News & Advocacy

Insurance affordability remains a major concern across North Queensland. New figures reported by the Townsville Bulletin show that four in ten Townsville homes have no contents insurance, while building insurance premiums have risen sharply. Chamber CEO Emma Peters said many households and small businesses are still waiting for meaningful relief, with limited benefits flowing from the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool. The Chamber continues to advocate for stronger oversight of the scheme and practical action that delivers genuine savings. Affordable insurance is essential for protecting homes, supporting local businesses and helping our region recover when disaster strikes. We will continue raising this issue and pushing for adequate insurance cover to be more accessible across North Queensland.

On Thursday 23rd June, Chamber President Kevin Booth and CEO Emma Peters took part in a Channel 7 News interview discussing the current state and future potential of our CBD.  We highlighted several key opportunities to stimulate greater retail activity and bring renewed energy back into the City Centre. These include revisiting the existing car‑parking fee structure, introducing incentives for landlords to reactivate vacant shops, and investing in more attractive, shaded and pedestrian‑friendly streetscaping. Each of these measures would help create a more welcoming environment for locals, visitors, and businesses.  While the CBD is vibrant and bustling during the Cotters Market on a Sunday morning, it would be fantastic to see this level of activity continue throughout the week. More people shopping, dining and spending time in the CBD naturally contributes to a safer and more positive atmosphere, reducing the likelihood of anti‑social behaviour.  There is no single solution to the challenges facing the CBD, but with a collaborative approach between the Chamber, Council and local landlords, we can restore our City Centre to the vibrant, thriving destination it deserves to be.  The Incognito Art Show will be coming to Townsville in August 2026, which will provide another exciting opportunity to draw people back into the CBD and support further activation. Events like this play a crucial role in showcasing our city’s creativity and encouraging foot traffic for surrounding businesses. For more information about Incognito please see their website: Incognito Art Show is Australia’s biggest and most inclusive art show. 

From 1st July 2026, the Townsville Chamber of Commerce will introduce updated membership fees. Like every organisation in our region, we are experiencing the reality that the cost of doing business continues to rise. The Chamber is not immune to these pressures. To remain effective, independent, and capable of delivering the level of advocacy our members deserve, these adjustments are necessary and will apply to all renewals after 1st July.  This change comes at a time of significant momentum within the Chamber. With a revitalised team, renewed energy, and a clear strategic direction, we are strengthening our ability to represent and support the businesses of Townsville. The work underway now will lay the foundation for a stronger, more connected, and more influential Chamber.  As part of this evolution, the Individual Membership category will be removed. This category is not suitable for ABN holders or businesses, and streamlining our membership structure ensures that every member is aligned with the Chamber’s purpose as a business‑focused organisation.  We are also developing a Member Benefit Program, designed to deliver real value through discounts, partner offers, and exclusive opportunities. This program will ensure that membership not only supports the Chamber’s advocacy work but also provides tangible savings and benefits to members throughout the year.   Being part of the Townsville Chamber means belonging to a 144‑year‑old organisation that is member-funded, apolitical, and truly independent. That independence matters. It means we speak for business, not for government, not for donors, not for political interests. At a time when so many changes are occurring across policy, regulation, and the economic landscape, it is more important than ever that the Chamber is robustly enabled to advocate on behalf of Townsville businesses at all three levels of government.  Your membership ensures that the voice of business remains strong, credible, and impossible to ignore. We encourage all members to continue with us through this next chapter. The Chamber is growing, modernising, and becoming more influential and your support is essential to that progress.  If you would like to explore the updated structure, discuss your membership, or learn more about the upcoming benefits program, we welcome the conversation.