July - September 2024 Newsletter

CEO intro It has been another active month for RDA GW, including touching base with the newly elected Mayors and Councillors across the Greater Whitsundays region. After the local government elections, we scheduled visits with each Council to meet with the elected representatives, and discuss the priorities and needs for that region. This was also an opportunity to identify the potential for further collaboration across our region, where priorities and projects were of mutual benefit. On behalf of RDA GW, I'd like to welcome the new and returning elected officials for Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday Regional Councils - and we look forward to working with you for the betterment of our region. Regards, Robert Cocco CEO - RDA GW

Bowen workforce accommodation workshop held From a Proserpine meet and greet in July with local businesses, government representatives and other stakeholders, it was raised that Bowen is having a significant issue with lack of housing impacting workforce attraction. To this end, we facilitated a workshop in collaboration with Greater Whitsunday Communities (GWC) in Bowen to extrapolate further on the results from the first workforce accommodation workshop that was held in Mackay. The purpose of these workshops was to gain a clear understanding of the issue, identify real interest from businesses in purpose-built workforce accommodation projects and discuss potential solutions for the overarching workforce accommodation strategy. Gas opportunities to be explored We are currently finalising plans for a workshop with local businesses and Queensland Pacific Metals, who purchased the Moranbah gas plant, to build on investigations into current and future gas supply needs for the Greater Whitsundays region. One option being explored is containerised gas, as a more cost and time effective alternative to a gas pipeline. We've invited major energy users in the region to gain a clear understanding of what their needs are, and whether gas could be a suitable option.  Port Denison jetty upgrade to tourist spot During the quarter, we were involved in discussions around Bowen's Port Denison jetty and its future. Currently, NQBP house tugboats at the jetty that service Abbott Point - and are planning to move them to Abbott Point itself. As part of that, NQBP is working with the Bowen community to plan out how to repurpose the jetty into a tourist spot. Abbott Point reactivation could include hydrogen Also regarding Abbott Point, we presented on the state development area as part of the Queensland Government's nearly $18M funding to reactivate Abbott Point. This presentation was part of the renewed master planning to develop Abbott Point further to support hydrogen and eFuels production. With the current push for renewables, hydrogen production is of great interest. By upgrading the water and power supply for Abbott Point, among other things, it could be a viable solution and worth advocating for in the next federal election. Digital connectivity assessment soon to be released In collaboration with GW3, we committed time and funds to complete an assessment of internet and mobile connectivity across the Greater Whitsundays region. The initial report has been handed through, with a final executive summary being developed for release. As well as indicating connectivity levels across the region, the assessment also provides recommendations on which projects will give the best benefit for each local government area. Women in Leadership expansion rolled out The Bowen Basin Women in Leadership program has kicked off, thanks to support from the Local Buying Foundation. To stay up to date with this program, and other activities and opportunities, please follow our LinkedIn page.

[E] ceo@rdagw.org.au                [PH] 07 4957 6160                www.rdagw.org.au Copyright © 2024 Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays, All rights reserved.