Preparations in ahead of Tropical Cyclone Debbie. Delivering for the community that will contribute towards implementing Queensland’s vision. Government’s More information on how our policies, programs and services contribute to the objectives for the government’s objectives for the community can be found in the ‘Our performance’ community sections of this annual report. Our department is focused on delivering the following objectives Whole-of-government plans for the community: and initiatives • creating jobs and a diverse economy • building safe, caring and connected National Partnership Agreements communities and Project Agreements • protecting the environment. The department has the lead responsibility for We collaborate with local, state and federal delivering on two National Partnership government agencies, industry and private Agreements (NPAs) with the Australian sector stakeholders to deliver quality frontline Government. services, and to: The aim of the NPAs is to improve the capacity, resilience and infrastructure in • support and increase job opportunities through major project communities, and to implement financial development and the growth of new management frameworks that build the and existing industry sectors capacity and resilience of local governments. • encourage partnerships with regional Regional Infrastructure Fund stakeholders and grow regional Stream 2—Economic Infrastructure economies through investment, exports and job creation North Queensland Resources Supply Chain ($1.66 million) delivered the following • protect the Great Barrier Reef initiatives during 2016–17: through actioning Reef 2050 as well as advancing master planning for the • an investigation of options to priority ports of Gladstone, accelerate the development of the Townsville, Abbot Point and Hay Townsville SDA Point/Mackay in accordance with the • the development, by the Mount Isa to Sustainable Ports Development Act Townsville Economic Development 2015 (Ports Act) Zone, of a multi-criteria decision • ensure the department’s policies, analysis tool and aerial geographical programs and services align with the assessment to identify the most Queensland Government Interim reliable backup to existing storages Response to The Queensland Plan. enhancing water security for (the Interim Response) Cloncurry and Mount Isa. The Interim Response supports the This NPA expired on 30 June 2017. A further government’s objectives for the community extension to 30 June 2018 has been sought and identifies the priorities and key initiatives from the Australian Government for further initiatives to be delivered under this program.

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Concept design. North Queensland Stadium, Townsville.

Central Queensland Resources Supply Community Hubs and Chain ($1.5 million): Partnerships (CHaPs) A range of projects have been completed The Community Hubs and Partnerships including assessing the viability of (CHaPs) program delivers on whole-of- transporting fuel inputs by rail to reduce road government directions outlined in the State safety and congestion, evaluating upgrading Infrastructure Plan by facilitating improved the Clermont-Alpha Road and investigating cross-agency planning and ensuring more the viability of a common user airport for the effective and efficient use of existing assets. Galilee Basin. This innovative program brings together state North Queensland Stadium government agencies, local councils, non- government organisations and the private The North Queensland Stadium is a joint sector to provide service and infrastructure project of the Queensland Government, solutions in areas of anticipated high Australian Government and the Townsville population growth and/or changing City Council and is supported by both the community needs. (NRL) and the . The stadium forms During 2016–17, CHaPS facilitated the part of the Townsville City Deal signed in planning and implementation of 12 projects. December 2016. This included work in regional areas such as Hervey Bay, Mackay, Mount Isa and the The Queensland Government has committed Western Downs. $140 million, supported by $100 million from the Australian Government and $10 million In the Priority Development Area (PDA) of from the North Queensland Cowboys with the Caloundra South (now known as Aura), support of the National Rugby League (NRL). CHaPs facilitated a collaborative design, Townsville City Council is contributing land delivery and operational management and enabling infrastructure. outcome for the Aura Community Hub by bringing together stakeholders from local and A key objective is to generate jobs and state government and the private sector. Stage stimulate the region’s economy by engaging one of the Community Hub will open in local industry. The project is expected to January 2018, with the project achieving a support 750 full-time equivalent jobs during $31 million bring forward of investment to design and construction. the Sunshine Coast community. It will also act as a catalyst for revitalisation The Inala Community Hub represents the first of the Townsville Central Business District stage of a wider precinct plan servicing the and provide ongoing benefits for the tourism, needs of the community. retail, commercial and hospitality industries in North Queensland. Through facilitation with state and non- government partners, CHaPS enabled a $3.5 The 25,000-seat stadium will be home to the million investment to be brought forward. North Queensland Cowboys and cater for a variety of other events and uses. The project is on track for completion by the start of the 2020 NRL season.

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