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August 2010 August planning for a stronger, more liveable liveable more for a stronger, planning and sustainable community sustainable and North Regional Plan Regional

North West Regional Plan nfrastructure and Planning nfrastructure I QLD 4810 Townsville +61 7 4760 7535 +61 7 4799 7379 PO Box 5666 PO Box Department of tel fax [email protected] www.dip.qld.gov.au/northwest North West Regional Plan Disclaimer: This document is produced to Release notes 2010-2031 convey general information. While every care has been taken in preparing this The North West Regional Plan 2010-2031 is (NW Regional Plan) document, the State of accepts released by the Minister for Infrastructure no responsibility for decisions or actions and Planning under the Sustainable Prepared by: taken as a result of any data, information, Planning Act 2009, section 769 and the Prepared by the Honourable Stirling statement or advice, express or implied, repealed Integrated Planning Act 1997, Hinchliffe MP, Minister for Infrastructure and contained within. The contents of this section 2.5A.15. It is a statutory instrument Planning in accordance with the Integrated document were correct to the best of our under the Statutory Instruments Act 1992. Planning Act 1997, section 2.5A 10. knowledge at the time of publishing. The regional plan does not commit or With assistance from: Any reference to legislation contained within pertain to commit any government, Department of Infrastructure and Planning. is not an interpretation of the law. It is to organisation, industry or community be used as a guide only. The information organisation to implement, fund or In consultation with the: contained within does not take into otherwise resource specific activities or North West Regional Coordination consideration any reference to individual programs. Committee. circumstances or situations. Where appropriate independent legal advice should For more information on the regional plan, Published by: be sought. contact: Department of Infrastructure and Planning All are intended to represent general post PO Box 5666 Townsville Qld 4870 concepts for the purpose of broad-scale visit Level 4 State Government Building regional planning. These maps do not, 187–209 Stanley Street Townsville and are not intended to identify, or give tel +61 7 4799 7379 ISBN: 978–0–9804831–9–2 attributes or rights, including land use fax +61 7 4760 7535 and development rights, to specific land email [email protected] © The State of Queensland (Queensland use parcels. Boundaries and locations web www.dip.qld.gov.au/northwest Department of Infrastructure and Planning) are indicative only, and may be subject 2010. to further refinement. The Department Copies of the regional plan are available: of Infrastructure and Planning does not online www.dip.qld.gov.au/northwest The supports and guarantee, or make any representations for viewing at most council chambers, encourages the dissemination and exchange as to the accuracy or completeness of the libraries and customer service centres within of information. However, copyright protects information shown on these maps, nor does the local government areas covered by the this document. The State of Queensland it accept any responsibility or liability for regional plan has no objection to this material being any loss or damage arising from its use. for free collection on CD-ROM or in reproduced, made available online or hard copy by contacting Department of electronically but only if it is recognised as The Queensland Government is committed Infrastructure and Planning offices in the owner of the copyright and this material to providing accessible services to Townsville, and remains unaltered. Copyright inquiries about Queenslanders from all culturally and by phoning +61 7 4799 7379 this publication should be directed to the linguistically diverse backgrounds. If you by emailing [email protected] Crown Copyright Administrator via email, have difficulty understanding this document [email protected] or in writing to and need an interpreter, please call the Department of Infrastructure and PO Box 15168, City , Queensland 4002. Translating and Interpreting Service Planning offices: (TIS National) on 131 450 and ask them to • Level 4, corner of Walker and Stanley telephone the Queensland Department of Streets, Townsville Infrastructure and Planning on • Level 1, Mount Isa House, 07 3227 8548. Cnr and Mary Streets, Mount Isa • Level 2, Orchid Plaza, 79-87 Abbott Street, • Shop front, 63 George Street, Brisbane.

ISB 978-0-9804831-9-2 RPN_0181_02_Pu North West Regional Plan 2010—2031 planning for a stronger, more liveable and sustainable community

North West vision—the North West region has a robust, diverse and sustainable economy and well-planned and coordinated infrastructure and services, built through the economic benefits of mining and agricultural industries. It is a place where people choose to live and visit due to its liveability, well-managed natural resources and the community’s strong sense of cultural identity.

2 North West Regional Plan

Contents

Map 1—North West Queensland locality ...... 4 3.1 Education and learning...... 35 Part A—Introduction...... 5 3.2 Social planning and social infrastructure...... 36 Background and purpose...... 5 3.3 Social services...... 38 Working with other plans and strategies...... 6 3.4 Regional lifestyle, cultural heritage and arts...... 38 Inter-regional coordination...... 6 3.5 Promoting health and wellbeing...... 40 Preparation...... 7 3.6 Leadership, networks and coordination...... 41 Application, implementation and review...... 7 4 Urban development...... 42 Structure of the regional plan...... 8 4.1 Urban structure and settlement pattern...... 42 4.2 Urban design, character and form...... 43 Part B—Regional vision...... 9 4.3 Housing mix, affordability and design...... 44 4.4 Hazard mitigation...... 45 Part C—Strategic directions...... 10 5 Economic development...... 47 Creating a more sustainable future...... 10 5.1 Business, industry and land development...... 48 Protecting regional landscapes and supporting regional 5.2 Diverse regional economy...... 48 production values...... 10 5.3 Innovation, knowledge and technology...... 49 Creating liveable communities...... 11 5.4 Employment, skills development and Promoting a dynamic, robust and diversified economy...... 11 staff retention...... 49 Providing infrastructure and services...... 11 5.5 Agriculture...... 51 Integrating land use, economic activity and transport 5.6 Mining and mineral processing...... 51 infrastructure...... 11 5.7 Tourism...... 53 Adapting to climate change...... 12 5.8 Marketing...... 54 Managing mining growth...... 12 6 Infrastructure...... 55 6.1 Infrastructure planning and coordination...... 56 Part D—Regional activity centres network...... 13 6.2 Energy...... 56 6.3 Transport...... 58 Part E—Regional strategies and policies...... 18 6.4 Water infrastructure...... 61 1 Natural environment...... 19 6.5 Waste management...... 62 1.1 Biodiversity conservation...... 20 6.6 Information and technology...... 63 1.2 Pest, plant and animal management...... 22 1.3 Scenic amenity and outdoor recreation...... 23 Part F—Implementation, monitoring and review...... 64 1.4 Air and noise emissions...... 23 1.5 Greenhouse gas emissions...... 25 Region maps 2 to 6...... 67 2 Natural resources...... 26 Appendix 1—mineral exploration maps...... 72 2.1 Land and natural resource use and management....27 Glossary...... 74 2.2 Water management and use...... 27 Abbreviations...... 76 2.3 Mining and extractive resources...... 29 Bibliography...... 76 3 Strong communities...... 31 Acknowledgments...... 78 4 North West Regional Plan

Map 1—North West Queensland locality map

Disclaimer: The information on this map should be treated as indicative only and subject to ongoing refinement. Based on or contains data provided by the State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Resource Management) 2008. In consideration of the state permitting use of this data you acknowledge and agree that the state gives no warranty in relation to the data (including accuracy, reliability, completeness, currency or suitability) and accepts no liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for any loss, damage or costs (including consequential damage) relating to any use of the data. Data must not be used for direct marketing or be used in breach of the privacy laws. Data source: Department of Environment and Resource Management and Department of Infrastructure and Planning. Part A–Introduction 5

Part A—Introduction

The regional plan applies to the North The North West is characterised by Background and West region, which includes the local diverse and spectacular natural features, purpose government areas specified in including savannah and upland country, schedule 1, part 3 of the Sustainable world-class fossil deposits and national Planning Regulation 2009. parks. It is the source of numerous river The North West is one of the systems and has five bioregions, some of largest in Queensland, The region (Map 1, page 4) includes the which are home to endangered flora and covering more than 200 500 following: fauna. • Flinders Shire square kilometres—stretching People who live and work in the North from the • Richmond Shire West face a number of opportunities and border in the west to the • McKinlay Shire challenges, including: Great Dividing Range in the • Cloncurry Shire • managing the cyclical nature of mining industry development in a way that • Mount Isa City. east. It has a strong and complements other industry sectors in proud multicultural heritage, the region With an estimated population of with a significant population approximately 28 7001, 21,5792 people • responding to new market of Indigenous people. live in Mount Isa City, with the balance of opportunities residents living in other shires. • encouraging economic diversity to maintain balanced growth, especially in Mining and mineral processing contribute agriculture significantly to the regional and national economy. The region has globally • providing social and economic significant mineral resources, including opportunities to encourage people to over one quarter of the world’s known remain in or return to the region lead and zinc reserves. Mineral extraction • meeting growing energy and water and processes generate significant wealth demands for the region and the nation. Although • managing potential long-term home to less than one per cent of the population decline in the non-mining state’s population, the region’s mining parts of the region activity contributes significantly to the state’s revenue. Agriculture, particularly • adapting to increase cost of oil beef production, is also a significant products (peak oil) primary industry, with a long history in • adapting to long-term uncertainty the region. regarding climate change • attracting and retaining skilled workers and residents

1 ABS Cat. No. 3218.0 (2008) • developing strategic guidance for 2 ABS Cat. No. 3218.0 (2008) infrastructure provision 6 North West Regional Plan

