The BIO Convention in Boston has formed the backdrop for Townsville City Council and Imperium3 signing an agreement to progress a north Queensland lithium-ion battery plant.

Mayor Jenny Hill said signing the agreement was the next crucial step to establishing the $2 billion battery plant in Townsville.

“This battery plant has the potential to transform Townsville and charge the city’s economy for decades to come,” Cr Hill said.

“The battery plant project has generated huge interest already at the BIO Convention and Townsville is well and truly on the map for investors here.

“I’d like to thank the Premier for the invitation to the US to showcase our plans to turn Townsville into an advanced manufacturing hub.”

The Imperium3 consortium consists of Magnis Resources, C4V LLC New York and Boston Energy and Innovation.

The battery plant, expected to create up to 1000 direct jobs, would be built at Woodstock after Townsville City Council last year agreed to partner with the consortium and provide the land.

Imperium3 has submitted financial details to the Department of State Development as part of the Queensland Government’s approval process for $3.1 million contribution to complete a feasibility study.

Magnis Resources said the agreement signed in Boston would help fast-track the Townsville plant.

The company also announced that it had secured commitments from new partners including SIEMENS, Celgard, Probuild, Norman Young & Disney, Ausenco and WT Partnership.

Probuild Group managing director, Simon Gray said the Townsville battery plant was unquestionably a significant
project for the Northern Australian region.

“Probuild is excited to be involved in the delivery of this project that will underpin the smart technology hub,” he said