be talking about Racism as an Issue at a Youth Forum infront of State Cabinet members in April, but I'll probably go off my nut and Make Front Page news, so i'll probably reconsider :).

[Oriolus]

lol. Wow, talking in front of state cabinet heh. I'd shit myself.

[Gertzy]

I'm not really supposed to be telling that yet or so on, due to it hasn't been confirmed etc and so on, but I'd really give them a piece of my mind.

[Gertzy]

Tourism Queensland has been telling people to Boycott Townsville and Go to Cairns, Tourism Queensland sounds like a bunch of Masoginist Fuckwits. A Townsville Bulletin rang up the Office of Tourism Queensland and asked what the north had to offer and they said, Cairns. They also have been reported telling people that Townsville is not the Place to go, Looks like why we aren't getting any Tourists.

[Oriolus]

Here's the article >
http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,12549693%255E14787,00.html

Tourism Queensland interstate agencies are actively discouraging people from visiting Townsville, even when pressed for information on Townsville they suggested other destinations, citing such bullshit as:

"There's not really any beaches in Townsville. If you want beaches it's probably better to go to Cairns, there's beaches only 15 minutes from the city and beaches at Port Douglas - and that is only a 45-minute drive."

What a bloody joke. I can think of about 30 beaches in Townsville off the top of my head and the Strand is right next to the CBD, not a friggin 45minute drive away.

This kind of thing really makes my blood boil. Just wish these people would cart their arses up here and actually have a look. Just when you think Townsville is getting over the stigma of previous years there are still tourism bodies actively promoting it. And the worst thing is Townsville taxpayers are paying to provide this service!!!!

[Malt]

^ lol

agreed. There is the strand, then to the north of the strand there is that mega long beach which you can see from Castle Hill, not to mention the beaches on Magnetic Island

[ferdinand]

Being based in Brisbane its understable why comments like these are made. Metropolitaners have a habbit of making misjudgements and misconceptions about a particular place/region/city.
They think that thier judgements are accurate given from the poor research they have undertaken..
to me it sounds like these guys got peices of their info off the net, i suggest these guys send representatives to Townsville to make a detailed description/report of what the region has to offer and i can guarantee that they will be shocked indeed by what Townsville and the region has to offer! :)

[Gertzy]

That Mega Long beach that ur talking about Malt is Palleranda, theres Bushland, Saunders, Balgal, Toolkea, and Rollingstone Beaches that stretchs around 45 minutes to the north. Then Theres Savannah (Which is accessable by Four wheel Drive, but may probably be accessable when the port road is built) or Onnoonba Beach which sretches from Mouth of the Ross to about somewhere, and then theres the beaches on Cape Cleveland.

[Gertzy]

But its a joke, Mageret Keech should get sacked.

[Gertzy]

This, is C--N--N

[Malt]

lol Ferdinand.
Arent people implying its an intentional act?
Maybe cairns city council bribed tourism QLD :O

[Gertzy]

Maybe, U Dont know.

[ferdinand]

lol Ferdinand.
Arent people implying its an intentional act?
Maybe cairns city council bribed tourism QLD :O
firstly i dont think the Cairns City Council would go so low as to do such a ridiculous thing! there maybe an intercity rivalry between the two cities but to do such a thing would be unaustralian. If you read the Townsville vs Cairns thread you would've seen a comment made by Gertzy about Cairns and Townsville looking at working together to promote the North Queensland region.
ps. If your so called allegations were true, i'd be ashamed to call myself a Cairns resident!

[ferdinand]

Malt my comments werent directed at all Brisbane people, im just trying to make a reasonable point about people giving wrong or untrue information to other people or tourists about a town/city/region and in this case Tourism Queensland has something to do with it and being based 1700k's away from Townsville and not doing thorough research or facts checking just went with what they thought to be correct advice to other tourists/backpackers.

[Malt]

I just dont see tourism QLD bucking off a major tourist area so quickly. Its one of the hubs for reef tours,and thats a world class attraction.

maybe it was just one idiot who didnt know what they were talking about

[Gertzy]

Probabaly. Could've been but I blame Margeret Keech, she seems to be doing a biased job as State Tourism Minister, she just wants tourists to the Gold Coast and Cairns, she blame Townsville Enterprise for not giving enough Info out to Tourism Queensland and Bullshit, TEL have been bombarding Tourism Queensland giving them Info and so to help promote tourism to the region.

[ferdinand]

maybe its all one big communication error and misunderstanding between Tourism Queensland and the Townsville enterprise. If it seems the case then both should acknowledge it and come to some compromise to fix it

[Bergin]

Was in Townsville last week and was pretty impressed with how they built the Douglass arterial road. I like the very big freeway like sign when your entering from the Lavarack Barracks end which says INGHAM/CAIRNS| THURINGOWA.
I was pretty impressed with the short and scenic drive to Upper ross river rd via the motorway.

[Wezza]

^ It's very handy when the Cowboys games are on.