• supporting increased economic The bibliography (page 77) provides The regional plan also influences the opportunities in eastern shires information about the Queensland and preparation of community plans under Commonwealth policies and documents the Local Government Act 2009. The • positioning the region to take referred to in the plan. Local Government (Finance, Plans and advantage of renewable energy Reporting) Regulation 2009 stipulates resources that a local government community plan • accessing and providing essential must identify local and regional issues services to smaller centres. Planning period that effect, or may in the future affect, the local government area. Consequently, The Queensland Government developed The North West Regional Plan provides a strong link exists between a regional the Blueprint for the Bush3 initiative the framework for integrating federal, plan and community plans. and Rural Economic Development and state and local government planning Infrastructure Plan4 to respond to rural agendas, linking infrastructure and service issues. provision to manage future population change to 2031. Inter-regional The North West Regional Plan (the regional coordination plan) is an essential mechanism for The regional plan also considers the managing change and shaping the future region’s potential needs beyond 2031 prospects of rural and mining communities to ensure that planning decisions made Due to its extensive transport networks, in the region by: today do not compromise options to traditional associations and strategic location, the North West region has • addressing key economic, social and meet longer-term needs. The regional strong links with communities in the Gulf environmental issues plan addresses long-term issues such as climate change and infrastructure needs. region and eastern parts of the Northern • identifying infrastructure and service Territory, Townsville and the southern needs parts of Queensland, as well as the • maximising benefits and managing Working with other southern states. impacts of major projects The plan does not directly influence the • driving innovation and productivity plans and strategies planning processes or regulate the use • mobilising public, private and of land in areas outside the North West community sectors The desired regional outcomes of the region. It is important however, that the regional plan cannot be achieved through potential cross-regional planning issues • aligning efforts across agencies and all land use planning mechanisms alone. be considered in a broader planning levels of government. Implementation of the strategies and context. actions of other plans are critical to The regional plan, whilst meeting some of achieving the region’s vision. the government’s Blueprint for the Bush commitments, is also part of a wider The Northern Economic Triangle process—ensuring that a consistent and Infrastructure Plan 2007-2012 (the NET contemporary regional land use planning Infrastructure Plan) is recognised in the framework is operating across all of regional plan as an important instrument Queensland. for developing the region through the emergence of Mount Isa, Townsville and Bowen as a triangle of mineral Glossary and processing and industrial development. Other regional planning initiatives in the bibliography North West region include the Southern Gulf Catchments and Desert Channels Queensland natural resource management The glossary (page 74) defines particular plans. Statutory plans include the Water words used in this regional plan. Other Resource (Gulf) Plan 2007 and the Water terms used in this regional plan have Resource (Great Artesian Basin) Plan the meaning given in the Sustainable 2006. Planning Act 2009 (SPA).

3 Blueprint for the Bush is a 10-year plan to build a strong rural Queensland of sustainable, liveable and prosperous communities. 4 Queensland Government, AgForce Queensland and the Local Government Association of Queensland, 2006, Blueprint for the Bush: Rural Economic Development and Infrastructure Plan. Queensland Government, Brisbane. Part A–Introduction 7

Where a planning scheme conflicts with Preparation the regional plan, the regional plan prevails (section 26(3) of SPA). The regional plan has been developed with extensive advice from the North West The regional plan is not supported by Regional Planning Committee (previously state planning regulatory provisions in known as the North West Regional relation to land use. Coordination Committee) which was established under section 2.5A.3 of the The following parts of the regional Integrated Planning Act 1997. The role of plan are relevant when assessing a the committee has been to: development application or a master plan application against or having regard to the • provide advice to the Minister on Application, regional plan: regional planning matters • the regional activity centres network • assist the preparation, implementation implementation and and narratives in Part D and review of the regional plan review • regional strategies and policies in • facilitate the resolution of regional Part E. planning issues The regional plan is a statutory instrument under the Statutory • promote a coordinated approach to An application conflicts with the regional Instruments Act 1992 and a planning regional planning. plan if it does not comply with the instrument under the Sustainable regional activity centres network in Part Planning Act 2009 (SPA). The regional The Regional Planning Committee D or the regional strategies and policies plan provides the broad framework for (RPC) is an inclusive forum of regional in Part E. stakeholders, appointed by the Minister, addressing priority issues in the North who have looked beyond individual West region for the next 20 years to The regional plan directs state agencies, interests to highlight matters of regional ensure that planning decisions do not through Queensland Government-agreed significance to be addressed through the compromise longer-term planning needs. strategies, policies and programs and is a regional plan. key tool of Qplan, Queensland’s planning, If a local government is preparing a development and building system. The planning scheme, it must take into The draft regional plan was made available regional plan allows a region to achieve account the regional plan. This must for public comment for a minimum a sustainable planning foundation, be done by stating within the planning period of 60 business days in accordance and provides strategies and policies to scheme how the scheme will reflect the with section 2.5A.13 of the Integrated manage growth and change at a regional regional plan (section 26(2) of SPA). Local Planning Act 1997. The regional plan has level as shown in Figure 1. been prepared in good faith, taking into governments are also required to amend account all public submissions, to provide their planning schemes to reflect the a framework for the management and regional plan (section 29 of SPA). development of the region.

Figure 1. My Street. Our State

Legislative and policy framework Strategic outcomes and deliverables Infrastructure Towards Q2 State Development and Public State infrastructure plans Works Organisation Act 1971 Our state Gateway upgrade project and priorities Northern Economic Triangle Regional infrastructure North West Regional Plan 2010-2031 Our region Infrastructure Plan delivery programs Local infrastructure Finders Shire Planning Scheme, planning and delivery Sustainable Planning Act 2009 My town McKinlay Shire Community Plan programs Neighbourhood infrastructure programs, location-specific Petroleum Act 1923 My local area Nordale Industrial Estate infrastructure Site-specific standards of Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 My street Smart eDA service 8 North West Regional Plan

The statutory regional planning framework provides for a formal, state- Structure of the wide monitoring and review process regional plan across the state which is an important element in any regional land use planning Part A Introduction—provides background framework—see Figure 2. The outcomes material to establish the context and policies of the regional plan will be and intent of the regional plan. monitored and used in the formal review It also outlines the need for the of the regional plan. A formal review will regional plan and its relationship be undertaken at least every ten years. with other planning processes and Notwithstanding the above, the Minister instruments. can amend the regional plan at any time under SPA. Part B Regional vision—outlines the desired future for the North West Figure 2. Regional plan flowchart region. The information sources used to prepare these maps may vary, with respect to scale, Part C Strategic directions—sets down accuracy and currency. the broad policy framework for North West the regional plan. The Department of Environment and Regional Plan Resource Management has prepared Part D Regional activity centre networks mapping showing areas of ecological and subregional narrative— significance. The maps have been prepared characterises townships, their from high quality data sets of terrestrial facilities and services. Narratives Part A—Introduction vegetation, key threatened species’ habitats, indicate the strategic intentions and wetlands. Given the size of the region, for towns in the North West region the scale used in the regional maps should and will guide local planning, only be used as general information. location and coordination of Part B—Regional vision services. More detailed information on the region’s areas of ecological significance is available Part E Regional strategies and policies— from the Department of Environment and provides the planning principles Resource Management website. The maps and guidelines for managing in the regional plan are not regulatory maps Part C—Strategic directions future land use, development and are used as information guides. and protection of the North West region. They should be reflected Strategies are designated with a letter of SPA planning Aligned planning in all relevant plans, policies and the alphabet. For example, strategy mechanisms mechanisms codes being prepared or amended 3.4.A Promote and celebrate the region’s by the Queensland Government cultural and artistic diversity is found in: or local governments in the North Part D—Regional activity West region, including planning Part E—Regional strategies and policies centres network schemes and community plans. Topic 3—Strong communities Subtopic 4—Regional lifestyle, cultural Part F Implementation, monitoring and heritage and the arts review—sets out the proposed Strategy A Part E—Regional strategies governance arrangements for and policies implementing, monitoring and The numbering system for the policies reviewing the regional plan. indicates their position in the plan. For example, land use policy 3.4.1 Identify and protect Queensland heritage places and Part F—Implementation, Maps local heritage places in local government monitoring and review planning schemes is found in: The regional plan is supported by six maps which provide spatial information to Part E—Regional strategies and policies assist policy implementation and identify Topic 3—Strong communities resources, values and areas of state Subtopic 4—Regional lifestyle, cultural significance. The maps are based on best heritage and the arts available data at the time of printing. Policy number 1. Part B–Regional vision 9

Part B—Regional vision

The North West region The vision for the North West region The plan recognises that the region’s defines the community’s long-term Indigenous and multi-cultural heritage will has a robust, diverse and aspirations for the region and reflects the continue to define the region’s cultural sustainable economy and environment the community desires to live identity. It also identifies the need for a well-planned and coordinated in now and protect for future generations. well-educated community—one that offers infrastructure and services, It was developed through contributions a broad range of education and career from the Regional Planning Committee opportunities for residents, to meet the built through the economic (RPC). It recognises the link between the region’s long-term growth needs. benefits of mining and region’s prosperity and the continued agricultural industries. It is exploitation of mineral resources and The vision is the foundation of the the need to invest in other industries to regional plan. It informs the strategies a place where people choose provide an economically sustainable future. and policies to ensure the region’s natural to live and visit due to its assets, social capacity and economic liveability, well-managed The vision recognises that the long-term resources are managed and enhanced for prosperity of the region is reliant on future generations. natural resources and the sound management of the region’s natural community’s strong sense resources and the ongoing viability of of cultural identity. mining and agricultural sectors. The vision is consistent with the state- wide ambitions of the Queensland government’s blueprint for the future, Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland, which sets targets for Queensland’s future which are to be achieved by 2020. This vision is also consistent with the Northern Economic Triangle Infrastructure Plan 2007–2012. 10 North West Regional Plan

