Palaszczuk Government unveils plan to unlock jobs for Central and Western Queensland

1. Central and Western Queensland Regional Infrastructure Plan (CWQIP) is the first to be unveiled by Palaszczuk Government
2. Plan sets out next 20 years of infrastructure for regions
3. CWQIP will ensure regional communities can harness opportunities in existing and emerging industries

Central and Western Queensland has become the state’s first region to gain a 20-year plan for the priority infrastructure needed to grow local economies and jobs.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning Steven Miles said Queensland’s largest region had been chosen to lead a statewide roll-out of place-based infrastructure plans to drive regional economic transformation and liveable communities.

The Palazczuk Labor Government is planning for, and building, the infrastructure a growing Queensland needs.

The CWQIP was finalised after extensive consultation with stakeholders including local government, industry and community groups.

Four priorities were identified during the consultation period:

1. Healthy, growing communities each with a unique character and lifestyle
2. A resilient and connected region that continues to adapt to climate change and climate variability and the challenges of remoteness
3. Agriculture, mining, and tourism diversify to remain globally competitive, evolving in response to market and technological drivers
4. Harness the opportunities of decarbonisation by diversifying into renewable energy, hydrogen, and clean manufacturing to become a global exporter of high-value, low-carbon products

The plan will be reviewed every two years to ensure it remains aligned with Government and stakeholder priorities.

View the CWQIP here

Quotes attributable to the Deputy Premier:

“Today’s release of the Central and Western Queensland Infrastructure Plan (CWQIP) sets out where that region wants to be in 20 years and how it will get there,” Mr Miles said.

“This vast region is already a powerhouse for industries including energy, resources, manufacturing, agriculture and tourism.

“We want to make sure the opportunities keep coming to the region’s communities which span the state, from Gladstone in the east through to Birdsville in the Outback.

“Thanks to the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, the Queensland SuperGrid Infrastructure Blueprint and the Central Queensland Renewable Energy Zone, we know there are substantial opportunities ahead.

“The CWQIP will help ensure the region has the infrastructure it needs to support initiatives such as the emerging renewable hydrogen sector and industries powered with clean, green renewables.”

Quotes attributable to Gladstone MP Glenn Butcher:

“Coming off the back of the Palaszczuk Government’s announcement that we will build the Fitzroy to Gladstone pipeline, this plan is just more evidence that we have a vision for CQ.

“Central Queensland and beyond will be a powerhouse for good jobs in the next decade and this plan will be the roadmap for unlocking those jobs for locals.

“We’re already taking steps to address decarbonisation and climate change and through this plan, our communities can walk with us on the journey.”

Quotes attributable to Rockhampton MP Barry O’Rourke:

“The Palaszczuk Labor Government is already heavily investing in CQ; Rookwood Weir, the Rocky Ring Road and our record health spend are just some examples and this plan lays that all out, along with what the future looks like.

“The CWQIP serves as a RAP sheet for all the great work underway and will also enable the government and all relevant agencies to look at demand and identify what gaps we can be filling with our fantastic local resources and workforces.”

Quotes attributable to Keppel MP Brittany Lauga:

“Central and Western Queensland is a highly liveable region and has significant future growth potential thanks to the excellent lifestyle and an abundance of economic opportunities.

“As with all major regional development, new infrastructure and industries will be balanced with the social and environmental aspects to ensure the fantastic lifestyle our region offers is maintained.

“The Palaszczuk Government is intent on supporting essential community facilities including  housing, health, education, recreation, as well as arts and culture and this plan does exactly that.”

Further information:

Over the next two years, a total of seven regional infrastructure plans will be progressively released to support Queensland’s overarching State Infrastructure Strategy, released in June 2022.

The infrastructure plans will also support state and regional planning initiatives.

The other six regions to have infrastructure plans are Far North Queensland; North and Western Queensland; Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday; Wide Bay Burnett; Darling Downs and South West; and South East Queensland.

ENDS

Media contact: Emilia Hutchinson – 0437 060 435