An overview of the economic indicators and regional priorities for Central and Western

October 2019 Contents

Introduction 3 Foreword 4 Project Scope 5 Central and Western Queensland: Region at a Glance 6 Key Development Areas 8 Agriculture 9 Tourism 14 Mining 17 Manufacturing 19 Defence 22 Thriving Communities 23 Summary of Regional Priorities 24 Appendix One - References 34 Appendix Two – Local Government Project 39 Pipeline

2 RDA Central and Western Queensland INTRODUCTION • Foreword • Project Scope • Central and Western Queensland: Region at a Glance Foreword

Regional Development Central and Western Queensland (RDACWQ) continues to focus on regional economic development priorities and initiatives that span across the central and western region. As such, RDACWQ Project Stakeholders has undertaken a study into the significance of the region’s economy as well as the regional initiatives required to support its continued growth as a key RDACWQ would like to acknowledge and thank all the project contributors, national contributor. including Banana, Gladstone, , Central Highlands, Woorabinda Livingstone, Barcaldine, Blackall-Tambo, Longreach, Barcoo, Diamantina and Winton The purpose of this project was to firstly deliver an economic baseline with information on the local governments as well as the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, region’s activities and competitive advantages to facilitate engagement with both government Transport, Cities and Regional Development. This project illustrates both the and the private sector, domestically and internationally. This will provide an evidence base to quantity and interconnectedness of the growth opportunities available in the region. engage on key policy and investment initiatives and support community stakeholders to The commitment of all three levels of government to work together will enable develop project proposals. Secondly, the project sought to develop a detailed understanding of these opportunities to be realised. the challenges across the region’s supply chains and the critical regional development issues affecting the region. This will further lay the groundwork for the development of a priority list of regional economic interventions to support the region’s growth objectives. Through collaboration with relevant stakeholders, identification of these economic interventions will help to leverage private and public sector investment in the region. The RDACWQ members recognise the value of a shared regional approach. The local Grant Cassidy governments and other relevant stakeholders within the region have come together to plan for economic prosperity to ensure the long term success of all parts of the region. OAM A coordinated approach ensures that new projects are considered within the wider region Chair highlighting the interdependencies between the investments. Projects in the region are part Regional Development Australia of a long term program of investment required to support the regional supply chains and Central and Western Queensland community. This approach highlighted the interdependencies been projects, strengthening the value and contribution of the individual investment.

4 Project Scope

Scope Disclaimer KPMG were engaged on 13 May 2019 to assist Regional Development Inherent Limitations Australia Central and Western Queensland (RDACWQ) with: This report has been prepared as outlined in the Scope Section. The services provided in connection with • The development of an economic profile to assist with The RDACWQ’s this engagement comprise an advisory engagement, which is not subject to assurance or other standards engagement with local, regional and national elected representatives issued by the Australian Auditing and Assurance Standards Board and, consequently no opinions or as well as to support their engagement with industry; and conclusions intended to convey assurance have been expressed. • To identify regional initiatives that the local governments across The findings in this report are based on a qualitative study and the reported results reflect a perception of central and western Queensland believed had the greatest potential Regional Development Australia Central and Western Queensland but only to the extent of the sample to drive economic development for the entire region. surveyed, being representatives of the local governments comprising the RDA region and the RDA Central and Western Queensland Board and their approved representatives. This report details the findings from this analysis and consultations. All analysis has been informed by publicly available data sources and are No warranty of completeness, accuracy or reliability is given in relation to the statements and referenced, as appropriate, throughout this report. All identified priorities representations made by, and the information and documentation provided by those consulted as part of have been sourced from consultation with representatives of the 11 local the process. governments comprising the Central and Western Queensland region as KPMG have indicated within this report the sources of the information provided. We have not sought to well as the board members of RDACWQ. independently verify those sources unless otherwise noted within the report. In preparing this report, KPMG have not been engaged to test the viability KPMG is under no obligation in any circumstance to update this report, in either oral or written form, for or feasibility of initiatives proposed during consultation, nor model the events occurring after the report has been issued in final form. impact of the potential initiatives that have been identified. The findings in this report have been formed on the above basis. The report also acknowledges the extended project list that has been Third Party Reliance prepared in consultation with the local governments with the addition of This report is solely for the purpose set out in the Scope Section and for RDA Central and Western the local government of Boulia. This list has been included in Appendix Queensland’s information. Two as a reference for this report. This report has been prepared at the request of RDA Central and Western Queensland in accordance with the terms of KPMG’s engagement letter dated 13 May 2019. Other than our responsibility to RDA Central and Western Queensland, neither KPMG nor any member or employee of KPMG undertakes responsibility arising in any way from reliance placed by a third party on this report. Any reliance placed is that party’s sole responsibility.

5 Central and Western Queensland: Region at a Glance A regional economy with the capacity to grow economy, as demand for the region’s resources Central and Western Queensland (CWQ) is home to 1 in remains. Key statistics: CWQ % of QLD 6 regional Queenslanders (17% of Queensland’s A diversifying regional economy with Tourism Overview regional population - those not living in South East Tourism is part of a sustainable, long-term pathway Total area21 451,454 km2 26% Queensland (SEQ)), with a residential population of towards a diversified and vibrant economy. A broader 11 231,000 (2016) . The regional economy contributed an economic base is important to provide a wider range of Population11 231,000 5% estimated $17.7 billion to the state economy in 2018 employment and economic development opportunities 11, 21 (economy id) 19, drawing on a workforce that consists of for the local community. The region has diverse natural Population density (people/ km2) 0.51 2.71* ~93,000 local residents and ~7,300 workers from beauty and tourist attractions which provides a solid Resident workforce 49 93,000 4% outside the area (based on 2016 Census) 11. foundation. 40 Queensland’s regional agricultural supply chain A key manufacturing region for Queensland Number of jobs 100,000 5% The region has an abundance of productive land, with a The CWQ has a focus on rail manufacturing and Economy total area of 452,454 km2 (26% of Queensland) 21. The technology, resource processing, advanced GRP 19 $17.719 billion 6% majority of this land is utilised for sustaining the technologies for metal production and food product region’s large cattle herd of approximately 4,484,569 innovation. With a supply of suitable land and Exports32 96.772 million tonnes 32% (note this estimate includes the broader Fitzroy Basin government investment, there is significant potential and Dessert Channel natural resource management for this sector to grow. Key Industries regions, which do not directly align to the CWQ region) Defence industry enables local business growth Agriculture gross value added (GVA) 48 $1.972 billion 15% 1, with the cattle herd providing the primary source of economic activity for many of the region’s townships. On the east coast, the Shoalwater Bay Training Area is Cattle herd 1 approx. 4.5 million 37% the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) largest permanent The total value of the region’s agricultural products was 46 48 training area. The presence of a defence training facility Mining gross value added $7,359.8 million (2018) 12% $1.972 billion in 2015/16 . Of this, the region’s is a boost for the region through the supply chain livestock generated a combined value of $1.661 Saleable coal production 32 49 million tonnes 20% 48 involvement in the construction and running of the billion . The region’s crops generated the remaining training area. (2017/18) $310 million in gross value added (GVA) with cotton, 23 chickpeas, mung beans, mangoes, grapes, and Maintaining and growing sustainable communities to Mining sector private expenditure $3.52 billion 12% support business macadamias among the region’s top crops produced in Connectivity terms of value48. A key focus for many parts of the region is sustaining, or growing resident populations to help towns thrive and 36 Driving exports through resources Number of airports 11 plan for their future. Without sustainable communities, Number of ports 2 One-fifth of the Queensland export task departs from there is not the workforce to support the economic the region’s ports at Gladstone and Rockhampton. The opportunities highlighted in the industry sectors. Km of road 25-27 36,674 large export volume of 96.7 million tonnes is generated by the area’s * Value provided as stated number (people/km2) rather than % of Queensland. productive mining areas, with coal mining activity accounting for an estimated 49 million tonnes alone32. This sector receives significant private sector investment, with an estimated $3.53 billion in 2017/1823. This export activity is expected to remain a central part of the regional

5 Central and Western Queensland: Region at a Glance (cont.) 37% One-quarter $7.359b of Qld’s cattle herd3 of the Queensland’s land area22 in GVA from mining activities Thriving communities enable a (2018) 46 workforce that drives economic Agriculture is A region with diverse natural beauty opportunities underpinned by beef, from red deserts of the outback to the Great Barrier Reef with enormous Shoalwater Bay Training sheep, goats, horticulture & forestry growth potential One-fifth Area is the ADF’s largest of Queensland’s export task permanent training $1.661b 1,890,000 departs from the region’s ports area generated by livestock combined48 overnight visits to the region (2018) 29 at Gladstone and Rockhampton32 Gladstone and Rockhampton are key Home to 1 in 6 regional Queenslanders manufacturing centres.

