General
Located on the shores of Cleveland Bay, Townsville is well place to be the capital of the North Queensland region. Townsville is built on a strip of flat, low-lying plain with sharp relief being provided by Castle Hill (Mount Cutheringa) (283 metres high) around which the city has developed. In addition, the city and its hinterland are encircled by a ring of mountains, the most prominent being Mt Stuart (610 metres), Mt Louisa and Many Peaks Range. Townsville's regional population is 160,000, with the Townsville City Council servicing the needs of 100,000 of these residents. On January 1986 Thuringowa Shire attained the status of a city and became Thuringowa City. Since 1986, Thuringowa has developed its urban areas and has increased its population from 3,050 in 1968 to its present estimated 56,000. The cities of Townsville and Thuringowa were amalgamated on the 15 March 2008.
Climate
Townsville experiences an even temperature range, with winter daytime temperatures in the mid 20s and summer daytime temperatures in the low 30s.
Conditions during the months of December to March are aggravated by high humidity but, for the eight months of the year, Townsville enjoys an exceptionally fine climate conducive to pleasant indoor and outdoor living.
Rain in Townsville is seasonal; the wet period being December to March, when almost 80 percent of the total rainfall is received. Rainfall is extremely variable, with the average of 1,204mm achieved approximately one in every six years, while the actual total has ranged from 250mm to 2,489mm. The variability of rainfall is also indicated by the fact that, in about one out of every two years, rainfall varies by more than 25 percent of the average.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in the Townsville region is very reasonable.
Generally, the cost of consumer goods in Townsville/Thuringowa is comparable to other parts of Australia. There are several major shopping centres - which include K-mart, Big W and Target - giving the same variety and competitive prices of consumer goods
Groceries and other food items are available from a range of supermarkets including Woolworths, Coles, IGA, Bi-Lo and Action. Most stone fruit and vegetables are imported from the south or from the northern tablelands, and prices are generally higher than in southern areas.
Clothing prices are not much higher than in capital cities but, because of the tropical climate, there is usually a reduced selection of winter clothing. Consequently, clothing is a relatively smaller item in the budget.
Durable consumer goods may also carry higher prices which reflect transport costs. New vehicles, for example, cost more than in capital cities. Supplies of most kinds of consumer goods are available, although delays are sometimes experienced for less popular brands and for replacement parts.