Council ready to map out Rockhampton Region’s economic future
Published on 06 June 2015
Over the next few months Rockhampton Regional Council will be overseeing the development of a strategy for Economic Development in the Region.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said that members of the community should stay tuned for invitations to participate in working groups or focus groups as the document was developed.
“The strategy will set out a vision for growth and map out what is needed to help us get there. Importantly the plan will identify lead agencies and organisations within the community who are able to help deliver or advocate for elements of the plan,” Mayor Strelow said.
"While Council has lead responsibility for economic development in our community, we recognise that there are many other stakeholders and contributors."
Mayor Strelow said this will be another exciting step forward for the community.
“In the past we have tended to look for 'big projects' and opportunistic economic development. While the big projects are exciting and we should continue to strive for them, it is critical for us to be more deliberate and structured in our long term approach, to build our future - one step at a time.
“Implementing an Economic Development plan is challenging but necessary to support long-term economic growth and we look forward to receiving and implementing the recommendations put forward to Council.
“Our geographical position is pivotal to the servicing of industry in Central Queensland and we must identify and connect with the best opportunities for our Region.”
Mayor Strelow was recently appointed to the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Regional and Economic Advisory Group, Councillor Belz has been appointed as a Vice President to the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), and Council’s Senior Resources Advisor, Jane Whyte, has been appointed as Director on Economic Development Australia (EDA).
Rockhampton Regional Council is also working with Department of State Development and the Central Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (CQROC) who together are developing an Economic Development Plan for the wider Region (Which includes, Livingstone Shire, Gladstone, Central Highlands and Banana Shire).
Rockhampton Regional Council has appointed the RPS Group to help develop its Economic Development Plan.