Opinion: Now is the time to get Ahead of the Game 

By Heidi Cooper

Townsville is embarking on the biggest growth trajectory in more than a decade, with billions of dollars in investment reshaping how the region works, moves and grows.  

Unprecedented infrastructure development, once in a generation global events, demand for locally made goods and services, growing tourism and new ventures arising from digital innovation and the energy transition are all providing opportunities that could benefit businesses for generations to come.  

Today, Townsville generates about $20.9 billion in economic product, contributing to roughly 4% of Queensland’s total economy. The region has billions of dollars in projects committed in its development pipeline with 5,000 new jobs forecast over the next decade.  

The Bruce Highway upgrade, linking the southeast of Queensland to the Far North, and the CopperString project, a 1,100km high-voltage transmission line from Townsville to Mount Isa, are reshaping regional connectivity.  

Global events including the Socceroos versus Brazil, the Rugby League World Cup, the Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon mean the region is gearing up for a wave of investment, visitors and global attention. 

Infrastructure development, global events and growth of this scale can create demand across countless tiers of supply: transport and freight, warehousing, catering, cleaning, maintenance, fabrication, fit-outs, security, training, tech, accommodation, signage, uniforms and professional services to name a few.  

Yet despite the optimism surrounding North Queensland’s future, many businesses are telling us they don’t know where to begin. They hear about the Olympics, major projects and procurement opportunities, but they are asking practical questions: How do I become tender ready? How do I scale? What partnerships do I need? How do I position my brand to compete? 

They also tell us it is hard to think about growth or look to the future when they are managing through a complex and challenging business environment day-to-day. 

This is why we developed the Ahead of the Game series – a program designed to support businesses to develop their capability to respond to and capture the opportunities of an evolving economy and play a meaningful role in the growth of the region. 

We have worked directly with the Queensland Government, Brisbane 2032 and private investors as well as our counterparts at the LA Chamber to understand how best to support businesses to take advantage of the opportunities ahead. 

Business Chamber Queensland’s Ahead of the Game event in Townsville this Thursday is timely because it brings the conversation where it needs to be: into the region, into the hands of local operators, and into the practical realities. 

For Townsville, this is a moment to think big and create a lasting economic legacy. It is a chance to strengthen local supply chains, lift capability, attract talent, expand the visitor economy, and continue to position North Queensland as a reliable engine room for a state on the world stage.  

The opportunity ahead of Townsville is extraordinary. The investments are being committed, the projects are being planned and the world is beginning to turn its attention to Queensland.  

The businesses that act now – building capability, forming partnerships and positioning themselves for growth – will be the ones that shape the region’s future. 

That is why now is the time to get ahead of the game.