Diamantina Shire Economic Development Strategy 2018-2021 and Action Plan Diamantina Shire has the strategic infrastructure and services to realise our economic potential and support job creation while preserving our heritage, environmental and community values. Acknowledgements Contents 2 Diamantina Shire Council acknowledges the significant contribution of the A message from the Mayor 3 Central Queensland Regional Office of the Queensland Government’s Department Diamantina Shire Economic Development Strategy 2018-2021 4 of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDMIP) in The Diamantina Shire 5 preparation of this strategy.
Diamantina Shire demographic and economic infographic 6 Disclaimer This strategy has been prepared using quantitative and qualitative data from Strengths, challenges and opportunities 7 reliable sources. Diamantina Shire Council does not guarantee or represent that the Theme 1: Agriculture 10 data and information is accurate, up to date or complete. Any representation, Theme 2: Tourism 12 statement or advice in the strategy, whether express or implied, is made in Theme 3: Small business and not-for-profits 14 good faith. Diamantina Shire Council does not accept liability for any losses, damages, costs and other consequences resulting Theme 4: Economic infrastructure 15 from reliance on any data, information, statement or advice within the strategy, Roads 16 whether expressed or implied. Rail 17
Communications 17
Aerodromes 17
Energy infrastructure 18
Water infrastructure 18
Flood mapping 18
Theme 5: Liveability 19
Theme 6: Retaining population 20
Implementation, monitoring and evaluation 21
Action Plan 22
Appendix A – Demographic and economic data 26
Demographic data 26
Economic data 26
Workplace 27
APPENDIX B – Diamantina Shire’s [In]Sight competitiveness rankings with 29 indicators for each measure
Endnotes 31
2 A message from the Mayor
It is with the greatest pleasure that I associate myself with this the Diamantina Shire Economic Development Strategy. This very important document was born from the community’s vision to create a strong and sustainable outback community. We live in a very special part of Australia with our natural wilderness and open spaces, from the harshness of the Simpson Desert to the vast grazing areas of the channel country. It is we, the community, whose responsibility it is to nurture this great area and encourage people to come, live, work and play within this great Shire. The plan will guide our community’s collective effort on agreed priorities to take our region forward to better times in the future. Community consultation during the development stage of the strategy saw community members coming together to identify the strengths, challenges and opportunities facing their community. Population decline was identified as one of the main challenges facing our community and statistic show that this trend will continue without change and intervention driven by our community. In the last 10 years alone there has been a 10% decline in the population of our community. If this decline is not arrested it will begin to impact on service availability. It is important that with everything we do and every decision we make, we create economic and social opportunities to retain and attract people to our communities. Council is working hard to deliver essential infrastructure to support the economic sustainability of our communities. In the past few years Council has delivered Optic Fibre to Birdsville and Bedourie, a sealed road to Bedourie and continued emphasis on sealing the road to Birdsville, upgrading of the airports, maintained or improved community facilities and streetscapes in both towns, all with a view to making the place a better place to live. These are great achievement but there are many more challenges ahead, Council cannot fix this alone and we need the support of the community. We need to create a new economic future and this strategy helps us to take the first steps on a different path leading to a more prosperous and dynamic Diamantina Shire, in which our youth have new job opportunities, families have choice in housing and education, our businesses are thriving and our agriculture and tourism sectors are flourishing. I encourage you all to be part of this journey to make Diamantina a strong and vibrant place going forward and to create a better future for ourselves. Our community will need to be open to ideas and opportunities, be prepared to work together, and have confidence in each other and the resilience of our community. We should not underestimate the size of the challenge, however these are the first steps to a brighter future.
Mayor Cr Geoff Morton
3 Diamantina Shire Economic Development Strategy 2018-2021
The Diamantina Shire Economic The strategy has been informed by a number of existing plans and reports which have influence on or implications in relation to the Development Strategy (DSEDS) responds DSEDS. They include: to the Diamantina Shire’s aspiration for a • DSC Corporate Plan 2014–2019 and Operational Plan 2017–2018 sustainable economy which supports job • The Outback Queensland Destination Tourism Plan 2017–20202 creation and population growth. • RAPAD Strategic Plan 2018–20203 • The Pathfinder Project 20174 undertaken for RAPAD by the Regional The Diamantina Shire is challenged by limited economic diversity and Australia Institute (RAI) low economic growth which is exacerbated by the shire’s remoteness. • Pathways to the future: Building local strategies for regional It is important to note the resilience and passion of the shire’s most resilience and sustainable development in Central Western important asset – its people. The DSEDS has been developed to assist Queensland5 the Diamantina community and the Diamantina Shire Council (DSC) to grow the shire’s economy in a planned and strategic manner. DSEDS • Smart Central Western Queensland: A digitally enabled community provides a robust discussion of the future opportunities and challenges strategic plan6 and identifies short to medium term actions to be undertaken to • Outback Regional Roads and Transport Group achieve the Diamantina community’s economic vision for its future. In the DSEDS, statistics from a range of sources have been used The futurist Sohail Inayatullah says that a different future to the including from the Australia Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Due to the small expected requires people to challenge the expected, change behaviours population size of Diamantina Shire there is a greater risk that these and develop an underlying narrative which supports the desired vision statistics will have large fluctuations between time periods and higher for the alternate future1. In other words, the people of Diamantina Shire error rates than for larger populations. Further, due to confidentiality will need to challenge the region’s predicted future and develop the rules, there are a number of statistics which are not available or narrative which reflects the future they want. reported as zero. This can lead to tables where figures do not appear to sum to totals. 4 The Diamantina Shire Located in the far west of Queensland, Birdsville was established in 1881 and originally named Diamantina Crossing. The name Birdsville possibly resulted because of the large Diamantina Shire covers an area of flocks of birds which congregated around waterholes in the Diamantina River. Four heritage listed sites are associated with Birdsville and include 94,823 square kilometres or about one the former Australian Inland Mission Hospital, Birdsville Courthouse and a half times the size of Tasmania. and the Royal and Birdsville Hotels9. Birdsville has the largest resident population in Diamantina Shire with approximately 140 people10. The shire is the second largest local government by area in Queensland. Bedourie is located on the Eyre Creek, 191 kilometres to the north of The Shire shares local government boundaries with Boulia, Winton and Birdsville. In the 1880’s, the town was a major watering and rest stop Barcoo in Queensland; MacDonnell and Central Desert in the Northern for cattle moving from the north to the customs collection point at Territory and the Outback Communities Authority in South Australia. Birdsville. Bedourie is the administrative centre for the shire, although Poeppel Corner, on the south west boundary, marks the intersection of Birdsville held this role until 1953. the Queensland, South Australian and Northern Territory borders. Once a Cobb and Co change station, Betoota hosts the annual Horse and The eastern edge of the Simpson Desert extends along the western Motorbike Gymkhana and the Betoota Races, which is one event in the boundary of the shire. It contains the world’s longest parallel sand Simpson Desert Racing Carnival. The Betoota Hotel is the last remaining dunes7, including the largest ‘Big Red’, 35 kilometres from Birdsville. building in the town which has not had any permanent residents since For thousands of years, the Channel Country of south west Queensland 2004. The hotel is undergoing renovations and is anticipated to open in has been part of a complex Aboriginal trading system. Hundreds of time for the Betoota Races at the end of August 2018. people gathered at places like Wirrarri (Birdsville) to trade for weapons, DSC is a member of Remote Area Planning and Development (RAPAD) grinding stones, ochre and pituri. Prior to white settlement, three which is the peak regional economic development body for Central traditional owner groups inhabited the land within the shire. Birdsville West Queensland. The RAPAD Board is comprised of the mayors of is Wangkangurru and Yarluyandi country. The Wangkamadla people the seven local governments and acts as a regional organisation of inhabited areas of the Simpson Desert including an area of the shire to councils. RAPAD undertakes regional projects and actions on behalf of the north west of Bedourie. The Karanja people of the Channel Country, its member councils. are estimated to have had tribal lands extending over approximately 6,200 square kilometers including Bedourie8. The Mithika people occupied lands in the south east of the shire including the area around Betoota. In 1861, Robert O’Hara Burke and William John Wills passed through Birdsville during their expedition from Melbourne to chart a course to the Gulf of Carpentaria. Seeds from a Waddi tree found in the diary of Wills verify their passage through the Birdsville region and a Coolibah tree on the banks of the Diamantina River bears the marking B-LXXVI placed there by Burke to mark the expedition’s campsite. Waddi or Acacia peuce are rare, slow growing desert trees found in only three locations in Australia. The hard timber was prized by Aborigines for weapons and digging sticks. The Birdsville Track was opened in the 1860s to walk cattle from northern Queensland and the Northern Territory to the railhead at Port Augusta which was later moved to Marree. The track was also used by cameleers to transport supplies to Central Australia and contributed to Sydney Kidman’s success in the cattle industry. The track which is 517 kilometres long and traverses three deserts along the route; the Strzelecki Desert, Sturt Stony Desert and Tirari Desert. Today, the graded dirt road attracts tourists and is also used for livestock transport. The shire was named after the Diamantina River which in turn was named in 1866 after Lady Diamantina Roma, wife of the first governor of Queensland. Diamantina Shire’s population centres are Birdsville and Bedourie, with Betoota whilst lacking a permanent population, having significance from historical and tourism perspectives.
