Go time for projects in Queensland’s remote regions

Published Friday, 03 September, 2021 at 11:21 AM

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning
The Honourable Dr Steven Miles

Five remote communities across Queensland will share in $1.5 million as part of Queensland’s Economic Recovery Plan through the Remote Area Boards (RAB) program.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said each region will have access to $150,000 each year for two financial years for approved projects that increase economic diversity and create jobs in remote Queensland communities.

“Remote Area Boards represent 60 percent of Queensland and play a vital role in supporting communities,” Mr Miles said.

“They provide a single voice on strategic issues and economic priorities for the region and focus funding on delivering much needed projects that might not otherwise attract financial support.

“Nine projects were successful in our last round of funding and we are now seeing those projects come to completion.

“Projects such as the North West Queensland Cotton Gin Feasibility Study that’s helping attract potential investors by highlighting the economic benefits that a cotton gin could bring to the region.

“Or the Central West Queensland Tourism Data Model Implementation project that’s supporting investment and helping maximise the industry's ability to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 through specific tourism data on the region.”

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said projects funded through RABs provide a breath of fresh air for communities.

“The Cape, Torres and Gulf Opportunities Plan was supported through this program, it focuses on the economic opportunities that could be developed in and around the Cape, Torres and Gulf areas of Queensland, and is essential as part of our regions economic recovery,” Ms Lui said.

“Each RAB will now progress the diverse and exciting project concepts for funding.

“I look forward to seeing the next round of exciting projects in the coming months.”

There are five RABs, the South West Regional Organisation of Councils, Gulf Savannah Development, Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Development Zone (MITEZ), Remote Area Planning and Development Board (representing Central West Queensland), and the Torres and Cape Indigenous Councils Alliance.

Cath Robson, CEO from MITEZ said the funding makes a real difference to many Queenslanders in these remote areas.

“Most regional communities don’t have access to the same resources as those in the inner-city,” Ms Robson said.

“This funding not only ensures the country has the same opportunities as the city but also highlights the diverse economic opportunities that lie in regional Queensland.”