CEO intro
We had an interesting case study this quarter that exemplifies the on-the-ground support that RDA GW can also provide, on top of the high-level planning, facilitation and strategy work. We were contacted by the General Manager of Thomas Borthwick & Sons, Nick Meara, in regard to a notification they had received that power to their facility would be shut down for five hours in just three days' time. This would mean standing down their 300-400 workers for a full day of production, which would be quite damaging to their business.
After a half day of phone calls, we were able to facilitate a solution whereby Borthwicks would keep power while the maintenance works were taking place - so that both parties could continue with the necessary works they had planned. Thanks to RDA GW contacts and relationships, we were able to provide a solution that worked for everyone, and kept local industry moving.
Regards,
Robert Cocco
CEO - RDA GW
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RDA contracts extending, creating continuation and stability
The contract for our ministerially appointed RDA Chair, Jeff Stewart-Harris, has been extended to 30 June 2027, as Kristy McBain (Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories) announced that there would be a new five-year funding agreement for RDAs to June 2029. This new service agreement term was announced at the RDA National Forum in WA on 29 October, and is great news for the RDA network. It allows us to continue long-term planning with confidence, and provides stability in the continued support of our region's development, as well as for our organisation itself.
Gas containerisation collaboration takes next steps
A breakfast session was held with 40+ businesses in attendance, as a collaboration between RDA GW, GW3 and QPM Energy, to discuss aspirations for containerised gas supply throughout the region. The reality is that if the natural gas currently emanating from the Bowen Basin isn't used effectively, it is either flared (ie burned off) or vented to the atmosphere so reusing this gas as energy will significantly reduce its carbon liability. Next steps for this initiative are now underway, with QPM Energy contacting businesses who are keen to explore the use of compressed or liquid natural gas and determine their level of interest and usage.
Ministerial meeting provokes interest to visit the region
This quarter we met with Dale Last (Minister of Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing, Minister for Regional and Rural Development), Steve Minnikin (Minister for Customer Services and Open Data, Minister for Small and Family Business) and Amanda Stoker (Assistant Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training) in Brisbane, alongside a cross-section of RDA CEOs. Collectively, they expressed a commitment to visiting the respective regions, which we intend to follow up on.
Mr Last also talked about his strong desire to work with RDA to prioritise regional development initiatives and projects, and how regional and rural Queensland is becoming more of a focus for government. He acknowledged that a significant portion of the state's wealth comes from regional areas, and therefore government should be doing more in regional areas. He was especially keen to see initiatives that can substantially drive manufacturing capability in regional Queensland.
Workforce accommodation plans progressing - including hospital expansion
We continued to work on workforce accommodation solutions in conjunction with GWC (as part of the Housing Alliance), with two significant projects bubbling along nicely - one in Mackay and one in Bowen. Both of these now have solutions on paper to manage the investment risk for the parties involved, which is a great step forward. We also worked closely with Besix WATPAC, whose construction contract to expand the hospital commences mid-2025, on how to house their workers for this project. Solutions are currently being explored for them, in conjunction with Northern Australia Accommodation Solutions and Woollam Constructions.
New Women in Leadership cohort expected for 2025
We are hoping for a New Year announcement in regard to a new cohort of 30 women as part of the Women in Leadership (WIL) program, which would be the third rollout of the WIL program. We have been working with North Queensland Bulk Ports around potentially funding this project, and great progress has been made this quarter.
Nebo workshop brings together renewable projects and land managers
We attended a workshop hosted by Coexistence Queensland to assist companies who work with landing managers, in regard to renewable or resources projects. The info session was for all stakeholders and included a review of the proposed renewable projects for the region. There are approximately 16 gigawatts worth of projects under construction or proposed to start in the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region alone. To put it into context, 1 gigawatt can power approximately 750,000 homes.
Digital connectivity study reveals top 5 for each LGA
In collaboration with GW3 and BHP, we contracted Gravel Road to review mobile and internet coverage across our region's major areas - including developing a hit list of locations and investment required to enhance digital connectivity. This study is now complete, and includes five top locations for our relevant LGAs - with this data being available for each LG to advocate for funding to improve those areas.
2025 AgTech Expo progressing to sponsorship stage
Our CEO Rob Cocco is a member of the Queensland AgTech Advisory Group, who will be hosting Evoke Ag - an AgTech Expo taking place in Brisbane in 2025. This quarter, Rob was putting together sponsorship applications to offset attendance costs for our local producers to attend the event. The outcome of this is expected to come through in mid-January, so that MIW producers can attend and learn about utilising tech further in their own operations.
Jobs committee focused on simple but effective solutions
RDA is a long-standing advisory member on the Jobs Taskforce, which is linked to exclusive Federal funding that that concludes in June 2025. Therefore, the committee is currently setting up the program for its next stage - prioritising on the ground/direct solutions that can have an immediate impact. One example could be that a common challenge for people without employment is having a driver's license and/or car, when this is often a requirement of employment. The program could therefore focus on supporting people through getting their learner's and required hours, to assist in obtaining their license.
Old Mackay Visitor Information Centre getting a new lease on life
This quarter we met with reps from Yuwi to work with them in identifying grants and funding programs that can support their aspirations in regard to their recent lease of the old VIC on Nebo Road. It's early days yet, but we are keen to support them in their ideas for how to use that site, which could include assistance from Mackay Isaac Tourism (the previous inhabitants).
Cruise ship strategy sails into place
Mackay Isaac Tourism have finalised their cruise ship liner strategy, with funding from RDA, which would be a great addition to our regional economy and tourism product. The strategy outlines the economic impact and opportunities that are available - it will be released shortly, stay tuned to our Facebook and LinkedIn pages for more.
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