Longreach Rockhampton

Gladstone Emerald

Birdsville

7 Existing rail line RDA Central and Western Queensland KEY DEVELOPMENT AREAS • Agriculture • Tourism • Mining • Manufacturing • Defence • Thriving Communities

8 Agriculture in Central & Western Queensland

Agriculture is 37% of $1.661b 70 Key projects for investment Queensland’s underpinned by beef, generated by New jobs from investment 1 Eyre Developmental Rd cattle herd3 sheep, goats, horticulture & livestock in cluster fencing for sheep; unlocking rapid forestry combined19 expansion in sheep and 2 Tambo- Springsure Rd goat production47. West to east supply chain Northern supply chains West to east freight The CWQ region is underpinned by The roads in the region provide a key Livestock is produced across all of the region’s 3 Blackall-Capricorn Hwy agriculture, particularly beef cattle, with link for the NT and cattle productive agricultural land – requiring access to organic pasture in the west of the region supply chains. export markets. Transport east to Rockhampton 4 Dawson-Development Rd and a thriving horticulture industry in and south to enable goods to reach the east. domestic and international markets. 5 Alpha-Tambo Rd

6000 6 Skilled workforce Jobs in agriculture, 4.5M forestry and fishing40 head cattle herd Existing rail line in the region1 Beef processing 5 4 plants Longreach 1 1 Rockhampton 2 3 Emerald 4 cattle stations have organic 6 5 beef certification

8 Agriculture

The region has high quality livestock and A region famous for quality beef A growing sheep herd in the Central West Horticulture is established and there are tropical agricultural products that meet the Australian beef is regarded in the global Sheep farming has been undertaken in the opportunities across the region demand of domestic and international industry as being high quality, healthy and region since the 1840s. With recent Fitzroy River, as well as other major water markets. disease free. The region accounts for 17% investment in cluster fencing in some parts bodies in Central Queensland, provide While the region experiences challenges, of Australia’s total cattle herd 2 and 37% of of the central region, sheep numbers are water security, underpinning the primarily drought which currently affects over Queensland’s cattle herd (as defined by on the rise. horticultural production in the central and 28 96% of the region’s area , the total the Fitzroy Basin and Dessert Channel The cluster fencing investment has had a eastern parts of the region. agriculture GVA still contributes a significant 3 natural resource management regions) . very positive effect. The fencing protects With additional water supply and $1.972 billion to the regional economy 48. This sector is supported by the beef cattle herds from predators which has promoted emerging protected cropping, there is The region’s grazing country supports a large service industry which is comprised of strong growth in the sector. This has potential to increase existing activities 4.5 million head of cattle, producing high technology, infrastructure and support provided important economic diversity in including local coarse grain production for value organic cattle and a growing sheep services. the agricultural sector and job use in regional feedlots, and other 1 herd . Production, sale and processing in the opportunities in local communities. common horticultural crops including The region has access to markets, established Central and East Currently, sheep and wool are processed market vegetables, citrus fruits, tropical supply chains and processes, and experienced The CWQ region is one of the country's outside the region, transported by road orchard fruits, grapes, and plantation labour. Livestock related products contribute largest cattle production areas. The freight. With growing demand and fruits. a combined $1.661 billion in GVA to the production of cattle is supported by continued investment in cluster fencing, regional economy48. saleyards and processing plants in the there will be an opportunity to bring The climate and soil type of the eastern region. processing back to the region, creating region (Central QLD) provide advantages in Organic beef production in the west additional jobs and economic activity. the production of crops. Furthermore, its Five cattle stations in the region have Key regional priorities natural assets provide advantages for obtained organic beef certification, with • Continued investment in the cluster recreational and commercial fisheries. Diamantina having one of the first fencing initiative. Overall, cropping related activities contribute organically accredited saleyards in • Feasibility study for a wool handling a further $310 million to the region’s Australia. The natural endowments of the centre. agricultural activities19. region provide a competitive edge in the • Grow a skilled workforce, particularly beef industry. shearers. A key exporter of cattle genetics A key export other than processed meat is cattle genetics.

10 The Region’s Beef Supply Chain

Abattoirs Value-add Breeding Backgrounding Finishing – Grain (processing and further Domestic market (food service, packaging) processing retail and direct to consumer)

Meat International export markets Finishing - Grass wholesaling and distribution

Breeding Backgrounding Finishing Abattoirs Value add industries Market Breeding is located Backgrounding is a Feedlots are clustered in the There are three processing Value-adding or further Roads transport the beef throughout the region. transitionary stage for eastern zone of the region facilities in Rockhampton processing prepares ready to freight products: The isolated nature of the animals allowing growing given the proximity to grain and a facility in Biloela. Two eat or processed meats. • South for domestic western region has out to meet live export, supply, road access, water proposed independent These products are of more consumption. supported certified organic feedlot or processing and abattoirs. facilities in Emerald and convenience or value to • For export via the Port of operations In the specifications, thus creating Feedlots are a critical Gladstone are in the consumers. Concentration of Gladstone to Asian and Diamantina Shire. The additional value for element of ensuring planning stages of these facilities is largely in USA markets. market premium on organic producers. consistency of supply of development. The abattoirs the South East of • For exports via roads to cattle presents a higher Backgrounding is an high-quality cattle, are highly reliant on the Queensland. the Port of Brisbane. value future opportunity for important function to ensure alleviating the impact of supply of migrant labour Meat wholesaling and the region. Dedicated consistency and reliability of drought on the industry. resources. The challenge of distribution businesses Port Alma is a small but infrastructure and skills may supply into live export, Feedlots are intensive sourcing reliable labour is (separate to abattoirs) are growing live export terminal. support growth of organic feedlot and processing activities, with higher rates driving increased also largely absent from the Its key advantage is a 600km beef. facilities. of employment than cattle automation within plants. region. trip saving for cattle stations and also support producers compared to grains industry growth. .

Key enabler in supply chain: Key enabler in supply chain: Key enabler in supply chain: Key enabler in supply chain: Key enabler in supply chain: Key enabler in supply chain: • Sufficient rainfall and • Sufficient rainfall and • Cost of cattle and grain. • Road connections from • Energy supply for cold • Road connections from access to ground water access to ground water • Road connections from east to west for Road storage facilities. east to west for Road sources. sources. east to west for Road Trains and B-doubles. • Capital investment in Trains and B-doubles. • Road access. • Road access. Trains and B-doubles. • Availability of skilled and processing facilities. • Markets access and trade • Availability of skilled • Availability of skilled • Availability of labour. unskilled labour. protocols in international staff suitable for pastoral staff suitable for pastoral • Water access. • Reliable energy supply. markets. operations. operations. • Environmental considerations. • Research in smart and intensive farming.

11 Agriculture | Regional Priorities

Key enablers to grow the agriculture industry include:

Water Roads Energy Rail Water makes it possible to raise livestock The road network is the backbone of the Providing energy to dispersed populations Queensland is the only state with a rail and grow fruits and vegetables which are a region, connecting key supply chains from is expensive. The cost of energy is a network that supports the transport of the east to west and north to south. main part of the Australian diet and a key barrier, limiting the growth of agribusiness cattle. Livestock rail services are subsidised Importantly, the road network links the export. livestock rail services and ports (Gladstone within the region. For example, energy is a and provide regular scheduled services at a Agricultural water is used for irrigation, and Brisbane) for the export of live cattle key input to enable the irrigation of fixed-rate throughout the year. The pesticide and fertilizer applications. The and beef, and agricultural products. farmland. network contributes to safer roads through region is committed to enhanced Although the road network is expansive, The ensures that a reduction in heavy haulage traffic, sustainability, efficiency and productivity some efficiencies are lost in restricted customers across regional Queensland pay providing an alternative to trucking. Use of in the management and use of water weight and truck type areas. The a similar amount for their electricity to the rail network has been impacted by its resources. decoupling of road trains on the Capricorn those in . Across the deregulation, although the Queensland Highway network hampers the state, the subsidy is more than half a livestock rail service presents significant Like the rest of Australia, the region faces productivity and efficiency of beef major challenges in ensuring sustainable billion dollars a year. opportunities for the Queensland beef processing operations, ultimately industry to efficiently transport cattle. water supply in the face of increased increasing the costs of transport and The CWQ local governments have climate variability and rising demand for production. identified potential to leverage new Freight linkages provided by the Inland Rail water. Parts of the region suffer a similar technologies, such as solar, wind, battery project may present a future opportunity The key regional priorities below are problem, with cattle from the western storage and micro-grids to provide an for the efficient transportation of livestock focused on improving supply and security grazing country often facing two transport alternative power source. Importantly, the in the region. Although the route is only of water in the region. These investments mode changes (between road and rail) to current subsidy funding could be planned from Melbourne to Brisbane, reach the bulk of Queensland’s processing will provide flexibility to respond to water re-deployed to fund economic linkages from to Gladstone in capacity in the east and south-east extents infrastructure to support the sustainability the future may be a feasible option, linking demand triggers and other factors, such as of the state. new consumers, drought conditions, of the regions. southern freight supply chains through to The key regional priorities below are the Port of Gladstone. security of supply and availability of focused on improving the efficiency of the Key regional priorities funding. supply chains and the productivity of the • Renewable energy Key regional priorities Key regional priorities agriculture sector. • Lower cost of water • Inland Rail –Toowoomba to Gladstone • Rockwood Weir Key regional priorities link • Eden Bann Weir • Tambo-Jericho Road. • Nathan Dam • Blackall- • Alpha - Tambo Road • Fairbairn Dam • Dawson - Development Road • Flinders Dam • • Diamantina Dam • Thompson Dam • Barcoo Dam

