Wide Bay Regional Economic Recovery Plan

WIDE BAY Draft 6 - 20 September

WIDE BAY REGIONAL ECONOMIC RECOVERY

covid19.qld.gov.au A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Our vision for Queensland’s recovery The Wide Bay region has abundant from this pandemic is threefold – we are fertile agricultural land and a significant working to protect the health of every forestry and tourism industry. Two Queenslander, we are creating jobs, and university campuses and a port support we are working together to create the the diverse industries of the region. conditions for future success. Our investment will draw new industries Our regions are the key to building such as renewable energy to the Queensland’s economic recovery. It has region and build traditional industries taken a collaborative effort from every such as manufacturing, supporting region to shape our plan for the future. innovation and setting up a long We will continue to partner – with and prosperous recovery. governments, industries, businesses and communities – to navigate this new world for future growth.

We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the traditional owners and custodians of the land and water on which we rely and operate. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past, present and emerging. MESSAGE FROM MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER THE TREASURER

The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk MP The Honourable Cameron Dick MP

This year has tested Queenslanders like no other. Wide Bay’s fertile environment contributes signiﬁ cantly to the The COVID-19 pandemic has touched everyone and communities state’s produce and economy. It is a region of diverse industries, in Wide Bay have not been immune to its effects. and with that comes diverse opportunities. Our response to COVID-19 has kept Queenslanders safe and The Queensland Government moved quickly to protect our allowed our economic recovery to begin. people and our economy from the pandemic. While we have all felt the effects of COVID-19 across our communities, My Government’s Economic Recovery Plan is all about protecting Queenslanders are faring better than many in other Australian Queenslanders’ health, creating jobs and working together. states. Importantly, this plan also recognises that growing our regions is At the outset, while we were responding to the pandemic, a key priority for Queensland and vital to our state’s future the region was working alongside us, with the world famous success. Bundaberg Rum Distillery pivoting its operations to produce Our immediate commitment is to keep the region moving through ethanol for hand sanitiser. Its donation of 100,000 litres of extra support for businesses, workers and households – from ethanol really does speak to the spirit of Queensland. payroll tax relief to cost of living support. We know the road ahead will be long and challenging, but we are Our recovery approach recognises that sectors like agriculture partnering with all levels of government, industry, business and and tourism will continue to play a central role in the Wide Bay community to shape the future of the Wide Bay region, through regional economy and also seeks to take advantage of emerging our investment in infrastructure, new industries and skills. opportunities to support long-term jobs growth into the future. We are investing in new facilities like the munitions facility in Together we will support these traditional industries and Maryborough and supporting product innovation through the also invest in more industries, more infrastructure and more Queensland Waste to Biofutures Fund. This kind of investment businesses. This is all about more local jobs. will spark innovation and diversity in the region, driving jobs I am so proud of the way the Wide Bay community has stepped and growth. up in these tough times. Manufacturers in Wide Bay are increasing productivity and From the frontline staff at Bundaberg Hospital to Fraser Coast innovation through Made in Queensland grants and we are business owner Bob Wicks who accessed a Jobs Support Loan to investing in our energy infrastructure, including an overhaul of the keep his family business of 33 years, Bob’s Tyres, Tarong Power Station. Legislative changes are also clearing the open and his 30 staff employed. way for the Forest Wind project to progress. My Government remains committed to not only supporting Wide Our regions are the backbone of our economy, and we will Bay on the road to recovery but also making sure we position the continue to invest in them, bolstering existing industries and region for future growth and job generating opportunities. fostering new innovation. We recognise this is a long-term challenge that we are confronting with a long-term plan for recovery.

SEPTEMBER 2020 3 SUPPORTING ECONOMIC RECOVERY IN QUEENSLAND In February 2020, Queensland implemented a swift and decisive response to the growing crisis, announcing measures to assist business and industry with resilience and recovery strategies, targeted financial support and counselling. Over in recovery $8 billionmeasures

Queensland Future Fund to unlock surplus in the Defined Benefit Fund $5 billion and pay down debt

Up $3 billion to $280M $500M savings plan unlocked by councils Backing Queensland for public works by over 4 years refinancing loans at Business Investment lower rates Fund

$145M $249M $500M 3 Renewable extension to $400M tax relief for small and Renewable Energy Zones medium businesses Energy Fund 4 SEPTEMBER 2020 OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE IN WIDE BAY

