Outback Queensland Regional Recovery Action Plan

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OUTBACK QUEENSLAND REGIONAL RECOVERY ACTION PLAN A MESSAGE FROM The Queensland Government has committed more THE PREMIER THE HONOURABLE ANNASTACIA PALASZCZUK MP than $8 billion to support COVID-19 health and AND economic recovery initiatives across the State. THE TREASURER THE HONOURABLE CAMERON DICK MP

The COVID-19 pandemic has touched everyone and communities in $500M $90M in electricity and water bill for jobs and skills, including Outback Queensland have not been relief, with a $200 rebate for funding for the Back to Work and immune to its effects. households, and a $500 rebate Skilling Queenslanders for Work Our immediate commitment is to for eligible small business and programs keep the region moving through extra sole traders support for businesses, workers and households – from payroll tax waivers to electricity bill relief. Our recovery approach recognises that sectors like agriculture, natural resources and tourism will continue to be the backbone of the Outback economy. $400M $267M We have identified shovel-ready projects to upgrade roads in the land tax relief for property building boost to support home region, with all up $1 billion in statewide road stimulus projects owners which must be passed owners, ‘tradies’ and construction, committed since April, over one hundred COVID-19 Works for onto tenants in the form of rent including a $5,000 regional home Queensland projects to be delivered through the Western Queensland relief building grant Alliance of Councils, a new $18 million community hospital for Blackall, and major investment in digital connectivity and tourism infrastructure. In recognising that our COVID-19 response is a long-term challenge, this approach charts the way forward for delivering on one of our key Support for Outback Queensland priorities identified through Queensland’s Economic Recovery Plan – growing our regions. region’s small businesses includes: We know that lasting recovery can only be achieved through genuine, in payroll tax relief statewide, community-based partnerships. That’s why we will continue working Up supporting 14,960 jobs in the with all levels of government and key stakeholders to drive the best to Outback Queensland region outcomes for the Outback, a region that geographically represents half $950M of our State. Together we will support our existing industries as well as invest in in Job Support Loans of up to emerging industries, more infrastructure and more businesses. This $250,000 for 45 businesses plan backs local jobs and local opportunities. $6.9M supporting 436 jobs There will be challenging times ahead as we navigate our way through the pandemic. in 163 Small Business Adaption One thing is certain, however – the Government stands as a ready Grants of up to $10,000 in the partner to Outback communities as we work towards better days to $1.4M Outback Queensland region come.

covid19.qld.gov.au

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System. spendspend To Toreplace replace Paroo Paroo Initiative to help get explorers surveying our regions. BouliaBoulia 8 8 minorminor capital capital projects projects and and ShireShire Council’s Council’s sewage sewage In July this year, 24 recipients were given grants of up to $200,000 to explore regional LongreachLongreach BarcaldineBarcaldine acquisitions.acquisitions. treatmenttreatment plant plant and and sewer sewer locations across the state. 3 3 Lake Lake Moondarra Moondarra Deep Deep 9 9 WellWell Pump Pump Station Station Pumps Pumps relining.relining. BlackallBlackall 1919 Outback Outback Queensland Queensland The grants are designed to help future-proof Queensland’s economy by supporting RenewalRenewal TourismTourism new discoveries and growth of new and existing projects, as well as future regional , , in in- - out out of of BirdsvilleBirdsville 1313 Arts Arts and and Cultural Cultural events events across across Outback Outback 10 10 resources jobs. a ,a , total total spend spend to to RecoveryRecovery Package Package QueenslandQueensland have have received received Steve Harper of Red River Resources said the funding would fast-track the company’s renewrenew the the year year old old pump pump . . million million in in- - moremore than than . . million million exploration of a historical base metals mine near Herberton. setssets and and improve improve reliability reliability and and outout of ofa . a . million million total total throughthrough the the million million DurhamDurham spendspend to toreactivate reactivate cultural cultural “This site is the historic West and East Orient mines which were last operational in the energyenergy e e ciency ciency