12 Agriculture | Regional Priorities Key enablers to grow the agriculture industry include:

Digital Skills Digital infrastructure includes both mobile Skills enable employees to undertake more and fixed line internet connectivity. Digital complex and dynamic tasks, and obtain the connectivity is the predecessor for any skills required to service the foundational economic development; it is required for industries in the region as they adopt new business, skills development, market technologies. access and innovation. Investment in skills benefits the CWQ High speed internet digital infrastructure economy through improved productivity, connects people and businesses to the engagement in higher value work and information and business opportunities. To increased innovation. New technologies remain competitive and productive, the transform the way of doing business, agriculture sectors will need to innovate create new markets and demand, resulting and implement technologies as quickly and in changing consumer preferences and as effectively as other leading food increased productivity. producing nations. To ensure the region is supported by a AgriTech strong workforce, the appropriate skilling On-farm connectivity has been a barrier to of future employees requires linkages digitisation in agriculture — but it is between education institutions and increasingly becoming less of a barrier in industry. some parts of the region. Once connectivity is secured, the next step is the Key regional priorities adoption of new technologies. • Tafe Barcoo Technology and data gives farmers the • Emerald and Longreach Agriculture information to better inform decisions and Colleges change the way they operate their businesses. There is a significant array of AgriTech solutions in the market for farmers to choose from, such as farm management platforms, smart irrigation, pest management, and weather and climate monitoring.

13 Tourism in Central & Western Queensland

Tourism is part of a sustainable, long 11 1,890,000 $431 term pathway towards a diversified 1,067,740 Airport with passenger overnight visits to the region Average visitor expenditure Passengers passing through the 29 services36 (2018) per person attending rural economy for the region. region’s airports (2017/ 2018) 37 festivals (2009) 39

Outback to the Central West Coastal The farthest corner of Queensland delivers the authentic outback experience: red sand dunes, The eastern part of the region includes the Great Barrier Reef, one of the top dive waterholes, and channel country. Central West is proudly the birthplace of Qantas, Waltzing and snorkelling sites in the world. Other activities on the reef include deep water Matilda and Australia’s Labor Party, and has the world’s largest collection of dinosaur fossils. coral lagoons, personalised reef fishing tours, or watching turtle hatchlings enter the water. The Sandstone Wilderness, located inland off the coast, offers a myriad Matilda Highway Tourist Route of opportunities for bush adventures and the largest sapphire gem fields in the Tourist Route southern hemisphere. Pacific Coast Way Tourist Route Australia’s Country Way

Key projects for investment 2

Eyre Developmental 4 1 Road 2 Air connectivity 5 6 3 Black’s Palace Rockhampton Aust. Age of Dinosaurs Longreach 4 Museum Expansion 3 Emerald Gladstone 5 Livingstone Convention Centre Revitalising Great 1 6 Keppel Island 7 Integrated tourism offering

14 Tourism

A region with diverse natural beauty from attracting more people to visit and Building on a strong tourism Events the red deserts of the outback to the Great potentially relocate to the region. • Big Red Bash Barrier Reef with enormous potential to foundation • Birdsville Races grow. There are a number of existing high quality • Way Out West Festival CWQ is a region with a laid-back culture, rich tourism assets in the region. A number of • Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival history and ancient landscapes. Self-drive tourists these are greatly under-developed and • Rocky River Fest Self-drive tourists to the region have been under-utilised and have the potential to The tourism market is being shaped by a • Yeppoon Pine Fest growing. These tourists are seeking an attract a large number of visitors to the area. rising demand for quality products, events • Gladstone Harbour Festival authentic outback experiences visiting key Outback and experiences. The industry includes: • Winterfest Biloela destinations throughout the region by road. • Stockman’s Hall of Fame transport; accommodation; attractions; • Easter Sunflower Festival Emerald These tourists underpin the tourism • Qantas Museum events; food services; retail; arts and • Outback Food, Wine and Music economy and will be key to the industry • Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum recreation; travel agencies and tour Festival moving forward. Importantly, sealed road • Australia’s Dinosaur Trail operators; and education and training. Cafés, • Barcaldine Tree of Knowledge access is key for these tourists as many • Stonehouse Museum restaurants and takeaway food services, Festival caravans and motor homes rely on sealed • Big Red Sand Dune retail trade and accommodation are the • Better in Blackall Festival roads. • Sandstone Wonders largest direct tourism employers. • Windorah Rodeo and Campdraft • National Parks • Yeppoon Village Festival While tourism is only a relatively small • Key tourist routes - Overlanders industry for the region, it is part of a Way, Central Queensland Outback Drive High value tourists sustainable, long-term pathway towards a and . Growing Indigenous cultural & diversified and vibrant economy. In 2017/18, High value travellers (HVTs) engage in Eastern & Costal special interest experiences there were 1,067,740 passengers who domestic leisure travel, spend more than • Southern Great Barrier Reef Marine Park 37 passed through the region’s airports and the average traveller on leisure trips, and and islands Indigenous and special interest tourism is 29 1,890,000 overnight visitors (2018) . are interested in having the types of • Carnarvon George a key opportunity for the region. The A broader economic base is important to experiences the region has to offer. • Sapphire Gemfields region has significant Indigenous history provide a wider range of employment and These HVT typically stay for shorter periods • Capricorn Caves which can be shared with tourists. The economic development opportunities for and rely on air connectivity to visit the • Aboriginal art, deep gorges and scenic region also has special interest tourism the local community. region. There is opportunity to grow this waterfalls offerings relating to dinosaurs, astrology, marine parks, mining trails and outback Profiling the region to all tourists, self-drive, market through short stay packages and • Whale watching landscapes. adventure, high value fly-in, business and improved air connectivity. • Deepwater National Park those visiting family and friends is important • Curtis Island National Park and in raising the profile of the region. By visiting Conservation Park the region, there is greater awareness of the • Byfield National Park, Conservation Park lifestyle advantages, busting misconceptions and State Forest about regional life and contributing to

15 Tourism | Regional Priorities

There is significant opportunity to grow tourism by improving the amenity, Air Rail Tourist attractions connectivity, and tourism assets which will Access to the region via air services The region is serviced by three tourist rail Quality regional attractions are important build on the unique natural and cultural supports high value tourists. High value services - Spirit of the Outback, Inlander, to bring people to the region by offering assets within the region. tourists are more likely to fly in and out for and the Tilt Train. something exciting and new to visit. These shorter, higher expenditure trips. Rail holidays combine travel on attractions support a number of other Key enablers to grow the tourism industry However, the current access is constrained Queensland Rail's fleet of trains with businesses such as accommodation, cafes include: and does not meet this market’s accommodation, sightseeing and transfers, and care hire. expectations. which capture the very best of the region. Key regional priorities Regulated air routes guarantee services, Central West Road The comfort and ease of access these train however, there is no competition and a services and holiday packages provide • Black’s Palace The tourism industry is underpinned by the lack of competitive fares. The region would continue to support tourism into the • Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum road network. Road connectivity and benefit from more regular services to key hotter months. Improved rail connection Expansion reliable transport access is key in centres, such as Emerald, Longreach and provides an opportunity to grow off- • School excursions expansion program supporting and growing tourism. Rockhampton. There is an opportunity to season tourism. • Multi-purpose facility – to support the trial new services to test market demand. Unsealed roads impacted by weather Key regional priorities emerging film industry events are a major deterrent for visitors. Stakeholder consultations highlighted the • Central Western Train Experience East Often, the perception of risk is enough to importance of the proposed east-west air • Livingstone convention centre in deter visitors from traveling on these routes which will allow greater affordable conjunction with the sailing club roads. connections to hubs in the east such as • Revitalising Great Keppel Island Rockhampton. Key regional priorities • Revitalising Curtis Island National Park • Eyre Developmental Road Key regional priorities Across the region • Outback Way • Senate enquiry into regional airfares – • Integrated tourism offering and market • Blackall-Capricorn Highway to consider de-regulation, additional approach services and new routes • Alpha-Tambo Road • Town centre landscaping across the • East –west air links to Rockhampton • Dawson Development Road region • Accommodation investments in Central • Tambo- Jericho Road Queensland • Investments in adequate road stop options for caravan tourists