THE QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT HAS COMMITTED MORE THAN $8 BILLION TO SUPPORT COVID-19 HEALTH AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY INITIATIVES ACROSS THE STATE. KEY STATEWIDE INITIATIVES IN THE WIDE BAY REGION INCLUDE: M M M for jobs and skills, including building boost to support in electricity and water bill relief for funding for the Back to Work, home owners, ‘tradies’ and households and small businesses, Skilling Queenslanders for the construction industry, including a $200 rebate for Work and Reef Assist programs. including a $5,000 regional households, and a $500 rebate for home building grant eligible small business and sole traders

Up to M M B in payroll tax relief, including land tax relief for property in road stimulus projects, accelerated refunds, payment holidays owners which must be funding to increase investment in and deferrals for eligible passed onto tenants in the roads and transport infrastructure, businesses as well as a tax form of rent relief including $400 million in Queensland exemption for JobKeeper Government funding for 42 projects payments, supporting 16,600 jobs in Wide Bay

Initiatives in the Wide Bay region include:

JOBS SUPPORT LOANS COVID-19 WORKS FOR NEW ECONOMY 220 loans of up to $250,000 QUEENSLAND MINERALS INVESTMENT have been approved for Wide Bay $26.2 million to the Wide Bay $10 million across Queensland to businesses, totaling $32 million, region's councils to support boost exploration for new economy supporting 2,637 jobs. the delivery of job-creating minerals and support mining tech infrastructure and maintenance innovators, including in Wide Bay. SMALL BUSINESS or minor works that are focused ADAPTION GRANTS on essential services, economic MON REPOS TURTLE Supporting Wide Bay small development and community CENTRE UPGRADE businesses with 772 grants of up to wellbeing. Supporting 698 jobs. $400,000 for a renewable energy $10,000, totalling $6.6 million. upgrade of the Mon Repos Turtle Centre. Supporting 14 jobs, and part of a $8.93 million commitment for national park improvement works in Queensland.

SEPTEMBER 2020 5 CASE STUDY WHAT IS THE LOCAL ROAD AHEAD LOOKS IMPACT OF BRIGHT FOR TYRE SHOP COVID-19?

After more than three decades at the helm of the Fraser Coast family business it was a COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan from the Queensland Government WHILE OUR RECOVERY IS that gave Bob Wicks ‘the conﬁ dence to carry on’ UNDERWAY, THE IMPACTS during the pandemic. IN WIDE BAY HAVE BEEN The Jobs Support Loan allowed Bob’s Tyres to continue supporting all staff and pay carry-on FELT ACROSS MAJOR costs to ensure the business survived COVID-19 INDUSTRIES. restrictions and into the future. “The loan allowed us to pay the bills and wages quite comfortably with not a worry in the world. It Tourism and related businesses have was a relief,” he said. missed out on peak visitor season “Our son is taking the business over and the loan income. creates a solid footing for him to keep the business going. Small businesses that were struggling “COVID-19 is one of the hardest challenges we have before the pandemic have closed ever faced. We would be struggling if we didn’t have permanently in the face of the economic the loan.” downturn. Bob said the 30 people employed in the business were all able to keep their jobs. Agriculture, forestry and ﬁ shing industries “We have not put off one person,” Bob said. have maintained production, however “To know I had the money coming through, it took demand, export logistics and availability so much pressure off. We can do some things now of seasonal workers are impacting operations. and come out terribly strong as a business and continue to grow.” Infrastructure projects have been delayed with travel restrictions impacting workforce availability, which will likely result in projects running over time and budget.

There was a 4.8 per cent downturn in employee jobs in Wide Bay between 14 March and 11 July 2020.

6 SEPTEMBER 2020 NEW ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR WIDE BAY

TARGETED INVESTMENTS WILL ADDRESS THE SPECIFIC RECOVERY NEEDS OF THE WIDE BAY REGION. WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK IN PARTNERSHIP TO DELIVER NEW JOBS, NEW INFRASTRUCTURE AND REALISE NEW ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES.

