TNQ economic development strategy launched
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Tropical North has released a five-year strategic plan for the region to develop a dynamic economy, build resilience and increase liveability.
The Tropical North Queensland Economic Development Strategy 2024-2029 was developed in collaboration with the FNQ Regional Organisation of Councils (FNQROC), a peak body of 12 local governments, as a cohesive vision across economic, environmental, social and cultural pillars for the region.
RDA Tropical North Chair Professor Hurriyet Babacan said forging a regional partnership to develop a strategic plan for the Far North was critical for the future of the region.
“The Torres Cape Indigenous Councils Alliance (TCICA) was also a key regional partner in the plan which involved consultation with the State Government, industry and community to include 21 local government areas from Cardwell north to the Torres Strait Islands and west to Croydon,” she said.
“The Strategy identifies key priority development areas and infrastructure projects canvasing land-use perspectives, emerging growth industries and considerations for population growth and liveability to inform government investment decisions.
“These include exploring opportunities for green energy transition, regional collaboration for a plastics recycling industry, facilitating partnerships to realise the Etheridge Agricultural and Irrigation Precinct, regional advocacy to headquarter an 18th NRL team in Cairns and securing further funding to enable the Peninsula Developmental Road to be sealed to Weipa.
“As well as informing government policy decisions and investment decisions, the strategy will be used to facilitate private investment, trade, local procurement and jobs for the Tropical North.”
FNQROC Chair Cr Michael Kerr said the Strategy considered the goals and issues of the region’s councils through the revised FNQ Regional Plan to ensure regional priorities were aligned to facilitate more effective decision making across the region.
“We’re encouraged by the inclusion of key projects including the resolution of access from Cairns to the Tablelands, designated development areas focused on resource recovery and a new economic development precinct in Lakeland,” he said.
Minister for Regional Development, Kristy McBain said the five-year strategic plan would play a key role in activating diverse social and economic opportunities in the Tropical North.
“The Albanese Labor Government is ensuring regional Australia remains a great place to live, work and study – which is why we continue to invest in our regions – from disaster resilience, better connectivity, safer roads, and in community initiatives that bring people together.
“We know that the best results will be achieved when everyone works together on a collective vision, which is why we asked RDAs right across the nation to develop a plan that connects across all levels of government and identifies local, long-term investment priorities.
“RDA Tropical North – during a time that the region is experiencing significant weather challenges – has done an incredible job with their plan, which has been developed with stakeholders from all levels of government, business and the community, and I look forward to the positive impacts this will bring across industries – from tourism, elite sports, climate adaptation, and manufacturing.”
The document sets out six goals to transform the region with regional pathways to achieve them and the steps that RDA Tropical North needs to take to assist.
The goals are:
- A dynamic economy, adapting to 21st century challenges and transitioning in the face of climate change.
- Northern Australia’s most productive region.
- A resilient community with an abundant and healthy natural environment.
- The north’s most liveable region.
- A safe, effective and connected region.
- A strong collaborative, integrated region.
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.
DOWNLOAD the Tropical North Queensland Economic Development Strategy 2024-2029 HERE
Regional Development Australia Tropical North Inc is an independent organisation driven by community leaders to broker regional development solutions that will create jobs and grow the Far North Queensland economy.
ENDS
Media contact
RDATN CEO, Sonja Johnson | Ph 0493 080 143 | ceo@rdatropicalnorth.org.au
RDATN Chair Prof Hurriyet Babacan | Ph 0413 819 884 | chair@rdatropicalnorth.org.au
Further information:
Visit www.rdatropicalnorth.org.au for more information about Regional Development Australia Tropical North.
RDA Tropical North – RDA Initiatives
Media Release – available DOWNLOAD HERE
