Welcome to the quarterly RDA GW newsletter
Well, a lot has happened in the quarter - we have a new government and aligned ministry, and we congratulate Labor on its election success and look forward to working with the government on the regionalisation agenda and furthering regional development and growth. It was noted in the lead up to the election that the Labor government had direct policy pertaining to regional development, and we intend to further the discussion with the new government in this area.
Like most businesses, June is a period of program and budgetary conclusion for us and a time to reflect and report on what has been achieved in the past 12 months. While formal reporting on RDA GW and regional development achievement will be completed by September this year, I will offer some initial reflections on key achievements in FY 2021/22.
- Completion of the Regional Development Roadmap and the development of a priority list of investment opportunities that have been identified by community stakeholders.
- Over three years ago, RDA and Gilmour Space technology dared to think about a launch site capacity in the region. Fast forward to today and we are now seeing development commence toward a launch site at Abbott Point. People said we were crazy to think about this as an opportunity - and now here it is.
- Operational development of the MIW Agribusiness Futures Alliance, which in the year gone has been able to focus toward aspects of export potential assessment and growth, technology development, infrastructure funding provision and assessment of food processing opportunities.
- In collaboration with Resource Industry Network (RIN), Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) and local governments - an assessment and development of the METS Regional Export Strategy and Plan was completed. This key piece of work is now supporting RIN and METS businesses as they explore further export opportunities.
- In collaboration with State Government and local entities, we made progress on the development and investment opportunities aligned to biofutures and biofoods, with support via federal investment support for improved biocommodities research facilities and infrastructure.
- Advocated for the investment toward ongoing infrastructure to support regional connectivity aligned to freight, transport and digital services.
- Explored opportunities aligned toward increased utilisation of gas and its supply to the region in support of manufacturing.
- Implemented key project studies and actions to enhance water storage and supply for users in the region.
- Collaborated with many others toward the development of a Local Jobs Program that targets a cooperative ability to work with regional industries and employers to better utilise the longer term unemployed people of our region.
For further updates, please view our 2021-2022 Report Card.
Regards,
Robert Cocco
CEO - RDA GW
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