of ofthe the Lake Lake 5 5 Mount Mount Isa Isa 11111212 YearYear of ofOutback Outback Tourism Tourism MoondarraMoondarra Deep Deep Well Well Pump Pump QueenslandQueensland andand creative creative spaces spaces and and EventsEvents Program Program with with events events early 1900s,” Mr Harper said. ThargomindahThargomindah Station.Station. FireFire and and provideprovide jobs jobs for for local local artists artists continuingcontinuing into into . . “Getting this funding means we are able to bring our exploration schedule forward EmergencyEmergency andand arts arts workers workers bringing bringing which, without it, may not have been able to happen for quite some time. 4 4 ServicesServices communitiescommunities together together and and PleasePlease note: note: Not Notall Government all Government expenditure expenditure for for Unmanned Unmanned Aerial Aerial Systems Systems the theregion region is shown. is shown. Dollar Dollar amounts amounts may may include include “Ultimately, we’re hoping this work will lead to us being able to produce from this old complexcomplex upgrade upgrade 9 9 RuralRural and and Regional Regional Infrastructure Infrastructure boostingboosting cultural cultural tourism. tourism. capitalcapital and and operating operating expenditure, expenditure, though though may may FlightFlight Test Test Range Range not notrepresent represent the theentire entire funding funding allocated. allocated. mine site – meaning we’ll also need to expand our business.” . . million million in in- - , , in in- - out out PackagePackage - Blackall - Blackall Hospital Hospital SEPTEMBERSEPTEMBER 2020 2020 forfor the the Autonomous Autonomous Systems Systems of ofa . a . million million total total spend spend RedevelopmentRedevelopment 1414 Chlorine Chlorine Dose Dose Equipment Equipment (drone(drone testing testing facility). facility). 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inin Queensland Queensland Government Government capital capital investment investment in in Outback Outback $506M in QueenslandQueensland,Queensland, Government supporting supporting capitalan an estimated estimated investment 1,900 1,900 in jobs jobsOutback in in 2020-21 2020-21 $506M Queensland, supporting an estimated 1,900 jobs in 2020-21 1111 1616 7 7 South South West West Digital Digital Cunnamulla Cunnamulla Artesian Artesian Mount Mount Isa, Isa, Arthur Arthur NEW ECONOMIC GOVERNMENT ConnectivityConnectivity Project Project HotHot Springs Springs and and River River PetersenPetersen Diversionary Diversionary CASE STUDY INVESTMENT IN . . million million contributed contributed WalkWalk Experience Experience CentreCentre bathroom bathroom upgrade upgrade OPPORTUNITIES FOR fromfrom the the Building Building our our Regions Regions (Commonwealth)(Commonwealth) , , in in- - out out OUTBACK programprogram for for a collaborative a collaborative . . million million in in- - of ofa , a , total total spend spend OUTBACKQUEENSLAND QUEENSLAND EXPLORERS digitaldigital connectivity connectivity program program in in out out of ofa a million million to toupgrade upgrade bathrooms bathrooms at atthe the QUEENSLAND OutbackOutback Queensland Queensland ( . ( . totaltotal spend spend to todeliver deliver an an ArthurArthur Petersen Petersen Diversionary Diversionary millionmillion across across Outback Outback and and artesianartesian hot hot springs springs facility facility CentreCentre to toimprove improve UNEARTHING NEW MINING DarlingDarling Downs Downs regions). regions). andand recreational recreational river river functionalityfunctionality as asthey they are are no no walkwalk along along the the Warrego Warrego longerlonger t for t for purpose. purpose. REGIONS 1 1 1 1 RiverRiver to tocomplement complement Barcaldine to get renewable energy boost Mornington Mornington Island Island State State 8 8 Longreach Longreach replacement replacement 1717HealthHealth Technology Technology thethe existing existing community community SchoolSchool auxiliaryauxiliary fire fire and and rescue rescue EquipmentEquipment The Queensland Government is providing $380,000 for a feasibility study into the second stage of a ground- andand tourism tourism facilities. facilities. . . million million in in- - out out of of stationstation . . million million in in- - breaking solar, wind and hydrogen project. This study will look at producing zero-carbon hydrogen from DeliveredDelivered in inpartnership partnership a .a . million million total total spend spend for for a a , , in in- - forfor the the Health Health Technology Technology renewablesA North to produce Queensland-based ammonia and miningurea for company domestic is and one global of 24 markets.recipients This supported builds on by the the $300,000 