5 Diamantina Shire demographic and economic infographic
Diamantina Shire population Median age 39.8% had a different address 291 PEOPLE 1 30 YEARS 2 5 YEARS AGO 3
ATSI population 43 PEOPLE Population projection to 2036 5 a decrease of 37% since 20014 264 PEOPLE
Largest employing industries 7
% % % Land sales in 12 months to 31/03/18 31.7 24.4 10.4 Agriculture, Forestry Public Admin Accommodation 6 5 and Fishing and Safety# and Food Services
# Information provided by DSC indicates 74 employees in Public Administration and Safety in Diamantina Shire. The under-representation in Census data is likely a result of DSC employees indicating their occupation is in Construction or Administrative and Support Services rather than Public Administration and Safety.
1 ABS 2017, 2016 Census of population and housing, Diamantina Shire general community profile, 2016, cat. no. 2001.0, Australian Government, Canberra, Table G07. 2 ABS 2017, 2016 Census of population and housing, Diamantina Shire general community profile, 2016, cat. no. 2001.0, Australian Government, Canberra, Table G02. 3 ABS 2017, 2016 Census of population and housing, Diamantina Shire general community profile, 2016, cat. no. 2001.0, Australian Government, Canberra, Table G42. 4 Above n 12. 5 Queensland Government Statistician’s Office, 2018, Data Tables: Projected Population, by local government area, Queensland, 2011 to 2036, Queensland Treasury, Brisbane, viewed 30 August 2018,
6 Strengths, challenges and opportunities
In March 2018, the Diamantina Shire community was given the opportunity to contribute to development of the DSEDS during workshops held in Birdsville and Bedourie which considered the economic challenges, strengths and opportunities of the region. Strengths
Location Our geographic location Rich with opportunity History of region Isolation Gateway to the desert Natural environment Resources in the ground Desert and natural beauty – environment, vastness and quietness Water – we have water unique to desert landscape surroundings Employment Employment, qualifications and training – opportunities to be a jack of all trades, diversified experiences Agriculture Region which is in a very dry part of Australia, produces some of the best beef in the world Tourism Birdsville brand and reputation which is recognised world wide Birdsville is a unique destination for sustainable adventure tourism Photography and bird watching Events – bronco branding, races, Big Red Bash Aboriginal culture Business and industry Birdsville Hotel Transport Sealed road from Boulia to Bedourie Airport position Air services - accessibility Government Govt services – health clinic, police, safety, school, education Diamantina Shire Council Health and aged care Health provision Health clinic Community and facilities Community spirit Lifestyle – community care, safety, health provision No crime Small population – pulls together Characters Iconic - reputation Facilities – sporting, cultural Racial harmony – safe community – good work ethic Unity Community spirit
7 Continued next page Strengths, challenges and opportunities - Continued
Challenges
Location Cost of living Distance Remoteness Bedourie doesn’t have a unique postcode or post office Remoteness – health, education, transport costs Cost of living Isolation Population With small population people are cautious about taking opportunities which result in them ‘standing on other people’s toes’ Retaining people in the area Encouraging community to come to events or be involved in volunteering. Employment Bring people out who want to work Availability of experienced workforce Seasonal nature of employment Government Mendicant shire Business and industry Lack of business finance and general banking facilities (only a CBA agency in Birdsville) Seasonal nature of business esp. tourism Transport and freight Road access Affordability of materials Freight and transport costs Sealed road access – not needing a 4WD will make a difference Need sealed roads Sealed road out of Birdsville Making the road accessible makes way for the undesirables Water Harvesting water from Diamantina River Polluting billabong water Energy Electricity costs
Telecommunications Mobile blackspots including between Birdsville and Bedourie
Housing Rental costs Lack of housing Community and facilities Lack of childcare services Public transport Caravan park changes Education Secondary education Six-month trade Health and aged care Lack of specialist services
8 Continued next page Strengths, challenges and opportunities - Continued
Opportunities
Natural environment Land Resources Wild Rivers - unique Environmental levy applied to tourists Agriculture Water and agriculture Agriculture and tourism New tourism products Aboriginal culture Walking tracks Conferences and workshops for external visitors (not relying on local community). We have the infrastructure/ accommodation. Need to create more with adventure tourism – region natural beauty Heritage Media advertising Develop/maintain heritage listed sites – Court House and old hotel Tourism marketing Promoting Aboriginal culture Extend tourism season Business and industry Micro business development (RAPAD) Home/online businesses Manufacturing Chamber of Commerce Government/business incentives New industries Recycling – glass, cans, cardboard (from local pub) Renewables – solar, geothermal, wind Rocket launch site Manufacturing i.e. open cement works based on cement building blocks Transport and freight Empty trucks Expand airline flight paths – Adelaide, Melbourne and Townsville Inland rail Extension of railway from - Quilpie to Birdsville - Maree to Birdsville - Dajarra to Birdsville Sealed road access to Birdsville Water infrastructure Construction of a weir Education Bring in a secondary school teacher to teach in small classroom on school grounds Schooling to Year 10 Skills and training Transition to trainee and apprenticeship Health and aged care Aged care 25% of money from Qld Health must be distributed directly to local clinics to improve health of local residents Community and facilities After school care More housing Whilst all matters raised during the consultation have been considered, not all have been brought forward into the Action Plan attached to this DSEDS. There is a finite capacity to the ability for a community of 291 people to commit effort, resources and time to initiatives which could be included. It is very important that the Action Plan contains realistic and achievable actions. The community was consulted on the draft DSEDS and Action Plan in November 2018, prior to finalisation of the strategy. 9 Theme 1: Agriculture
Located in Queensland’s Channel Country, bordering South Australia and the Northern Territory, the region is renowned for producing prime quality beef. The Diamantina Shire is home to 11 beef producing pastoral properties11 with almost all of its agricultural land used for grazing of native vegetation12.
Diamantina Shire has been drought declared since 2013 and previously experienced an extended period of drought between 2002 and 200913. The climate has become warmer over the last 100 years and is projected to continue to become warmer, with more days over 35°C 14. In the wet season, between extensive periods of drought, the Diamantina and Georgina Rivers and Eyre Creek form braided channels running southward towards Lake Eyre. The flood plains produce highly productive pastures of blue bush and native sorghum. There is very limited opportunities for crop production as the soils within Diamantina Shire have variable to strong soil sodicity. Sodicity is a term given to the amount of sodium salts held in the soil. This can lead to hardness in the soil (clay) and therefore can indirectly affect plant growth15.