Protecting the region Support for Trade growth supported ahead of bushfire season seasonal workers at Port of Bundaberg Bundaberg has welcomed the arrival of a Seasonal workers are an important part The Queensland Government is providing long-term Large Air Tanker (LAT) Bomber of the regional economy in Wide Bay and $1 million, with matched funding from the 141 – a $15 million aircraft that will bolster the COVID-19 pandemic has presented Gladstone Ports Corporation, for further the State’s aerial fi refi ghting capabilities challenges with regards to shortfalls in infrastructure to support the ports growth. over the next fi ve years. worker supply. The funding will allow the construction of the Last year’s bushfi res were unprecedented A state-wide investment of more than initial stage of a Common User Bulk Storage with 7.7 million hectares scorched $1.1 million will address this challenge and Trial Shipment (CUBSTS) facility at the across the State, destroying homes and through initiatives to support key Port of Bundaberg. businesses. agricultural regions: The fi rst stage will include the demolition The 10,000 litre aircraft will help protect • Back to Work in Agriculture Incentive of fuel terminals, site remediation and the Queensland communities – this bushfi re Scheme - a pilot scheme to encourage development of a trial shipment hardstand. season and well into the future. eligible Queenslanders to meet short- It will facilitate the storage and effi cient safe A further $40,000 will also be spent term labour shortage demands in loading and unloading of existing and new installing critical water and electrical agriculture, which includes payments dry bulk commodity trades. of up to $1500 to assist with infrastructure for the LAT at its new It will connect to the proposed $10 million Bundaberg base. accommodation and transport costs associated with travelling and staying Commonwealth Government funded common Together, these measures will provide in remote locations. user conveyor, which is progressing through seamless fi refi ghting resupply services that fi nal agreements. will see improvements to bushfi re safety of • #PickQld Campaign - a targeted campaign to connect seasonal workers, The CUBSTS facility together with other port the Wide Bay region and Queensland more infrastructure will accelerate the development broadly. displaced Queensland workers and working holiday makers, to employment of new trade with potential to increase The LAT travels at about 670km/hr and can opportunities in key agriculture regions throughput by at least 40 per cent in year one. reach many parts of Queensland in quick It will also expand the range of commodities • Queensland Agriculture Workforce time as well as operating at many regional currently handled at the port, complementing airports throughout the State. Network support - to deliver local solutions to workforce issues, in the proposed common user infrastructure. collaboration with industry groups Stage one of this project is set to create more and local governments, to encourage, than six jobs at a time during construction place and keep Queenslanders in when creating and maintaining jobs has agricultural work. never been more critical.

SEPTEMBER 2020 7 INVESTING IN LOCAL CAPACITY BOOSTING PROJECTS

PLANNING UNDERWAY

Queensland Renewable Energy Zones The Queensland Government will establish a $500 million Renewable Energy Fund for Government investments in commercial renewable energy projects and supporting infrastructure, to be undertaken through Government-owned energy corporations. New Generation Rollingstock rectification The Fund will complement the Government’s $145 million Seventy-fi ve New Generation Rollingstock trains are being commitment to establish three renewable energy zones across retrofi tted at Downer’s Maryborough factory as part of a $335 northern, central and southern Queensland, and continue the million rectifi cation contract. It will make the trains more accessible, pace of Queensland’s transition to 50 per cent renewable energy particularly for people with disabilities and mobility issues, and generation by 2030. Since 2015, 41 large-scale renewable energy support regional manufacturing with an estimated 100 local jobs. projects have commenced operations, are under construction or are fi nancially committed, representing around $7.8 billion in investment and 6,500 construction jobs. UNDERWAY

UNDERWAY

Gympie bypass Country racing $1 billion, jointly funded by the Queensland and Commonwealth Three race clubs across the Wide Bay region will share in Governments, to upgrade the Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra $134,000 in infrastructure funding as part of the Country Racing Section D) to a four-lane, 26 kilometre bypass East of Gympie. Program. Non-TAB clubs can apply to Racing Queensland for The project is estimated to support more than 550 jobs during projects relating to infrastructure repairs and maintenance under construction and marks the fourth and ﬁ nal section of a 62 this four-year $70.4 million program. kilometre upgrade to the Bruce Highway between Cooroy and Curra.