[Gertzy]

Yeah, its pretty good, but I still rather it to be 4 lanes.

[Gertzy]

Yesterday was the Triple J one night Stand event in Ayr, It was a very good night, about 10 000 people there, entertaining, A couple of Accidents on the way back, I was involved in one thanks to some stupid "hero" who also drove off before the police came.

[Wezza]

Some friends of mine decided to head down to it, but they left it slightly late, by the time they got there, it was all over. Lol :)

[Gertzy]

Well, this is old now but on Friday the 17th, June. Jetstar's GM Bruce Buchannan annouced that Jetstar will be coming to Townsville on the 30th of October, with Direct Daily flights to Brisbane, 4x Weekly Direct Flights to Sydney and for the first time ever, 3x weekly Direct flights to Melbourne.

[Cairnsinite]

Opals fuel Fire in burning display
http://www.ntnews.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2007/10/21/26basketball.jpg
COVERED: Lynx's Melissa Marsh looks for a way past Fire's Tania Baxter. Picture: JUSTIN SANSON

PETER TIFFEN

21Oct07


THE Townsville Fire scored a 21-point WNBL win against the Perth Lynx at Marrara Indoor Stadium last night.

In front of a crowd of 500, Townsville's Rohanee Cox was the game's best player, receiving an opposition MVP award from Perth coach Joe McKay.

The Opal dominated, setting up the win with 10 points in the first half and snuffing out her former club's offensive spark.

Cox finished with 15 points, while Fire guard Tania Baxter finished with a game-high 16 points.

McKay apologised for the poor performance of the "home side".

"I'm sorry we weren't a little bit better," McKay said. "But I thought Townsville were sensational."

The Fire led 15-13 after a competitive first quarter.

It extended that in the second term to lead 39-27 at half-time.

The Lynx's shooting was off and the ball failed to drop from long-range attempts time and again.

Meanwhile, Townsville's Jennifer Crouse (11 points) and Cherie Smith dominated the boards.

The Fire led by as much as 23 points during the third quarter but Casey Mihovilovich (9 points), Katie Reed (9) and Eleanor Haring (10) kept the Lynx in the contest.

Opal guard Carly Wilson had a quiet night for Perth with just four points and fellow Australian player Sam Richards (7 points) could add just two-points in the second half.

The Lynx had no answer for the sharp-shooting creativity and defensive dominance of Cox and the direction of Baxter.

Townsville, combining well everywhere, added 19 points in the final term.

The victory was the Fire's second from three games this season - taking it into the the WNBL top ranks.

It was the third loss in four games for Perth who slumped to second-last on the Defence Force Championship ladder.

McKay vowed to return to Darwin next year for a better result.

"We've got a lot to think about on the way home," he said.

"We've still got a lot of work to do.

"But I hope we can come back next year."



***found this article in the nt news, thought i'd post it****

[Burden]

http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2005/11/29/260lleyton.jpg

Let’s go, Lleyton

AUSTRALIAN tennis superstar Lleyton Hewitt slipped into Townsville yesterday for next week’s Davis Cup tie with Thailand.

The 27-year-old made a blink-andyou’ll-miss-it appearance to little fanfare at Townsville Airport before being quickly ushered into a waiting car.

Hewitt, who is expected to be joined by wife Bec and daughter Mia next Wednesday, went almost directly to the Jupiters Casino tennis courts for a hit.

The two-time grand slam winner and world No. 22 has been battling a hip injury since losing to American Mardy Fish in Indian Wells last month.

It has been reported Hewitt had been advised by his surgeon to rest and undergo treatment after scans showed he could have tendonitis and a hip tendon tear.

While Hewitt did his best to avoid Townsville Bulletin photographers yesterday, his appearance on the outdoor c o u r t g a v e plenty of cause for optimism.

H e w a s equally hopeful on his website, saying: ‘‘I am extremely determined to play for my country in Townsville and will be doing everything in my power to be as close to 100 per cent physically by Friday.’’

The arrival of the former world No. 1 almost completes the Australian line-up for the April 11-13 Asia-Oceania zonal playoff, with doubles specialist Paul Hanley the only player not here.

Hewitt is unlikely to lie low all weekend.

He will be hellbent on revenge when he takes on his teammates in a ten-pin bowling grudge match at a local alley.


After losing the last ‘battle of the pins’ in Taiwan, as punishment, Hewitt was forced to wear rabbit ears to dinner at a prominent steakhouse. A round of golf is also on the cards. Hewitt will be a special guest of the North Queensland Cowboys for theNRL clash with Parramatta at Dairy Farmers Stadium tonight.

[Burden]

I just want to say to everyone....................... Sean now has the exact same Camera as Oriolus, It arrived today from Ebay, all up ive paid $45 and its a sweet arse camera to does so much more then my Cannon camera which I highly recommend people not to buy.