Part C—Strategic directions

The regional plan proposes various services they provide to Creating a more humans as well as their intrinsic values a range of policies to sustainable future achieve its vision and • internalising environmental costs— ensuring that the true costs and desired outcomes for the A key strategic direction of the regional life-cycle costs (incurred from when region which are based plan is to ensure economic development inputs are produced through to waste on the following strategic is managed sustainably. The plan aims disposal) of protecting and restoring to protect biodiversity, support a viable environmental damage are reflected in directions. settlement pattern, build and maintain the price of a product or service community identity, improve transport and • engaged governance—ensuring broad information technology and infrastructure, community involvement in decisions and manage future demands for water and actions that affect them and energy. • precautionary principle—ensuring that The Queensland framework for ecologically where there are threats of serious or sustainable decision making5 has been irreversible environmental damage, used to inform the development of a lack of full scientific certainty is strategic directions, strategies and policies not used as a reason for postponing in the regional plan. The framework measures to prevent environmental comprises: degradation. • integrated and long-term decision making—incorporating long and short- term environmental, economic and Protecting regional social considerations landscapes and • intergenerational equity—ensuring the health, diversity and productivity of the supporting regional environment is maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future generations production values • intergenerational equity—ensuring a North West Queensland is characterised fair share of resources and opportunity by distinctive rural and natural among present generations landscapes which support a range of uses • conserving biological diversity and and provide significant environmental, ecological integrity—protecting the economic, cultural and social benefits to variety of all life forms, their genetic the region. This plan includes strategies diversity and the ecosystem of which and policies to protect and manage the they form a part, recognising the regional landscape values of the North West region.

5 National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development, ESD Sustainable Development Steering Committee, Commonwealth of 1992. Part C–Strategic directions 11

Minerals are a significant economic resource in the region and the plan includes policies to protect and manage the impacts caused by the exploitation of these resources. Rural lands contribute to the agricultural production of the region and the plan sets strategies and policies to protect these lands and encourages sustainable practices.

In areas of the upper catchment of the , there are opportunities for a sustainable irrigation area and to build on existing irrigation farming. The region includes water catchments and areas of high ecological value that are of regional significance and of state and national significance. Strategies and policies in the plan support existing legislation that protects and provides for the management of these ecological resources. The regional plan supports mining and rural production to ensure they Integrating land use, are not adversely affected by other economic activity land use activities, while encouraging Creating liveable diversification of the economy and the and transport communities raising of productivity by addressing skills infrastructure gaps and shortages. Greater support will be given to value-adding economic The regional plan seeks to provide initiatives. This will be achieved through Quality of life and economic development positive land use and urban design the creation of strategic opportunities and opportunities for regional communities responses to the region’s communities. by improved planning and collaboration can be enhanced by access to an efficient These responses aim to protect the by government, industry and the transport system. The plan integrates land heritage character and improve the community. use and transport planning to: visual amenity of existing towns, while • improve the efficiency of existing maintaining and enhancing services in transport networks line with government and private sector priorities. The network of regional activity Providing • influence future transport infrastructure centres encourages the enhancement infrastructure and • explore opportunities to align transport of the larger activity centres to support needs to land use to assist the region’s smaller communities. services economic growth • link dispersed regional communities. The regional plan addresses infrastructure Promoting a dynamic, and service requirements to meet the The plan recognises future transport future and existing needs of North strategies must take into account the robust and diversified West communities through the Northern impact of rising fuel prices on the cost of economy Economic Triangle Infrastructure Plan living in isolated communities, adapting 2007–2012. The regional plan supports to climate change and competing funding improved access to work places, essential priorities, as well as the need for better The region’s economy, primarily reliant services and recreation, and encourages access to national and international on mining and agricultural production, stronger connections throughout the markets. contributes significantly to the regional region to improve the liveability of and national economy. It is recognised regional communities. Water and energy On a national level, Australia no longer that to ensure a sustainable future, the capacity are recognised as limiting factors produces enough oil to meet the nation’s region needs to work towards building a to future regional development. needs. Australia and Queensland are diversified economy. therefore becoming more dependent 12 North West Regional Plan

on imported oil and oil-based fuels, Longer-term projections for the North which are affected by global supply and West Queensland region include an Managing mining demand. As in many parts of the world, overall decline in rainfall with increasing growth North West communities and industries temperature, evaporation and an increase rely on oil, making the region vulnerable intensity of rainfall events. This will Growth in mining for base metals in the to changes in the supply and price of oil. result in more extreme climate events, North West region has the potential to such as flooding, drought, bushfire and produce state-wide social and economic Through the ClimateQ: towards a cyclonic weather. Management of the benefits for decades to come. However, greener Queensland initiative, the regions’ agriculture and industry activities it requires increased management of Queensland Government is implementing are likely to be adversely affected by environmental, social and economic programs to encourage the uptake of the projected increases in temperature impacts on communities and appropriate fuel efficient vehicles and alternative and changing rainfall patterns. Table 1 mitigation strategies. fuels. The Queensland Renewable Energy illustrates projected impacts. Plan supports the use of renewable The regional plan, in conjunction with the energy sources as a means of reducing Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland sets Northern Economic Triangle Infrastructure dependence on oil and oil-based fuels. a target to cut Queenslanders’ household Plan 2007–2012, the Sustainable Futures greenhouse gas emissions from waste, Framework for Queensland Mining fuel and electricity by one-third by 2020. Towns and the Sustainable Resources Regional climate change actions for the Communities Policy released by the Adapting to climate North West will also be influenced by state government in 2007 and 2008 state-wide and national climate change change respectively, address these impacts initiatives and policies, including the through a range of strategies and Queensland Government’s ClimateQ: Scientific evidence overwhelmingly policies. towards a greener Queensland. indicates climate change will impact on regional areas of Australia and this The strategies and policies focus on The regional plan’s strategies and policies demands an urgent response. Climate improving the gathering of quantitative recognise the risks associated with change is likely to compound the effects information about the mining industry to climate change and the need to develop of existing threats on the region’s support regional planning, address land a research capacity to identify regionally biodiversity, economy and liveability. use implications of individual projects, specific implications and opportunities. and build capacity and capability at a The plan also recognises the need to Research indicates significant economic local government level to help to manage develop planning strategies to reduce the benefits in responding early to climate these impacts. region’s climate change vulnerability. change—both to mitigate and adapt to its effects. Early reduction of emissions and adaptation to climate change will incur less cost in terms of economic growth and lifestyle.

Table 1. Specific climate change projections for the North West region

Variable Season 1971-2000 2030 2070 Current historical Medium scenario High scenario mean (projected change) (projected change) Temperature Annual 25.2 +1.1 (+0.7 to +1.5) + 3.4 Centigrade (C°) (+2.3 to +4.9) Rainfall % Annual 534 mm -2 -5 (-11 to +8) (-31 to +24) Potential evaporation % Annual 2775 mm +3 +9 (+2 to +4) (+6 to +14) Data Source: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation 2007 & Bureau of Meteorology 2008. Regional summaries prepared by Queensland Climate Change Centre of Excellence Part D–Regional activity centres network 13

Part D—Regional activity centres network

The regional activity centres The North West region has five types of activity centres: network is a state-wide Major regional activity centres—centres generally servicing Mount Isa framework used to describe catchments of regional significance and potentially areas communities in terms of outside the designated region. These centres have key concentrations of employment, business and major retailing population, range and depth facilities and services. They have populations ranging from of business and employment approximately 5000 to 20 000 residents. types, educational facilities, Major rural activity centres—centres generally serving Cloncurry service infrastructure, housing catchments of sub-regional to regional significance, and community facilities. accommodating concentrations of employment, business, services, commercial and retail uses in remote areas of the The regional activity centres network will state. The population range of these centres is typically identify key locations for the provision between 2000 and 5000 residents. of state government services and District rural activity centres—centres providing essential Julia Creek, infrastructure by: functions at a district to sub-regional scale, often to a Richmond, • identifying nodes for key economic and widely dispersed service population. They provide a range Hughenden social services of goods and services for weekly shopping and may have • identifying preferred growth locations a post office, pharmacy, grocery store or supermarket, bank, to determine where infrastructure and hardware store, real estate office, hotel or motel, caravan services should be located park and service station. The population range of these centres is typically from 200 to 2000 residents. • identifying the projected level of service for each centre, assisting in the Community activity centres—centres with low resident Camooweal, Dajarra, prioritisation and level of service populations and generally remote from larger centres. They Kajabbi, provide limited services for locals and travellers. Typical McKinlay, , • identifying projected housing demand services include service stations, small convenience stores, Nelia, and key influences hotels and camping areas. They typically have populations Maxwellton, Stamford, • providing regional assessment criteria of less than 200 residents. Prairie, Torrens Creek for planning applications. Mining centres—specialist urban precincts supporting a Ernest Henry, Map 2 (page 67) shows the regional regionally or nationally significant economic activity, such Cannington, activity centres network for the North as a major mining operation. A mine site typically has a Eloise, West region. These centres are significant mineral processing plant, power generators, maintenance Osborne, places for economic activity and social and loading facilities, air strip, as well as administration Phosphate Hill, interaction, with strong historical offices. Accommodation facilities may be located nearby Trekelano, and cultural connections for regional or adjacent to the mine. Most of these facilities are self- Mount Gordon, communities. contained and place limited demand on local services and Leichhardt Copper infrastructure. In many cases, the local infrastructure has Operation, been funded and built by the associated mine(s). Lady Annie 14 North West Regional Plan

