Business Name

Today's release of the Bligh Government's draft structure plan for the 83ha site comes less than two months after the UDA was declared on April 22 and follows the Premier's Growth Management Summit in March.

Townsville's booming population and how the city might play a bigger role in the future of Queensland was a key consideration at the Premier's Growth Management Summit.

Mr Hinchliffe said the Oonoonba UDA would help manage and harness the potential growth of Townsville in-line with the Townsville Futures Plan, which aims to position Townsville as the key centre for North Queensland and to encourage newcomers to the area.

The proposed structure plan details key land uses and infrastructure needs for the site 3km south of the Townsville CBD.

"The Bligh Government's vision for the Urban Development Area is a new residential development of up to 900 lots which will provide a diverse range of housing to suit the growing and changing needs of the Townsville community," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"The Oonoonba Urban Development Area will provide up to 900 lots - with 50 per cent of the homes at or below the city's $365,000 median house price.

"This will include the incorporation of a wide range of lot sizes and house types from townhouses, terraces and small lots to more traditional house and land packages.

"The draft structure plan is the first step in preparing the overarching planning document for the Urban Development Area and outlines proposed land uses, including the location of future residential development and some small scale retail uses as well as parks and recreation areas which will be available to enjoy by the whole Townsville community."

Member for Townsville Mandy Johnstone urged locals to have their say at community information session to be held tomorrow at the Oonoonba Community Centre at 2 Shannon Street, Oonoonba between 2pm and 8pm on June 22.

"As part of our regionalization strategy, the Oonoonba UDA will provide affordable housing and rent, to encourage population growth and vitality in regions other than South East Queensland," Ms Johnstone said.

"This is a unique and exciting opportunity for the people of Townsville to bring life to emerging areas of the city and help us preserve the enviable lifestyle we enjoy.

"The plan identifies the proposed location of new streets and pedestrian and bicycle paths to link the new development of the nearby suburbs and Abbott Street.

"The draft structure plan will also demonstrate how the riverfront will be opened up to the Townsville community for the first time in decades."

The proposed structure plan for the Urban Development Area is being prepared by State Government agency the Urban Land Development Authority. (ULDA)

ULDA CEO Paul Eagles said the draft structure plan would be available for public comment from 21 June to 2 July at www.ulda.qld.gov.au

"The Townsville community will have the opportunity to talk with planners about the future of the Urban Development Area at the community information session on June 22,'' Mr Eagles said.

"Planners from the Urban Land Development Authoritywill be on hand to explain the draft structure plan and respond to any questions the community might have in relation to what is proposed.

"The final Development Scheme, which will be in place by April next year, will be the overarching planning and development document for the Urban Development Area against which development applications will be assessed.

"In line with the Government's commitment to improve delivery of land supply, an outcome of the Growth Management Summit, some sites have been identified and UDA development will begin before the end of the year.''

The Oonoonba UDA will supplement Townsville's existing strengths and help to advance the city's role as the industrial and administrative hub of North Queensland.

The Oonooba UDA is bounded by the Ross River to the north and west, the railway line and Abbott Street road corridor to the east, and established homes along Riverwood Drive, Viewpoint Terrace and Northshore Circuit to the south.

Source: Minister for Infrastructure and Planning