8 SEPTEMBER 2020 DELIVERED UNDERWAY

Pork processing facility A $64 million expansion of the Swickers Kingaroy Bacon Factory Forest wind farm which will double its processing capacity and enable Swickers to Passing of a Bill in Parliament to support one of the largest grid continue to be a vital regional employer with jobs onsite growing connected wind farms in the Southern Hemisphere, with potential from 570 to more than 800. for 440 jobs during construction over three years and up to 50 full time jobs once operational.

PLANNING PLANNING

Bundaberg Hospital Bundaberg to Gin Gin Rail Trail The Queensland Government has identifi ed a 60 hectare greenfi eld $9.5 million to deliver a Rail Trail in the existing Bundaberg North to site for a new Bundaberg Hospital. The government will invest Gin Gin rail corridor, creating 229 jobs. The project will link the existing $6.7 million to develop a detailed business case to investigate the Gorge Rail Trail and Watawa Trail, with car parking access, refurbishment delivery of a state-of-the-art public hospital. of Splitters Creek Bridge and reinstating bridges in fl ood openings.

SEPTEMBER 2020 9 Maryborough Bruce Highway (Gympie Forest Wind Farm 6 9 14 replacement auxiliary - Maryborough), various Passing of a Bill in fire and rescue locations, improve Parliament to support station and emergency intersections one of the largest grid GOVERNMENT response centre $5.9 million in 2020-21 out connected wind farms in $2.6 million in 2020-21 of a $7.5 million total spend the Southern Hemisphere, INVESTMENT IN out of a $12.1 million to upgrade intersections at with potential for 440 jobs. WIDE BAY total spend to continue Hermans Road, Davey Road, replacement of the Bolderrow Road, Glenwood Deed of Grant in Trust - 15 Maryborough auxiliary fi re School, Gootchie Road on the Cherbourg capital grants and rescue station and Bruce Highway. Delivered for new construction emergency response centre. in partnership with the $4.1 million in 2020-21 to Gin Gin substation rebuild Bruce Highway 1 4 Commonwealth Government. expand and improve social $5.4 million in 2020-21 out of (Maryborough - Gin Gin), 7 Tin Can Bay Road housing at Cherbourg. a $29.9 million total spend to Apple Tree Creek, improve (Gympie), Coondoo Creek 10 Rural and Regional replace aged substation assets intersections Bridge Replacement Infrastructure Package 16 Fraser Coast Inpatient to ensure continued reliability of $7.7 million in 2020-21 $4.2 million in 2020- - Kingaroy Hospital Mental Health Service supply to the surrounding area. out of a $20.3 million total 21 out of a $18 million Redevelopment Enhancement spend to commence various total spend to replace the $14.6 million in 2020-21 out $7.5 million in 2020-21 intersection upgrades 2 Burnett Highway (Gayndah Coondoo Creek Bridge on of a $78.5 million total spend out of a $39.6 million and widening of the Bruce to Monto), Three Moon Tin Can Bay Road, 34km for the redevelopment, which total spend for a 22-bed Highway north of Childers Creek Bridge north east of Gympie. Part will increase treatment spaces acute mental health at Apple Tree Creek. Part $9.4 million in 2020-21 out of the Heavy Vehicle Safety to 66, improving the hospital’s inpatient unit at Hervey of the Bruce Highway of a $18 million total spend to and Productivity Program, role as a hub for various Bay and 10-bed sub-acute Upgrade Program, delivered replace and widen a two lane delivered in partnership services. older persons mental in partnership with the timber bridge north of Eidsvold with the Commonwealth health unit refurbishment at Commonwealth Government. with a two lane concrete bridge, Government. Tarong Power Maryborough. 11 improving community Station overhauls access, heavy vehicle $92.4 million in 2020-21 17 New Generation access and safety. Part out of a $230.2 million total Rollingstock rectification of the Bridges Renewal spend to continue statutory $335 million contract Program, delivered Monto 1 inspections, replacements includes retrofi tting trains in partnership with Bundaberg FRASER ISLAND and refurbishments to existing at Downer’s Maryborough the Commonwealth 2 3 4 infrastructure to ensure factory. Government. 18 continued reliability of supply Mon Reports Turtle to the surrounding area. 18 Bruce Highway 6 17 5 Centre Upgrade 3 (Maryborough - $400,000 for a renewable 12 Meandu Mine - overhauls, Gin Gin), north of Maryborough development and other energy upgrade of the Wide Mixhills Road - south works program Bay tourism icon. of Walla Island Road, $41.6 million in 2020-21 construct overtaking lanes 7 out of a $143.5 million total 19 Bundaberg Rail Trail $4.2 million in 2020-21 out 8 spend to continue statutory $9.5 million for the of a $10.3 million total spend 9 inspections and replacements, Bundaberg to Gin Gin to construct overtaking lanes Gympie 15 refurbish existing Rail Trail. between north of Mixhills infrastructure, and develop Road and south of Walla 10 future mining areas. KEY Island Road. Part of the Bruce Kingaroy Community wellbeing Highway Upgrade Program, 11 12 delivered in partnership with the 13 Arts and Cultural 8 Bruce Highway (Cooroy Utilities Commonwealth Government. Recovery Package to Curra Section D) $15.4 million in 2020-21 out Health SUNSHINE COAST AND $140 million in 2020-21 out of a $22.5 million total spend MORETON Education BAY of a $1 billion total spend to to reactivate cultural and

