A Regional Road Map for the ever changing needs of Far North Queensland

Published: 18th October 2012

RDA Far North Queensland and Torres Strait (Queensland) recently undertook an extensive review of its Regional Road Map and released the updated version on Friday 12 October 2012. The Regional Road Map incorporates 11 Strategic Priority Packages and is dedicated to providing ‘one voice’ on issues, opportunities and priorities for the region and provides an analysis of the local government community plans in accordance with the Strategic Priority Packages.

RDA Far North Queensland and Torres Strait Chair, Dr Allan Dale, said “Overall, there was strong support from nearly all communities for our existing strategies and particular support for those addressing climate adaptation and transforming water and energy approaches.

“Most communities were also willing to work closely with their neighbours to obtain regional and long-term benefits particularly in terms of infrastructure improvements. Notably new inclusions in the Regional Road Map underscore the need for more infrastructure in the areas of bio-based industries, aviation links, pest control and pasture health.”

Dr Dale said the annual review process and the updates to the Regional Road Map were vital in the changing regional landscape.

“Since the original Regional Road Map was launched in 2010 the Cairns and Far North Queensland region has bypassed Townsville in population growth. This has implications from a service industry perspective and our committee will work with the three tiers of government in order to address increased regional capacity.

“Some achievements since the 2010 release include helping to secure the second stage roll-out of the NBN, influencing the destination of the G20 Finance Ministers’ Summit, supporting big infrastructure initiatives like the $12 million dollar Regional Development Australia Funded Torres Strait Island sea walls project, the cruise liner access through Trinity Inlet dredging commitment, and focusing on Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements policy reform.

“Our committee’s primary focus over the coming year is on implementing the 11 Strategic Priority Packages in conjunction with the Australian, state and local governments and relevant organisations.”

The 11 Strategic Priority Packages are:

• regional connectivity
• climate adaptation (launched November 2011)
• energy and water transformations
• tropical knowledge economy
• agricultural futures (launched September 2012)
• tourism and aviation futures
• business and resources growth (to be launched October 2012)
• strong local governance
• social planning and development and remote service delivery
• land and sea livelihoods, and
• devolved government.

For more information about the Regional Road Map visit the RDA Far North Queensland and Torres Strait website.