16 Mining in Central & Western Queensland

Through to the Port of Gladstone $7.359b Two key rail systems are used to transport coal from the mines to the bulk export ports in the region – via the Blackwater and in GVA from mining activities Moura rail lines. (2018) 46 The Blackwater line is shared with grain, livestock and passengers. The need for a supply chain coordinator depends on the complexity of the supply chain and level of rail service demand. To ensure all industries continue to thrive, supply chain coordination may be required in the future. One-fifth Mining activity of Queensland’s export Mining activity is generally concentrated on task departs from the the eastern side of the region between region’s ports at Emerald and the coast. The map below Gladstone and identifies particular mining sites in this part Rockhampton32 of the region. The coloured ships off the coast of Gladstone indicate exports of minerals, coal and LNG from the port. Major 8,850 sites include: gas fields (red), Bowen Basin Jobs in mining40 fields (orange), coal (grey) and metal mines and resources (blue). A resource rich region The region is part of the lower area of the Bowen Basin which contains the largest coal reserves in Australia. This area is a major Australian producer and exporter of the world’s best metallurgical coal. The region spans the southern Queensland Government, Queensland’s mineral, coal and petroleum operations and resource, 2017s part of the Galilee Basin which contains deposits of coal seam gas which are currently transported to Curtis Island.

17 Mining

5 Queensland’s second largest coal producing SEQ (10% of the workforce) and other areas . A long term, economic contributor to the region FIFO hubs in regional centres, such as region The region’s mining activity is predominantly Rockhampton and Emerald, have the Mining will continue to be a central part of located in eastern areas, with more than 13 potential to reduce the number of workers the Queensland economy and will make a coal mines currently in operation. These travelling from SEQ and keep jobs in the significant contribution to Central and mines produced an estimated 49 million region. Western Queensland. Working with the tonnes of saleable coal in 2017/18 (20% of One-fifth of the state’s total export task industries, local stakeholders and Queensland’s total saleable coal)50. This large The Port of Gladstone is the primary export supporting productive infrastructure will production of coal underpins the region’s hub for the region’s mineral products, contribute to the retention and expansion estimated $7,359.8 million in GVA from exporting an estimated 96.7 million tonnes in of the industry’s local workforce. mining activities46. The region’s mining 2017/18.32 This is the equivalent of 34% of the Furthermore, increasing the capacity of activities are significant contributors to the state’s total export task in terms of tonnes. the supply chain of local mines through to state’s economic accounts, with products The region’s second Port, Port Alma export hubs at Rockhampton and including: (Rockhampton), also exported a further Gladstone will support the region’s • Coal of $5,260 million in GVA; 63,000 tonnes of mineral products in contribution to GRP and export volumes. 33 • Metalliferous minerals of $1,218.6 million 2017/18. Local workforce in GVA; Productive infrastructure will be key to Mining provides an opportunity to bring • CSG/LNG of $637.6 million in GVA; and stronger performance new people to the region. Living locally not • Other mining activities of $250.2 million The success of the region’s mining activities only benefits the region, but can provide a in GVA. 46 will depend on macro economic conditions, better lifestyle for the workforce (FIFO) such as global demand for thermal and coking compared to living outside the region. A large workforce drawing skills from coal (and subsequently the price of these outside the region Regional Priorities commodities). To remain competitive, the • Inland Rail – Toowoomba to Gladstone Mining in the region employs 8,698 workers, local region needs to ensure that it improves with 5,410 (62%) employed in coal mining productivity by reducing inefficiencies in the • Tertiary school of mining and and 2,549 (29%) employed in metalliferous manufacturing in Central Queensland 5 supply chain. Improvements at key minerals . Of the mining workforce, ~73% of intermodal hubs, and underlying these workers live and work within the 5 infrastructure (such as roads and rail), will region . The remaining workforce are drawn contribute to reducing freight costs and travel from areas adjacent to the region as well as times, allowing products to get to their fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers travelling from export destinations more efficiently.

DNRME, 2018. Coal industry review tables 2013-18 The Queensland Resources Council November, 2018. Economic Contribution Of The To The Queensland Economy 2017/18 Note these figures include the Boulia Shire. Metalliferous -non ferrous metal ore mining of iron ore, copper, tin, nickel, gold, silver and zinc

18 Manufacturing in Central & Western Queensland 7,200 Jobs in manufacturing40 The Rockhampton Hub Gladstone has a focus on rail manufacturing and technology, advanced technologies for metal production and State food product innovation. Development Power Generation Area 4.055MW generation capacity at Gladstone, Callide has 27,200 ha set aside to enable 47 and Stanwell power stations, supported by growing major industrial development . renewable generations. 47 A strong resources manufacturing sector Alumina 7.35 Mtpa at QAL and RTAY.47 Aluminium 570 ktpa at Boyne Smelters, one of only three remaining smelters in Australia47. LNG Three LNG plants and upstream CSM fields delivering 25 Mtpa47.

19 Manufacturing

The manufacturing sector in CWQ is A sector facing external pressure Gladstone State Development Area (SDA) The Rockhampton Hub significant. It is open for trading with the The manufacturing sector in Queensland has The Gladstone SDA, located north-west of The Rockhampton Hub is a Queensland international economy through port and been facing a range of external pressures, Gladstone, is an area of land dedicated for Government initiative focused on airport export gateways, and continuously including changes in input costs, access to industrial development and materials supporting regional industry partners to changing. Manufacturing remains a large capital and appropriately skilled labour, transportation infrastructure. accelerate the growth of several existing employer, particularly in major centres, and market growth, consumer preferences, the The Gladstone SDA has been successful in specialised manufacturing industries. The can generate higher than average wages and strength of the Australian dollar, hub is made up of an influential collective salaries. Key growth sub-sectors within growing economic activity in the region and technological change, taxes, and is currently home to: of local businesses, governments, economic manufacturing include machinery and regulations—and change the composition of development agencies and educational equipment, chemicals, food, and petroleum the manufacturing sector over time. • Rio Tinto (formerly Comalco) alumina refinery; institutions that will set a path for the and coal which have grown while other Successful manufacturing businesses in the strong growth of regional manufacturing. subsectors have declined in the past three region have retained their competitiveness • Orica chemical manufacturing complex; decades. The Rockhampton Hub has a focus on rail and are exploiting global opportunities. Broad • Transpacific Industries waste manufacturing and technology, advanced Supported by agricultural and mining characteristics of successful manufacturing management and recycling facility; technologies for metal production and food products firms include: • Australia Pacific LNG; product innovation. Manufacturing is the largest sectorial user of • identify and leverage sources of • Santos Gladstone LNG; The Hub, in partnership with local industry agricultural and mining products. As such, advantage; • Queensland Curtis LNG; and and The Centre for Railway Engineering in these two key CWQ industries provide the • provide rapid turnaround and bespoke • Southern Oil's northern oil refinery. Central Queensland University (CQ inputs that have supported the growth of the orders; University), aims to drive innovation in the manufacturing sector in the region. There is opportunity for the SDA to grow as • target niche markets and global value it can accommodate: rail freight sector. chains; • large-scale, large-footprint industrial It aims to assist Rockhampton’s small to • focus on quality to move up the product development; medium enterprises in metal production to value chain; transform their business models, improve • industrial development requiring access supply chain capability, and move into • innovate to drive quality and efficiency; to strategic port logistics and maritime advanced manufacturing. and facilities; The Hub aims to deliver improved • combine manufactured goods with • port-related activities; services to establish a local advantage. efficiencies in food producers’ business • industries to support major industrial models, demonstrate the latest state-of- development; the-art technology, and assist with • materials transportation infrastructure workforce development and training. The and utility and service infrastructure; Hub will partner with industry and local and businesses to raise industry capability and • gas transportation infrastructure and increase efficiency and productivity gains. other compatible infrastructure.