FAR NORTH construct section D, a new creative spaces and provide BRISBANE Transport and roads QUEENSLAND IPSWICH 26km, four-lane divided jobs for local artists and arts Justice and safety GOLD highway from Woondum to workers bringing communities LOGAN COAST 5 Urraween New Curra. The fi nal section of the together and boosting cultural Government services TOWNSVILLE Ambulance Station Cooroy to Curra project. Part tourism. MACKAY-WHITSUNDAY $1.7 million in 2020-21 of the State Infrastructure Please note: Not all Government Recreation and culture CENTRAL expenditure for the region is shown. OUTBACK QUEENSLAND out of a $3 million total Fund and the Bruce Highway QUEENSLAND Dollar amounts may include capital and WIDE BAY spend for the construction Upgrade Program, delivered operating expenditure, though may not Statewide/region-wide of a new ambulance station represent the entire funding allocated. DARLING SOUTH EAST in partnership with the DOWNS Election commitment QUEENSLAND at Hervey Bay. Commonwealth Government. SEPTEMBER 2020

10 in Queensland Government capital investment in Wide Bay, M supporting an estimated 3,400 jobs in 2020-21 Maryborough Bruce Highway (Gympie Forest Wind Farm 6 9 14 replacement auxiliary - Maryborough), various Passing of a Bill in fire and rescue locations, improve Parliament to support station and emergency intersections one of the largest grid response centre $5.9 million in 2020-21 out connected wind farms in CASE STUDY $2.6 million in 2020-21 of a $7.5 million total spend the Southern Hemisphere, out of a $12.1 million to upgrade intersections at with potential for 440 jobs. total spend to continue Hermans Road, Davey Road, SOUTH BURNETT BUSINESS replacement of the Bolderrow Road, Glenwood Deed of Grant in Trust - 15 Maryborough auxiliary fi re School, Gootchie Road on the Cherbourg capital grants and rescue station and Bruce Highway. Delivered for new construction ‘FAMILY’ ABLE TO CONTINUE emergency response centre. in partnership with the $4.1 million in 2020-21 to Gin Gin substation rebuild Bruce Highway 1 4 Commonwealth Government. expand and improve social $5.4 million in 2020-21 out of (Maryborough - Gin Gin), 7 Tin Can Bay Road housing at Cherbourg. IN VITAL COMMUNITY a $29.9 million total spend to Apple Tree Creek, improve (Gympie), Coondoo Creek 10 Rural and Regional replace aged substation assets intersections Bridge Replacement Infrastructure Package 16 Fraser Coast Inpatient to ensure continued reliability of $7.7 million in 2020-21 $4.2 million in 2020- - Kingaroy Hospital Mental Health Service ROLE WITH COVID-19 JOBS supply to the surrounding area. out of a $20.3 million total 21 out of a $18 million Redevelopment Enhancement spend to commence various total spend to replace the $14.6 million in 2020-21 out $7.5 million in 2020-21 intersection upgrades 2 Burnett Highway (Gayndah Coondoo Creek Bridge on of a $78.5 million total spend out of a $39.6 million SUPPORT LOAN and widening of the Bruce to Monto), Three Moon Tin Can Bay Road, 34km for the redevelopment, which total spend for a 22-bed Highway north of Childers Creek Bridge north east of Gympie. Part will increase treatment spaces acute mental health at Apple Tree Creek. Part $9.4 million in 2020-21 out of the Heavy Vehicle Safety to 66, improving the hospital’s inpatient unit at Hervey More than 60 regional workers have been able to continue in their vital employment of the Bruce Highway of a $18 million total spend to and Productivity Program, role as a hub for various Bay and 10-bed sub-acute Upgrade Program, delivered as South Burnett business Pursers Coaches prepares for the future after