[Jesse24]

Townsville land sales hit the skids

TONY RAGGATT

13Jun08

RESIDENTIAL land sales in Townsville have slumped to their lowest level in eight years, a land availability study shows.

The finding has city leaders worried the region may not develop the land it needs to house an extra 17,000 people expected to move to the city over the next four years.

Property firm Knight Frank has compiled the Residential Land Availability Study as a reference for industry and government in the region.

The report was provided to Townsville City Council planning chairman and deputy mayor Cr David Crisafulli yesterday.

What it shows is that developers have rolled out almost four registered lots a day in the eight years to 2007 – a total of 10,975 blocks.

Sales peaked at 1827 lots in 2006-07 but are now set to fall back to around 1000 for 2007-08.

Report author Craig Stack said the credit crunch and affordability constraints were slowing the market at a time when underlying demand for housing was expected to continue.

He said sales were returning to historical levels of around 1100 to 1200 lots a year as builders who had comprised a dominant part of the market reduced their take-up of land.

"We have seen a significant slowing in the land sales market and it will remain patchy through 2008," he said.

He said a disconnect was occurring between the slowing property market and the underlying demand for housing being generated by the region's strong employment growth.

"We've got more people coming in and we will need more roofs over people's heads but if the market is not willing to build those roofs, what you get is pent up demand or demand that can't be satisfied.

"When that happens price growth usually occurs.

"Industry and local authorities and State Government agencies need to work together to make sure we don't have a significant slowdown in production."

He said affordable options had to be provided to consumers.

Cr Crisafulli said the report was a wake-up call for industry and government.

"If we go gun-shy, even if we take a break for 12 months and sit back and wait to see the lie of the land, we will run the risk of demand outstripping supply by levels we have never seen before," he said.

The report found the city had 1771 vacant urban residential sites at December 2007 with another 2418 lots due to be developed between April 2008 and March 2009 although development was expected to be cut significantly.

It also predicted 1515 new homes would be needed annually to 2016.

http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2008/06/12/Craig_Stack_and_David_Crisafulli.jpg
GROUND ZERO ... Craig Stack and David Crisafulli peruse the report

http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2008/06/13/13896_business.html

[Oriolus]

New Townsville suburb planned for Bohle (http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2008/06/24/14165_hpnews.html)

Jennifer O'Reilly | 24th June 2008

ONE of the last major land parcels close to Townsville's CBD will become a new suburb, on sale at the end of the year and aimed at the affordable housing market. The new suburb will be built on the old Bohle Abattoir site, near the Bohle River.

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace said the 270ha area would be made as affordable as possible to help locals struggling to buy a home. Mr Wallace said he had already talked to a number of developers and the blocks could sell for as little as $150,000.

"I've asked my department to look at a number of options to keep the land affordable," he said. "Many people in Thuringowa and Townsville tell me that they are worried about their kids putting a roof over their heads. "We need to look to the future and make sure we have affordable land for young families in our region."

Mr Wallace said about 3000 lots would go on sale and prices would be kept low to some degree by the economics of `supply and demand'. "With that many blocks for sale I'm hoping that will keep the prices low," he said. "We are going to look at a number of mechanisms including lot sizes, the way we draw up the development to ensure we get maximum return for the land."

Mr Wallace said the developer who won the tender would have to offer `something innovative' in terms of lot sizes or house and land packages. A number of major companies had approached him about the land.

"I have told them that planning for more affordable housing will be a major factor in any decision," Mr Wallace said. "Things like house and land packages that people who are doing it tough can really identify with. "We cannot control interest rates, but we can play a part with land supply.

"I have asked my department to look at ways to get the land to market at as cheap a price as possible." Real estate experts have predicted the land could fetch $90 million.

Mr Wallace said he was hopeful the residential-sized blocks would be for sale by the end of the year. "We've already got road, water and sewerage nearby," he said. "The time frame's by the end of the year, it's a little bit slower than what I wanted."

Townsville City Councillor David Crisafulli, chair of the Planning and Economic Development Committee, said the land was a `key parcel' for the council and the future of the city. Council would ensure adequate infrastructure was in place. "It's something we really want to see happen," he said. "There's a big allocation of land and while these blocks are a good start it won't affect any masterplan because it's not a massive over-development."

The State Government is putting in $45,000 for a study looking at a multi-recreational centre, including a motor sport facility, at the Bohle. The council has also put in $45,000 towards the study into uses for 2000ha of state-owned land. One suggestion is for a cemetery. Public comments are invited for a name for the new suburb. "Bohlewood was one of the suggestions and someone has suggested naming it after the Cowboys," Mr Wallace said.

So Gertzy, this isn't the Liberty Rise site is it? Cause this is on the eastern side of the Bohle, south of Woolcock St isn't it? And read that last sentence. I swear to god, if we end up with a suburb called Cowboy Gardens or something, then I'm moving cities.

http://i26.tinypic.com/2yjyczd.jpg

[Gertzy]

No its very different from Liberty Rise.