Stage CarpentariaCarpentaria withwith the the Commonwealth Commonwealth newnew secure secure perimeter perimeter fence. fence. out out of ofa . a . EquipmentEquipment Replacement Replacement One feasibilityQueensland study into Government a 30 megawatt to fi ndsolar the farm natural with resources intensive horticulture.needed for new Should technologies the project proceed, it Government.Government. millionmillion total total spend spend to to ProgramProgram ( , ( , in in will be Australia’sand renewable first commercial-scale energy products. use of hydrogen with potential to turbo-charge economic growth in 2 2 PowerPower Reliability Reliability Hilton- Hilton- 2 2 continuecontinue replacement replacement CentralCentral West West and and , , the BarcaldineQueensland area. The is aHub leading could destination create 350 forlocal the jobs, metals 600 and construction minerals needed jobs and for attract these up to $500 million LakeLake Julius Julius 3 35 165 16 4 4 of ofthe the auxiliary auxiliary re re 1212ParooParoo Shire Shire Council Council in inNorth North West). West). new investment.products, which include computers, smartphones as well as equipment for the . . million million in in- - to to andand rescue rescue station station at at upgradeupgrade to tocritical critical MountMount Isa Isa 1818SouthSouth West West - Minor - Minor Capital Capital medical, defence and scientifi c research sectors. continuecontinue renewal renewal of ofhigh- high- Longreach.Longreach. seweragesewerage infrastructure infrastructure ProjectsProjects and and Acquisitions Acquisitions voltagevoltage yards yards and and electro- electro- . . million million in in- - To help industry fi nd these materials, the Queensland Government has committed , , in in- - as as Opportunity in sheep meat processing mechanicalmechanical equipment equipment in inthe the 6 6 outout of ofa . a . million million total total a further $10 million over the next four years as part of its Collaborative Exploration partpart of ofongoing ongoing funding funding for for LakeLake Julius Julius Power Power System. System. spendspend To Toreplace replace Paroo Paroo A sheep meatInitiative processing to help industryget explorers development surveying strategy our regions. will be developed by June 2021, providing a BouliaBoulia 8 8 minorminor capital capital projects projects and and ShireShire Council’s Council’s sewage sewage frameworkIn forJuly industry this year, and 24 government recipients were investment given grants focused of onup industryto $200,000 engagement, to explore supply regional chain issues, LongreachLongreach BarcaldineBarcaldine acquisitions.acquisitions. treatmenttreatment plant plant and and sewer sewer and skillslocations and market across development. the state. This will help increase investor interest in Queensland’s sheep meat 3 3 Lake Lake Moondarra Moondarra Deep Deep 9 9 relining.relining. supply chain. This strategy will build on the existing $5 million for cluster fencing grants and benefit the WellWell Pump Pump Station Station Pumps Pumps BlackallBlackall 1919OutbackOutback Queensland Queensland The grants are designed to help future-proof Queensland’s economy by supporting development of key sheep production regions in Outback Queensland. This combined investment will RenewalRenewal TourismTourism new discoveries and growth of new and existing projects, as well as future regional create more regional jobs across the sheep meat and wool supply chain. , , in in- - out out of of BirdsvilleBirdsville 1313 Arts Arts and and Cultural Cultural events events across across Outback Outback 10 10 resources jobs. a ,a , total total spend spend to to RecoveryRecovery Package Package QueenslandQueensland have have received received Steve Harper of Red River Resources said the funding would fast-track the company’s renewrenew the the year year old old pump pump . . million million in in- - moremore than than . . million million exploration of a historical base metals mine near Herberton. setssets and and improve improve reliability reliability and and outout of ofa . a . million million total total throughthrough the the million million Mount Isa Mines Copper Smelter backs local jobs DurhamDurham spendspend to toreactivate reactivate cultural cultural “This site is the historic West and East Orient mines which were last operational in the energyenergy e e ciency ciency of ofthe the Lake Lake 5 5 Mount Mount Isa Isa 11111212 YearYear of ofOutback Outback Tourism Tourism MoondarraMoondarra Deep Deep Well Well Pump Pump QueenslandQueensland andand creative creative spaces spaces and and EventsEvents Program Program with with events events The Queenslandearly 1900s,” Government Mr Harper is securing