Table 1: Diamantina cattle producers
Arrabury Pastoral Company Mount Lenard Station, Betoota (operated with Arrabury Station, Barcoo as one enterprise, organic) Cluny Station (organic) Brook Pastoral Company Adria Downs, Birdsville (organic) Kamaran Downs, Bedourie (organic) Geoff Morton Roseberth Station Gibson Grazing Sandringham (organic) S. Kidman & Co - Gina Rinehart Glengyle Station Durrie Station Northern Australian Pastoral Company Monkira Station Coorabulka Station Paraway Pastoral Company Davenport Downs (includes Springvale Station) – largest cattle station in Queensland
10 Continued next page Theme 1: Agriculture - Continued
The Channel Country, is renowned for some of the best contaminant increased debt with no increase in profit. The report also indicated that free natural beef fattening country in Australia. The region’s climate profitability of the top performers has declined over the longer term, and isolation combine to create a substantial area of grazing country suggesting that industry profitability is decreasing. Finally, the report which has a low incidence of pests and therefore no requirement for noted the top 25 per cent of performers (across all regions, herd sizes use of pesticides16. This has led to five of the shire’s 11 cattle stations and markets) consistently outperform the average and have businesses obtaining organic beef certification. more likely to be economically sustainable over the long term, indicating that there are successful business models for producing beef In 2016, organic beef was the top organic commodity exported from in in northern Australia. Australia at approximately 20 per cent of the total. In the same year, 43 per cent of all Australian shoppers purchased organic red meat, The region’s graziers have very limited access to extension an increase of 10 per cent over the previous six years17. Although the opportunities, no doubt in part due to the region’s remoteness. market price of organic beef provides a higher return to growers than Profitability workshops which have been held in the past were non-organic beef, the cost of maintaining organic certification and reportedly not as effective as they could have been due to an operational limitations can significantly reduce overall returns. Organic orientation towards property owners. Many of Diamantina Shire’s operations are not able to use 1080 baits potentially resulting in properties are owned by corporations, and the managers who attend higher calf losses due to dog predation. Organic operations cannot use local workshops do not necessarily have access to financial information hormone growth promotants. Finally, certification is a one to three year to fully participate. process with only new calves able to be certified organic so returns Over time, pastoral holdings have declined in number as large may not be available for up to five years. corporations purchase properties which come on to the market and Cattle are transported out of the shire by road to saleyards or directly merge them with existing operations. Example of this are evident to abattoirs. Travel times from Diamantina Shire result in higher freight through purchases made by Arrabury Pastoral and Paraway Pastoral costs and can limit market access. In prolonged wet seasons, roads can (see Table 1). The merging of properties provides the large corporations be closed for lengthy periods and subsequent road damage results in with opportunities to increase efficiencies and conduct a leaner beef transport load restrictions. In a hypothetical exercise undertaken operation requiring less staff. by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Producers have commented on the difficulties attracting and retaining (CSIRO) using the TraNSIT transport logistics tool it has developed, staff for their operations. Recent announcements by the Department CSIRO calculated the cost of transporting cattle by rail (involves some of Home Affairs about changes to arrangements for visa holders may road transportation at the beginning or the end of the journey) and assist to attract overseas workers who provide a valuable workforce. then converted the rail component to road only18. The result was a From 5 November 2018, sub-class 462 (Work and Holiday) visa holders 70 per cent cost saving for road transport only. However anecdotal can work in agriculture to qualify for a second year of stay in Australia. evidence suggests transporting cattle by rail results in less bruising and From the same date, 462 and 417 (Working Holiday) visa holders can higher returns. The significant investment required to construct a rail stay with the same employer for up to twelve months. At the time of line from Quilpie into the region is likely to preclude this option. This is writing, the Department of Home Affairs had not announced whether further discussed on page 17. the new arrangements would be applied to Birdsville. Currently, Generally, the distance from properties in Diamantina to abattoirs Bedourie is an approved Northern Australia location with agricultural precludes a Meat Standards Australia (MLA) grading of the meat due and tourism roles able to be filled by visa holders who can apply for a to the requirement that total time from dispatch to processing cannot second and a third year of stay. extend beyond 48 hours19. The grading system is a voluntary industry The National Farmers’ Federation has pointed to increasing consumer standard to help customers identify high quality beef, however of the expectations about supply chain transparency, increasing pressures nine million cattle slaughtered per annum in Australia, just over one on labour and services for farm businesses and their families and the million are MLA graded. continuing rise of disruptive technologies which have potential to In its 2013 Northern Beef Report20, MLA indicated that whilst profits unlock new productivity growth and improve quality of life, providing before financing are largely unchanged (on average over the 12 year digital infrastructure issues are overcome21. period analysed), after financing, performance is deteriorating due to
ACTION 1.1 Undertake consultation with the shire’s graziers to determine the issues and support the sector would like assistance to address and the appropriate delivery mechanisms.
11 Theme 2: Tourism The Diamantina Shire contains one of Tourism statistical data specific to Diamantina Shire is very limited. Diamantina Shire forms part of the Outback Queensland tourism the world’s most fragile and unique region which encompasses 17 other local government areas. For the year ending March 2018, domestic overnight visitation to Outback desert ecosystems, rare flora and fauna, Queensland increased 2.1 per cent to 900,000 people compared with national parks and channel country the previous three-year trend22. Expenditure during the same period was $617.3 million, an increase of 11.1 per cent over the previous three- and significant history. National Parks year trend23 24. The majority (98%) of Outback Queensland visitation is comprise 25 per cent of the shire’s domestic visitors. There were an estimated 36,000 domestic overnight visitors to Diamantina Shire in 2017. Over this period, those visitors area and include the Simpson Desert, stayed on average about 73,000 nights per year25. Diamantina National Park and Astrebla DSC is using traffic counters on roads into Birdsville to measure vehicular traffic in order to better quantify tourist numbers and the National Park. direction from which they come. This data is used in DSC’s reporting and decision making.
12 Continued next page Theme 2: Tourism - Continued
Self-drive tourism contributes to Diamantina Shire’s economy and The Simpson Desert Conservation Park which contains the world’s provides a major economic boost during the annual peak tourism largest area of parallel sand dunes, is closed annually from 1 December season of April to October. Events are the other important component to 15 March to ensure public safety as temperatures can exceed 50 of the shire’s tourism offer. The ‘Birdsville’ brand is iconic and is degrees26. An opportunity has been identified to investigate developing internationally recognised, in part due to the Birdsville Races which a motor bike event in late February or early March before the Simpson have been held since 1882. The event is part of the Simpson Desert Desert opens to tourists. With no traffic over the dunes during the Racing Carnival which incorporates events at Birdsville, Bedourie, summer and winds moving the sand about, the dunes are steeper and Betoota. In 2018, an estimated 6000 people attended the at this time of year and are too difficult for 4WD vehicles to access, Birdsville Races. however motor bikes can cope with the gradients. The largest of Diamantina Shire’s events is the Big Red Bash which Tourism accommodation in the shire was increased in 2017 with incorporates Australia’s most remote major music festival. The Big construction of the Birdsville Lodge which provided an additional Red Bash is hosted at the Big Red Dune, some 35km west of Birdsville 49 ensuited cabins and upgrades to the Birdsville Caravan Park. Both on the eastern edge of the Simpson Desert. The attendance recorded the Birdsville Lodge and Caravan Park are owned by DSC and managed for the 2018 event was 9,027 which included volunteers and local by contractors. All up there are approximately 258 accommodation residents. Big Red is the first of some 1,140 dunes which travellers beds in Birdsville and Bedourie made up of hotels, motels and cabins encounter when travelling across the Simpson Desert from east to east. and an additional 341 camping and caravan sites. During major Big Run Events is the organiser of the Big Red Bash with assistance festivals, 250 additional temporary campsites are established at the provided by a number of sponsors including Tourism and Events Birdsville Caravan Park. The level of accommodation ranges from two to Queensland, Outback Queensland Tourism Association and DSC. four stars (self-rated)27. The following have been raised as potential opportunities to expand In addition to direct financial sponsorship to events, DSC also provides the tourism sector: in kind support in the form of hire equipment, waste collection, provision of portable toilets and bins. DSC introduced an environmental • Events which provide financial benefits to the local economy levy involving a special charge for tourists visiting Birsdsville to attend without requirement for significant numbers of local volunteers the races, which assisted to meet some of the additional costs incurred • Capitalising on the iconic Birdsville brand by DSC during the event period. • Expanding the shoulders of the traditional tourism season Tourism sector growth is constrained by marketing which refers to the • Attracting corporate conferences and forums tourist season being in the winter months and by media which provides a negative portrayal of Birdsville in summer. However, current summer visitors are likely to experience closed or limited opening hours of businesses and difficulty accessing the range of services and goods available to visitors during winter.
ACTION 2.1 Assess the investment in tourism branding and marketing through undertaking an audit of the region’s expenditure against financial returns to the shire of the investments. ACTION 2.2 Undertake market testing to confirm the viability of changing the shire’s tourism brand from ‘Diamantina’ to ‘Birdsville’. ACTION 2.3 Amend the Diamantina Visitors’ Guide and other marketing material to remove references to the ‘best times’ to visit the region and to ensure information is up to date and embedded links work. ACTION 2.4 Work with businesses to ensure all accommodation options and experiences are bookable online. ACTION 2.5 Develop a business plan for the Birdsville Caravan Park and The Lodge to guide operation, identify new markets and increase profitability. ACTION 2.6 Undertake an economic impact assessment of the Birdsville Races and Big Red Bash events to assist planning of future events.
13 Theme 3: Small business and not-for-profits
As at 30 June 2017, Diamantina Shire have different profiles, especially in terms of when the associated expenditure occurs and the alternate purchasing options residents and was home to 23 businesses, 47.8 per tourists have. Small businesses in Diamantina Shire should consider cent of which employed no staff whilst how they best service these markets. The shire’s not-for-profit sector plays a significant role in facilitating only seven businesses had more than tourism in the shire. Many of the signature events including the one employee. The Agriculture, Forestry Birdsville Races are delivered by volunteers operating within incorporated organisations. Careful consideration should be given to and Fishing sector accounted for 30.4 growing the tourism events program in relation to the potential to per cent of businesses. impact local volunteers. Governance, organisational planning, financial management and many Between 2015 and 2017, the region lost six or 20 per cent of its other business principles are as important for successful operation operating businesses. This downward trend was also consistent across of not-for-profits as they are for businesses. However, in the past the neighbouring shires of Boulia, Winton and Barcoo28. remoteness has been a barrier to equitable access to training, Business viability is impacted by the seasonal nature of tourism developmental and mentoring opportunities. and events in the shire. Businesses experience difficulties attracting With the provision in 2017 of high speed broadband to Birdsville and and retaining staff for casual, seasonal positions. Limited resident Bedourie townships, there is an opportunity for residents, particularly accommodation options and very limited child care availability where they for example, are the primary care giver to young children, compound the issue. to consider establishing home based or online businesses. High The number of resident nights and tourist nights spent in Diamantina speed broadband also provides existing traditional businesses the Shire is very similar (approximately 106,000 resident nights compared opportunity to expand online. with 103,000 tourist nights). Although similar in size, these markets
ACTION 3.1 Undertake feasibility study into establishment of a rental car operation in conjunction with neighbouring local governments including Winton Shire. The study should consider, among others, demand, establishment and operational costs, the ability to stage the establishment of the business, appropriate business models, risk and logistical issues. ACTION 3.2 Establish a business association to co-ordinate activity relevant to businesses and not-for-profit organisations in the shire. The association may deliver advocacy, identify gaps and facilitate professional development opportunities, seek to understand successes outside the shire and share this information internally, support best practice in operation, succession planning, improve profitability. ACTION 3.3 Ensure no unnecessarily regulation or process impedes establishment of home based business operation. ACTION 3.4 Provide information and support to promote and establish start-up businesses. ACTION 3.5 Investigate opportunities to establish night time tourism activities to enhance the tourist experience. ACTION 3.6 Consider a collaborative approach to year round trading to support increased tourism in summer and population retention.
