Frequently Asked Questions and Documents

Project Townsville is a proposed advanced computing and digital infrastructure campus being developed by Meridian Compute Partners.

The campus would provide secure computing capacity for businesses, researchers, universities, health care organizations, manufacturers, and technology companies.

The proposed site is within the North Townsville Industrial District, approximately six miles north of downtown Townsville.

The property has been designated for industrial development and provides the space and infrastructure access needed for a project of this type.

The site offers:

• Existing industrial zoning
• Access to regional electrical infrastructure
• Sufficient land for long-term development
• Transportation access
• Space for setbacks and natural buffers
• Limited residential development within the immediate project area

The final site plan will depend on environmental studies, engineering, permitting, and community input.

Current plans cover approximately 1,100 acres. Not all of the property will be developed.

Significant portions are expected to remain as setbacks, stormwater areas, utility corridors, wetlands, landscaping, and preserved natural buffers.

Initial site preparation could begin in 2028, subject to permits, infrastructure agreements, financing, and completion of required reviews.

Initial operations are currently anticipated in 2030.

No. Development is expected to take place in phases over approximately eight to ten years.

Each phase will depend on market demand, infrastructure availability, permitting, financing, and completion of earlier project milestones.

Project Townsville will be responsible for the infrastructure and electrical service costs required to serve the campus.

The project team will enter a dedicated commercial service agreement with regional utility providers. Project-related costs will not be shifted to existing residential customers.

Final energy requirements are still being determined through engineering and utility studies.

Capacity will be added gradually as new project phases are developed.

The campus is being designed with energy-management technology that can reduce nonessential demand during periods of unusual grid stress.

The project is also evaluating battery storage and other systems that can support reliable operations.

Meridian Compute Partners is evaluating renewable power purchasing agreements, grid-supported clean-energy programs, battery storage, and other options.

The project’s final energy strategy will be shared as agreements are completed.

Backup power systems will be required for safety and critical operations.

Generators will be tested and operated in accordance with applicable environmental, noise, and air-quality requirements.

The campus will use a closed-loop cooling system that recirculates water.

Ongoing water demand will primarily support normal workplace activities such as restrooms, kitchens, sanitation, landscaping, and maintenance.

The current design does not rely on continuous use of treated drinking water for cooling.

Final water sources and system designs will be determined through engineering studies and agreements with appropriate local and regional providers.

The project plans to publish annual water-use information once the campus begins operating.

Environmental specialists are conducting surveys of wetlands, streams, wildlife habitats, and other sensitive areas.

The project will avoid impacts where practical and complete required mitigation where impacts cannot be avoided.

Existing vegetation will be preserved where practical, particularly around the project perimeter and near neighboring properties.

Additional landscaping will be installed to strengthen visual buffers.

The project is not expected to produce a noticeable change in temperatures outside the site.

Cooling systems are designed to manage heat within controlled operating environments and safely release it according to engineering and environmental standards.

Construction will temporarily increase traffic near the project site.

The project team will work with transportation agencies to establish truck routes, delivery schedules, staging areas, and any necessary road improvements.

Transportation studies will identify improvements that may be required.

Potential improvements include turn lanes, intersection upgrades, road resurfacing, signage, and traffic-control measures.

Project-related improvements will be funded as part of the development.

Construction activity will follow local requirements and approved working hours.

Contractors will use appropriate mufflers, equipment-maintenance practices, noise barriers, and other measures where necessary.

Mechanical equipment will be selected and positioned to reduce off-site sound.

The project design may include setbacks, sound walls, equipment enclosures, vegetation, and other noise-control features.

Exterior lighting will be designed to support safety while reducing off-site glare.

Fixtures will generally be directed downward and positioned away from nearby properties.

The project is expected to support several thousand construction positions across multiple development phases.

Initial operations are expected to create approximately 450 permanent on-site jobs. Employment could grow to more than 900 positions at full development.

Potential positions include:

• Facility technicians
• Electricians
• Mechanical technicians
• Network specialists
• Computing systems technicians
• Security officers
• Safety professionals
• Logistics coordinators
• Administrative staff
• Engineers
• Supervisors
• Operations managers

Yes. The project intends to work with local schools, colleges, workforce organizations, unions, and training providers to prepare regional residents for available positions.

All hiring will be based on qualifications and applicable employment requirements.

No. Many construction and operational roles will require technical training, trade credentials, certifications, apprenticeships, or relevant work experience rather than a four-year degree.

The project is expected to generate significant local and state tax revenue.

Final projections will depend on assessed value, construction timing, applicable tax agreements, and the pace of development.

Updated estimates will be released as project plans are finalized.

The fund is a proposed $35 million community investment program supported by Meridian Compute Partners over the first 15 years of the project.

Funding priorities will be shaped through community engagement.

Potential priorities include:

• Schools
• Workforce development
• Public safety
• Health care
• Small businesses
• Broadband
• Parks
• Senior services
• Housing
• Transportation
• Veterans’ programs
• Community facilities

The project team will consult with the Community Advisory Council, public agencies, educators, nonprofit organizations, business leaders, and residents.

Specific guidelines, application procedures, and reporting requirements will be published before grants are awarded.

Yes. Awards and annual fund activity will be summarized in the Project Townsville Community Report.

Businesses can complete the supplier interest form on the Local Suppliers page.

The project team will use the information to identify potential vendors, share procurement updates, and invite businesses to relevant events.

No. Registration does not guarantee a contract, invitation to bid, or selection.

All suppliers must meet project requirements and complete the applicable procurement process.

The project may require construction companies, equipment suppliers, transportation providers, hotels, restaurants, staffing companies, maintenance services, safety providers, office suppliers, and many other businesses.

Residents may:

• Submit a message through the Contact Us page
• Attend a public meeting
• Join the email update list
• Contact the project hotline
• Participate in community surveys
• Speak with members of the outreach team

Yes. Meetings will be held at major stages of project planning and construction.

Dates, locations, and presentation materials will be posted on the website.

Project Townsville plans to publish an annual Community Report covering employment, supplier participation, community investment, resource use, environmental performance, and project progress.

Certain commitments will also be subject to independent review.