[GoTroppo]

So Gertzy, this isn't the Liberty Rise site is it? Cause this is on the eastern side of the Bohle, south of Woolcock St isn't it? And read that last sentence. I swear to god, if we end up with a suburb called Cowboy Gardens or something, then I'm moving cities.I'd suggest another lost opportunity for future transport. One of the few places in the city with a flyover built for a railway line (to service the old abattoir) that will be lost to a housing estate.

I would've loved to have seen this preserved so we could swing a light rail line from here, through Thuringowa and around to the Uni/Hospital. Another opportunity lost to "short-term-ism".

[Burden]

http://i30.tinypic.com/sma5nk.jpg
HIGH RISE ... the Solarus development in Palmer St

Townsville unit sales soaring

TONY RAGGATT l 26Jun08 l Townsville Bulletin

JUST when you think things are looking bleak, the sales of new units at Townsville have come roaring back. According to PRDnationwide's latest Townsville Unit Report, the industry, particularly Cairns developer Tom Hedley, enjoyed a huge March quarter selling around $75 million worth of new units.

The number (158) and value ($75.95m) of unconditional new units sales is more than twice that of the previous December quarter when concerns about the credit crunch and rising interest rates began to bite.

"It's the third highest (quarterly) result since we started the survey," PRDnationwide research manager Dean Dederer said. "It's quite surprising."

Mr Dederer said the spree was largely attributed to a stellar performance by the Hedley Group's three new affordable projects Westend, Quadrant and Jade which achieved 114 sales.

"The astounding result was achieved despite softening consumer sentiment and a general market downturn, demonstrating the resilience of the Townsville market," he said.

"What we put it down to is largely affordability.

"There is demand at the affordable end of the market where investors see they can get a return and where young buyers can get a foot in the market."

Mr Dederer said the unit prices for the Hedley sales were around the $300,000 mark.

He said a similar trend was occurring at Cairns where developer Glencorp had picked up 300 sales in a 512-unit project with prices under $300,000.

At the other end of the price scale, some projects such as Peppers Blue on Blue resort at Nelly Bay, are struggling.

The resort, opened last year, is recording just one or two unit sales a quarter with still more than half the 101 units for sale.

Mr Dederer said he was `optimistic' for the island market and believed the unit market at Townsville was healthy with no signs of an over-supply.

More than 800 unit sales were recorded in Townsville last year. The 29 developments, some under way, some completed, listed in its report were providing 1473 units to the market with 851 sold to date.

"Overall 482 new units are available for sale and that's under a year's supply at the current level of sales," he said.

"There's certainly no over-supply."

The weighted average sale price fell from $510,000 in the December quarter to $480,696 in the March quarter.

[Burden]

Townsville: most liveable city

LENDL RYAN l 28Jun08 l Townsville Bulletin

TOWNSVILLE is the most liveable city in Queensland, a new report has found. With strong infrastructure growth, a booming diverse economy and traffic jam-free commutes to work, the Midwood Queensland Investment Report says the city once referred to as `Brownsville' is the place to live.

A highly-recognised authority on property, real estate, investment and tourism in Queensland, Midwood highlighted the region's many developments including upgrades to the road network as our major selling points.

"Roadworks in Townsville are continuing to improve arterial traffic movement ... this makes Townsville the most liveable city in Queensland, in our opinion," the report said.

Townsville's Deputy Mayor David Crisafulli said it was a huge pat on the back for the city.

"This is monumental that a firm so highly regarded would recognise the lifestyle of our region," he said.

"It means as Townsville residents we can proudly stick out our chest and say we are the lifestyle capital of Queensland.

"And since it is pretty well known that Queensland is the most liveable state in the country, I would now argue we are the most liveable city in the country full stop.

"You only have to look at facilities like Riverway, The Strand and Ross River to see that we have some beautiful attractions.

"But what this report does is highlight I have been saying for a long time and that is the importance of a well functioning road network."

While Cr Crisafulli said the report was a well deserved recognition, he noted that there was still work to do for the city to maintain its stature.

"What our challenge now as a region is to work with the Federal and State governments to bring the next stage of big ticket projects online and provide connectivity between the major government controlled roads around town," he said.

Cr Crisafulli said Townsville can't make the same mistakes as Brisbane.

"We don't want to be a mirror image of what is happening in Brisbane," he said.

"One of the reasons why it is no longer the most liveable city in Queensland is because they botched the opportunity to do key roadwork when they needed to and I do not want to be part of a council that does the same.

"Being not stuck in traffic is a key priority for people and it is vital we begin that work on some of the city's roads and improve the network, in particularly the Northern Beaches and to the south."

The report took into account Stockland's $1 billion master planned community North Shore which it said `demonstrates the public company's faith in the growth of Townsville'.

It also noted also noted the Urbex $8.35 million deal for a 19ha parcel of industrial subdivision near the Bohle.

According to the report population growth was at 2 per cent per annum for the past decade.