Centre narratives Economy and employment Industry in the city is based around Xstrata . Other major Mount Isa industries are cattle grazing and tourism. Population in Mount Isa 2008: 20 684 (a) Mount Isa is recognised as a secondary Population in Mount Isa City 2008: 21 570 (a) administration centre, supporting administrative activities in larger regional Indicative planning population in Mount Isa City 2031: 25 886 (b) activity centres such as Townsville. It has a wide range of local and state Activity centre classification government services and several major Major regional companies are based there. Mount Isa services catchments of sub-regional Major employers by industry (2006) (c) to regional significance and is the Mining 26.6% major service and supply centre for the Retail trade 8.9% surrounding mining industry. Health care and social assistance 8.6% Mount Isa provides health services to Education and training 8.2% rural and remote communities within Construction 6.3% North West Queensland and surrounding regions, including residents of the Data source: (a) Planning Information Forecasting Unit (PIFU), 2007, North West region population report Northern Territory. (b) PIFU, 2008 edition population projections (medium series) (c) Office of Economic and Statistical Research (2010), Queensland Regional Profiles. The tourism industry is increasingly important to the region’s economy. Events Mount Isa is serviced by Queensland Rail’s passenger such as the Mount Isa rodeo, carnivals train the Inlander, which travels overnight to and race days, and the city’s cultural and Townsville twice a week in each direction. recreational facilities attract national and With an estimated population of 21 570 international attention. in 2008, Mount Isa City is the only major Located on the outskirts of the city regional activity centre in the North West centre, the Mica Creek Power Station region. Mount Isa is located within the supplies the local and surrounding area North West Mineral Province, a world- with electricity. The power station is gas Industrial and residential land class mining and minerals processing fired and has the capacity to generate up Mount Isa has land available for precinct centred on Mount Isa, Bowen 6 to 325 megawatts of electricity . residential, commercial and industrial and Townsville. Mount Isa is one of development. Queensland’s major mining hubs for The main supply of water for Mount exploration, extraction and processing of Isa and its mining operations comes base metals. from . This artificial lake located on the Leichardt River can hold Community services 7 Mount Isa shares a boundary with 114 000 megalitres at full capacity . Lake The city offers primary, secondary and the Northern Territory to the west. Julius is another key source of water tertiary education with private and Geographically, Mount Isa is the second which is also located on the Leichardt public schools, TAFE, university facilities largest city (in area) in Australia. River. The East Leichardt Dam is a and apprenticeship opportunities, potential source of water for the region including the Spinifex College which however it is not currently utilised. has a residential campus. The city also Infrastructure houses the Mount Isa School of Distance Additional infrastructure has been Education which services the needs of The city is a regional transport hub, identified as a key factor in increasing students to grade 10, and School of the serviced by rail, road and commercial the lifespan of some mines in the region Air. Mount Isa has facilities for students air networks providing transport services and stimulating the development of new with varying levels of special needs, locally and interstate. The Barkly small and mid-size mines. An expansion including an Education Queensland is the main road transport route through of a range of infrastructure would support Special School. the region, which links the Northern growth in the city, provide increased Territory to and the scope for the development and expansion rest of eastern Australia. Mount Isa has a of other industries and strengthen the taxi service with services to and from the local economy. neighbouring centre of Cloncurry. The city

6 Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Zone 2009 Investment Guide. 7 Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Zone 2009 Investment Guide. Part D–Regional activity centres network 15

Growth opportunities and Cloncurry key challenges Population in Cloncurry 2008: 2607 (a) Mount Isa is predicted to experience Population in Cloncurry Shire 2008: 3394 (a) fluctuating growth over the next 20 years. Indicative planning population in Cloncurry Shire 2031: 3208 (b) However the city is expected to remain the major service centre for the North West, parts of the Central West and the Gulf Activity centre classification region and the eastern Northern Territory Major rural during the life of this plan. The city has Major employers by industry (2006) (c) the potential to expand its industry role through continued exploration, processing Agriculture, forestry and fishing 16.6% and value-adding activities. Transport, postal and warehousing 13.3% Mining 13.2% The overall sustainability of the city relies heavily on future mining development. Public administration and safety 9.9% Its ability to sustain additional mining- Construction 6.6% related growth, ancillary industrial Data source: activities and provide services to other (a) Planning Information Forecasting Unit (PIFU), 2007, North West region population report activity centres will largely depend on (b) PIFU, 2008 edition population projections (medium series) the management and timely provision (c) Office of Economic and Statistical Research (2010), Queensland Regional Profiles. of essential infrastructure and services, and the availability and affordability of Community services Attracting and retaining mining staff residential land and housing. Lowering and families remains a challenge for the costs of electricity in the region and Cloncurry provides primary to year 12 the local community and government. improving capacity of other infrastructure education and community and recreation Increasing the resident population will could increase the viability of previously facilities to the sub-region. Queensland remain dependent on the provision explored mineral deposits and extend the Health provides a range of primary of adequate infrastructure including life of several operating mines. and secondary health services with roads, water, sewerage, residential specialists available on a visiting basis. land and housing, as well as access The town is also a strategic centre for to social services. The need to sustain other government agencies, including the or increase the level of services in Cloncurry Department of Transport and Main Roads. Cloncurry will depend on population change associated with mining expansion, With an estimated population of 3394 in the workforce arrangements of these 2008, Cloncurry Shire is the only major Growth opportunities and key industries and new mining developments rural activity centre in the North West challenges in both Mount Isa and Cloncurry. region. Cloncurry has a proud pioneering history and is the birthplace of the Royal Over the next 20 years, Cloncurry has the Flying Doctor Service and Queensland potential to grow through the expansion School of the Air. of industries including fabrication and construction. Some of the Ernest Henry mine workforce is housed in the town. Infrastructure Expansion and further exploration in mineral processing is also probable, given The town has good access to rail and the number of mineral reserves identified road networks as well as government- to the north and of the town. subsidised air, long distance coach and long distance rail services. Opportunities to develop and exploit renewable energy resources such as solar and geo-thermal may also present in the Economy and employment future, providing energy for local and possibly national networks. Cattle and mining provide the economic base for the town. The local mining Population growth will be influenced by industry generates employment the workforce arrangements of mining in associated industries including industries. Previous industry trends have transport, manufacturing, construction, shown a prevalence of fly-in and fly- accommodation and services. out work arrangements in the region. 16 North West Regional Plan

Julia Creek Julia Creek, Richmond Population in Julia Creek 2008: 377 (a) and Hughenden Population in McKinlay Shire 2008: 961 (a) Indicative planning population in McKinlay Shire 2031: 863 (b) Julia Creek, Richmond and Hughenden are all classified as rural activity centres in the North West region. Regional Activity centre classification communities gather regularly in these District rural centres to celebrate events including Major employers by industry (2006) (c) the Dirt and Dust Festival in Julia Creek, the Fossil Festival in Richmond and the Agriculture, forestry and fishing 44.6% Country Music Festival in Hughenden. Mining 11.3% These shires sit on top of the Great Public administration and safety 9.0% Artesian Basin, one of the largest ground Construction 5.8% water basins in the world. Retail trade 5.2% Infrastructure

Located on the Flinders Highway and Richmond Great Northern Railway line, these Population in Richmond 2008: 554 (a) centres are local transport hubs. West Wing Aviation provides both passenger Population in Richmond Shire 2008: 950 (a) and freight services from Mount Isa to Indicative planning population in Richmond Shire 2031: 825 (b) Townsville. The Great Northern Railway runs east-west from Mount Isa to Townsville. This rail network is linked to Activity centre classification the eastern sea ports. The main source of District rural water is through the Artesian Basin. Major employers by industry (2006) (c) Agriculture, forestry and fishing 39.8% Public administration and safety 11.3% Economy and employment Transport, postal and warehousing 7.6% Julia Creek (estimated population of Retail trade 6.7% 377) is the administration centre for the McKinlay Shire, and Richmond (estimated Health care and social assistance 6.5% population of 554) and Hughenden (estimated population of 1195) are the administration centres for Richmond and Flinders Shires respectively. These shires Hughenden are largely covered by productive black Populationin Hughenden 2008: 1195 (a) soils and high value Mitchell and Flinders Population in Flinders Shire 2008: 1864 (a) grass. It is an important area for the production of beef, for both domestic and Indicative planning population in Flinders Shire 2031: 1718 (b) overseas markets. The BHP operates within McKinlay Shire, with Activity centre classification the majority of its labour force being 8 District rural fly-in and fly-out workers .

Major employers by industry (2006) (c) These centres have strong connections Agriculture, forestry and fishing 35.8% with Townsville for processing and export Transport, postal and warehousing 10.9% purposes.

