TNQ economic development strategy awarded

The collaborative work to develop the Tropical North Queensland Economic Development Strategy 2024-2029
was recognised at the inaugural 2024 Regional Development Australia Awards in Busselton, Western Australia,
on 28 October.
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Tropical North earned the Investing in Places award, which recognises
targeted and place-based investment that enables communities to thrive and adapt, for the five-year strategic
plan developed in collaboration with the FNQ Regional Organisation of Councils (FNQROC).
RDA Tropical North Chair Professor Hurriyet Babacan said forging a regional partnership to create a strategic
plan for the Far North was critical for the future of the region.
“This strategy emerged from understanding 21 local government areas’ priorities from Cardwell north to the
Torres Strait Islands and west to Croydon with the Torres Cape Indigenous Councils Alliance (TCICA) as a key
partner,” she said.
“It also involved the synthesis of 37 regional plans and the result is a cohesive vision across economic,
environmental, social and cultural pillars for the region.
“Key priority development areas and infrastructure projects have been identified that canvas land-use
perspectives, emerging growth industries and considerations for population growth and liveability to inform
government investment decisions.
“Already we are seeing outcomes including attracting public and private investment in a $2.4 million agricultural
plastics recycling facility in Mareeba.
“Funding has been secured for Stage 1 of the Etheridge Agriculture and Irrigation Precinct and digital
connectivity will be improved through the delivery of the Regional Drought Resilience Plans.
“The Strategy also supports the transition to a low carbon economy in the region through positioning the local
cane industry as feedstock for Jet Zero’s sustainable aviation fuel.”
The Tropical North Queensland Economic Development Strategy 2024-2029 has a roadmap listing the current
proposals requiring support, those with sourced funding which require a continued commitment, and implementation priorities.