---------

In relating news, The Townsville Show was a joke, Went there with my GF.

[Jesse24]

Ohh I sense a Townsville bashing in Monday's Cairns Post :P Hope they realise that since Cairns is a private, not government city and that the government doesn't really care about us the city must work on it's own to fix it's problems, Cairns has just been given the back hand so many times...

[Burden]

OMG I JUST SAW JESSE24!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ZOMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! arRRRHH

[Jesse24]

lol yes and i've seen you and met gertzy all today and having a great time in Townsville.

[Oriolus]

Townsville off the map with Google (http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2008/07/17/14706_hpnews.html)
CHRIS QUAGLIATA

July 17th, 2008

RIVERWAY is missing, the Ring Road looks like a goat track – and the State Government wants something done about it. Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Paul Lucas has taken aim at a free internet service for not showing off some of Townsville's biggest infrastructure projects. He has written to internet giant Google asking that satellite imagery of Queensland on its Google Maps site be updated more regularly.

The site shows Townsville's $53 million Ring Road and Ross River Bridge still under construction with some sections just dirt tracks. The $40 million Riverway precinct, to which the State Government contributed funds, is also missing with the old Pioneer Park in its place. "Google is often associated with cutting-edge internet services but when it comes to growth in Queensland, they're behind the times," Mr Lucas said. "People looking at the Townsville Ring Road would think work on the first stage was still under way when the Douglas Arterial stretch was completed and opened in mid-2005."

Mr Lucas claimed the Government was `building infrastructure in Queensland so fast that not even an internet giant like Google can keep up'. The Gallery of Modern Art, Tugun Bypass, Gateway Bridge duplication and Gold Coast Desalination Plant, all in South-East Queensland, were other projects he claimed were missing out on a fair viewing.

A spokesman for Google Australia Inc. said the company was `thrilled' the minister was an avid fan of Google Maps. "We frequently acquire updated imagery for Google Maps and Google Earth as it becomes available from third-party satellite providers," he said. A new feature would provide street-level views of many areas of the State, including Townsville. "This imagery will be incredibly useful for Queensland househunters and tenants, tourists to the State, local businesses and also for those interested in checking out the latest infrastructure," he said.

Mr Lucas said an update was all the more pressing given the increasing popularity of internet-capable 3G mobile phones. "People are throwing out their street directories because they can replace them with a 3G or wireless-capable mobile like the iPhone that provides real-time information on the go," Mr Lucas said. "But people should be aware that not all of the information is as up-to-date as it should be. "I think people would accept satellite photos that are six months or so behind – especially given it's a free service – but not satellite photos that are two years or more old."I'm all for updated imagery for Townsville, but I think the government is being pretty unreasonable towards Google. I mean that fact that this resource exists at all, free to the public, is amazing and they do have the entire PLANET to cover. What about the vast areas of Queensland that don't have decent imagery yet?

"Hey Phil, the government has just invested in a new piece of infrastructure in Queensland, Australia!!"..."Oh my God! Fire up the satellite!"

[Jesse24]

What did you think of Townsville overall, Iam so interested to know. :D It sounded like your parents had a good time!

Well your CBD is very nice apart from the mall and you have many nice old buildings which Cairns doesn't. The city is very deceiving though with many streets being small, the hilly landscape and the CBD's layout not really being a grid layout. This led to everything looking taller and denser not that that's a bad thing! It can be a bit hard to get around town though we always would automatically go along Flinders Street coming off Charters Towers Road and run into the mall and have to get around it which led me to think the mall is in the wrong street as if it was not there you wouldn't have to go around it to get to the strand. Also I think some of your CBD streets should be 4 lanes like Sturt Street.

The Strand is lovely with the large trees and the beach lol. Do the headlands sort of act like groynes to trap the sand or was it always there? Although you don’t have many spaces to play football and parkland spaces with the Strand not being very wide. The Strand is different by a lot to the Cairns Esplanade in a good way and a bad way.

Outside the CBD the city has quite a good road layout with many roads having quite a few lanes for traffic. Though there are roads like Sturt Drive that should be 4 lanes and not 2. The rest of the city seems to cope with peak hour traffic ok and the congestion is nothing like Cairns most likely because of the city’s layout. The city though could do with a better bus system.

Though I also felt like once I left the CBD I was just in a place controlled by franchises with everywhere you turn there was a huge McDonalds or a big brand company. Domain Central is very nice and modern but I think the Smithfield Bunnings is bigger lol. I got to look at Willows and Stocklands and I drove through Castletown and Willows and Stocklands looks like they are straight out of the late 80s early 90s complete with the American style writing of Shops in the car park. I’m sure the upgrades will fix this and I also think the new Flinders Plaza will make a big of an impact on the skyline as well.

Castle Hill is very nice we nearly ran over an echidna on the way up lol and it is a great view at anytime and Mt Sturt is amazing. You get some nice shots of the skyline as well from other places such as Flinders Street near the Charters Towers Road intersection and near Fairfield Central.