14 Theme 4: Economic infrastructure
Whilst there are no immediate concerns about provision of water, sewage and waste services to residents, the challenge for DSC is in providing these services particularly in Birdsville, in response to large tourist events which attract 7,000 to 9,000 people, without financial impact on rate payers and the broader community.
ACTION 4.1 Investigate options to deliver tourism infrastructure on a cost recovery basis
15 Continued next page central west district Theme 4: Economic infrastructurecentral - Continued west district central west district
Roads Corfield
Figure 1: Road network in centralcentral west Queensland west districtWinton BOULIA SHIRE WINTON Muttaburra COUNCIL SHIRECorfield Boulia COUNCIL BARCALDINE Aramac REGIONAL COUNCIL Winton BOULIA SHIRE WINTON MuttaburraLongreach Barcaldine COUNCIL SHIRE Corfield LONGREACH COUNCIL BARCALDINE Jericho Boulia REGIONAL Alpha REGIONAL COUNCIL Aramac COUNCIL Winton BOULIA SHIRE Bedourie WINTON Muttaburra Isisford StonehengeLongreach Barcaldine Blackall COUNCIL SHIRE COUNCIL CorfieldLONGREACH BARCALDINE Boulia Emmet Jericho Alpha REGIONAL REGIONAL DIAMANTINA BARCOO Aramac COUNCIL COUNCIL BLACKALL - Tambo SHIRE SHIRE TAMBO COUNCIL COUNCIL Winton REGIONAL BOULIA Bedourie Isisford StonehengeLongreach Barcaldine Blackall COUNCIL SHIRE WINTON Muttaburra LONGREACH COUNCIL SHIRE Jericho REGIONALWindorah Emmet Alpha COUNCIL BARCALDINE DIAMANTINABoulia COUNCIL BARCOO BLACKALLREGIONAL - Tambo SHIRE Aramac Birdsville SHIRE TAMBOCOUNCIL COUNCIL COUNCIL REGIONAL Bedourie Isisford Stonehenge BlackallCOUNCIL Longreach Barcaldine Legend Windorah LONGREACHEmmet Jericho DIAMANTINA BARCOO REGIONAL Alpha National road network BLACKALL - Tambo Birdsville SHIRE SHIRE COUNCIL TAMBO State strategic road network COUNCIL COUNCIL REGIONAL COUNCIL State regional and other district road Isisford ³ Bedourie Stonehenge Blackall Legend National rail network Windorah 0 100 Km Emmet National roadOther network railway Birdsville DIAMANTINA BARCOO Tambo Local government boundary BLACKALL - State strategic road network SHIRE SHIRE TAMBO COUNCIL COUNCIL State regional and other district road REGIONAL ³ Source: DepartmentCOUNCIL of Transport and Main Roads 2018, LegendNational rail network 0 100 Windorah Queensland Transport and Roads InvestmentKm Program NationalOther road railway network Local government boundary (QTRIP) 2018–19 to 2021–22. State strategic road network Birdsville\\imapsfile\jobs\jobs\CORPORATE PRODUCTS\QTRIP Maps\2018\Central West\Central West District QTRIP_2018.mxd State regional and other district road ³ National rail network 0 100 Km Other railwayLegend Local governmentNational road boundary network \\imapsfile\jobs\jobs\CORPORATE PRODUCTS\QTRIP Maps\2018\Central West\Central West District QTRIP_2018.mxd DSC maintainsState strategic over road1,684 network kilometres of State controlled and local roads The sealing of remaining sections of the Eyre Developmental Road State regional and other district road ³ in the shire.National The rail majority network of the shire’s roads are dirt or gravel with between Bedourie and Birdsville would provide all weather0 access100 Km just 250 kilometresOther railway of bitumen roads. In 2017, a final section of the between the shire’s population centres, a sealed route into Birdsville Local government boundary \\imapsfile\jobs\jobs\CORPORATE PRODUCTS\QTRIP Maps\2018\Central West\Central West District QTRIP_2018.mxd Diamantina Development Road at Marion Downs Station was sealed, from the north for tourists and improved cattle and freight transport providing a sealed road connection between Bedourie and Boulia and outcomes. Sealing of the road would also provide an opportunity to
onto Mount Isa. \\imapsfile\jobs\jobs\CORPORATE PRODUCTS\QTRIP Maps\2018\Centralestablish West\Centralrental care West District hire QTRIP_2018.mxd between Birdsville and northern centres including Mount Isa, Winton and Longreach. DSC has undertaken some The inbound and outbound freight task for Diamantina Shire is preliminary works to develop a project proposal which has identified a difficult and is exacerbated by unsealed roads to the east and south total project cost of $27.8 million. DSC proposes that the program of of the shire in addition to 61.6 kilometres of unsealed sections of the works will be delivered by DSC over eight years. DSC has successfully Eyre Developmental road between Bedourie and Birdsville. The Eyre applied for funding from the Maturing the Infrastructure Pipeline Developmental Road is a State controlled road. program administered by DSDMIP to complete a business case for the The Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) indicates the project. following works will be undertaken in 2018 – 201929: A second road development priority for DSC is the sealing of • Complete paving and sealing of a 7.7 km section of the Diamantina the remaining approximately 260 kilometres of the Birdsville Developmental Road, between Windorah and Bedourie Developmental Road between Birdsville and Windorah which • Commence works to pave and seal 3 km of the Bedourie-Birdsville Road would provide additional tourism and transportation benefits but just importantly would provide certainty of all-weather access for • Review the complexities of the Eyre Developmental Road between Diamantina families. Community members consulted in development of Bedourie and Birdsville, and develop detailed planning to improve the DSEDS consider that attracting to and retaining families in the shire flood immunity and road alignment. is likely to be more successful if families have all weather road access to the east where boarding schools, health services and extended families tend to be located.
ACTION 4.2 Complete the business case for the Eyre Development Road Pavement Sealing project to complement investigations undertaken by GBA into construction versus maintenance costs and whole of life comparison. ACTION 4.3 Seek funding to undertake the Eyre Development Road Pavement Sealing project. ACTION 4.4 Identify and list priority road upgrade projects using agreed measures including the value of increased tourism revenues to the shire and Queensland and develop advocacy material.
16 Continued next page Theme 4: Economic infrastructure - Continued
Rail
There is no rail infrastructure in the Diamantina Shire. Queensland Rail’s Western System runs from Toowoomba and ends at Quilpie. The distance between Quilpie and Birdsville is approximately 627 kilometres. The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) Inland Rail project is the Australian Government’s priority freight rail project consisting of an inland railway between Melbourne and Brisbane to improve freight efficiencies and provide a competitive alternate to road transportation. The rail line has been designed to accommodate double stack freight trains up to 1,800 metres long. ARTC’s estimated cost for 224 kilometres of railway from Queensland-New South Wales border to Gowrie is $1.4 billion or $6,250,000 per kilometre30. Using direct application of ARTC figures from its Inland Rail project without consideration to differences in topography, floodplain crossings, earthworks, etc which might be required and using fifty per cent of the cost per kilometre to reflect lesser engineering standards for lighter train loads, the cost of constructing a rail line between Birdsville and Quilpie may be in the order of $1.9 billion. Consideration should be given to the likely demand and return on investment of this proposal by comparison with similar expenditure on road sealing and associated benefits to agriculture, tourism and community. Communications Residents of Birdsville and Bedourie have access to high speed digital connections via a ADSL2+ broadband service and 4G mobile phone coverage. The installation of optic fibre in the shire and in Barcoo Shire in 2017 was funded by the three levels of government and provides a superior service to that which was to have been delivered under nbn Co’s universal service obligation. The improved connectivity provides improved access to, among others, telehealth, education and business services. Residents living elsewhere in the shire are reliant on nbn Co’s Sky Muster services which generally provides an inadequate service particularly for agricultural businesses. Subscribers are likely to experience lower speeds, higher latency, lower data caps and disrupted service due to weather events. Remote customers will generally benefit from upgraded service options to reflect their disadvantage and limited choices, greater flexibility in deployment of infrastructure to reflect business needs and enablement of additional ports to reflect operation of a business from the person’s residence. Mobile phone coverage along roads within the shire is almost non-existent and a safety concern for residents and tourists alike. Digital connectivity on farm away from the homestead is a key issue for producers. The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) ran a research project between August 2017 and February 2018 to create better Internet connectivity for remote primary producers. The project succeeded in delivering a business-grade internet and connectivity network providing reliable internet continuity to participating farm businesses. Improved digital connectivity contributes to economic growth and new business and employment opportunities and fast and efficient broadband has been identified as a fundamental enabler for rural communities. Effective use will generate benefits for the Diamantina community however there is a need to increase skills to maximise benefits.