Public administration and safety 9.4% Tourism in these centres is growing, with Retail trade 7.4% visitors drawn by a range of attractions Education and training 6.6% including the region’s national parks and

Data source: (a) Planning Information Forecasting Unit (PIFU), 2007, North West region population report 8 Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Zone 2009 (b) PIFU, 2008 edition population projections (medium series) investment guide. (c) Office of Economic and Statistical Research (2010), Queensland Regional Profiles. Part D–Regional activity centres network 17

fossil dinosaur attractions. Hughenden In Julia Creek there is potential for and Richmond are well known as part of developing geothermal energy infrastructure Australia’s Dinosaur Trail. Flinders Shire and opportunities for the development covers a variety of diverse landscapes, of a transportation hub serving the shire covering four bioregions. Amongst these and parts of the Gulf region. Richmond bioregions are four National Parks. and Hughenden areas have potential for irrigation farming and associated agricultural industries. Tourism is also an area for Community services expansion in terms of accommodation, restaurants and cafes and there is potential Each centre contains a small concentration for tour operators to utilise the diverse of retailing business, professional services nature of the centres and adjoining regions. and offices. Residents also access larger centres outside of the region for higher order goods and services. District rural activity centres provide subregional Community activity health and education services through centres locally based professionals and facilities. Hospitals or health centres provide primary and emergency services, while patients Camooweal, Dajarra, Kajabbi, McKinlay, Mining centres requiring emergency specialists are Kynuna, Nelia, Maxwellton, Stamford, Prairie and Torrens Creek are all classified evacuated by air. Specialists, ranging from The Ernest Henry, Cannington, Eloise, as community activity centres in the North nutritionists to speech therapists regularly Osborne, Phosphate Hill, Trekelano, West region. While these centres have visit the region. Education facilities range Mount Gordon, Leichhardt Copper fewer than 200 residents each and are not from childcare to secondary schooling. Operation and Lady Annie mines are designated rural localities according to the recognised as specialist activities centres. Australian Bureau of Statistics, they provide Racecourses, rugby, golf, netball, These sites are located between 30 and important localised essential services and swimming and athletics are amongst the 138 kilometres from major urban centres. major sporting groups/facilities in these opportunities for social interaction. centres. Hughenden has a multifunction The populations of these specialist The centres have very limited access to entertainment centre, which is used for activity centres are largely fly-in and government services. Health services are many events and functions including fly-out workers who commute from generally provided by visiting healthcare hosting sporting activities. regional and metropolitan centres. professionals. Some towns such as They are generally accommodated in Camooweal, Dajarra, Stamford and Prairie single person’s quarters located on offer primary education. Some have or near mining leases. These catered Growth opportunities and key community services such as police, a rural accommodation arrangements usually challenges fire service and recreation facilities. provide communal dining areas, canteens Historical trends show these centres are Community activity centres may provide and entertainment facilities. Medical influenced by fluctuations in population, important focal points for transport facilities are also provided on site and are investment and employment due to and tourism services and have facilities generally staffed by registered nurses. commodity prices, resource demand, climate such as racecourses and service factors and availability of workers. Land Specialist activity centres are privately stations. Many of the centres located for commercial, industrial and residential owned and managed. The future of these along the Flinders Highway and Great development is available in all centres, centres is determined by the global Northern Line were significant supply including large urban blocks to semi-rural demand for metals, the rate of depletion or distribution centres before transport acreage that are available for development. of resources and exploration of new networks were extended east to Mount mineral deposits nearby. A number of Isa and into the Northern Territory. While these centres are likely to prospective sites are being explored in experience only modest growth over The services provided in some of these the region, mostly in Cloncurry Shire, the next 20 years, an ageing population towns were established at times when which may result in the emergence of and household change will place a they had higher populations. Some towns new specialist activity centres in the different emphasis on service provision exist because of a single industry or region. The size and location of these priorities. Services within each centre will attraction. Population growth in these centres depends in part on their proximity need to be responsive to existing and centres is not anticipated however, the to other centres, the affordability of future community needs. Identification need to sustain existing services is housing and liveability. of different service delivery approaches recognised. Different service delivery may contribute to improved provision of methods may be used in the future to services to these centres in the future. provide services to these centres. 18 North West Regional Plan

Part E—Regional strategies and policies

This section outlines the The regional strategies and policies as community or natural resource sections of the plan include six topic management groups and the private desired regional outcomes, areas, each with a desired regional sector. Strategies do not commit the strategies and policies that outcome. Each topic area includes a government to funding any action or will guide planning and series of sub-topics and objectives, program. Resourcing of programs may development assessment in strategies and land use policies. come from government, non-government Background context and explanatory or private sector investment. the North West region over notes are provided for each topic area the next 20 years. which informs strategies or policies. Land use policies are to be applied to guide planning processes and decision- The topic areas are set out under the making. They provide a response to following headings: strategies and are primarily implemented through local government planning 1. Natural environment schemes. 2. Natural resources 3. Strong communities The vision and outcomes cannot be achieved through land use planning 4. Urban development mechanisms alone—other statutory and 5. Economic development non-statutory plans, policies, strategies and guidelines will play an important role 6. Infrastructure. in the plan’s implementation. Strategies are designed to achieve The regional plan is the primary planning desired regional outcomes, generally document in the North West region. Local through a collaborative and voluntary government planning schemes must approach. They are aligned to other be consistent with the desired regional legislation, plans, processes and voluntary outcomes, objectives and policies, and programs. They may be implemented seek to further the strategies contained by various stakeholders, including local, within this plan. state and federal levels of government, non-government organisations such Part E–Regional strategies and policies 19

1. Natural environment

Desired regional outcome A region where the natural environment is resilient to the impacts of climate change and one which is well-managed to maintain its rich biodiversity, ecological processes, water resources and scenic amenity.

natural systems and would place stress on the productivity and ecology of the region.

The North West region includes the source of six rivers, three Lake Eyre catchments and is also part of the Great Artesian Basin. Wetlands and watercourses and their associated riparian areas are vital in maintaining biodiversity and the long-term sustainability, productivity and stability of rural and urban populations.

The region has several valuable natural features which have been recognised through Commonwealth legislation. The Australian fossil mammal site at Riversleigh was proscribed as a World Heritage Area10 in 1994 and listed on the National Heritage List11 in 2007. Elizabeth Springs is also nominated for inclusion in the National Heritage List. Eight sites are listed on the Register of the National Estate12.

Regional waterways and landscapes hold important cultural and spiritual values for The North West region is renowned for species, some of which are listed as Indigenous people13. The complex linkages its natural environment, characterised by endangered. Native flora and fauna are between natural resources, cultural a range of vegetation types and diverse adapted to irregular rainfall and flooding heritage and the health of country must be landforms, geology, soil types and climatic events; however, the highly variable recognised as part of the ongoing support variations. From November to March climate is one of the major challenges of contemporary Indigenous culture. summers are typically hot (see Table 2), for the pastoral industry and local with periods of intense rainfall. Winters are communities. The regional plan aims to promote the usually cool and dry9. The average annual sustainable use and management of the evaporation is generally between 2000 and Projections indicate that climate change natural environment. Human activities 3200 millimetres. will result in reductions in annual rainfall. such as mining and agriculture need to Even a slight increase in temperature (0.7– be appropriately planned and managed to The region covers sections of five 1.5 degrees centigrade) is likely to have minimise adverse impacts on the natural bioregions. These support diverse native significant impacts on biodiversity and environment. flora and fauna including many endemic

9 Bureau of Meteorology website accessed January 2008 www.bom.gov.au 10 Environmental Protection Agency website accessed January 2008 www.epa.qld.gov.au 11 National Heritage List recognises and protects our most valued natural, Indigenous and historic heritage places and is managed by the Australian Heritage Council as outlined in the Australian Heritage Council Act 2003. 12 The Register of the National Estate is now part of the Australian Heritage Database. 13 World Wildlife Fund, 1999, Opportunities for Biodiversity Conservation in Northern Australia: A report for the World Wide Fund for Nature: Tropical Wetlands of Program, May (1999). 20 North West Regional Plan

Table 2. Climate statistics for locations in North West Queensland

Location Annual temperature (C°) Mean rainfall (mm) Years of data recorded Mean maximum Mean minimum (temperature/rainfall) Camooweal 32.9 17.6 392.3 100 Mount Isa 37.1 23.0 446.0 42 Cloncurry 33.3 18.8 507.5 15 Julia Creek 33.3 17.4 460.3 35/94 Richmond 32.8 16.7 475.2 115/119 Hughenden 31.6 16.3 492.4 92/117

Source: Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

declared a wild river area14 under the • vegetation clearing 1.1 Biodiversity 15 Wild Rivers Act 2005 in 2007. These • habitat fragmentation conservation wetlands support diverse riparian vegetation and provide important corridors • changed hydrology for fish and other native fauna moving • pollution Objective between the lower and the upper reaches • introduced pathogens of the river system. Most tributaries within Protect and manage the region’s the region have intermittent flow regimes • climate change. biodiversity and its ecological integrity to which must be maintained to protect enhance its resilience to climate change ecosystems and biodiversity. Threatened species in the region and other biophysical pressures. includes the Julia Creek dunnart (below), Conserving biodiversity is vital to healthy The region covers sections of the Gulf a marsupial which is classified as ecosystems and fundamental to achieving Plains, Mitchell Grass Downs, North West endangered under the Environment ecological and economic sustainability in Highlands, and the Protection and Biodiversity Conservation 16 the region. Loss of biodiversity can result Desert Uplands bioregions . The National Act 1999 and the Nature Conservation 17 in multiple negative impacts for people, Reserve System identifies bioregions that Act 1992 . A range of management and the economy and the region’s ecosystems. are considered to be under-represented conservation measures are in place to Conserving biodiversity is one of the in protected areas. The North West region protect the dunnart and its habitat. central principles of the National Strategy has notably avoided the widespread for Ecologically Sustainable Development clearance of native vegetation which has and is fundamental to natural resource taken place elsewhere in the state. With management. Understanding how human a low, dispersed population and limited activities impact on these resources is access to much of the land, the region has essential to developing sustainable land maintained high levels of biodiversity. It use practices. Map 3 (page 68) shows supports large state leasehold lands with areas of high and general ecological grazing and mining activities that present significance. opportunities and potential threats to biodiversity. The North West region overlies part of the Great Artesian Basin. It includes the A number of threats to the region’s headwaters and upper catchments of ecosystems have been identified, and the Diamantina, Flinders, including: Georgina, Gilbert, Leichhardt, Nicholson • increased grazing pressures and Norman rivers. The region has several • poor mining practices nationally important wetlands including the Gregory River, Lake Moondarra, Thorntonia • exotic weeds and feral animals Aggregation and Lignum Swamp. The • changed fire regimes Gregory River and its tributaries were