Overall Townsville is very nice and Cairns has to pick up its game with Townsville stealing the V8s and having a stadium and a nice CBD but I did kind of miss the rainforest and Cairns. Cairns and Townsville have both positives and negatives about them and they are both completely different cities with Cairns having jumbos and Townsville having F-11s. It was pretty cool seeing them at night with the flame blowing out behind.

Ok that’s my rant! :rant:

[Burden]

http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2008/07/24/Don-Matheson.jpg
KICKING GOALS ... NQFC chairman Don Matheson at yesterday's announcement that the budding A-League club had been given a provisional licence

Townsville given provisional A-League licence

CRAIG BAXTER l July 25th, 2008

WITH Townsville's A-League dream set to become reality, selecting an inaugural head coach and CEO have become top priorities.

North Queensland Football Club expects next month to win admission to the A-League for 2009/10, having yesterday been granted a conditional licence by Football Federation Australia.

NQFC chairman Don Matheson anticipated no trouble in meeting the remaining FFA criteria by August 22.

"We went into this phase knowing exactly what they're asking, so we don't see any stumbling blocks from here on in," Matheson said.

"There's nothing in there that concerns us much at all."

NQFC – comprising Willows Golf Club owner Matheson and three fellow investors from Townsville, Ingham and Rockhampton – beat Melbourne businesswoman Millissa Fischer for the conditional licence and exclusive negotiation rights with FFA for a Townsville franchise.

Matheson said NQFC would be ready to hit the ground running once admission to the A-League was confirmed, with plans for a head coach and CEO to be appointed by September.

"We're confident we've got key personnel candidates on the table already, that means head coach, CEO and commercial operations manager," Matheson said.

"They're critical and the timing of their appointments is critical to the ease of getting through this next six months.

"We've got five high-quality head coaches to choose from, our greatest problem is working out who's better than the others.

"We won't make that decision lightly because that's something we're going to have to carry through for two to three years.

"Through our workings over the last three months we've probably got between 12 and 14 footballers wanting to sign up with the club, from Socceroos down to Olyroos and a couple of international players.

"But we need to do that with the consent of our head coach because he's the guy that's got to work with them.

"The football model is something that we have in place but will really be tailor-made when we appoint the head coach."

Matheson thanked the Townsville City Council for support he said had been `critical' to the bid's success.

The council is backing the bid with a bank guarantee for a total of $1 million over the next three years, while Deputy Mayor David Crisafulli recently made a presentation on NQFC's behalf to FFA.

Matheson said North Queenslanders would have a chance to invest in the new club.

He said a community capital-raising fund would seek to raise $4 million in addition to FFA's initial funding requirement of $6 million.

"Once the club's up and running, what we'd like to do is go out and offer an entry point into the company for football supporters themselves," Matheson said.

"They can buy one share or 100 shares in the club and be a vested owner and can then elect their own board member.

"That's probably 12 or 18 months away.

"The idea of capitalising to $10 million, it gives the club a massive buffer zone, a massive amount of wealth to carry it through any of the difficult times it may run into.

"That's not critical to the operation of the club, we just see, and this is something that I think assisted us in our presentation to the FFA, a broad-based ownership, particularly a local ownership ... as a very secure base for the ownership and ongoing running of the club."

North Queensland, to play at Dairy Farmers Stadium, is set to join Gold Coast as new teams in an expanded 10-team A-League next year.

[Cairnsinite]

out of curiousity whatever happened to that guy that used to be mayor of Townsville? the "Capital of North Queensland" guy, Tony whats his name? where is he now days? his been quiet lately....looks like he wont be taking any swipes at Cairns in the short term :lol:
btw i like your new mayor (hes one of us) :)

[Burden]

Who Cares, Your hitting shit at the fan Cairnsinte, there is no point in bringing up the whereabouts of our old mayor, Its clear your trying to start the inner city rivalry again and that’s not the track you want to head down because we all know who's the winner when it come’s to these debates.... Yip Townsville. Who cares if Les Tyrell grew up in Cairns at least he has the balls to move down south because he could the potential Townsville has. Maybe if he stayed in Cairns you might have had a chance in getting the V8’s or the A-League….. *The list goes on*.

[phreeky82]

Who cares where Tony is, the guy is a fool.

[Cairnsinite]

im just wondering whatever happened to my old mate Tony? think of it as a "where are they now" case scenario...

it wouldnt have made a difference if Les Tyrrel stayed in Cairns....he wasnt the main guy pushing for all those things in Townsville

in regards to the inter city rivalry thingy....you should know me by now, sometimes i can be ironic (but in a non-hostile kinda way)... treat my comments with bit sense of humour not an all out assault on Townsville....i treat your comments with humour and have to admit im usually one of the first ones to reply but i dont reply in a manner that down-grades Townsville to an all time low.

