January - March 2025 Newsletter

CEO intro The new year has brought plenty of positive news for both our region and our organisation. We’re pleased to share that the Federal Government’s new RDA service agreement will take effect from 1 July 2025, running through to 30 June 2030. RDA GW is currently reviewing the draft agreement, with plans to sign before the end of the financial year. Congratulations to our Chair, Jeff Stewart-Harris, on his re-appointment by the Minister through to June 2027, with the option to extend by mutual agreement. Additionally, some of our current committee members are nearing the end of their terms, and we will be seeking expressions of interest in May/June for new members to join our team. We look forward to another productive and impactful year ahead. Regards, Robert Cocco CEO - RDA GW

Local producers attend EvokeAG 2025 event Along with Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3), RDA GW assisted in funding local producers from our region to attend EvokeAG in Brisbane - a global agrifood technology and innovation event. Not only did the producers gain insights from the event itself, they also benefitted from networking and learning more from each other as well.  Four sites being assessed for workforce accommodation In early March, RDA GW and Greater Whitsunday Communities (GWC) hosted a workshop with the Department of Regional and Rural Development to further hone and develop a plan for the construction of modular workforce accommodation in Mackay and Whitsunday. The plan includes up to 800 rooms across the region (600 in Mackay, up to 200 in Whitsunday) and we are working with State Government to address roadblocks, find opportunities and see what both government and private enterprise can bring to the table, to make this a reality. Currently four sites have been identified and are being assessed - we will keep you updated on progress. Low income housing plans for Mackay Further on the housing front, Project Solo's modular homes are being considered to help address the growing need for accommodation among Mackay’s low-income residents aged 55 and over. The initial focus will be on single women, who represent the highest demand, before expanding to support a broader group. Bowen workforce accommodation a focus for public and private At the end of February, we met with Whitsunday Regional Council and key stakeholders, including businesses and real estate representatives, to explore workforce accommodation options in Bowen. Modular housing was a key topic of discussion, with the council also presenting its 10-point housing plan and priority focus areas. This style of accommodation is being favoured for such projects due to its quick deployment, which is particularly beneficial in Bowen, where securing construction labour remains a challenge. Private companies have been looking at land in Bowen to develop accommodation, such as two-bedroom townhouses, with some already having plans in for approval. Women in Leadership (WIL) program continues to expand Our Bowen Basin WIL program, funded by the Local Buying Foundation (LBF), will conclude this financial year, however we have been asked by participants and LBF to look at further cohorts, as well as the development of a Bowen Basin chapter of the EmpowerHER Collective. In Mackay, NQBP have funded another round of the program - with 30 participants and their mentors locked in, to rollout over the next 12 months. Strengthening State and Federal collaboration  We have been actively working with Dale Last MP Burdekin and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development and Department of staff from Regional and Rural Development to enhance connections between State Government agencies and the Federal Government through the RDA network. By fostering stronger partnerships, we aim to drive regional development and growth, ensuring better outcomes for our communities. This collaboration has already proven to be highly constructive, and we look forward to building on this momentum. Next steps for CRCNA organisation RDAs across Northern Australia, including RDA GW, have been engaged in discussions about future opportunities for CRCNA. While the current arrangement runs until June 2027, most of CRCNA’s projects are now complete. Like other chapters, we have been working with CRCNA to provide input on what would be most beneficial in the next phase, including the continuation of critical research. Opportunity for NAIF support NAIF is a government-backed economic development lending facility, and in early March, we met with their CEO and the NAIF Director of Investment for an update on their progress and programs. We also took part in a recent independent government review of NAIF, which has now been completed, though a formal government announcement is still pending. During our meeting, we highlighted the investment opportunities and needs of our region and discussed NAIF’s lending parameters for housing, which can allow funding support toward construction. Agriculture strategy in the works Alongside 200 others, we attended a workshop in Brisbane held by the Department of Primary Industires (DPI) to review their 25-year blueprint. This was the first step in the Department starting the process of creating a 25-year agribusiness strategy and included bringing stakeholders together to receive their input. Post the Brisbane workshop, RDA has continued to engage with DPI in support of opportunities to further engage with regional communities and local stakeholders at the forefront of the industry development.

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