Greener pastures for Port Community Fund recipients

Environmental initiatives, education and well-being programs are among the projects being funded through the Port of Townsville’s 2025 Community Fund.

A total of 32 applications were received, with 13 successful recipients sharing in $50,000 that will go towards a range of projects across the region supporting the Port’s pillars of planet, people, prosperity and community.

Port of Townsville CEO Ranee Crosby said the annual fund has supported 55 projects across the region with a combined value of more than $2.5 million, since it launched in 2021.

“The Port of Townsville is always striving to support and strengthen our community ties, including to areas outside of Townsville, as our operations extend to Hinchinbrook, the Burdekin and the North West,” Ms Crosby said.

“I want to thank all the applicants for their time and effort in submitting their applications for a wide range of great initiatives and projects.

“The applications we received were of high quality with our judging panel faced with a tough time narrowing down the final choices.”

One of this year’s successful applicants, Black River Pony Club Committee Member and Chief Instructor Chantelle Turner said the club applied to the Community Fund to replace their irrigator, as it was leaking water and suffering from wear and tear.

“Environmentally, the new irrigator will enable consistent and sustainable maintenance of our arena surface—reducing dust, erosion, and runoff into nearby waterways, while supporting the regrowth of drought-tolerant grasses,” Ms Turner said.

“Over time, this helps protect local ecosystems and ensures a safer, more resilient surface for horses and riders.

“By maintaining a safe and welcoming arena, we continue to foster social connection through community rallies, clinics, and competitions, all held in a shared green space.

“Economically, the improved facility enables us to host larger events that attract visitors from across North Queensland, stimulating local business and strengthening our club’s long-term viability.

“This project is a practical, community-driven step toward a more prosperous and connected regional future.

Each application is assessed by the fund’s panel that carefully considers requests with the Port’s values of Partnerships, Opportunity, Respect and Trust and our themes of Prosperity, Planet, Community and People.

Recipients of the 2025 Port Community Fund