Darling Downs, South West and South Burnett on course for a sustainable future

• Queensland Government strategy to support economic diversification and decarbonisation in the Darling Downs, South West and South Burnett region
• Agriculture, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, health and pharmaceuticals identified as key industry strengths
• Region’s transformation kickstarted by $20 million in state funding for 18 Queensland Government and council-led projects

Southern Queenslanders can capitalise on the global transition to a clean energy economy by leveraging their skills and resources in industries such as agriculture and advanced manufacturing.

The Queensland Government has announced the Darling Downs, South West and South Burnett Regional Transformation Strategy to support the region to seize opportunities presented by decarbonisation.

Developed following extensive community, local government and industry consultation, the co-designed plan identifies key economic strengths and industry priorities based on the region’s unique geography, resources and workforce skills.

To kickstart its transformation, the Queensland Government is also unlocking $20.03 million from the $200 million Regional Economic Futures Fund.

This funding will enable 18 Queensland Government and council-led projects aimed at reducing emissions, increasing waste recovery, and supporting new industries.

Find out more about the Darling Downs, South West and South Burnett’s clean energy future at www.qld.gov.au/wearethefuture.

Alongside Regional Transformation Strategies the Queensland Government is engaging with the community and key stakeholders to continue to develop Regional Infrastructure Plans and Regional Land Use Plans to reflect and align the economic, infrastructure, land use and social aspirations of the region.

Quotes attributable to Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace:

“Regional Queensland has an important role to play in the future industries that will underpin a low-emissions global economy, as identified in the Queensland New-Industry Development Strategy.

“We’ve worked closely with local governments, industry and the wider community to co-design and develop a Regional Transformation Strategy for Darling Downs, South West and South Burnett, which is one of four priority regions.

“It outlines how the region can harness its world-class agriculture industry, abundant land and natural assets, growing manufacturing base, and emerging health and research capability to create jobs and drive investment in industries that will thrive in a decarbonised world.

“Opportunities include value-added agriculture and the bioeconomy, renewables education and skill development, advanced manufacturing, and health research and services.

“The Darling Downs, South West and South Burnett region has a strong, vibrant future and the Queensland Government is committed to supporting its transformation into a world-class, low-carbon economy.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Julieanne Gilbert:

“The Miles Government is investing in our regions to create sustainable jobs and stronger, more diverse economies based on locally identified strengths and priorities.

“Regional transformation is critical to achieving Queensland’s renewable energy and emissions reduction targets, and capitalising on our existing strengths to meet global demand for cleaner, greener and more responsibly sourced products.

“Funding is being allocated to projects that have been identified through regional consultation as those that will best support the region’s economy over the long term.

“These regions have a strong, vibrant future and the Miles Government is committed to supporting their transformation into world-class, low-carbon economies.”

Quotes attributable to Mayor Geoff McDonald, Toowoomba Regional Council:

"Government support that ensures energy transformation will bring benefits to the host community is critically important.

The Strategy was developed with significant feedback from across the region, it highlights the regions strengths and outlines strategic opportunities for economic diversification and decarbonation’

Fast facts about the Darling Downs, South West and South Burnett region:

• Spans 404,940 square kilometres, representing 23 per cent of Queensland’s total land mass and encompassing three sub-regions (Darling Downs, South West and South Burnett).
• Comprises 12 local government areas: Bulloo, Quilpie, Paroo, Murweh, Maranoa, Balonne, Western Downs, Goondiwindi, Toowoomba, Southern Downs, South Burnett and Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire
• Currently home to nearly 320,000 people, with the population projected to grow to over 354,000 by 2046.
• Healthcare and social assistance is the region’s biggest employer.
• Produces one quarter of Queensland’s agricultural output.
• Top five industries by gross output: manufacturing ($7.9 billion), mining ($7.5 billion), construction ($6.7 billion), agriculture, forestry and fishing ($5.4 billion), and electricity, gas, water and waste ($3.5 billion)
• Key industry strengths in a clean energy economy: agriculture (raw products and value-added), renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and health and pharmaceuticals

Newly approved projects under the $200 million Regional Economic Futures Fund (REFF)

ENDS

Media contact: Kim Sweetman 0457 600 237