News

RE: Urgent Action Required – Damage to Critical Infrastructure at Ollera Creek The Townsville, Hinchinbrook and Cairns Chambers of Commerce urge the Federal and State Governments to work together and take immediate action to address the severe damage to critical infrastructure at Ollera Creek on the Bruce Highway, which has been significantly damaged in the severe weather event this week. This essential transport link, as well as the railway line, is the major artery and economic lifeline for North and Far North Queensland. Its ongoing vulnerability to flooding and structural failure has severe consequences for businesses, freight, emergency services, and the wider community. The current flooding event has once again severed connectivity, isolated key regions and causing widespread economic and social disruption: Freight & Supply Chains: The Bruce Highway is the backbone of North Queensland’s economy, yet damage at Ollera Creek continually disrupts freight movements between the Cairns Distribution Centre, Townsville, and beyond leaving shops and businesses deprived of stock and services. This is resulting in significant loss of income. Healthcare Access: Patients from Far North Queensland and Ingham who require urgent medical treatment in Townsville Hospital are cut off, putting lives at risk. Workforce & Business Disruptions: Hundreds of workers cannot commute, businesses suffer financial losses, and local economies are severely impacted. Disaster Response & Recovery Efforts: The Bruce Highway is our only continuous road corridor, yet every flooding event delays emergency services and recovery operations, hampering North and Far North Queensland’s resilience. The rebuilding and strengthening of the Ollera Creek crossing must be urgently prioritised as part of a broader strategy to safeguard critical infrastructure and regional connectivity. A long-term, flood-resilient solution is essential to ensure North and far North Queensland’s economy and communities are not left so vulnerable. We call on the Government to fast-track funding and emergency construction response crew for this essential project without delay. We welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter further and look forward to your response. Yours sincerely, Heidi Turner - Townsville Chamber,  Mary Brown - Hinchinbrook Chamber, Trish O'Neill - Cairns Chamber

Insurance Market Failure in Northern Australia – Federal Budget Submission On 31st January 2025, we uploaded the Townsville Chamber of Commerce’s federal budget submission, Insurance: The Market Failure of an Essential Service in Northern Australia. This submission, backed by 20 Chambers of Commerce across Northern Australia, represents thousands of businesses struggling with unaffordable or unavailable insurance. How ironic that last year’s submission deadline coincided with TC Kirrily crossing Townsville, and here we are typing away with the rain lashing around us, about the same unresolved crisis. Insurance is not a luxury—it’s essential for businesses to: Secure finance and investment Meet legal and contractual obligations Rent commercial space Trade locally and internationally Yet, insurance is becoming more unaffordable and unattainable in Northern Australia, leaving businesses exposed and economically vulnerable. Without attainable and affordable insurance, investment effectiveness is severely limited. The LNP’s NAIF commitment is commendable, but without attainable and affordable insurance, investment effectiveness is severely limited. A Summary of Our Key Recommendations: Amend the Reinsurance Pool to deliver real premium reductions for business Ensure insurers cover all of Australia, not just low-risk areas Establish a National Insurer to guarantee coverage where the private market fails. The government are the insurer of last resort already Abolish Stamp Duty & GST on insurance—it’s an essential service! Enforce transparency so savings actually reach consumers Invest in mitigation & resilience- only when it increases affordability and accessability of premiums This is not just a Townsville issue—it’s a Northern Australian crisis. We need urgent policy intervention before more businesses are forced to close. We encourage policymakers to review our submission and take action. You can review our full submission HERE

Win a Business Boost Package! Ready to take your business to the next level? Become a Chamber Member or renew your membership with Chamber before midday 31st January 2025, and you’ll go in the draw to win an exclusive Business Boost Package valued at $2,500!  This business boosting prize includes: A 90-Second Professional Profile Video about your business created by the experts at GetBranded. Your video featured across the Chamber’s digital channels, reaching over 10,000 local business professionals. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your business, grow your network, and THRIVE IN 2025!? For more information email members@townsvillechamber.com.au Terms and Conditions 1. Eligibility This promotion is open to businesses that become new members of the Townsville Chamber of Commerce or renew their existing membership between 20 December 2024 and midday 31 January 2025. Only financial members of the Chamber as of midday 31 January 2025 are eligible for the draw 2. Campaign Period The campaign runs from 20 December 2024 to midnight 31 January 2025. 3. Prize One (1) professional 90-second business profile video produced by Chamber Media Partner GetBranded. The prize is for 1 hour of filming and 2 hours of editing. The video will include interviews (up to 2 people) and overlay footage filmed at the business premises within the Townsville City Council area. The winning business may purchase additional time or editing services directly with GetBranded at their own cost. 4. Entry Requirements Eligible businesses will automatically be entered into the draw upon successful completion of their membership application or renewal. Membership payments must be completed in full by midnight 31 January 2025 to qualify.  5. Draw Details The winner will be drawn at random on 3 February 2025. The winner will be notified by email and phone and announced via Chamber communication channels, including newsletters and social media.  6. Video Production Terms The winner must schedule their video production within 4 weeks of being notified. Filming must take place within the Townsville City Council area unless otherwise agreed. The video will be delivered in a digital format and can be used for promotional purposes by the winner, Getbranded and the Townsville Chamber. If you cancel your agreed filming date you will forfeit the prize  7. General Conditions The prize is not transferable or redeemable for cash. By entering this campaign, participants agree to the use of their business name and imagery for promotional purposes by GetBranded and the Townsville Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber reserves the right to make changes to the promotion, terms, or timelines as required.  8. Contact For queries regarding this promotion, please contact the Townsville Chamber at members@townsvillechamber.com.au.   Draw Details The winner will be drawn at random on 3 February 2025. The winner will be notified by email and phone and announced via Chamber communication channels, including newsletters and social media.   Video Production Terms The winner must schedule their video production within 4 weeks of being notified. Filming must take place within the Townsville City Council area unless otherwise agreed. The video will be delivered in a digital format and can be used for promotional purposes by the winner, Getbranded and the Townsville Chamber. If you cancel your agreed filming date you will forfeit the prize   General Conditions The prize is not transferable or redeemable for cash. By entering this campaign, participants agree to the use of their business name and imagery for promotional purposes by GetBranded and the Townsville Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber reserves the right to make changes to the promotion, terms, or timelines as required. Contact For queries regarding this promotion, please contact the Townsville Chamber at members@townsvillechamber.com.au.