Action 4.5 Develop documentation for improved digital services to rural businesses and residents through research and case studies through which to advocate for improved economic and community outcomes.
Aerodromes DSC operates three aerodromes located at Birdsville, Bedourie and Betoota. The aerodromes at Birdsville and Bedourie facilitate: • Four Regional Express (REX) flights per week • Royal Flying Doctor Service and Aerial Ambulance medical evacuations • Flood evacuation and delivery of supplies • Courier, charter and general aviation operations
The Betoota runway is unsealed and is only used occasionally for emergency evacuations and during events such as the Betoota Races.
17 Continued next page Theme 4: Economic infrastructure - Continued
Energy infrastructure The Birdsville and Bedourie aerodrome runways are 1,732 metres and 1,810 metres long respectively and both are 30 metres wide. They currently accommodate planes up to the size of a Bombardier Dash 8 Q300 with 34 seats. Neither airport has passenger security screening facilities31. The route serviced by REX which includes Birdsville and Bedourie is regulated by the Queensland Government. In return for the guaranteed service, the Queensland Government will not allow other airlines to service the route. REX has indicated no immediate future plans to increase the frequency of flights or upgrade its fleet to larger planes32 and therefore aerodrome runways are sufficient to meet current requirements.
Energy infrastructure Diamantina Shire is not connected to the national electricity grid. Ergon Energy operates the two isolated power stations in Birdsville and Bedourie which use diesel-fuelled generators with a capacity of 300-1000 kilowatts33. From 1992 to 2017, Ergon operated one of Australia’s few low-temperature geothermal power stations at Birdsville. The geothermal power station contributed about 30 per cent of Birdsville’s energy needs with the remaining power provided by three 300 kilowatt diesel-fuelled generators34. Operation of the geothermal power station reduced diesel consumption by about 160,000 litres per year. The infrastructure reached its end of life and Ergon has taken the decision to move to solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage systems. Ergon is encouraging customers to install solar PV and battery storage systems to increase renewables in the town’s network, reduce the number of generators needed to meet peak demand and reduce the amount of diesel used. It is likely that this model will also be deployed in Bedourie in the future. A recently completed and unpublished study for another central west Queensland shire investigated options for more reliable, better quality and less expensive energy provision to its community. A range of options was considered with four recommended options provided including uptake of small-scale solar with or without battery storage for domestic and commercial supply. The other options included installation of larger scale battery storage for multiple users and private sector investment in large-scale solar PV.
Water infrastructure Bedourie’s water supply is provided by an artesian bore which has been operating for more than 110 years and produces water with a temperature of 45 degrees35. In 2012 DSC completed the Bedourie Cooling Ponds project which cools the water to approximately 25 degrees. Any failure of the bore would have significant consequences for the town so in 2017, DSC committed to replacing the bore by 202136. Birdsville has dual reticulation from an artesian bore which produces water at a temperature of between 97 and 99 degrees and river water system which also delivers non-potable water for irrigation purposes37.
Flood mapping Existing Queensland Government flood mapping indicates that Birdsville and Bedourie are both completely inundated during flood events38. More accurate mapping will assist DSC and the community to: • Identify higher risk areas in relation to development and ensure building restrictions and approvals match the associated risk • Provide accurate information for investment decisions • More accurately estimate flood risk ratings for insurance purposes with potential to reduce premiums to better reflect lower risk • More accurately assess property values This work has the potential to contribute to improved economic outcomes for the shire.
ACTION 4.5 Attract funding to employ a consultant to undertake accurate flood mapping of Birdsville and Bedourie townships.
18 Theme 5: Liveability With a population of just 291 people, it is difficult to present a case for the range of social services and infrastructure which may be found in larger population centres. The issue of service provision is exacerbated by the need for service providers including DSC to service two very small communities located some distance apart. Despite the current geographical and population challenges, the region does have access to primary health services, education facilities for younger children and a range of recreational opportunities.
The Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) is a summary measure of the social and economic conditions of regions across Australia. SEIFA, is generated by the ABS from the Census of Population and Housing. The index ranks regions based on socio-economic disadvantage, focusing on elements such as low-income earners, low educational attainment, high unemployment and dwellings without motor vehicles. The SEIFA index is reported in quintiles, ranging from one being most disadvantaged to five being least disadvantaged. Comparison of results from the 2016 and 2011 SEIFA shows that Diamantina Shire’s ranking has increased from quintile one to quintile three39.
Housing In Diamantina Shire, in the 12 months to 31 March 2018 there were four residential dwelling sales and five vacant land sales, with no new house sales40. The vacant land sales related to DSC releasing industrial land to the market in the September quarter 201741. Property transactions on average occur every 7 years in Bedourie42. Due to this, it is difficult to calculate a median property sale price for Diamantina Shire. In 2015 a two- bedroom, 1-bathroom home in Birdsville sold for approximately $120,000. Housing availability and affordability is an issue for residents and potential residents. Residents report insufficient housing choices, expensive rents in the order of $200 to $300 per week and the cost of building which is double that in coastal areas. An online search failed to identify any housing options in either Birdsville or Bedourie43. DSC owns approximately 60 houses in Bedourie and Birdsville for accommodating its workforce. In the past. It has made vacant houses available to the private sector where possible. This year, DSC aims to finalise negotiations with Queensland Government concerning the acquisition of community housing stock and continue to make suitable housing stock available for private purchase44. Negotiations have been protracted due in part to differences in perception of the value of the houses, the value of sunk costs and maintenance costs.
ACTION 5.1 Investigate the feasibility including costs and benefits of merging the Diamantina Shire population centres in one location.
19 Theme 6: Retaining population In the period from 2011 to 2036, the population of Diamantina Shire is projected to decrease from 291 people to 264 people45. Anecdotal evidence from DSC indicates, ‘retaining people in the shire is difficult given the limitations of schooling, health, cost of living and family needs’46. This is supported by the ABS 2016 census which showed 39.8 per cent of the shire’s residents had a different address in 201147.
The future sustainability of the Diamantina Shire and its residents is fundamentally linked to population retention and future population growth. With negligible unemployment and difficulties in attracting professionals and tradespeople to full time available positions, there is a need for a collaborative and innovative approach which identifies the ‘points of difference‘ for Diamantina Shire which can be used to aggressively market its liveability to potential residents. Whilst DSC plays an important role and contributes significantly to enhance the social fabric of the region, there is a need for population retention and growth to become the business of all residents.
ACTION 6.1 Establish an outcomes focused, community led ‘population group’ to identify and deliver strategies to increase the shire’s population. Strategies may include: • Setting a target ie increase population by 5 people each year for the next three years • Undertaking exit interviews with all people who leave the region to understand how best to improve liveability, maximise investment in social infrastructure and maximise advocacy for additional services • Developing a webpage which discusses all aspects of the shire’s liveability including job opportunities and accommodation options • Engaging with community to generate ideas (with cost, implementation plan and responsible person identified by person offering idea) • Developing a strategy to keep youth connected to Diamantina – see for example Friends of Kastellorizo http://kastellorizo.com/ • Mapping job vacancies to youth skill sets • Identifying and promote business opportunities to bring new families into the region • Developing a strategy to employ a secondary teacher or teachers to teach Years 7 to 10 • Working collaboratively across the community including DSC and businesses to reduce freight costs and the general cost of living.
ACTION 6.2 Establish collaborative employment attraction strategies including an online portal which provides details of the employment opportunity, the workplace and regional conditions, housing options and other key material important to employment decisions. This material may include vignettes delivered by people living in region.
ACTION 6.3 Undertake an audit of all online sites and electronic material to ensure messages are consistent and up to date and all hyperlinks are functional. ACTION 6.4 Strengthen communication between the community and DSC to increase information sharing and engagement buy community in planning and implementation of projects and services.
20 Implementation, monitoring and evaluation Halting population decline and then growing the population will not be easily achieved. Influencing the predicted population decline to 264 people Halting population decline and then growing the population will not be easily achieved. Influencing the predicted population decline to 264 people by 2036 will require focused effort from all community members and some economic leadership from some community individuals and from Diamantina’s elected representatives. Consistency in the community’s approach to issues and to prioritising issues is crucial. If the community is to achieve its vision, it will need to work as one and ensure collective effort on agreed activities. Achieving a different future to that which is laid out by the ABS and others based on historic data, will require tenacity, focus and positivity. Although initiatives may not have been successful in the past, through a changed political or social environment or greater collective effort, they may be achievable today through increased collective effort and persistence.