20 Manufacturing | Regional Priorities

Key enablers to grow the manufacturing industry include:

Industrial Land Digital Skills Regional Priorities Ensuring that there is an availability of Digital infrastructure includes both mobile Skills enable employees to undertake more Other key priorities include: suitably zoned, flat, large industrial lots is and fixed line internet connectivity. Digital complex and dynamic tasks, and obtain the • Use of hydrogen as a low carbon fuel, critically important to some areas of the connectivity is the predecessor for any skills required to service industries in the particularly for energy production, sector, with availability of this land economic development; it is required for region as they adopt new technologies. hydrogen vehicles, seasonal energy constrained in some parts of the state. business, skills development, market To ensure the region is supported by a storage and long distance transport of Similarly, appropriately located sites close access and innovation. strong workforce, the appropriate skilling energy to key demand activities are critical for High speed internet digital infrastructure of future employees requires linkages • Liquid fuels, including Bio-diesel, oil smaller footprint, technology-driven connects people and businesses to the between education institutions and refinery and shale oil businesses. information and business opportunities. To industry. • Support the continued development of Regional Priorities remain competitive and productive, the Establishment of training programs and Coal Seam Methane supply, and • Continued development of new manufacturing sectors will need to partnerships with key education and encourage the continued expansion of industries in the Gladstone SDA innovate and implement technologies as training providers, and industry is the current three LNG plants to quickly and as effectively as other leading • Continued development of the important to ensure workforce capability maximum potential (50 Mtpa) manufacturing producing nations. Manufacturing Hub in Rockhampton keeps pace with advancing technologies • Planning for new and replacement of and change. Roads low cost base load power stations to Regional Priorities support these manufacturing The road network is the backbone of the Rail Freight linkages provided by the Inland Rail • School of Mining and Manufacturing in Industries region, connecting key supply chains from Rockhampton and Gladstone the east to west and north to south. project may present a future opportunity Effective freight connectivity to markets for the efficient transportation of goods in will be critical. the region. Although the route is only planned from Melbourne to Brisbane, The key regional priorities focus on linkages from Toowoomba to Gladstone in improving the efficiency of the supply the future may be a feasible option, linking chains and the productivity of the southern freight supply chains through to manufacturing sector. the Port of Gladstone. Key regional priorities Regional Priorities • Tambo-Jericho Road. • Inland Rail – Toowoomba to Gladstone • Blackall- Capricorn Highway • Alpha - Tambo Road • Dawson - Development Road • Eyre Developmental Road

21 Defence in Central & Western Queensland

Queensland has two significant training unmanned systems, geospatial Australia-Singapore Military Training Queensland Defence Industries 10-Year facilities in regional Queensland – one of intelligence and analysis complex project Initiative Roadmap and Action Plan these, the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, is management training. This initiative will provide increased access The roadmap and action plan highlights located in Rockhampton. Central Queensland has the existing assets for the Singapore Armed Forces to that regional Queensland has a key role in establishing strong and complementary The Shoalwater Bay Training Area is the ADF’s and locational advantages to support a major Australian military training areas. There largest permanent training area. logistical base for ADF activities. These defence industries. The CWQ region has will be approximately $1 billion of new the opportunity to leverage the defence The presence of a defence training facility is a include: investment in the Fitzroy region during the assets in the region to grow local business. boost for the region through the supply chain • Rockhampton Airport which is suitable for development of the training facilities One of the actions in the plan is to help involvement in the construction and running large military aircraft; which could lead to significant economic small-to-medium enterprises get the skills 47 of the training area. • Gladstone Port which is suitable for all uplift and new jobs in the region . and accreditations needed to compete in Small to medium local defence industry naval and logistical vessels; However, there are concerns by some the global marketplace and compete for defence contracts. businesses have the opportunity to benefit Existing transport connections north - members of the community about loss of • Local procurement from the ADF facilities being located in the south via sea, road and rail corridors; agricultural activity as a result of this initiative. Challenges exist in securing local region. • Military assets would be located further The location of the Singaporean base will contractors/suppliers with appropriate Defence industries are businesses that are north reducing deployment time; and quality management systems and other involved in supplying military capability present opportunities for local vehicle industry-relevant certifications. 'Untested' • The maintenance of Singapore Army maintenance and logistics businesses. and/or are influenced by defence business vehicles in the region will enable SMEs looking for new business must policies or purchasing decisions. These types complementary infrastructure Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019 (TS19) demonstrate not just capability but also reliability in order to reduce risk to prime of business include research and development. The Talisman Sabre (TS) exercises are a development, engineering and bilateral activity involving Australia and the contractors and the defence customer. Regional Priorities manufacturing. United States. The TS19 will include forces There is an opportunity to increase the Some of the key capabilities required by the • Major logistical base for ADF activities from the New Zealand, Canadian, United number of businesses that can tender for defence contracts. ADF include: • Heavy vehicle maintenance facility Kingdom and Japanese Defence Forces. Rockhampton Airport Defence Facilities • composite material development and • Workforce skill development TS19 will be conducted generally between The Rockhampton Airport Master Plan manufacture; and the localities of Townsville and Rockhampton in addition to the Coral Sea. includes an expression of interest for a • advanced manufacturing including defence precinct. Logistics and technical titanium casting, electronic systems It is anticipated that the majority of land- support, all weather access and larger integration, automation, autonomous based activities will occur at the aprons and taxi ways will be required. Shoalwater Bay Training Area, however a number of non-defence training areas will be used.

18 Thriving & Connected Communities

The region offers a more relaxed Amenity and lifestyle A key focus for many parts of the region is Underemployment in the Central West lifestyle, away from the hustle and It is important what a place looks like and sustaining or growing resident populations The more remote areas in the Central West bustle of the city. whether it is an attractive place to live. to help towns thrive and plan for their People consider access to parklands, experience under-employment. Many of the To support a regional lifestyle, key services future. swimming pools, activities in town, access to CWQ mayors identified there are job are required. These include: Thriving communities are the fundamental opportunities in towns and they are looking hobbies, and even community or interest reason for undertaking this work - that is, to for people to fill the jobs. Maintaining the Health services groups that they can join when choosing a create sustainable communities with stable liveability of these towns is important for Health care services and the quality of those place to live. populations to support services, thriving local attracting new workers. Busting the services is a key component of liveability. A Air connectivity good range of health services needs to be economies, job creation and liveability. misconceptions about the liveability of these Additional or more regular services will accessible, even if they are located in a Without thriving communities, there is thea areas is an important part of attracting improve connectivity and reduce isolation. nearby town or city. Proposed east-west air workforce to support the economic workers. Some parts of the region can wait three days routes have the potential to offer health opportunities in the region. Essential workers for the next air service. Affordable services benefits to the region. It is necessary to complement the investment There are shortages of essential community are important to improve the liveability of in supply chains and infrastructure with service jobs, such as doctors, nurses and Education regional centres. investment in liveability to provide a lifestyle teachers. Initiatives, such as regional medical Education options are especially important Key regional priorities for families with young children, and for that is desirable to attract and retain a strong schools/programs or removing caps on higher • Senate enquiry into regional airfares – to those undertaking tertiary education. workforce. education positions for teachers, may attract consider de-regulation, additional People are attracted to the region when work essential workers to the area. Key regional priorities services and new routes becomes available and depart when there are Digitally connected communities • Centre of excellence for rural and • West – East flights to Rockhampton no longer employment opportunities. The remote evacuative medicine (feasibility Providing affordable, high-speed internet is a Aging in place focus on growing supply chains and key aspect of modern liveability. It reduces underway) The aim of aging in place is to provide the diversifying the economic base is to reduce some of the constraints experienced living • Channel Country Institute – university necessary services, care and support to these economic fluctuations and the transient regionally or remotely. research population across the region. enable an individual to live in the residence • Longreach and Emerald Agricultural of their choice, for as long as they are able College re-development to. Having to move away from community Cost of living can result in a sense of helplessness and There is an important balance that needs to alienation - cut off from all familiar friends, be struck between income and the cost of community, and routines. In some parts of everyday goods and services. the CWQ, there is limited ability to age in the local community. Key regional priorities • Additional aged care beds • Improve aging in place options • Digital connectivity • Zonal taxation review 23 Summary of Regional Priorities

24 Regional Freight – ‘Red Dust to Reef’

Throughout the engagement process, a range of regional initiatives have been identified. These are largely inter-related or clustered to deliver benefits across multiple sectors. These projects have been summarised over the remainder of this section. The first cluster of projects relates to a series of missing links in the sealed road network that are fundamental for the east-west connectivity. Characterised by the mayors as the ‘Red Dust to the Reef’ group of projects, these are viewed in the region as an interconnected network of initiatives that are critical to the growth of key nationally significant export sectors. These sectors include freight (including the high value organic beef sector), resource and tourism, which need to be linked to key export gateways at the proposed Central Queensland Inland Port and the Gladstone and Rockhampton Ports. In addition to the links listed below and overleaf, stakeholders have identified the longer term road sealing between Birdsville and Windorah; Longreach and Jundah; and Winton and Richmond which are fundamental to regional connectivity and improved freight supply chains.

