- The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its promise of a Fresh Start with Regional Development Australia representatives coming together for the first time to meet with the Minister.
- Eight representatives from Regional Development Australia lead discussion on resetting ways of working to improve communication and reduce duplication.
- Identifying key infrastructure projects key to unlocking rural and regional growth.
Regional Development Australia (RDA) leaders have met with the new Minister for Regional and Rural Development for the first time to map a shared vision for their communities and identify opportunities for collaboration and investment.
Minister Last said the meeting was a clear message that the Crisafulli Government's door was open for collaboration and consultation to bring the best ideas to the table.
"I've spent my life living and working in regional Queensland and I'm committed to ensuring regional Queensland's voice is heard in government decisions," Minister Last said.
"The RDA representatives have their fingers on the pulse of their communities, and we want to tap into their knowledge to better understand each region's priorities so we can help to unlock the full potential of the individual regions.
"Our first meeting was an opportunity to reset how the government will work with RDA and give them confidence that our door is open."
RDA delegates representing Townsville and North West Queensland, Greater Whitsunday, Central and Western Queensland, Darling Downs and South West, Logan and Redlands, Gold Coast, Wide Bay Burnett, and Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast regions attended the meeting.
"I have asked each of the representatives to report back on their highest priority projects and opportunities for investment and I'm looking forward to working with each region going forward," Minister Last said.
"We know that water and energy costs and availability are two of the biggest issues facing regional Queensland communities.
"I'm committed to working with my colleagues to improve water and energy security as this is vital to livability and attracting new investment."
As stated by RDA committees:
RDA Townsville and North West Queensland CEO Wayde Chisea: "It was a great opportunity to speak to the Minister about the important issues that matter to the people of rural and regional Queensland. It was positive to hear the Minister speak about unlocking regional opportunities and the collaborative approach required to address challenges faced by us all."
RDA Greater Whitsunday CEO Robert Cocco: "We are looking forward to what the future holds and the role Regional Development Australia can play working in collaboration with the Minister and the Department to achieve positive outcomes for regional and rural Queensland."
RDA Central and Western Queensland Director Regional Development Tony Gambling: "We were fortunate to get the opportunity meet with Minister Last, the Director General Regional and Rural Development as well as other RDA regional leaders to begin the process of collaboration to supercharge our agenda for regional and rural Queensland."
RDA Darling Downs and South West Director Regional Development Robyn Haig: "Regional Development Australia has well established connections with our local communities. I was pleased to have an opportunity to connect our committed network with the Queensland Government to ensure meaningful investment into long-term outcomes for our regions."
RDA Logan and Redlands CEO Craig Harrison: "We're all focused on building better regions. Today we got to learn and understand the direction of the new government and determine what role our RDA committees can play in that. It was also an opportunity to showcase some of the potential of our region and share the things Logan and Redlands has to offer."
RDA Gold Coast Director Regional Development Estella Rodighiero: "This was a positive opportunity to come together and collaborate with the Minister and other RDA leaders to articulate the value of this organisation, which works to highlight the opportunities and challenges of regional and rural Queensland."
RDA Wide Bay Burnett CEO Sotera Trevaskis: "This was an important chance to represent the interests of Wide Bay Burnett with the new state government and make sure our region is represented, and its concerns heard. Personally, I was able to highlight some of the opportunities in our region – which I think is the hidden gem of South East Queensland."
RDA Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast CEO Jacqueline Steel: "The meeting today was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the breadth and depth of opportunities across Queensland's regions. For my region covering the Moreton Bay-Sunshine Coast-Noosa economic growth corridor we are looking to unlock growth in our jobs and industries of the future to maximise value from our resources and investments."