Implementation of the Action Plan is likely to provide step change. Turning the Diamantina Shire’s economy around and achieving the shire’s vision is unlikely to be achieved in the short term. It will be necessary to review the Action Plan at regular (ideally 12 month) intervals to assess progress and to consider whether the next group of actions are still relevant. Due to external influences, some may not retain relevance over the three year timeframe of the Action Plan. Others may need to be amended or removed due to activities which have occurred in the previous period. At the end of the three year timeframe of the Action Plan, the DSEDS should be reviewed and a new Action Plan will need to be developed to frame the community’s focus for the next period, identify individuals who will lead the initiatives and the stakeholders who should assist.
21 Acronyms used in the following Action Plan:
DAF Department of Agriculture and Fisheries BSC Boulia Shire Council DHPW DED Department of Housing and Public Works Digital Economy Development DLGRMA Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs DSC Diamantina Shire Council DSDMIP Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning OQTA Outback Queensland Tourism Authority NFPs Not-for-profits RAPAD Remote Area Planning and Development Board TEQ Tourism and Events Queensland WSC Winton Shire Council
Indicative timeframes for actions in the following Action Plan are as follows: Priority 1 – next 12 months Priority 2 – year 2 Priority 3 – year 3
Action Plan Our vision Diamantina Shire has the strategic infrastructure and services to realise our economic potential and support job creation while preserving our heritage, environmental and community values.
Theme: Agriculture
Our key actions Priority Lead agency and Objectives contributing partners 1.1: Undertake consultation with the shire’s graziers to determine the 1 DAF Industry led activities which respond issues and support the sector would like assistance to address and Graziers to the industry’s identified needs and the appropriate delivery mechanisms. assist to improve profitability.
22 Continued next page Action Plan - Continued
Theme: Tourism Our key actions Priority Lead agency and Objectives contributing partners 2.1: Assess the investment in tourism branding and marketing through 2 DSC Rationalise expenditure on branding undertaking an audit of the region’s expenditure against financial OQTA and marketing. returns to the shire of the investments. TEQ Ensure maximum return to the region from strategic investment. 2.2: Undertake market testing to confirm the viability of changing the 1 DSC Best use of available tools to drive shire’s tourism brand from ‘Diamantina’ to ‘Birdsville’. OQTA growth in sector. TEQ 2.3: Amend the Diamantina Visitors’ Guide and other marketing material 1 OQTA Assist to grow tourism activity to remove references to the ‘best times’ to visit the region and to DSC and maximise tourist access to ensure information is up to date and embedded links work. information. 2.4: Work with businesses to ensure all accommodation and experiences 1 OQTA Increase in tourism visitation. are bookable online DHPW DED TEQ 2.5: Develop a business plan for the Birdsville Caravan Park and The 1 DSC Increase profitability Lodge to guide operation, identify new markets and increase Increase untied revenues to profitability. DSC to fund new economic development initiatives 2.6: Undertake an economic impact assessment of the Birdsville Races 1 DSC Supporting evidence to attract and Big Red Bash events to assist planning of future events. Birdsville Race Club event funding Big Run Events Information to assist organisers with event planning and to improve the attendee experience Information to assist analysis of marketing and branding of the events
23 Continued next page Action Plan - Continued
Theme: Small business Our key actions Priority Lead agency and Objectives contributing partners 3.1: Undertake feasibility study into establishment of a rental car 2 DSC Diversify the economy through operation in conjunction with neighbouring local governments WSC development of an additional including Winton Shire. The study should consider, among others, BSC income stream. demand, establishment and operational costs, the ability to stage RAPAD Contribute to growing the tourism the establishment of the business, appropriate business models, risk sector through alternate transport and logistical issues. options for tourists. 3.2: Establish a business association to co-ordinate activity relevant 1 Local businesses Retention and growth of businesses. to businesses and not-for-profit organisations in the shire. The Local NFPs Increase number of FTEs. association may deliver advocacy, identify gaps and facilitate DSDMIP professional development opportunities, support best practice in DSC Increased capability in NFPs. operation, succession planning, improve profitability. Maximise use of digital applications to access information and increase profitability. 3.3: Ensure no unnecessarily regulation or process impedes DSC Promote opportunities to establish establishment of home based business operation. home based businesses. 3.4: Provide information and support to promote and establish start up 1 DSDMIP Increase the number of businesses. DESBT operational businesses. DHPW DE Increase number of FTEs. 3.5: Investigate opportunities to establish night time tourism activities 2 Local businesses Improve visitor experience to enhance the tourist experience. OQTA Extend period of tourist stay TEQ in region 3.6: Consider a collaborative approach to year round trading to support 1 Local businesses Improved external perception of the increased tourism in summer and population retention. region’s all year accessibility. Increased tourism activity throughout the year.
Theme: Economic infrastructure Our key actions Priority Lead agency and Objectives contributing partners 4.1: Investigate options to deliver tourism infrastructure on a cost 1 DSDMIP Informed investment in tourism and recovery basis DSC other sectors.
4.2: Complete the business case for the Eyre Development Road 1 DSC Develop robust and substantiated Pavement Sealing project to complement investigations undertaken DSDMIP economic case for early sealing of the by GBA into construction versus maintenance costs and whole of GBA Eyre Developmental Road. life comparison. 4.3: Seek funding to undertake the Eyre Development Road Pavement 2 DSC Secure funding for road sealing. Sealing project.
24 Continued next page Action Plan - Continued
4.4: Identify and list priority road upgrade projects using agreed 3 DSC Consistent and informed advocacy for measures including the value of increased tourism revenues to the OQTA agreed priorities. shire and Queensland and develop advocacy material. RAPAD Roads Group TMR DSDMIP 4.5: Develop documentation for improved digital services to rural 2 DHPW Increased efficiencies through use of businesses and residents through research and case studies DED digital tools such as Apps. through which to advocate for improved economic and community DAF Increased safety of travellers outcomes. RAPAD and residents. DSC 4.6: Attract funding to employ a consultant to undertake accurate flood 2 DSC Improved economic outcomes. mapping of Birdsville and Bedourie townships.
Theme: Liveability Our key actions Priority Lead agency and Objectives contributing partners 5.1: Investigate the feasibility including costs and benefits of merging 3 DSC Informed decisions regarding the Diamantina Shire population centres in one location. DSDMIP strategies to mitigate DLGRMA population decline and decline in available services.
Theme: Retaining population Our key actions Priority Lead agency and Objectives contributing partners 6.1: Establish an outcomes focused, community led ‘population group’ 1 Community group Community empowerment to identify and deliver strategies to increase the shire’s population. DSC and ownership. Collective focus on the core issue. 6.2: Establish collaborative employment attraction strategies including 2 Community group an online portal which provides details of the employment (see 6.1) opportunity, the workplace and regional conditions, housing DSC options and other key material important to employment decisions. This material may include vignettes delivered by people living in region. 6.3: Undertake an audit of all online sites and electronic material to 1 DSC Regional tourism and liveability ensure messages are consistent and up to date and all hyperlinks OQTA information is up to date, consistent are functional. TEQ and functional. Community group Businesses 6.4 Strengthen communication between the community and DSC to 1 Community group DSC, businesses increase information sharing and engagement buy community in Improved collaboration on shire planning and implementation of projects and services. wide objectives Increased efficiencies
25 Appendix A Demographic and economic data
Demographic data Economic data According to the 2016 Census, Diamantina Shire’s population was 291 In 2016 Diamantina Shire’s median weekly household income was people, a slight increase of 8 people (2.8 per cent) in the five years $1,767 and is higher than in the neighbouring shires of Barcoo, Boulia, from 2011. In the same period, Queensland’s population increased by Winton and for Queensland54. 8.6 per cent and the population for the Far Central West Queensland Figure 3: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Population area (Boulia, Barcoo, Diamantina and Winton Shires) decreased by 13.7 per cent48. Diamantina Population migration data from the 2016 Census shows that 106 Shire people or 39.8 per cent of Diamantina Shire’s residents had a different address five years ago, with 27.4 per cent having moved from within Queensland (including from another address within Diamantina Shire), 9.4 per cent from the rest of Australia and 3.8 per cent from overseas49. Outback Queensland The median age of Diamantina Shire residents is 30 years, significantly lower than for Far Central West Queensland or for all of Queensland50. Approximately 75 per cent of Diamantina’s population are under 50 51 years of age . Overall, males comprise 52 per cent of DSC’s population Queensland with the largest gender difference in the 20-24 years age group where 52 there are 20 males and 13 females . 0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0% 35.0% Figure 2: Diamantina Shire Age Profile % of total population identifying as ATSI 2016 2011 2006 40.0% Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2016, Census of population and housing, 35.0% time series profile, 2016, cat. no. 2003.0, Australian Government, Canberra, 33.7% 30.0% Table T06. 25.0% Figure 4: Median weekly household income 24.1% 20.0% 19.9% 15.0% 17.5% 2,000 10.0% 1,800 5.0% 1,600 5.2% 0.0% 1,400 Under 15 yrs 15-24 yrs 25-49 yrs 50-64 yrs Over 65 yrs 1,200 1,000 Source: ABS 2016, Census of population and housing, Diamantina Shire time series profile, 2016, cat. no. 2003.0, Australian Government, Canberra, $ per week 800 Table T03. 600 Diamantina Shire’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island (ATSI) population 400 decreased by 37 per cent to 43 people in the five years to 2016. 200 The decline in ATSI population between 2011 and 2016 was also 0 experienced in most of the local government areas in Far Central West Queensland53. Diamantina Shire Queensland Outback Queensland
Source: ABS 2017, Census of population and housing, general community profile, 2016, cat. no. 2001.0, Australian Government, Canberra, Table G02.