[Burden]

...he wasnt the main guy pushing for all those things in Townsville
Just roles off the tongue doesn’t it....

[Gertzy]

out of curiousity whatever happened to that guy that used to be mayor of Townsville? the "Capital of North Queensland" guy, Tony whats his name? where is he now days? his been quiet lately....looks like he wont be taking any swipes at Cairns in the short term :lol:
btw i like your new mayor (hes one of us) :)

Lol same can be said with Ol' Kevin Byrne :D. Tony Mooney is doing consultancy work here in Townsville, he has shaved the beard off and looks quite good.

Our new Mayor? For someone who has grown up in Innisfail and spent alot of time in Cairns, he sure likes to say to both the Cairns Post and the Australian Financial review that Townsville is Better :D, but thats as far as i am going to go on that one.

[Burden]

http://i34.tinypic.com/51oh8w.jpg
HERE WE GO . . . Townsville City councillor Tony Parsons, NQFC chairman Don Matheson and marketing and media adviser Doug Kingston at yesterday's announcement.

Townsville gets A-League team

CRAIG BAXTER l August 29th, 2008 l Townsville Bulletin

OLYROOS coach Graham Arnold is in the running to lead North Queensland's newest national sporting team into next year's A-League.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) yesterday announced that teams based in Townsville and the Gold Coast would join an expanded, 10-team competition next year.

The success of the North Queensland FC bid _ headed by Willows Golf Club owner Don Matheson _ comes six months after the ill-fated Northern Thunder consortium was granted a provisional Townsville licence.

The new team will play home matches at Dairy Farmers Stadium during a season running from August to February, with officials initially budgeting for crowds of between 9000 and 11,000. FFA chief executive Ben Buckley said all that remained was for North Queensland FC to complete a legal agreement with FFA.

"North Queensland has met all the commercial criteria we set for them last month, including local community and business support which has been terrific," Buckley said. "We know that there are many people in Townsville, and beyond, who are looking forward to the A-League being part of the North Queensland sporting landscape.

"North Queensland has a fine record of producing outstanding home-grown players, and having a local A-League team will be another impetus to encourage more talented young footballers.''

Matheson and Rockhampton businessmen and football identities Mitch and Blair Burke are North Queensland FC's major financial backers.

Matheson said the legal agreement with FFA should be signed within `two to three weeks', at which time it was hoped the team's nickname, colours and inaugural coach could be announced.

"The bottom line is that the FFA have announced that we will be accepted into the competition in 2009/10," Matheson said.

"That is great news for us, it's a reflection of the hard work put in by people in my team over the last three or four months.

"We're excited about it, we realise there's a tremendous amount of work in front of us over the next six to eight months in creating a team and a business."

Matheson said Arnold was among several contenders for the coaching position, with others including Central Coast Mariners assistant coach and former Scotland international Ian Ferguson, Adelaide United assistant coach Phil Stubbins and ex-Sydney FC assistant coach Ian Crook.

Matheson said the coach's responsibilities would extend to the fostering of young footballing talent through a `high-performance' centre.

He said further interviews would be conducted this weekend.

"We're going to Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra and Brisbane, we're doing four or five interviews with coaches, all extremely quality people and coaches," Matheson said.

"Our business strategy isn't just an A-League football club, it is to create a high-performance centre where we can take the kids on and develop them into top-class players.

"That particular coach is going to have an overview into that high-performance centre, and, more importantly, have a real desire to be responsible for nurturing kids, not just running a football team.

"That's the reason we want to make sure we make the right decision."

Matheson said the coach would play a leading role in player recruitment.

North Queensland FC marketing and media adviser Doug Kingston said he had been `amazed' by the support throughout North Queensland for an A-League team.

Asked by FFA to secure expressions of interest from 5000 potential season ticket holders and 25 potential corporate backers, North Queensland FC easily eclipsed those marks.

Townsville Mayor Les Tyrell hailed the successful bid as a `sporting bonanza' for the city.

"The standard and profile of the A-League is attracting enormous attention wherever it is played and having our own team based here will do wonders for football's growth right around the North," Cr Tyrell said.

[phreeky82]

Awesome, been really hoping it would eventuate. I'll have at least a couple of those season tickets thanks :)

[Burden]

Yeah I put my name down at the shopping centres, Get major benefits if your the Season ticket holder.... Hmm the name for the club. Here are some Wezza pointed out in the ALeague thread....

Some of the names mentioned on the news for NQFC were.......

Magic, Patriots, Monsoons, Alliance, Venom........ :ohno::bash:

FUCKEN HELL!!! JUST FUCK THE NAMES OFF PLEASE!

[Cairnsinite]

Tony Mooney is doing consultancy work here in Townsville, he has shaved the beard off and looks quite good.

good to hear....at least hes not sitting at home moping around twiddling thumbs...i guess the pain's unbearable after losing a postion you've held for so long...i'd probably be devasted

[Jesse24]

Townsville plazas ban teens

JESSICA JOHNSTON

September 12th, 2008

LARGE groups of youths will be banned from loitering at Townsville's four major shopping centres.