14 For more information about wild rivers visit www.derm.qld.gov.au 15 Department of Natural Resources and Water, 2007. Gregory Wild River Declaration 2007. Queensland Government, Brisbane. 16 Sattler, P and Williams, R 1999, The Conservation Status of Queensland’s Bioregional Ecosystems. Queensland Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland Government, Brisbane. 17 Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts website accessed June 2008 www.environment.gov.au Part E–Regional strategies and policies 21

Grazing is the predominant land use in Land use policies roads, power lines, and urban and the region, the impacts of which may agricultural development 1.1.1 Avoid or minimise urban cause loss of pasture productivity, soil • planning and implementing development occurring outside erosion and weed invasion where poor development management strategies urban zoned land, and in areas of management practices are used. Pastoral that minimise the impact of high ecological significance, unless land use practices are undergoing infrastructure and urban uses on key it can be demonstrated that there consistent improvement over much of natural resources the region and will continue to do so is an overriding public need. under the Delbessie Agreement (State • encouraging land use practices that Rural Leasehold Land Strategy) which 1.1.2 Avoid or minimise impacts leave vegetative cover as a buffer came into effect in January 200818. The of infrastructure on areas of against soil erosion and degradation agreement provides a framework for the high ecological significance, and to trap sediment moving from the sustainable use of rural leasehold land through appropriate location landscape into waterways and provides leaseholders with incentives and responsive design and • land use planning that fully recognises for demonstrating strong stewardship of management. land capability including the potential the land and protecting its productivity. for off-site impacts The plan recognises scope for enhanced 1.1.3 Development adjacent to areas • determining priorities for nature productivity and agricultural diversification. of high ecological significance is designed, constructed and conservation values versus productive operated to avoid or mitigate uses21. Biodiversity conservation adverse impacts on ecological To achieve this, trade-offs between values. strategies productive use and conservation goals will need to be made. It is important 1.1.4 Where development impacts on 1.1.A Promote the protection and that the community understands these high ecological values cannot be management of riparian areas to compromises so that benefits can be avoided, prioritise the use of offset preserve and enhance biodiversity, maximised for the wider public interest. strategies to minimise regional ecological, recreational, cultural Understanding these issues requires full impact. and corridor attributes. resource assessment that identifies social, economic and environmental benefits and 1.1.5 Development for urban purposes 1.1.B Update and improve understanding the costs of resource use22. in areas of general ecological of the processes that threaten significance is designed and biodiversity. Urban zoned land is defined as land zoned operated to minimise adverse for urban purposes in a local government impact on ecological values. 1.1.C Minimise impacts on state and planning scheme. To allow urban regional corridors and encourage development in non-urban zoned land, habitat rehabilitation to improve Explanatory notes an application must establish that there connectivity and resilience of is an overriding need for the proposed ecological communities. An important consideration to enable development in the public interest. To local land use planning is the need to demonstrate this, an application must 1.1.D Support and promote the establish more effective land use planning establish the overall social, economic and important role of Traditional mechanisms that integrate biodiversity in environmental benefits of the proposed Owners in natural resources strategic development and infrastructure development, weighed against any 19 planning and management. planning . detrimental impact upon the natural values of the site and any conflicts with the 1.1.E Establish and implement a Urban and economic growth is often desired regional outcomes of the regional regional settlement pattern occurring without systematic and plan. An overriding need for the proposed that accommodates urban and long-term planning and without regard development in the public interest could 20 economic growth while minimising for maintaining environmental values . also be demonstrated by establishing impacts on significant biodiversity Key challenges include: that the community would experience values. significant adverse economic, social or • managing vegetation clearing while environmental impacts if the proposed recognising continued community needs development were not to proceed. for improved infrastructure including

18 Department of Natural Resources and Water, 2007, Delbessie Agreement (State Rural Leasehold Land Strategy) Queensland Government, Brisbane. 19 For more information visit www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity 20 Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010-2020, consultation draft, March 2009. National biodiversity strategy review task group. 21 Australian Natural Resources Atlas, natural resource topics accessed March 2010 www.anra.gov.au/topics/coasts/pubs/estuary_assessment/est_ass_forward.html 22 Australian Natural Resources Atlas, natural resource topics accessed March 2010 22 North West Regional Plan

In order to make land use more patches of remnant vegetation. The sustainable within the context and areas should be protected, managed and 1.2 Pest plant and constraints of our natural resources, enhanced in line with policies related to animal management while maintaining or enhancing areas of high ecological significance. productivity, environmental offsets are a viable option. Environmental Mapped areas of high ecological Objective offsets are positive measures taken to significance (see Map 3, page 68) do Manage pest plants and animals to protect counterbalance negative environmental not include all essential habitat for present and future land use and productive impacts that cannot be otherwise avoided protected species listed under the Nature capacity of natural resources. or minimised, and ensure that there Conservation Act 1992. Areas that are 23 likely to contain protected species listed is no net loss of ecological values. Invasive species pose serious threats to under the Nature Conservation Act Offsets provide alternative beneficial the environment and primary production. 1992 will require further survey work to environmental outcomes where social and Feral pigs, dogs, cats and camels are establish their existence, distribution economic growth impact negatively on the considered particularly damaging to the 24 and habitat requirements. Investigating environment. This provides opportunities region’s environment. Land use, climate and mapping areas of high ecological to achieve long-term conservation change and grazing are factors that need significance, threatened species and their outcomes, while providing flexibility to be considered in the implementation habitats remain priorities. for proponents seeking to undertake of pest plant and animal management development that has negative impacts strategies. but provides significant public or economic The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) has benefit. Climate change can potentially alter prepared maps showing areas of ecological the distribution of pest species. Hotter significance. Further information about Specific development controls are required weather, less rainfall, and carbon dioxide biodiversity mapping can be found on the in areas of high ecological significance fertilisation will affect plant growth and DERM website. identified by the state government. These productivity, and may change native and areas include: cultivated pastures. There could be a The Australian Natural Resource Atlas • wetlands areas shift in the distribution of existing pests, has identified a number of management diseases and weeds, and new ones may • conservation estate responses for each bioregion25. At a appear. • corridors broad level, the climate change response strategy for biodiversity is to protect • threshold ecosystems Mining exploration and related activities diversity of habitat, protect areas outside may introduce a range of weeds and • assessable non-remnant or regrowth of the reserve network and maximise pests into previously unaffected areas endangered and of concern regional resilience and connectivity. As numerous through poor site practices, including ecoystems. core areas of biodiversity significance are cross-contamination by vehicles, machinery located within protected area estates, the and tools from other sites. Exploration Areas of general ecological significance protection and enhancement of habitats licences are issued through environmental include other areas containing remnant and corridors between these core areas authorities. Via these authorities, scope vegetation and wetlands of particular is an essential policy outcome for the exists for stricter management and conservation value. This includes not-of- regional plan. remediation conditions to be implemented concern vegetation under the Vegetation as conditions of licences. Management Act 1999. Planning decisions Programs and projects that aim to achieve that need to consider areas of general regional biodiversity benefits at a property scale (individual landholders) include: ecological significance are developments Pest plant and animal that are assessable under the Sustainable • the Back on Track species prioritisation Planning Act 2009. framework management strategies 1.2.A Implement pest management Corridors and networks establish • recovery plans for specific threatened practices to protect the connections between core areas of identified species environment and the productive remnant vegetation and provide • the Delbessie Agreement capacity of natural resources, opportunities for flora and fauna to adapt • Initiatives of the Southern Gulf communities, industries and to impacts on their environment. These Catchments and Desert Channels business. corridors contain a mix of habitats and Queensland natural resource regional maximise connectivity between large bodies

23 Queensland Government Environmental Offsets Policy 2008 accessed March 2009 www.epa.qld.gov.au/publications/p02501aa.pdf/Queensland_Government_environmental_ offsets_policy.pdf 24 Environmental Protection Authority, Environmental Offsets (Position Statement No. 9) January 2006 accessed March 2009 www.epa.wa.gov.au/docs/1863_PS9.pdf 25 Australian Natural Resources Atlas website accessed May 2008 www.anra.gov.au Part E–Regional strategies and policies 23

