A $550 million tourism development in Townsville is set to ripple benefits through the Burdekin, with local businesses tipped to gain from increased visitor traffic and regional growth once the project gets underway.
Townsville City Council last week granted preliminary approval for the Townsville Waterpark, Beach Club, and Hotel project—a major step forward for what has been described as a game-changer for North Queensland’s tourism economy.
The 15-hectare site sits at the intersection of Bruce and Flinders Highways, directly opposite Fairfield Central Shopping Centre and just over an hour’s drive from Ayr and Home Hill — placing the Burdekin within easy reach of the new attraction.
For Burdekin locals, the development could mean new opportunities in construction, accommodation, and tourism. Local suppliers and tradespeople may be among those engaged during the build, while hospitality operators could benefit from increased visitation as the region’s tourism profile expands.
According to an independent economic impact study by Sydney-based advisory firm Location IQ, the Townsville Waterpark development is expected to create more than 1,100 direct and indirect jobs across construction and operations. Once completed, it could generate more than $26 million in annual retail and hospitality sales and over $400 million in turnover by 2046.
The project is designed in two precincts: Precinct 1, on the western side, will feature the 3,000-person capacity waterpark, a 10,000-square-metre Beach Club for up to 5,000 guests, and a 15-storey, 200-room hotel with function and event facilities for 600 people. Precinct 2 will include mixed-use commercial development such as shops, food outlets, health and fitness spaces, and a childcare centre.
Council documents show the approval introduces a new Plan of Development for the site, setting out how future development applications will be assessed. Developers must still meet several conditions, including updated water and sewerage planning, a transport masterplan, and stormwater requirements.
Townsville’s Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said the decision marked an important milestone, describing it as “a step in the right direction” for a project the community had wanted for decades.
With Townsville’s visitor expenditure climbing to $1.2 billion for the year ending June 2024—up more than 10 per cent from the previous year—local observers say the Burdekin could share in the benefits.
A large-scale waterpark just a short drive north is expected to encourage more day trips, overnight stays, and regional collaboration, giving the Burdekin another reason to attract passing visitors and new investment.
An artist's impression of the $500 million waterpark planned for Townsville. Photo sourced
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