A code of conduct will be launched today to combat anti-social behaviour.

Teens terrorising Townsville shoppers on Thursday nights will be a thing of the past when the strict new code is officially introduced today.

The ban also will apply to school holidays.

People caught loitering in groups larger than four will be warned and asked to leave the centres if they do not comply.

Stockland Townsville, Willows Shopping Centre, CastleTown Shoppingworld and Centro Townsville have united to introduce the new rules of entry.

What Do You Think? Have Your Say at the end of this article.


Herbert MP Peter Lindsay said harassment or intimidation by groups of young people was a worrying trend.

"They congregate in large groups in the malls and entrances of shops making it difficult for customers to move through and gain entry to shops," Mr Lindsay said.

"While these groups may not necessarily intend to be threatening, the perception from other customers is that trying to walk through a group of 10-15 young people can be quite frightening.

"There is, however, a minority element of young people who indulge in anti-social or unlawful behaviour."

Stockland Townsville has been plagued with youth problems on Thursday nights.

Frustrated traders reported a 60 per cent drop in trade early last year, due to loitering youths.

Retailers delivered a petition to Stockland management demanding teens be kicked out.

They responded with a conditions of entry brochure _ but early this year a trolley boy was bashed, leading to calls for more security or suspension of Thursday night shopping.

This is the first time major shopping centres have united to combat behaviour issues.

"If we only do it at one centre the problem just moves," Mr Lindsay said.

Failure to comply with the standards, which security guards will enforce, may lead to offenders being banned. Centro Townsville retail and marketing manager Debi Tolcher said customers would not be banned from wearing `hoodies' or caps.

"We don't allow motorbike or bicycle helmets, but general hats there's no issue," Ms Tolcher said.

"We all have CCTV, we can see the face if they have a hat on or not, so it doesn't make a difference."

Mr Lindsay said leaflets outlining the rules would be distributed at schools, where students were expected to follow similar behavioural guidelines.

But he said the initiative was not about excluding youths from shopping centres, rather encouraging them to find alternate sources of entertainment.

"Rather than just saying bugger off out of the shopping centre we don't want you, we can say this is where you can go and what you can do."

Townsville City Council, police and the Salvation Army worked with shopping centre management to come up with the guidelines.

http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2008/09/11/stockland.jpg
CRACKDOWN ... Townsville's four shopping centres have had enough of loitering teens

http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2008/09/12/16134_news.html

[Rockvegas]

haha looks like Townsville has followed Stockland Rockhampton's approach.....what losers...lol:lol:

[Burden]

Townsville to make strong bid for Socceroos international

CHRIS QUAGLIATA l September 18th, 2008 l Townsville Bulletin

TOWNSVILLE's new A-League team will join forces with Townsville Enterprise and the council to bring an international soccer match to the city. Football Federation Australia (FFA) has announced a deal with the Queensland Government that will see at least four Socceroos matches played at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium over the next five years with another to he held at either Townsville or the Gold Coast.

FFA boss Ben Buckley revealed an Asian Cup qualifier was a chance of being played in either city in January.

North Queensland FC spokesman Doug Kingston said the club hoped to form a committee over the next two weeks involving Townsville Enterprise, Townsville City Council and the local football community to come up with a bid that was `too good to refuse'.

"The club is totally committed to getting the game in Townsville," he said.

"The way we see it South-East Queensland already has four or five games that will be played in Brisbane and the Gold Coast is just a 45-minute train ride away.

"That area of Queensland is very well catered for so we would be very disappointed if we didn't get the match here.

"But you can't take anything for granted so we'll be making sure Townsville puts its best foot forward"

Mr Kingston said the committee would also work with management at Dairy Farmers Stadium, the only Townsville venue which could host the event.

Cr Tony Parsons said Townsville City Council was keen to help the cause.

"The more that we can help, not necessarily financially, but give our support to that sort of endeavour is something that I'm very keen to pursue," he said.

The new deal represents a ramping up of the FFA's bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup by showcasing stadiums around Australia.

Townsville Enterprise CEO Glenys Schuntner said a successful bid could result in the city hosting more international matches in years to come.

"We have the facilities and we definitely have the support base from not only Townsville as the largest city in northern Australia, but also the wider region from where we would expect visitors to come in, for example from Cairns and Mackay," she said.

Mr Kingston said the opportunity to host international matches was an immediate benefit of having an A-League club based in Townsville.

"I doubt that we would even be considered if we had not had the team starting here in the A-League next year," he said.

"Now that we're part of the national football community so to speak I think we will probably be in line for more opportunities like this."

The current five-match deal includes Australia's 2010 World Cup qualifier against Qatar on October 15 at Suncorp Stadium, a 2011 Asian Cup qualifier, two 2014 World Cup qualifiers and an international friendly.