1.2.B Encourage further development The region’s diverse environment provides Land use policies of partnerships with the pastoral a range of nature-based recreation industry, local government and opportunities. High scenic qualities 1.3.1 Identify and protect areas of scenic lessees, to build capacity to contribute to the recreational experience amenity from inappropriate land control and manage weeds. that visitors and locals seek when uses. exploring Queensland. Visitors seeking nature-based tourism make a 1.3.2 Plan outdoor recreational land use Explanatory notes substantial contribution to the local and developments within natural areas regional economy. in a way that does not diminish Pests are weeds or pest animals declared the environmental values of the under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock The region’s highways and roads pass area. Route Management) Act 2002. This term through a number of scenic landscapes also includes non-native plants that are that include White Mountains, Porcupine 1.3.3 Plan, design and develop not a declared pest. Gorge and Blackbraes National Parks. infrastructure to protect, manage Opportunities to improve infrastructure in and enhance regional landscape The Vegetation Management Act 1999 protected area estates and other areas values. regulates the clearing of native vegetation. for recreation can assist in supporting Under the Vegetation Management Act, increased visitation while providing clearing that is necessary for controlling improved management capability and Explanatory notes non-native plants or declared pests is one protection of the area’s natural assets. of the purposes for which landholders can Prioritising regional landscape areas that apply for a development approval. Tourism Queensland, in conjunction with demonstrate a range of values can help to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service build and sustain the capacity of regional Certain types of development applications (QPWS), and the Flinders and Dalrymple landscapes to provide community benefits are required to include a property Shire Councils, has coordinated the such as outdoor recreation and liveability. vegetation management plan under the development of a sub-regional tourism Outdoor recreation activities contribute to Vegetation Management Act 1999. This strategy for the shires’ national parks and better social, health, economic, tourism, is a property-level plan of the proposed council recreation reserves. The strategy cultural and environmental outcomes. areas to be cleared for purposes such as provides the framework for a systematic weed control. and coordinated approach to tourism Towards Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland infrastructure development and visitor sets a target to protect 50 per cent more The principles of pest management management by comparing current and land for nature conservation and public are included in state strategies and potential tourism demand with the visitor recreation by 2020. As part of these policies including the Queensland appeal and capabilities of the parks and initiatives, the state government is looking Weeds Strategy, Queensland Pest reserves. The focus of the strategy is the to work with local governments to: Animal Strategy, Queensland Wild Dog long-term sustainable management and • protect more areas of national park Management Strategy, Queensland Feral development of the regions’ protected • protect green spaces for recreation Pig Management Strategy and North West reserves. Queensland cattle tick control strategies. • provide recreational facilities These strategies identify actions required • develop a state-wide inventory of all to be undertaken by landholders to control Scenic amenity and outdoor land held for public recreation. the impacts of these pests and associated environmental impacts. recreation strategies 1.3.A Continue to implement the sub- 1.3 Scenic amenity regional tourism strategy for areas 1.4 Air and noise of nature conservation value. and outdoor emissions 1.3.C Identify and maintain a hierarchy recreation of open space and recreational Objective trails that provides opportunities Objective for public access and interaction Locate and manage development to with the natural environment while maintain or improve air quality, and Protect and manage the natural scenic ensuring sustainable use. minimise the effects of adverse acoustic amenity and outdoor recreational assets of emissions on the health and wellbeing the region. 1.3.D Develop a region-wide inventory of of the community and the natural all lands held for public recreation. environment. 24 North West Regional Plan

Low population and dispersed concentrations of industrial development have resulted in good air quality for the majority of the region. However, air quality and adverse acoustic impacts can result from agricultural and other industries. These impacts require consideration in land use planning and environmental management decisions in order to protect the amenity and health of residents and workers in the region.

The Xstrata Mount Isa Mines complex is one of the largest metal mining and smelting operations in the world. Due to the size and nature of its operations, the Mount Isa Mines complex produces significant air emissions, including sulphur dioxide and heavy metals. Air pollution control equipment and procedures are in place to monitor and limit emissions. Air quality monitoring stations throughout the city monitor air quality and assist in actively managing emissions through Environmental management of lead in Mount Isa staged reductions in smelter activities. Mining commenced in Mount Isa impacts on the health of residents, Mount Isa is nominated as the major in 1924 after John Campbell Miles particularly children. Actions that have regional activity centre for the region and discovered a rich seam of silver and been taken, or are proposed to occur, to population levels are estimated to grow lead where the city is located today in address these concerns include: during the life of the plan. Acceptable air 1923. The mine and metal processing quality is a key factor in ensuring the city’s • changes to the environmental facilities continue to be recognised as regulations under the Environmental prosperity, health and amenity. key to the city and region’s ongoing Protection Act 1994 will transition mines prosperity. to contemporary standards in line with other mining interests in the state Air and noise emissions Mining and processing activities have, strategies however, also caused a range of • Xstrata has committed to implementing environmental management issues. best practice emissions controls 1.4.A Investigate collaborative models Improved technology and increased • the air quality monitoring system in involving community, industry knowledge have resulted in many Mount Isa is the most intensive of any and government to oversee the improvements in monitoring and city in Australia collection of base-line data and mitigating damaging by-products of recommend long-term management mining and processing activities. • the Mount Isa Living with Lead Alliance options for integrating mining and will provide a forum for driving and town-based activities. There is continued concern about guiding action on the issue of lead in elevated lead levels and the possible the community of Mount Isa.

Land use policies 1.4.1 Development that generates air Explanatory notes Wherever possible, sensitive land uses and acoustic emissions must be such as residential development should be adequately separated, designed, Eliminating the impacts of air and noise located away from industrial or intensive constructed and operated to avoid pollution is not always possible. Providing agricultural uses, or major transport impacts of emissions on sensitive separating distances between industry routes. Air and noise pollution is managed land uses. and other land uses serves to reduce the through the Environmental Protection Act impacts on health, amenity and quality of 1994. This legislation establishes local, life that may result from hazards or from regional or state standards for air quality air or noise emissions. and acoustic quality. Part E–Regional strategies and policies 25

and constraints to increase ClimateQ: toward a greener Queensland 1.5 Greenhouse gas understanding and participation in presents the next phase in Queensland’s emissions emerging carbon markets. response to the challenge of climate change. This strategy presents 1.5.E Identify and map areas with investments and policies to ensure Objective significant potential for generating Queensland remains at the forefront of renewable energy. the national climate change response. Develop a regional approach to minimising greenhouse gas emissions. Queensland supports the expanded regions are well- Land use policies National Renewable Energy Target which placed to harness solar energy resources, will result in an additional annual 1.5.1 Protect key locations identified as there is more available land than 45 000 gigawatt hours of renewable as suitable renewable energy in most other areas in Australia and energy generated nationally. In order to generation sites from inappropriate significantly higher solar energy compared achieve this, the Queensland Government land uses. to coastal settlements26. The region also has released the Queensland Renewable Energy Plan (QREP), a comprehensive has geothermal energy potential; the 1.5.2 Improve energy efficiency through generation of which produces considerably economic and industry development siting, design, construction and strategy aimed at accelerating the growth less greenhouse gas emissions than use of demand management the production of other energy forms. of the renewable energy sector technologies to reduce greenhouse in Queensland. Alternative sustainable energy sources gas emissions. may result in significant reductions in the The primary objective of the QREP is to amount of greenhouse gas emissions in 1.5.3 Increase the local provision increase the use of renewable energy the region. of renewable energy and low infrastructure in Queensland. Therefore emission technology. it will provide incentives to encourage industry development towards new Greenhouse gas emissions 1.5.4 Increase stored carbon through the opportunities. QREP includes a number strategies retention or planting of trees or of initiatives that will be relevant to the other vegetation and other land region, including the development of solar 1.5.A Manage greenhouse gas emission management practices that provide thermal options (see Section 5.0 Economic levels responsibly through: sustainability outcomes. Development) for regional Queensland, • promotion of responsible government-owned generators partnering management of emissions with industry to identify renewable energy • development of mechanisms Explanatory notes solutions, increased opportunities for distributed electricity generation and to ensure land use and natural Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland sets resource mapping to identify potential resource management processes a target to cut Queenslanders’ carbon renewable energy sites. consider the greenhouse gas footprint by one-third through reduced car effect and are consistent with and electricity use by 2020. the regional strategy In addition, the Queensland Government has invested in a number • promotion of alternative, ClimateSmart 2050 is the Queensland of renewable energy generation assets renewable energy sources Government’s contribution to the through the state’s government- national and global effort to tackle • promotion of economic owned corporation, including wind, climate change. The strategy commits instruments, such as carbon solar thermal, hydro, biogas and Queensland to play its part in reducing trading. Australia’s first wet geothermal plant. national greenhouse gas emissions to 1.5.B Support research and development 60 per cent of 2000 levels by 2050 and of clean energy technologies. includes a range of initiatives across all sectors to mitigate greenhouse gas 1.5.C Promote and support the emissions and reduce climate change development of solar towns that impacts. The strategy also supports capitalise on the region’s solar use of renewable energy technologies, energy resources. carbon offsets and improvements in energy and fuel efficiency. 1.5.D Promote knowledge of carbon sequestration27 opportunities

26 Australian Government, Geoscience Australian website accessed March 2009 www.ga.gov.au/education/geoscience-basics/dimensions/climatic-extremes.jsp#temp 27 Carbon sequestration is the storage of carbon dioxide in a solid material through biological or physical processes 26 North West Regional Plan

2. Natural resources

Desired regional outcome The economic, environmental, social and cultural values of the region’s natural resources are recognised and managed to enhance regional prosperity and maintain ecological sustainability.

