Economic Development Strategy set to drive growth

Published on 24 January 2023

Rockhampton Regional Council today endorsed an Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan to drive our Region’s growth over the next five years.

Mayor Tony Williams said this was an important step in defining our region.

“When we talk about ‘economic development’ what we’re talking about is our future,” Mayor Williams said.

“The Rockhampton Region is already a great place to live, visit and invest - and we are working to create an even stronger, more vibrant community.

“The Strategy and Action Plan endorsed today reflects both a vision for the region’s economic future and a plan to get there.

“It builds on the strengths and character our region already has, but also invites new opportunities, new people and new industry.

“It highlights the opportunities we see in industries like defence, manufacturing and agriculture, as well as outlining the challenges we face and how we plan to overcome them.

“This year at Council we are focusing on delivering a jobs and growth agenda for our region, and today forms an important part of that work.

“The entire Council table was proud to endorse the Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan, and we are looking forward to seeing it delivered for our community.

“I would also like to thank our community, local businesses and industry organisations for their input in the development of this plan over the past 18 months,” Mayor Williams said.

After public consultation late last year, Advance Rockhampton received community feedback and some changes were made to the final documents endorsed today.

The final phase of public consultation was in addition to a combined participation over of 1500 Rockhampton region residents, who took part in several surveys and workshops over an 18-month period. We thank all those who took time out to participate in the development of these important documents.

As the region’s lead economic development agency, Advance Rockhampton will now be charged with delivering this economic strategy and action plan with Executive Manager, Greg Bowden at the helm.

“Planning is already underway within the Advance Rockhampton team to deliver this exciting strategy. We will work through the economic development strategy and action plan meticulously over the next 5 years to achieve our mission of supporting growth within the Rockhampton and Central Queensland region,” Greg Bowden said.

“I look forward to working with the entire council team and key industry stakeholders to achieve the ambitious goals outlined in the documents.”

We will approach our future economic growth through five pillars:

1.         Future Jobs and Investment Attraction

2.         Infrastructure for Future Growth

3.         Regional Promotion and Major Events

4.         Regional Collaboration and Partnerships

5.         Talent Retention and Attraction

Key growth opportunities identified, include, but are not limited to:

∙           Defence Logistics and Defence Industry Capability

∙           Agriculture and Water

∙           Transport and Logistics

∙           Energy, Resources, Manufacturing and Mining Services

∙           Professional Services

∙           Residential and Aged Care Construction

∙           Visitor Economy and Major Events

For a copy of the Rockhampton Region Economic Development Strategy and Rockhampton Region Economic Action Plan, head to the Advance Rockhampton Website, https://www.advancerockhampton.com.au/RREDS-RREAP  

ENDS