Project

Project type Description Outcome Agriculture Tourism Mining Manufacturing Defence Thriving Communities • Sealing of the road to allow caravans/‘grey The project will seal the current 62km of unsealed nomads’ access to Birdsville which is currently Eyre Road road. Completing the road sealing. Estimated cost restricted by a lack of sealed road access. 1 Developmental      sealing approximately $3.7 million (including transport • Provides a north-south connection for freight Road planning) 41. from South Australia to Mt Isa and the gulf country.

• Sealing of the road to allow caravans/‘grey Birdsville nomads’ access to Birdsville which is currently Road Development Project to seal the 273km of unsealed road. restricted by a lack of sealed road access.      2 sealing Road • Provides east-west connection for freight ravelling to South-Australia.

The project will seal the current 51km of unsealed Alpha - Tambo Road • Connecting west- east supply chains for road. Completing the road sealing. Estimated cost      3 Road sealing livestock , freight, and tourism. $1.3 million41.

Dawson – The project will seal the current 141km of unsealed Road • Connecting west- east supply chains for Development road. Completing the road sealing. Estimated cost      4 sealing livestock, freight, and tourism. Road $138 million42.

25 Regional Freight – ‘Red Dust to Reef’ (cont.)

Project Project type Description Outcome Agriculture Tourism Mining Manufacturing Defence Thriving Communities

The project would expand the • Enhancing the north-south connection between Longreach – Jundah Widening to 5 current single lane road between Jundah and Longreach for livestock, freight and      Road dual lane Longreach and Jundah. tourism.

Development of Australia’s third east-west transnational route, • The continued funding of the project will see the connecting Laverton in Western region connected into key beef supply chains in the     6 Outback Way Road sealing Australia through to Winton in Northern Territory, as well as improving community  Queensland. Estimated cost access and the connectivity and appeal for the drive approximately $75 million over tourism market. 10 years42. The project will include extension of the Gladstone Port Access Road; • The project will create an alternative route for heavy upgrade of the Glenlyon Street and Road vehicles accessing the Port of Gladstone, providing 7 Gladstone Port Access Port Access Road; and duplication   extension and consistent trip times for freight vehicles, a safer  Road and the upgrade of minor roads. upgrade environment for all road users and protection of Estimated total cost $105.8 million future road corridors. (including transport planning costs)41.

26 Regional Freight – ‘Red Dust to Reef’ (cont.)

Project Project type Description Outcome Agriculture Tourism Mining Manufacturing Defence Thriving Communities

Project to seal the unsealed parts of Winton-Richmond • Connecting north-south supply chains for livestock, 8 Road sealing the road between Winton and      Road freight, and tourism. Richmond.

• The project is anticipated to significantly reduce The intermodal facility at Yamala, freight and logistics costs by providing a key freight 25km east of Emerald is under Intermodal aggregation point for the region. Central construction. Key supporting freight hub & • The sealing of key feeder roads will further improve 9 Queensland Inland infrastructure will include the     supporting these benefits while the expansion of the water Port sealing of key feeder roads and the infrastructure supply will provide the foundation for further expansion of the currently available expansion of industrial activities surrounding the water supply. facility.

Development of a new meat • Productivity benefits and savings from reduced processing facility in Emerald that transport costs. Meat capitalises on the proximity to the 10 Emerald Meat • Productivity improvements in processing associated processing Central Queensland Inland Port and  Processing Plant with a new modern facility. plant position in the east west beef supply • Consolidation of the positioning of the region as chain. Estimated construction costs Australia’s leading beef export supply chain. $73-83 million43.

27 Regional Freight Map – ‘Red Dust to Reef’ Delivering an integrated regional supply chain 8

6

11 Rockhampton 9 10 7 Longreach Gladstone 5 3 Emerald 2 4 Birdsville 1

KEY: Majority unsealed 1 Eyre Development Road 6 Outback Way Partly Sealed 2 Birdsville Development Road 7 Gladstone Port Access Road (stages 2 and 3) (potential) Single lane sealed 8 Winton-Richmond Road (potential) 3 Alpha-Tambo Road Existing sealed road 9 Central Queensland Inland Port connections 4 Dawson Developmental Road 10 Emerald Meat Processing Plant Rail 5 Longreach – Jundah Road 11 Inland Rail – Toowoomba to Gladstone

28 Livestock Diversification - Growing the Sheep Herd

The sheep herd in the central west of Queensland has declined markedly from in excess of two million in the early 1990s, to less than 450,000 at present. While drought has contributed, a major factor has been the impact of wild dogs. Mayors have indicated that recent investments in wild dog exclusion cluster fencing have provided significant optimism to regional graziers, with the Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) projecting a growth in sheep numbers to 740,000 by 2026 and a lambing rate increase of 80%. These estimates are a cause for optimism in the region given the employment opportunities attached to the sector as well as the injection of wealth and opportunity that this growth would bring. The mayors consulted indicated strong support for initiatives to continue the expansion of this sector, including those listed below.

Project Project type Description Outcome Agriculture Tourism Mining Manufacturing Defence Thriving Communities

Industry Continued investment in cluster • Economic diversity. Cluster fencing   development fencing to grow the sheep industry. • New employment opportunities.

Feasibility study for a wool Wool handling Industry handling centre to support the Economic diversity. •   centre development growing sheep industry, • New employment opportunities. particularly shearers.

To provide the workforce to Grow skilled Industry • Economic diversity. support the growing sheep   workforce development • New employment opportunities. industry, particularly shearers.

29 Water Security for the Region’s Economy and Communities Reliable access to water at an affordable rate is fundamental to regional economic growth as well as long term community sustainability. At present, over 90% of the region is drought declared, placing pressure on the region’s agriculture and mineral supply chains in particular. 28 Regional mayors have identified a number of regional water security projects that have been the subject of extensive investigation. These are summarised in the table below.

Project Project type Description Outcome Agriculture Tourism Mining Manufacturing Defence Thriving Communities The Rockwood Weir is a $352 • Provision of water security to support Water million project with the ability to agricultural growth, and supply industrial and Rockwood Weir     security supply 76,000 ML per annum. urban water throughout Gladstone and the .

Raising of the Eden Bann Weir in • Improved water reliability for Rockhampton and line with the proposed Stages 2 and Livingstone Shire Councils, supply of water for Water Eden Bann Weir 3 to provide 91,450 ML of storage. industrial use across Rockhampton and     security Stages 2 and 3 estimated capital Gladstone and expansion of agricultural projects cost $274 million.44 across the lower Fitzroy Agricultural Corridor.

The Nathan Dam is an 8887,312 • Industrial, mining and agricultural water Water megalitre dam in Banana Shire with Nathan Dam security as well as water supply for surrounding     security an annual yield of 66.11ML and a townships. 150km trunk pipeline.

30 Powering Central Queensland

Several mayors have highlighted the importance of current investigations into renewable energy projects, as well as their views on the priority of developing a high efficiency, low emissions power station. Further detailed information will be required to inform the consideration of any specific project, however the importance of a reliable and affordable power supply to continued economic expansion and diversification is recognised.

Project Project type Description Outcome Agriculture Tourism Mining Manufacturing Defence Thriving Communities • Energy security to enable investment in the Transition towns to renewable agribusiness sector. energy. This will remove the need Energy • Cost effective energy supply to local Renewable energy for the current government subsidy      supply communities and transition to sustainable and deliver a more sustainable energy sources to assist in meeting State solution. Government targets.

• Energy security to enable investment in the High efficiency Construct high efficiency low Energy agribusiness sector. low emissions emissions power stations in the      supply • Cost effective energy supply to local power stations Blackwater area. communities.

Refurbish existing power stations in Refurbish existing Energy Stanwell, Gladstone and Callide • To extend asset life span to 2040 coal power supply      which have planned lives until stations 2030.

31 Diversification of the Tourism Offering In addition to improved road connectivity, the continued development of a diverse array of tourism destinations is viewed as critical by the region’s mayors. Improving the number, diversity and calibre of the region’s tourism destinations is critical to the provision of a strong tourism proposition that appeals to both domestic and international markets. This builds on the already strong events offering in the region as well as the appeal offered by the region’s natural environment.

Project

Project type Description Outcome Agriculture Tourism Mining Manufacturing Defence Thriving Communities Ancient burial site dates back around • Development of access to the site and supporting 4,000 years and contains about 10,000 interpretation infrastructure is viewed as a catalyst to Black’s Tourism rock art stencils. The traditional owners, improved tourism visitation. The site is a unique   Palace Asset Bidjara people, have support to open up Indigenous tourism offering with the potential to the site for tourists. significantly improve visitation numbers.

Australian • The continued expansion of the museum, as a Age of Tourism Current facility is proposed to be component of the dinosaur trail through Central   Dinosaurs Asset expanded. Queensland, is viewed as a key drawcard for both drive Museum and high value domestic and international tourists.