COVID-19 replace and widen a two lane delivered in partnership services. older persons mental in partnership with the restrictions are lifted. timber bridge north of Eidsvold with the Commonwealth health unit refurbishment at Commonwealth Government. with a two lane concrete bridge, Government. Tarong Power Maryborough. A COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan has allowed the Dascombe family to continue 11 improving community Station overhauls supporting their employees, who they consider part of their family, and maintain their access, heavy vehicle $92.4 million in 2020-21 17 New Generation commitment to the community during restrictions, as well as prepare the business for access and safety. Part out of a $230.2 million total Rollingstock rectification the future. of the Bridges Renewal spend to continue statutory $335 million contract Program, delivered Monto 1 The family business started more than 20 years ago with eight coaches and has inspections, replacements includes retrofi tting trains in partnership with expanded to include 52 buses and depots at Goomeri, Murgon, Nanango and Kilkivan Bundaberg FRASER ISLAND and refurbishments to existing at Downer’s Maryborough the Commonwealth with three travel agents in Gympie, Kingaroy and Murgon. 2 3 4 infrastructure to ensure factory. Government. 18 continued reliability of supply Felicity Dascombe said the business had a long-standing commitment to many Mon Reports Turtle to the surrounding area. 18 communities in the South Burnett, as well as to their staff. Bruce Highway 6 17 5 Centre Upgrade 3 (Maryborough - $400,000 for a renewable “All our employees are local and they live in the local area. When COVID-19 hit we 12 Meandu Mine - overhauls, Gin Gin), north of Maryborough wanted to support every single one of them. We call them our family. development and other energy upgrade of the Wide Mixhills Road - south works program Bay tourism icon. “The loan helped immensely with the business and took the pressure and the stress of Walla Island Road, $41.6 million in 2020-21 out of a time when contracts had been cancelled and work was drying up rapidly. We construct overtaking lanes 7 out of a $143.5 million total 19 Bundaberg Rail Trail want to be prepared for the future, to be able to future proof the business and jobs so $4.2 million in 2020-21 out 8 spend to continue statutory $9.5 million for the we are in the best position.” of a $10.3 million total spend 9 inspections and replacements, Bundaberg to Gin Gin to construct overtaking lanes Gympie 15 refurbish existing Rail Trail. between north of Mixhills infrastructure, and develop Road and south of Walla 10 future mining areas. KEY Island Road. Part of the Bruce Kingaroy Community wellbeing Highway Upgrade Program, 11 12 delivered in partnership with the 13 Arts and Cultural 8 Bruce Highway (Cooroy Utilities Commonwealth Government. Recovery Package to Curra Section D) $15.4 million in 2020-21 out Health SUNSHINE COAST AND $140 million in 2020-21 out of a $22.5 million total spend MORETON Education BAY of a $1 billion total spend to to reactivate cultural and

11 "Green energy is not only good for the environment, but also employment and job growth for our region, which is not necessarily available in other industries."

Participant, Regional Recovery Workshop, June 2020

12 SEPTEMBER 2020 POSITIONING WIDE BAY FOR FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

IMPACTS OF THE GLOBAL COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAVE BEEN FELT BY BUSINESSES, WORKERS AND THE COMMUNITY IN THE WIDE BAY REGION, JUST AS IN OTHER PARTS OF OUR STATE AND BEYOND.

