Revitalising Townsville's CBD: A Collaborative Path Forward

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.