• Winton is seeking to build on its growing reputation as a Winton are seeking to develop a new filming destination. The construction of a film studio is Multi- facility that will combine a number of Tourism viewed as an opportunity to grow investment and purpose activities in one building - co-working   Asset employment, while the development of a multi- facility hub, emergency recovery centre and purpose facility is viewed as offering significant wider services for the film industry. community benefits. Livingstone convention centre Tourism Construction of a convention centre with The facility will support events, education and tourism •   conjunction Asset a 1,000 – 2,000 person capacity. into the region. with the sailing club

Trunk infrastructure to enable private sector investment. This will include • The revitalisation of Great Keppel Island is viewed as Revitalising Tourism water, power, waste water solutions, and having the potential to add a major tourism drawcard Great Keppel   Asset a tourist / commuter jetty. A business attraction to the region, significantly increasing Island case is currently underway being led by visitation and expenditure. the Queensland Government. 32 Regional Policy Settings

Regional mayors highlighted that in addition to key infrastructure investments, it was critical that key policy settings be in place to address population decline and provide a foundation for regional economic growth. Key policy measures identified by the mayors are summarised below.

Project

Project type Description Outcome Agriculture Tourism Mining Manufacturing Defence Thriving Communities While mayors recognised the diversity of tourism offerings across the region, they also identified the importance of consistency in messaging into key Integrated markets that promoted the breadth of experiences tourism offering • Improved tourism visitation numbers Policy in the region. Accordingly, mayors sought to ensure   and market and expenditure in the region. that tourism promotion and marketing investment approach was aligned and mutually reinforced across the region. It was viewed that this could be achieved through existing forums.

• Reduced population decline / There is currently a Senate enquiry into regional population growth. Airfare regulation airfares that is considering de-regulation, additional • Improved affordability and & key route services and new routes. Improved connectivity, connectivity for residents to critical Policy    connectivity reliability and affordability of air travel is viewed by health and education services. (west – east) mayors as fundamental to the sustainability of their • Improved air freight and tourism communities and local industry. passenger connectivity (particularly for high value tourists). Rockhampton Regional Council has highlighted the adjustment of regional taxation policy as a critical driver to improving business investment and • Improved private sector investment residential relocation to regional areas. This into regional locations in Queensland. Regional Taxation Policy includes addressing current disparities in • Improved attractiveness of regional       Commonwealth regional taxation policy as well as residential relocation. the consideration of a consistent approach to local and state taxation measures for Central Queensland.

33 APPENDIX ONE - REFERENCES

34 References, Data Sources and Supporting Evidence

# Description Total Year Source MLA Market Information, Cattle Numbers Natural Resource Management Regions , June 2018. Total 1 Meat and Livestock Australia Market Information - Total cattle (no.) 4,484,569 2018 of the Fitzroy Basin and Dessert Channel natural resource management regions.

2 Meat and Livestock Australia Market Information - Total cattle (no.) Approx. 17% 2018 MLA Market Information, Cattle Numbers Natural Resource Management Regions , June 2018

3 Agriculture - Queensland Livestock - Total cattle (no.) 12,100,000 (37%) 2018 MLA Market Information, Cattle Numbers Natural Resource Management Regions , June 2018

4 Agriculture - Australia Livestock - Total cattle (no.) 26,000,00 2018 MLA Market Information, Cattle Numbers Natural Resource Management Regions , June 2018

5 Industry Specialisation Ratio - Mining 3.5 2016 ABS. Census of Population and Housing, 2016, Table Builder and Community Profile T53

6 Industry Specialisation Ratio - Agriculture 2.1 2016 ABS. Census of Population and Housing, 2016, Table Builder and Community Profile T53

Health Care and Social Assistance 7 10,768 2016 ABS. Census of Population and Housing, 2016, Table Builder and Community Profile T53 (total number of employees)

Education and Training 8 9,174 2016 ABS. Census of Population and Housing, 2016, Table Builder and Community Profile T53 (total number of employees)

Retail Trade 9 9,738 2016 ABS. Census of Population and Housing, 2016, Table Builder and Community Profile T53 (total number of employees)

10 Employment - Unemployment Rate (%) 6.50% Dec-18 Department of Jobs and Small Business (2019), Small Area Labour Markets LGA Tables

11 Population Total (no.) 231,037 2016 ABS. Census of Population and Housing, 2016, Table Builder

12 Population (% comparison of total QLD population) 4.9% 2016 ABS. Census of Population and Housing, 2016, Table Builder

13 Population - Total Indigenous (%) 5.80% 2016 ABS. Census of Population and Housing, 2016, Table Builder

ABS. Census of Population and Housing, 2006, Table Builder 14 Population - Change in Population 2006 - 2016 (%) 12.3% 2006 to 2016 ABS. Census of Population and Housing, 2011, Table Builder ABS. Census of Population and Housing, 2016, Table Builder

ABS. Census of Population and Housing, 2006, Table Builder Population - Population change in 6 Central West 2006 - 2016 (Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall- 15 -2.2% 2006 to 2016 ABS. Census of Population and Housing, 2011, Table Builder Tambo, Diamantina, Longreach, Winton)(%) ABS. Census of Population and Housing, 2016, Table Builder

16 Population (% over 65 years) 13.3% 2016 ABS. Census of Population and Housing, 2016, Table Builder

17 Population (QLD % over 65 years) 15.3% 2016 ABS. Census of Population and Housing, 2016, Table Builder

18 Population with Post Secondary Qualifications (%) 31% 2016 ABS. Census of Population and Housing, 2016, Table Builder

35 References, Data Sources and Supporting Evidence

# Description Total Year Source National economic indicators for local government areas, 2017/2018, https://economic- 19 GRP Total ($m) $17,719,000 2017/2018 indicators.id.com.au/?Year=2018&StateId=3

National economic indicators for local government areas, 2017/2018, https://economic- 20 GRP % of QLD 5.9% 2017/2018 indicators.id.com.au/?Year=2018&StateId=3

ABS. Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS): Volume 3 - Non ABS Structures, July 2018, 21 Geography - Total Geographical Area (km2) 452,454 2018 http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/Lookup/by%20Subject/1270.0.55.003~July%202018~Mai n%20Features~Overview~1

ABS. Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS): Volume 3 - Non ABS Structures, July 2018, 22 Geography - Total Geographical Area % of QLD 26% 2018 http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/Lookup/by%20Subject/1270.0.55.003~July%202018~Mai n%20Features~Overview~1

Economic Impact of the Minerals & Energy Sector on the Queensland Economy 2017-18,Direct 23 Mining - Total direct spending by mining companies ($m) $3,526.6 2017/2018 Impacts of QLD Minerals and Energy Sector Spending by LGA, 2017/18(a) https://www.qrc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Full-Economic-Report-2018.pdf

Social Health Atlas of Australia Queensland. Data by Local Government Area. Published 2019: 24 Aged Care - Residential care places per 1,000 population aged 70 years and over 82.7 2014 February 2019, Phidu_data_lga_qld(1) http://www.phidu.torrens.edu.au/social-health- atlases/data#social-health-atlases-of-australia-local-government-areas

Department of Transport and Main Roads Draft Fitzroy Regional Transport plan 2018 25 Transport/ Roads - National Land Transport Network (kms) 1,059 2018 Department of Transport and Main Roads Draft Central West Regional Transport Plan 2018

Department of Transport and Main Roads Draft Fitzroy Regional Transport plan 2018 26 Transport/ Roads - State-Controlled Roads 3163 (kms) 6,845 2018 Department of Transport and Main Roads Draft Central West Regional Transport Plan 2018

Department of Transport and Main Roads Draft Fitzroy Regional Transport plan 2018 27 Transport/ Roads - Local Government Managed Roads (kms) 28,770 2018 Department of Transport and Main Roads Draft Central West Regional Transport Plan 2018

Queensland Government, Queensland Drought Situation, Full and part shire drought declaration 28 Climate - Total drought declared area (%) 96.4% 2019 status and Individually Drought Properties updated on 1 April 2019, https://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/drought/drought-declarations/

Tourism Research Australia, Summation Options by Stopover Local Government Area (LGA) then 29 Tourism - Overnight visits to region (no) 1,890,000 2018 Stopover state/region/SA2 by Calendar year

30 Education - Total higher education students (no.) 8,985 2016 ABS. Census of Population and Housing, 2016, Table Builder

31 Education - Total higher education students - Australia (no.) 8,864,448 2016 ABS. Census of Population and Housing, 2016, Table Builder

36 References, Data Sources and Supporting Evidence

# Description Total Year Source Gladstone Ports Corporation. Origin & Destination of Cargoes. Total for Financial Year 2018 (Gladstone) 32 Exports - Gladstone Port Total Cargo Exports (tonnage) 96,708,254 2017/18 http://content1.gpcl.com.au/viewcontent/CargoComparisonsSelection/CargoOriginDestination.aspx ?View=G&Durat=F&Key=2018