As in other parts of our State and beyond, the region has Regional recovery initiatives will seek to build international experienced signifi cant jobs losses, but help has been available. competitiveness, attract private sector investment and stimulate Around $32 million in Jobs Support Loans have been accessed job creation. They will build on the previously announced initiatives by more than 220 businesses in the region to help keep such as support for Forest Wind’s large scale wind farm, which has Queenslanders in jobs. Small businesses have benefi tted from the potential to create around 440 jobs during construction and COVID-19 adaption grants totalling $6.6 million. up to 50 full-time jobs on completion, and the $9.5 million for the With an economy underpinned by growth industries such as Bundaberg to Gin Gin Rail Trail, creating jobs in construction and agriculture, forestry, fi shing and healthcare, Wide Bay is well tourism and opening up new opportunities for local businesses. positioned to recover from the challenges posed by COVID-19. New funding for infrastructure at the Port of Bundaberg will support The longer-term outlook will be infl uenced by global markets for trade growth in the region, while the Large Air Tanker Bomber agricultural and other commodities, so building international in Bundaberg will bolster the State’s fi refi ghting capability and competitiveness in key industries will be important. protect the region ahead of the bushfi re season. Government has worked with a wide range of regional stakeholders There is also new statewide funding of more than $1.1 million to identify recovery priorities for the region. Stakeholders have to support seasonal agricultural workers. This includes the Back emphasised the importance of coordinated, collaborative regional to Work in Agriculture Incentive Scheme with payments of up to efforts to deliver real outcomes for the economy and community. $1500 to assist workers with travel and accommodation, and Identifi ed priorities include embracing innovation and emerging the #PickQld campaign to match workers with employment technologies to strengthen traditional industries such as opportunities in high-need regions. Support for the Queensland agriculture, manufacturing and health and support emerging Agriculture Workforce Network will see it deliver local solutions to industries such as tourism and renewable energy. Skills, training workforce issues with industry and local governments. and education aligned with regional priorities will support local For Wide Bay to recover we need to continue to work in partnership. jobs and be key to economic resilience and future growth. The The Queensland Government will continue to work with regional development of productive infrastructure across the transport, leaders to refl ect stakeholder ambitions for the region. Recovery digital and energy sectors will open up new opportunities and requires a long-term commitment from all partners, and working support diversifi cation. The Wide Bay Regional Community Forum together will play a key role in securing a strong recovery in the emphasised the importance of supporting small business to adapt months and years ahead. This will ensure that Wide Bay builds and thrive in the changed environment. back better. Infrastructure in Wide Bay has already received a boost through $26.2 million Works for Queensland funding for 54 local council projects, supporting almost 700 jobs. A further $6.7 million has been allocated for a business case for a new, state-of-the-art public hospital in Bundaberg, while $10.3 million through the Works for Tradies social housing program will deliver more safe, secure and affordable homes for vulnerable Queenslanders, while supporting local jobs.

SEPTEMBER 2020 13 CASE STUDY REDUCING THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON BUNDABERG’S VULNERABLE

Bundaberg-based community organisation IMPACT Homelessness is often the symptom of a bigger issue. Community Services is using the Queensland People are living with personal challenges that need Government’s Dignity First Fund to make a difference to be addressed alongside their need for fi nding safe for people in the Wide Bay area. accommodation. IMPACT Community Services received funding through “We help them access a GP or get a mental health plan the COVID-19 round of the Dignity First Fund to employ in place fi rst, and then we look at their other needs,” extra support workers. Sandra said. Sandra Higgins, who manages their support services “It might be giving them the contacts of their local soup says COVID-19 made them realise how many people kitchen where they can get a hot meal. Then we start are out there with little or no support. talking about the housing issues. “It’s really hard to get support in regional areas, so “We’re honest with our clients and we work with we use resources fl exibly to do what we need to do,” what we can do. We look at shared housing, we look Sandra said. at caravan parks. “We knew a lady living in her car with her son for a “We tap into all of our knowledge and contacts to short time. She would shower at our offi ces every help people, and we’re willing to talk openly and morning and dress her son for school. That was an honestly about the things we discover out there in the interim measure until she found permanent housing. community.” She was grateful to access hot water and come and go without any questions asked.”

14 SEPTEMBER 2020 © The State of Queensland 2020 Attribution Content from Wide Bay Economic Recovery should be attributed to: Copyright © The State of Queensland, Wide Bay Economic Recovery. This publication is protected by the Copyright Act 1968 Translating and interpreting assistance Licence The Queensland Government is committed to providing accessible services This document is licensed by the State of Queensland under a to Queenslanders from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds. If Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) International licence. you have difficulty in understanding this publication, you can contact us on telephone (07) 3035 3503 and we will arrange an interpreter to effectively communicate the report to you.

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