Fresh plan to supercharge Queensland regions

Families and businesses across the state will benefit from the release of the Queensland Government’s strong plan to create jobs and prosperity in regional communities.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney launched the RegionsQ Framework at a business breakfast in Townsville today, signalling the first stage in a process to supercharge regional economies.

“Our government recognises that Queensland’s regions are the economic powerhouse of the state, with more than $140 billion worth of output produced outside Brisbane in 2010-11,” Mr Seeney said.

“Since we were elected in 2012, our government has restored respect for the important role that regional Queenslanders play in driving our state’s economy.

“Unlike Labor we are genuinely committed to making regional Queensland an even better place to live, work, invest and raise a family.”

The framework has identified six priority action areas, including: planning for development; infrastructure services; making it easier to do business; capitalising on economic drivers; attracting and retaining people; and communicating and promoting the regions’ potential.

There will also be a new whole-of-government plan to manage Projects of Regional Significance – nine of which have already been identified across Queensland.

“We promised to support growth in the four pillars of the economy – tourism, resources, agriculture and construction and we are delivering on that promise,” Mr Seeney said.

“We’ve simplified complex planning regulations, boosted investment in infrastructure, and untangled the red tape that had been strangling industry, business and landholders.

“The RegionsQ Framework builds on this solid bedrock of change, and is the next step in ensuring that regional Queensland continues to play a vital role in our mission to grow and supercharge the economy.”

Mr Seeney said the framework draws on the Governing for Growth Economic Strategy and Action Plan and identifies the priorities that will achieve the long term vision set out in The Queensland Plan for a decentralised state.

“The first key initiative of the RegionsQ Framework will be the whole-of-government management of Projects of Regional Significance,” he said.

“Proponents involved in development projects identified as having a significant economic benefit to a specific region will now only have one case manager to deal with for all aspects of State Government involvement.

“This single point of contact will reduce turnaround times, cut red tape, and lead to the faster deployment of all available government-support mechanisms.”

Under the framework, nine initial Projects of Regional Significance have been identified.

1. North West Minerals Province
2. Galilee Basin Development
3. Gulf Rivers Agricultural Zone
4. Burdekin Catchment Development
5. Charlton-Wellcamp Precinct near Toowoomba
6. Cairns Airport Aviation and Commercial Precinct
7. Cooper Basin Development
8. Springfield Health Precinct
9. Sunshine Coast University Hospital/ Kawana Health Precinct.

 Mr Seeney said eleven RegionsQ forums will be held around regional Queensland over the coming months.  

“These forums will give us the opportunity to provide more information about the framework, and seek feedback from regional Queenslanders and stakeholders on the RegionsQ priorities and how they can contribute,” he said.

“The RegionsQ Action Plan will be released in early 2015, and next year we plan to hold the RegionsQ Showcase - a major event to shine a spotlight on the great lifestyle and investment opportunities in our regions.”

The new framework is available at www.dsdip.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 9 July 2014

Media Contact: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754 or Elizabeth Spry 0418 928 744