said. almost 1,100 jobs associated with the Mount Isa Mines ThargomindahThargomindah copper smelter. Eight hundred and thirty jobs in Mount Isa depend on the smelter, with a further 250 Station.Station. FireFire and and provideprovide jobs jobs for for local local artists artists continuingcontinuing into into . . “Getting this funding means we are able to bring our exploration schedule forward jobs in Townsville across Mount Isa Mines’ and Incitec Pivot’s operations. The smelter supports indirect EmergencyEmergency andand arts arts workers workers bringing bringing which, without it, may not have been able to happen for quite some time. communitiescommunities together together and and PleasePlease note: note: Not Notall Government all Government expenditure expenditure for for employment for many hundreds more in those regions who either supply other goods and services to the 4 4 Unmanned Unmanned Aerial Aerial Systems Systems ServicesServices the theregion region is shown. is shown. Dollar Dollar amounts amounts may may include include 9 9 boostingboosting cultural cultural tourism. tourism. capitalcapital and and operating operating expenditure, expenditure, though though may may smelter or“Ultimately, refinery, or we’rerely on hoping the outputs. this work Over will the lead next to decade, us being there able will to producebe growing from global this demandold for FlightFlight Test Test Range Range complexcomplex upgrade upgrade Rural Rural and and Regional Regional Infrastructure Infrastructure not notrepresent represent the theentire entire funding funding allocated. allocated. copper andmine other site new – meaning economy we’ll minerals also need needed to expand for wind our turbines, business.” generators and batteries and copper for . . million million in in- - , , in in- - out out PackagePackage - Blackall - Blackall Hospital Hospital SEPTEMBERSEPTEMBER 2020 2020 electric cars. forfor the the Autonomous Autonomous Systems Systems of ofa . a . million million total total spend spend RedevelopmentRedevelopment 1414 Chlorine Chlorine Dose Dose Equipment Equipment (drone(drone testing testing facility). facility). Part Part of of to tocomplete complete upgrade upgrade of ofthe the . . million million in in- - out out of ofa a UpgradeUpgrade KEYKEY thethe Defence Defence and and Aerospace Aerospace QFESQFES complex complex at atMount Mount Isa. Isa. . . million million total total spend spend for for the the , , in in- - CommunityCommunity wellbeing wellbeing RoadmapRoadmap and and action action plans. plans. constructionconstruction of ofa new a new community community outout of ofa . a . million million UtilitiesUtilities Agricultural development in the North West 6 6 KennedyKennedy Developmental Developmental hospitalhospital in inBlackall Blackall to tosupport support the the totaltotal spend spend to toreplace replace A comprehensive analysis will unleash opportunities for dryland agriculture to support farmers and graziers RoadRoad (Winton (Winton - Boulia), - Boulia), deliverydelivery of ofcontemporary, contemporary, flexible flexible andand upgrade upgrade to tocurrent current HealthHealth SUNSHINESUNSHINE modelsmodels of ofcare. care. in the North West region. The Queensland Government is investing a further $250,000 to develop and COASTCOAST AND AND pavementpavement widening widening and and standardsstandards the the outdated outdated MORETONMORETON EducationEducation deliver practical solutions for landholders to inform decision making that will unlock the region’s dryland BAYBAY sealingsealing chlorinationchlorination facilities. facilities. 1010 TransportTransport and and roads roads agricultural potential in conjunction with emerging irrigation opportunities. This initiative complements FARFAR NORTH NORTH . . million million in in- - Landsborough Landsborough Highway Highway QUEENSLANDQUEENSLANDIPSWICHIPSWICH BRISBANEBRISBANE the Queensland Government’s Strategic Blueprint for Queensland’s North West Minerals Province and outout of ofa . a . million million total total (Morven(Morven - Augathella), - Augathella), pavement pavement 1515 Indigenous Indigenous Home Home JusticeJustice and and safety safety GOLDGOLD rehabilitationrehabilitation and and stabilisation stabilisation implementation plan, leading to new jobs in an expanding cropping sector. LOGANLOGAN COASTCOAST spendspend to towiden widen a section a section of of OwnershipOwnership . . million million in in- - out out of of GovernmentGovernment services services TOWNSVILLETOWNSVILLE thethe Kennedy Kennedy Developmental Developmental . . million million in in- - to to