26 Continued next page Appendix A - Continued
Workplace The total number employed in Diamantina Shire in 2016 was 164 The unemployment rate in Diamantina Shire for the December quarter people with Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries the main industry 2017 was 5.6 per cent. Whilst this has increased slightly over the past of employment with 52 people. Diamantina Shire has been drought five years it is still lower than the Queensland and Outback Queensland declared since mid-201355 and this has affected the Shire’s Agricultural unemployment rates of 6.1 per cent and 12.5 per cent respectively. As industry which is reflective in the decrease in employment of 16 per Diamantina Shire experiences small numbers of unemployed (under 10 cent (10 people) since 201156. people) this can have a significant impact on the unemployment rate60. The employment specialisation ratio reflects the relative importance of There are difficulties in attracting and retaining skilled and unskilled an industry compared to Queensland. Figures greater than one indicate workers and residents to the region due to its isolation and providing a greater percentage of people employed in an industry relative to opportunities for young people as many migrate to larger urban Queensland and conversely those less than one indicates relatively less centres61. people employed within an industry. The larger the number, the more Figure 5: Unemployment rate in Diamantina Shire important an industry is to the region. Based on 2016 ABS Census data for Diamantina Shire there were Unemployment rate - Diamantina (S) four areas of specialisation greater than one, with the largest being 8.0 Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing with a ratio of 11.18. This means there 6.0 were eleven times more people employed in this sector (predominantly 4.0
agriculture) in Diamantina, relative to total workforce, than within all Percent of Queensland. Other industries with ratios greater than 1 were Public 2.0 Administration and Safety (which reflects the Council’s role in service 0.0 provision), Accommodation and Food Services and Arts and Recreation Services which reflects the importance of tourism in the region57. Jun -17 Mar -17 Jun - 14 Jun - 15 Jun - 16 Sep - 17 Sep - 13 Sep - 14 Sep - 15 Sep - 16 Dec - 17 Dec - 13 Dec - 14 Dec - 15 Dec - 16 Mar - 14 Mar - 15 Mar - 16 Tourism is not recognised as a separate industry of employment by the ABS, however a reasonable estimate can be derived from combining Note: Unemployment rate is based on a 4-quarter smoothed series. all of Accommodation and Food Services; three quarters of Arts Source: Department of Jobs and Small Business 2018, Small area labour markets, and Recreation Services and a quarter each of Transport, Postal and December quarter 2017, Australian Government, Canberra, viewed 21 March Warehousing Services and Retail Trade sectors. Using this estimate, 2018,
27 Continued next page Appendix A - Continued
Table 2: Employment specialisation 2016 Diamantina Shire Outback SA4 Queensland
No. of Employees Per cent of total Employment Employment Specicialisation Ratio No. of Employees Per cent of total Employment Employment Specicialisation Ratio No. of Employees Per cent of total Employment
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing 52 31.7% 11.18 4,474 13.3 % 4.7 60,608 2.8 % Mining 0 0.0% 0.00 4,422 13.1 % 5.6 49,997 2.3 % Manufacturing 3 1.8% 0.30 847 2.5 % 0.4 128,787 6.0 % Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services 0 0.0% 0.00 319 0.9 % 0.8 23,883 1.1 % Construction 10 6.1% 0.68 1,972 5.8 % 0.7 191,338 9.0 % Wholesale Trade 0 0.0% 0.00 480 1.4 % 0.5 56,370 2.6 % Retail Trade 4 2.4% 0.25 2,379 7.0 % 0.7 211,778 9.9 % Accommodation and Food Services 17 10.4% 1.41 1,782 5.3 % 0.7 156,670 7.3 % Transport, Postal and Warehousing 0 0.0 % 0.00 1,403 4.2 % 0.8 108,083 5.1 % Information Media and Telecommunications 0 0.0 % 0.00 145 0.4 % 0.4 25,265 1.2 % Financial and Insurance Services 0 0.0 % 0.00 209 0.6 % 0.2 54,286 2.5 % Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services 0 0.0 % 0.00 257 0.8 % 0.4 42,500 2.0 % Professional, Scientific and Technical Services 3 1.8 % 0.29 540 1.6 % 0.3 133,652 6.3 % Administrative and Support Services 5 3.0 % 0.86 881 2.6 % 0.7 75,336 3.5 % Public Administration and Safety 40 24.4 % 3.72 3,957 11.7 % 1.8 140,164 6.6 % Education and Training 7 4.3 % 0.47 3,110 9.2 % 1.0 192,143 9.0 % Health Care and Social Assistance 5 3.0 % 0.24 3,569 10.6 % 0.8 276,945 13.0 % Arts and Recreation Services 3 1.8 % 1.16 313 0.9 % 0.6 33,667 1.6 % Other Services 0 0.0 % 0.00 1,380 4.1 % 1.0 83,470 3.9 % Inadequately described/Not stated 4 2.4 % 0.57 1,321 3.9 % 0.9 91,505 4.3 % Total 164 100.0 % 33,765 100.0 % 2,136,455 100.0 % Tourism 20.25 12.3% 1.01
Source: ABS 2016, Census of population and housing, time series profile, 2016, cat. no. 2003.0, Australian Government, Canberra, Table T34 with DSDMIP calculations.
28 Appendix B Diamantina Shire’s [In]Sight competitiveness rankings with indicators for each measure62 The Regional Australia Institute (RAI) has developed an index of competitiveness of Australia’s local government areas across ten themes and 68 indicators. Table 1 below shows Diamantina Shire’s national ranking against 563 local government regional competitiveness profiles. Note: the basis for the rankings below is 2011 Census data. RAI is in the process of developing a new index using 2016 Census data.
Measure Rank Indicators Innovation 176 Research and Development - Science - Innovative capacity and outputs through R&D and Science and Engineering qualified 457 business dynamism Research and development managers 255 Registered research service providers 84 Patent applications 502 Business Dynamo Business entries 44 Owner-Managers 185 Trademark applications 18 Knowledge-intensive business services 504 Business sophistication 514 Economic diversification 447 - Capacity of business to respond to competitive pressures Exporters, importers, wholesalers 311 Income source own business 425 Access to local finance 441 Economic fundamentals 38 Wage/labour costs 254 - The general economic climate of a region Business turnover 158 Number of hours worked 39 Building approvals - residential 516 Building approvals - non-residential 12 Value of industrial buildings 25 Value of Commercial buildings 493 Human Capital 328 University qualification 253 - The capabilities and skills of workforce of a region Technical qualification 215 High school completion 157 Early childhood development n/a Primary School literacy and numeracy n/a Secondary School literacy and numeracy n/a Learning or Earning n/a Workforce Skill 69 Adult Learning 279 Natural Resources 33 Agriculture 140 - Availability and use of natural resources Mineral and energy resources 57 Timber resources 125 Commercial fishing and aquaculture 282 Coastal access 537 National park 443
29 Continued next page Appendix B - Continued
Measure Rank Indicators Technological readiness 535 Internet connections 480 - Access and utilisation of new technologies Employment in technology-related industries 507 Employment in ICT and electronics 394 Mobile Coverage 497 Mobile internet 500 Broadband coverage 517 Infrastructure and Essential Services 540 Access to tertiary education services 98 - Access to infrastructure, transport and services Access to technical or further education services 403 Access to allied health services 496 Access to GP services n/a Access to primary education services 530 Access to secondary education services 540 Distance to Airport (Aviation infrastructure) 540 Distance to Port (Port infrastructure) 536 Distance to a medical facility (replaces Access to hospital) 530 Road infrastructure 238 Rail infrastructure 527 Labour Market Efficiency 498 Unemployment rate 272 - Use of the potential regional workforce by the economy Youth unemployment n/a Participation rate 331 Skilled labour 417 Demography 203 Population size 531 - The characteristics of the local population Population growth rate 466 Population density 538 Population turnover 476 Senior dependency ratio 17 Young dependency ratio 18 Institutional Foundations 38 Presence of Major Organisations 398 - Administrative support for regional development Local Economic Development Support 483 Volunteer Activity 46 Community Skills Base 330 Leadership Capacity 424 Public Service Workforce 4
30 Continued next page Endnotes 1 Inayatullah S 2015, Ensuring culture does not eat strategy for breakfast: What works in futures studies, World Future Review, Vol. 7(4) 351–361, viewed 3 July 2018,
2 Outback Queensland Tourism Authority [sic] 2017, Outback destination tourism plan 2017-2020, Outback Queensland Tourism Authority, Longreach, viewed 23 January 2018,
3 Remote Area Planning and Development Board 2017, RAPAD strategic plan 2018 – 2020, Remote Area Planning and Development Board, Longreach, viewed 29 October 2017,
4 Regional Australia Institute 2017, RAPAD Pathfinder final report July 2017, Remote Area Planning and Development Board, Longreach, viewed 29 October 2017,
5 Institute for Resilient Regions 2016, Pathways to the future: Building local strategies for regional resilience and sustainable development in central western Queensland - Synthesis report of community workshops Barcaldine, Boulia, Barcoo, Blackall-Tambo, Longreach October 2015 – February 2016, University of Southern Queensland, viewed 8 January 2018,
6 Remote Area Planning and Development Board 2017, Smart Central Western Queensland: A digitally enabled community strategic plan, Longreach, viewed 20 July 2018,