Gladstone Ports Corporation. Origin & Destination of Cargoes. Total for Financial Year 2018 (Port Alma) 33 Exports - Port Alma Port Total Cargo Exports (tonnage) 63,793 2017/18 http://content1.gpcl.com.au/viewcontent/CargoComparisonsSelection/CargoOriginDestination.aspx ?View=P&Durat=F&Key=2018

Gladstone Ports Corporation. Origin & Destination of Cargoes. Total for Financial Year 2018 (Gladstone) 34 Imports - Gladstone Port Total Cargo Imports (tonnes) 22,681,328 2017/18 http://content1.gpcl.com.au/viewcontent/CargoComparisonsSelection/CargoOriginDestination.aspx ?View=G&Durat=F&Key=2018

Gladstone Ports Corporation. Origin & Destination of Cargoes. Total for Financial Year 2018 (Port Alma) 35 Imports - Port Alma Port Total Cargo Imports (tonnes) 191,461 2017/18 http://content1.gpcl.com.au/viewcontent/CargoComparisonsSelection/CargoOriginDestination.aspx ?View=P&Durat=F&Key=2018 Qantas Airways Route maps (from http://www.qantas.com/travel/airlines/route-maps/global/en), accessed 16/5/2019. 36 Transport - Airports with regular passenger services 11 2019 Regional Express Network (from http://www.rex.com.au/FlightInfo/Network.aspx), accessed 16/5/2019

Transport - Passengers passing through airports Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities, Airport Traffic Data 1985–86 to 37 1,067,740 2017-18 (largest 5 airports only, rest less than 5000 passengers per year) 2017–18, https://www.bitre.gov.au/publications/ongoing/airport_traffic_data.aspx

Department of Transport and Main Roads Draft Fitzroy Regional Transport plan 2018 Transport - Transport Expenditure ($) 38 $1,235.346 M 2018 onwards Department of Transport and Main Roads Draft Central West Regional Transport Plan 2018 NOTE: Data includes Boulia Shire Council which is not part of the RDA CWQ

University of Wollongong. Reinventing rural places: The extent and impact of 39 Average visitor expenditure per person attending rural festivals $431 per person 2009 festivals in rural and regional Australia. 2009. https://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3357&context=sspapers

40 Number of jobs 101509 2016 ABS. Census of Population and Housing, 2016, Table Builder POW by industry

41 Estimated cost of road upgrade Various 2019-20 Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP)

42 Estimated cost of road upgrade Various 2018 Inland Queensland Roads Action Project Road Network Strategy

Central Highlands Regional Council. http://www.centralhighlands.qld.gov.au/wp- 43 Estimated cost of Emerald Meat Processing Plant $83 million - content/uploads/2016/02/Meat-Processing-plant-fact-sheet.pdf Gladstone Area Water Board and Sun Water. Draft Environmental Impact Stage 2 and 3 Statement.http://eisdocs.dsdip.qld.gov.au/Lower%20Fitzroy%20River%20Infrastructure 44 Estimated cost of Eden Bann Weir estimated capital 2014 cost $274 million /EIS/Volume%202/02.%20Project%20description/vol2-ch02-project-description- jun15.pdf 37 References, Data Sources and Supporting Evidence

# Description Total Year Source 45 Combine livestock value $1.661b XXX

Queensland Resource Council, Economic Impact of the Minerals & Energy Sector on the Queensland 46 GVA from mining activities $7,359b 2017-18, Economy 2017-18, https://www.qrc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Full-Economic-Report- 2018.pdf

47 Advised by RDA committee during consultation. 2019

Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Australian Agricultural Census 2015-16, 48 GVA from agriculture $1.972 billion 2015-2016 http://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/data/agricultural-census-visualisations#gross-value-of- production

49 Resident workforce 93,000 2016 ABS. Census of Population and Housing, 2016, Table Builder POR by industry

50 Saleable Coal Production 49 million tonnes 2013-18 Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRME), Coal Industry Review Tables 2013-18

38 APPENDIX TWO – CENTRAL QUEENSLAND LOCAL GOVERNMENT PIPELINE

39 CENTRAL QUEENSLAND ‐ LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROJECT PIPELINE TRANSPORT

 Accessibility and  Boulia Type 2 triple road  Dawson Developmental  Blackall ‐ Jericho Road  Central Queensland Inland affordability of air travel train facilities Road sealing sealing Port feeder roads  Agnes Water ‐ Baffle Creek  Gladstone Heavy Vehicle  Eyre Developmental Road  upgrade Link Road Transport Corridor sealing  Cramsie – Road  Alpha – Muttaburra journey  Kennedy Developmental sealing to the centre of Queensland Road widening  (Boulia –  Birdsville Developmental Tobermorey Station) sealing Road sealing  Gladstone Port Access Road  Boulia ‐ Highway Stage 2 (excluding Cloncurry Shire section) widening  Construction of Todds Road ‐ Ingrey Road missing link  Diamantina Developmental Road sealing  Dixon Drive ‐ Kirkwood Road intersection upgrade Stage 1  Inland Rail extension Toowoomba ‐ Gladstone (via Banana)  Re‐establishment of rail services between Longreach and Winton  Road train access from Capricorn Highway to Biloela  Tambo – Alpha road sealing  Winton ‐ Jundah Road sealing  Winton ‐ Richmond Road sealing ENERGY AND WATER

 Barcaldine region renewable  Central Highlands water  Boulia Sewerage Treatment  Longreach sewer relining energy provision security audit of Theresa Plant upgrade  Longreach water mains  Capella water supply Creek and the  Central Queensland Inland replacement pipeline Comet/Nogoa Rivers Port ‐ LGIP water supply  Longreach water treatment  Downstream uses of junction  Central Queensland Inland plant filters upgrade geothermal production Port water supply – Ensham  Nathan Dam water Mine void  Gladstone Alternative Energy  Longreach renewable Strategy including hydrogen energy installations and biofuels  Raising of the Town Weir on  Gladstone Waste to Energy the Thomson River and Strategy replacement of Isisford Weir  Mistake Creek Dam in Bladensburg National Park TOURISM

 Capricorn Coast charter  Causeway Lake  Fairbairn Dam recreation  Outback Rail Adventure  Birdsville Courthouse flights for tourism attraction redevelopment area  Pise` House and Aboriginal restoration  Arbour  Development of indigenous  Jundah Caravan Park Tracker's Hut restoration  Ilfracombe Machinery Mile and pathway tourism experience at The cabins  Tambo Trucking Heritage pathway  The Channel Country Palace near Jericho  Thomson River master Attraction Institute  East Shores Harbour Arbour planning pedestrian link  Winton Film Studio and  Great Keppel Island disaster recovery centre Indigenous Ranger Program  Winton Showgrounds  Great Keppel Island upgrade Rejuvenation Project  Yeppoon Foreshore  Round Hill Creek navigation Convention Centre (Keppel channel Bay Sailing Club)  Yeppoon Heritage Railway Precinct development AGRICULTURE

 Channel Country organic  Boulia organic cattle  Emerald meat processing  Expansion of cluster fencing  Yeppoon High Pressure beef production spelling facility plant program Processing Plant certification  Longreach Saleyards  Barcaldine region sheep or redevelopment kangaroo processing facility  Moura GrainCorp Project  Blackall wool handling Regeneration facility and modular wool scour  Woorabinda Agricultural expansion LIVEABILITY

 Boyne Tannum Aquatic  Assisted care to high needs  Blackall‐Tambo Rural Reach  Boulia residential housing  Phillip Street Communities Recreation Centre patient facilities in Winton  Boulia Shire Regional  Longreach Aquatic Centre & Families Precinct Stage 1  Capricorn Coast Equestrian  Birdsville Community Hall Community Hub pool filter replacement Sports Centre  Emerald entertainment  Construction of the Ivy  Capricorn Coast Memorial facility Anderson Home in Gardens Stage 2  Longreach Aquatic Centre Springsure  Livingstone transport wading pool upgrade  Cooee Bay Sports Complex (mobility) strategy and  Next stage development of charging stations The Globe in Barcaldine  Marley Brown Oval upgrade  Woorabinda mobile  Mobile phone black spot equipment workshop improvement upgrade  Woorabinda Community  Woorabinda service station Hall upgrade  Yeppoon Foreshore  Yeppoon simulation and Fisherman's Wharf and virtual reality hub Footbridge Connection BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

 Barcaldine Region drone  AirHub CQ  Shoalwater Bay training and autonomous vehicle  Central Queensland Coal facility construction strategy Project (formerly Styx Coal opportunities  Barcoo Shire business Project) supply chain development opportunities  Galilee Basin supply chain  Longreach Pastoral College opportunities transition  Repurposing of the old Blackall Hospital as an evaluative medicine training facility