MACKAY-WHITSUNDAYMACKAY-WHITSUNDAY RoadRoad (Winton (Winton - Boulia). - Boulia). a .a . million million total total spend spend to to increaseincrease home home ownership ownership RecreationRecreation and and culture culture CENTRALCENTRAL PartPart of ofthe the Outback Outback Way, Way, rehabilitaterehabilitate and and stabilise stabilise pavement pavement outcomesoutcomes from from Aboriginal Aboriginal OUTBACKOUTBACK QUEENSLANDQUEENSLAND New Economy Minerals Prospectus QUEENSLANDQUEENSLAND delivereddelivered in inpartnership partnership in intwo two sections sections between between .km .km andand Torres Torres Strait Strait Islander Islander Statewide/region-wideStatewide/region-wide WIDEWIDE BAY BAY The Queensland Government has released the New Economy Minerals Prospectus to attract private withwith the the Commonwealth Commonwealth andand .km .km on on the the Landsborough Landsborough peoplepeople living living on on Indigenous Indigenous DARLINGDARLING SOUTHSOUTH EAST EAST ElectionElection commitment commitment investment and capitalise on the state’s global reputation as a leading destination for mining and mineral DOWNSDOWNS QUEENSLANDQUEENSLAND Government.Government. HighwayHighway (Morven (Morven - Augathella). - Augathella). communalcommunal lands. lands. processing. With global demand set to soar for New Economy Minerals such as cobalt, vanadium and molybdenum, Queensland’s Minerals Provinces offer unrivalled opportunity for mining companies and industry participants for the production of minerals essential to manufacture wind turbines, generators, batteries, and electric vehicles. This prospectus will be used by Trade and Investment Queensland to inin Queensland Queensland Government Government capital capital investment investment in in Outback Outback promote Queensland as the preferred investment location for mining companies and those seeking exciting Queensland,Queensland, supporting supporting an an estimated estimated 1,900 1,900 jobs jobs in in 2020-21 2020-21 opportunities in exploration, manufacturing and infrastructure projects. The investment prospectus builds $506M on the $13.8 million New Economy Minerals Initiative. CASE STUDY CASE STUDY COVID-19 SUPPORT OUTBACK TOURISM KEEPS WHEELS BUSINESS READY TURNING FOR TO ‘TURN THE KEY’ MOUNT ISA THANKS TO COVID-19 BUS COMPANY JOBS SUPPORT LOAN

Thousands of mine workers, school children and sports Winter is peak tourism season for Outback Queensland teams who depend on Mount Isa Coaches for transport but this year COVID-19 has forced rural and remote in the outback town were able to hop on board after communities and tourism businesses into dormancy due to COVID-19 travel restrictions were eased. restrictions. Mount Isa Coaches co-director Alan Mathieson said a Longreach-based Allan and Sue Smith own and operate Queensland Government COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan Outback Aussie Tours and are now able to ‘turn the key’ on was the ‘perfect safety net’ to help the company keep on their coaches and cruises as restrictions have been eased. their local employees and maintain business operations Allan said the Queensland Government COVID-19 Jobs during the pandemic. Support Loan had been a ‘life saver’ in supporting his He said COVID-19 restrictions had forced the business to business through this tough time. adapt but the wheels were still turning and those in the “COVID-19 took a record year of nearly $7 million and outback town were still able to get to work. basically put that on hold,” he said. “The immediate effect of COVID-19 was we thought that “It caused an absolute nightmare of cancelling tours and was it, everyone had been isolated and had to shut up keeping the faith with as many of our passengers as we shop, but we then understood what was essential and could.” we adapted and changed our business to suit the restric- “We probably wouldn’t have made it without the support of tions put in place,” Mr Mathieson said. the COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan.” Mr Mathieson said the Jobs Support Loan allowed all 10 “It was a relief to receive the loan because it meant we staff to retain their positions which provided enormous could keep our team, who are like extended family to us, flow-on benefits to the Mount Isa community. and it meant we could continue doing what we were doing.” “It is certainly helping with working capital and cash flow With restrictions slowly easing and Queensland open for month to month and it means we will get through the intrastate travel, Allan said the business was preparing to next six month period” he said. re-open some tour operations. “The 1.5 metre social distancing measures are more flexible for some of our tour packages so we can get 20 people on our cruise boat and with a COVID Safe Plan in place, we can get back to business,” he said.

QT 20-067 4pp