7 Madigan, C.T. 1936. The Australian sand-ridge deserts. The Geographical Review 26(2):205-227.
8 Tindale, N 1974, Aboriginal Tribes of Australia: Their Terrain, Environmental Controls, Distribution, Limits, and Proper Names, Australian National University Press, Canberra.
9 Queensland Heritage Council 2016, Queensland Heritage Register, Brisbane, viewed 31 May 2018,
10 Australian Bureau of Statistics 2017, 2016 Census of population and housing, Birdsville general community profile, 2016, cat.no. 2001.0, Australian Government, Canberra, Table G01a.
11 Defined as those properties for which the main homestead is located within the Diamantina Shire boundary.
12 Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) 2016, Queensland agricultural land audit: Central west and south west, 2016, Queensland Government, Brisbane, Chapter 9.
13 DAF 2018, The long paddock: Queensland drought declared situation, Queensland Government, Brisbane, viewed 30 March 2018,
14 Above n 12.
15 Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science 2016, Soil sodicity, Queensland Government, Brisbane, viewed 15 March 2018,
16 Ibid.
17 Australian Organic 2017, Australian organic market report 2017, Australian Organic, Brisbane, viewed 13 March 2018,
18 CSIRO 2017, TraNSIT: Unlocking options for efficient logistics infrastructure in Australian agriculture final report, Australian Government, Canberra, viewed 22 March 2018,
19 Meat and Livestock Australia 2018, Tips and tools meat standards Australia, Meat and Livestock Australia, Sydney, viewed 22 March 2018,
20 McLean, I, Holmes, P & Counsell, D 2014, The Northern beef report: 2013 northern beef situation analysis, final report, Meat and Livestock Australia, Sydney.
21 National Farmers’ Federation 2018, Draft 2030 Industry roadmap: An industry vision for $100 billion in farm gate output by 2030, National Farmers’ Federation, Canberra, unpublished.
31 Continued next page Endnotes 22 Tourism Research Australia 2018, National visitor survey ending March 2018, Australian Trade and Investment Commission, Canberra. Unpublished.
23 Ibid.
24 The variable nature of travel, combined with sampling variability means that regional results need to be viewed as indicative only. It is likely that not all segments of the region will experience the changes noted on a regional level.
25 DSDMIP calculations based on Tourism Research Australia 2018, National visitor survey 2017, Australian Trade and Investment Commission, Canberra.
26 National Parks South Australia 2015, Simpson Desert Conservation Park, National Parks South Australia, Adelaide, viewed 9 May 2018, < https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/find-a-park/Browse_by_region/ flinders-ranges- outback/simpson-desert-conservation-park-regional-reserve>.
27 DSDMIP, Email interview with Wirrarri Visitor Centre, Birdsville, August 2018.
28 ABS 2018, Counts of Australian businesses, including entries and exits, June 2013 to June 2017, cat. no. 8165.0, Australian Government, Canberra.
29 Department of Transport and Main Roads 2018, Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) 2018–19 to 2021–22: Central West, Queensland Government, Brisbane, viewed 18 April 2018,
30 Australian Rail Track Corporation Limited 2018, Initial Advice Statement: Inland Rail – Border to Gowrie, Australian Government, Brisbane, February, viewed 23 July 2018,
31 J.J. Ryan Consulting Pty Ltd 2016, Regional airport plan - February 2016, Outback Regional Roads and Transport Group, Central West Queensland.
32 Regional Express 2018, Comment during RAPAD Air services forum, Brisbane, 30 July 2018.
33 Ergon Energy 2018, Isolated and remote power stations, Ergon Energy, Townsville, viewed 8 May 2018, < https://www. ergon.com.au/network/network-management/network-infrastructure/isolated-and-remote-power-stations>.
34 Ergon Energy 2018, Birdsville organic rankine cycle geothermal power station, Ergon Energy, Townsville, viewed 4 May 2018, < https://www.ergon.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/4967/EGE0507-birdsville-geothermal-brochure.pdf>.
35 Diamantina Shire Council 2018, Council services – water, Diamantina Shire Council, Bedourie.
36 Ibid.
37 Ibid.
38 Queensland Government FloodCheck online map, viewed 27 September 2018,
39 Queensland Government Statistician’s Office 2016, Socio-economic indexes for areas by local government Queensland, 2011 and 2016, Queensland Government, Brisbane, viewed 27 April 2018,
40 Queensland Government Statistician’s Office 2018, Diamantina Shire regional profile: residential dwelling sales, new house and vacant land sales, Queensland Government, Brisbane, viewed 30 August 2018,
41 Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning 2018, Phone conversation with Diamantina Shire Council regarding recent vacant land sales, 20 March 2018.
42 Which Real Estate Agent 2018, Real estate agents Bedourie, Which Real Estate Agent, Sydney, viewed 5 March 2018,
43 DSDMIP 24 August 2018.
44 Diamantina Shire Council 2018, Diamantina Shire Council operational plan 2017/18, Diamantina Shire Council, Bedourie.
32 Continued next page Endnotes 45 Queensland Government Statistician’s Office, 2018, Data Tables: Projected Population, by local government area, Queensland, 2011 to 2036, Queensland Treasury, Brisbane, viewed 30 August 2018,
46 Diamantina Shire Council 2017, Diamantina Shire Council annual report 2016/17, Diamantina Shire Council, Bedourie.
47 ABS 2017, 2016 Census of population and housing, Diamantina Shire general community profile, 2016, cat. no. 2001.0, Australian Government, Canberra, Table G42.
48 ABS 2017, 2016 Census of population and housing, Diamantina Shire time series profile, 2016, cat. no. 2003.0, Australian Government, Canberra, Table T03.
49 ABS 2017, 2016 Census of population and housing, Diamantina Shire general community profile, 2016, cat.no. 2001.0, Australian Government, Canberra, Table G42.
50 ABS 2017, 2016 Census of population and housing, general community profile, 2016, cat. no. 2001.0, Australian Government, Canberra, Table G02.
51 ABS 2017, 2016 Census of population and housing, Diamantina Shire time series profile, 2016, cat. no. 2003.0, Australian Government, Canberra, Table T03.
52 ABS 2017, 2016 Census of population and housing, Diamantina Shire general community profile, 2016, cat.no. 2001.0, Australian Government, Canberra, Table G01.
53 ABS 2017, 2016 Census of population and housing, time series profile, 2016, cat. no. 2003.0, Australian Government, Canberra, Table T06.
54 ABS 2017, 2016 Census of population and housing, Diamantina Shire general community profile, 2016, cat. no. 2001.0, Australian Government, Canberra, Table G02.
55 DAF 2018, The long paddock: Queensland drought declared situation, Queensland Government, Brisbane, viewed 30 March 2018,
56 ABS 2017, 2016 Census of population and housing, Diamantina Shire time series profile, 2016, cat. no. 2003.0, Australian Government, Canberra, Table T34.
57 ABS 2017, 2016 Census of population and housing, Diamantina Shire time series profile, 2016, cat. no. 2003.0, Australian Government, Canberra, Table T34 with Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDMIP) calculations.
58 Ibid.
59 Department of Employment, Small Business and Training 2018, Direct entry level training database, Queensland Government, Brisbane.
60 Department of Jobs and Small Business 2018, Small area labour markets, December quarter 2017, Australian Government, Canberra, viewed 21 March 2018,
61 DAF 2016, Queensland agricultural land audit: Central west and south west, 2016, Queensland Government, Brisbane, Chapter 9.
62 Regional Australia Institute 2016, [In]Sight for competitive regions: Economic fundamentals, Regional Australia Institute, Canberra.
33 Contact The Diamantina P: 1300 794 257 E: [email protected] W: thediamantina.com.au facebook.com/thediamantina