Land, water, vegetation, mineral and The beef industry is also an important energy resources are critical to the economic contributor to the region. Cattle economic development of North West are the predominant grazing animal, Queensland (see Map 4, page 69). The although sheep are also grazed. Good region is predominantly state land, the agricultural land is a limited resource and majority of which is leasehold for grazing should be given due consideration in land and mining. Since European settlement, use planning and development decisions. the region’s wealth has largely been derived from mining and agriculture. The region also includes less tangible assets including extensive landscapes that Water resources are critical to the region, attract tourists and artists and provide with the Great Artesian Basin providing opportunities for palaeontologic research, the majority of water for the grazing natural history education and outdoor industry and towns such as Julia Creek, recreation. Richmond and Hughenden. Shallow bores also provide water for the region. Major challenges for natural resource Many of these are within streambeds management include maintaining and are used for both agricultural and sustainable production in the face of town water purposes. The environmental climate change and depletion of non- flows to downstream ecological assets renewable resources. Natural resources and the security of supply to the primary are highly dependent on ecosystem water-using industries are important. services such as water regulation, genetic Industry practices in relation to using resources, nutrient cycling and pest and maintaining bores is improving. A regulation. number of water schemes operate within the region with dams servicing Mount Isa, Natural resource management planning Cloncurry and other centres. needs to be looked at holistically to include regional social and economic Mount Isa and Cloncurry are located factors. Indigenous knowledge and within the North West Mineral Province. interests should be used and considered The province covers an approximate area when addressing natural resource matters. of 312 155 square kilometres. The North West Mineral Province is a world-class The sustainable management of natural ore resource area containing an estimated resources through cropping, cattle 75 per cent of Queensland’s total metal grazing, urban activities, mining and resources. It is recognised as Australia’s conservation, is critical to the liveability premier base metal province, producing and prosperity of the region. zinc, lead, silver and copper concentrate. Part E–Regional strategies and policies 27

• managing areas protected for Explanatory notes 2.1 Land and natural biodiversity The Delbessie Agreement supports the resource use and • identifying key resource areas, sustainable use of rural leasehold land in providing certainty for long-term mining management line with best practice natural resource and minimising conflicts with adjoining management. This strategy includes uses. Objective balancing profitable use of land with maintenance of healthy land, vegetation To coordinate development and use and water, while improving the capacity of the region’s natural resources Land and natural resource of land managers to adapt to emerging using ecologically sustainable land use and management issues. The strategy provides security of management practices to achieve the strategies tenure for leaseholders, clarifies duty of community’s economic and environmental care and establishes a process to develop objectives. 2.1.A Engage the community, Traditional land management agreements and assess Owners, landholders and industry the condition of leasehold land. The region takes in a wide range of in promoting and practicing land, water, soil, mineral resources and a adaptive and sustainable natural Knowledge of natural resource diverse range of ecological systems and resource management. management issues, principles and cultural resources. While some natural techniques is continually expanding and resources have been mapped, gaps in 2.1.B Promote sustainable development improving. Greater emphasis is also this knowledge exist. and use of natural resources for being placed on local solutions to meet recreation and other economic natural resource management needs and Effective management of natural development. recognise opportunities for improved resources relies on building cooperative community prosperity. Responsive relationships between all stakeholders. 2.1.C Encourage efficient planning and adaptation to improvements in scientific Southern Gulf Catchments and Desert management to ensure equitable knowledge and techniques is seen as Channels organisations have prepared access to the region’s natural critical to the ongoing well-being of management plans to address some of resources. communities. The use of local community the gaps in knowledge of how human knowledge and expertise, and ensuring activity impacts on the region’s natural 2.1.D Encourage innovative use of that research is kept regionally relevant assets. technology and systems for the are key ways to better facilitate and management of the region’s natural develop regional adaptive management Challenges for North West communities, resources. principles. industries and governments in managing and maintaining natural resources include: 2.1.E Encourage climate change adaptation studies that examine • ensuring efficient and sustainable long-term fluctuations in climate 2.2 Water use of water, including maintaining and inform risk management downstream environmental flows management and use strategies. • identifying alternative sustainable means of using seasonal water sources 2.1.F Investigate the establishment of a Objective to improve agricultural diversity and regional research centre or centre regional prosperity of excellence to identify practical Manage the region’s river systems, ground ways of advancing natural resource water, and wetlands for sustainable use by • moving toward sustainable agricultural management. industries and communities, and protect systems dependent ecosystems and water quality. • increasing understanding of the environmental processes and Land use policies The region is the source of a number of interactions with economic and social major rivers that flow into the Gulf of activities 2.1.1 Identify and protect natural Carpentaria and the Lake Eyre Basin. The Great Artesian Basin also supports the • developing effective plans and economic resource areas from region. The characteristics of the water strategies for environmental and natural further fragmentation and resources in north Australia are distinctly resource management inappropriate land use. different from other parts of Australia. • managing pest plants and animals that affect environments and production 28 North West Regional Plan

The region relies on a range of water One of the key principles adopted by the sources to supply urban, mining, taskforce is that an economic future must agricultural and industrial users. Water recognise the region’s (northern Australia) has been identified as a critical issue significance for Indigenous people and for the region and the need to install their intrinsic connectedness to land and new infrastructure, improve utilisation of water. existing water catchments, recycle water and develop more innovative ways of The National Water Initiative (NWI), using water are recognised28 as leading agreed in 2004 by the Council of factors which are most likely to benefit Australian Governments, is the national the region’s long-term growth. blueprint for water reform.

A number of projects that have been The Water Resource (Gulf) Plan 2007 completed or are being undertaken by the and Gulf Resource Operations Plan Commonwealth and state governments provide strategies and outcomes for the provide insights into management of sustainable allocation and management water resource in northern Australia in the of the area’s water resources and are future. consistent with the NWI. The Georgina and Diamantina Rivers drain more of the The Northern Australia, Land and plan area than Cooper Creek. These rivers Water Taskforce report on sustainable occasionally flow into Lake Eyre. The development in northern Australia water resource plans for the Diamantina Water management and recognised that future development needs and Georgina Rivers and Cooper Creek use strategies to be smart and build on the area’s provide for sustainable allocations. special attributes29. 2.2.A Support the use of a range Potential exists for the development of mechanisms to protect, The taskforce’s findings most relevant to of off-stream storage for agriculture in conserve, enhance and restore the region include: McKinlay, Flinders and Richmond Shires. the environmental, social and Between 2000 and 3000 hectares of land • Small-scale, widely distributed ‘mosaic’ economic values of river systems, is irrigated in the Flinders and Richmond agriculture has potential to operate ground water and wetlands. Shires through off-stream storages and with a relatively small environment direct irrigation from rivers and streams. 2.2.B Eliminate point source wastewater footprint compared with large-scale More than 25 000 megalitres of water discharge of pollutants into water contiguous agricultural developments. entitlements have been granted to where practicable. • Small-scale off-stream storage options support irrigation development in the may be viable when considered in the Flinders River catchment. The Water 2.2.C Manage reused or recycled water context of supplementary irrigation Resources (Gulf) Plan 2007 has identified in accordance with best practice operations. a further 100 000 megalitres/annum of environmental management • Assumption that the large-scale capture unallocated water as being available for principles to protect or enhance and storage of surface water required future development in the Flinders River environmental values and meet to support irrigation during the dry catchment. water quality objectives. season is unlikely to meet public cost- 2.2.D Actively involve Traditional Owners effectiveness criteria. Considering the range of issues associated with water use and in water planning and management • Development of groundwater resources management in the region, demands by as part of collaborative provides the best prospect to support mining and agriculture, possible future management forums and regimes new consumptive use of water in investigations by the Commonwealth operating in the region or through northern Australia. Government and the uncertainty on-site practices on country. • Mining water needs should be associated with the impacts of climate considered as part of an integrated change, a precautionary approach should 2.2.E Promote the development and development approach in conjunction be taken in determining future water implementation of water efficient with other industries and regional needs and priorities in the region. technologies and management priorities. strategies for industrial, agricultural and private purposes.

28 Priority Projects for Mount Isa, Cloncurry, McKinlay and Burke, Minister for Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry, 17 July 2008, Mount Isa. 29 Sustainable Development in Northern Australia, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, December 2009 Part E–Regional strategies and policies 29

2.2.F Implement the Great Artesian Explanatory notes water use management and promote Basin Sustainability Initiative, as sustainable irrigation practices in the identified in the Blueprint for the The National Water Initiative (NWI), agricultural sector. This can assist Bush program. agreed in 2004 by the Council of irrigators to improve productivity and Australian Governments is a shared meet some of the challenges of water 2.2.G Improve catchment management commitment by governments to increase reform. The program includes on-farm to maintain water quality and the the efficiency of Australia’s water use, trials, demonstrations and system health of the Lake Eyre Basin and leading to greater certainty for investment assessments and financial incentives the lower Gulf of Carpentaria river and productivity, for rural and urban to upgrade irrigation and effluent catchments. communities, and for the environment. management systems.

2.2.H Investigate the benefits and Under the NWI, governments have made impacts of mosaic irrigation. commitments to: 2.3 Mining and • prepare water plans with provision for 2.2.I Facilitate mapping of land and the environment soil resources at a fine scale to extractive resources facilitate more detailed planning • deal with over-allocated or stressed for irrigation. water systems Objective • introduce registers of water rights and Manage mining and extractive resources standards for water accounting Land use policies to maximise economic opportunities, • expand the trade in water while minimising negative environmental 2.2.1 Plan, design, construct and operate • improve pricing for water storage and and social impacts for present and future development in accordance with delivery generations. best practice environmental • meet and manage urban water management principles that meet Mining is the dominant industry in demands. water quality objectives. the North West region in terms of employment, economic activity and gross 2.2.2 Consider the impacts of The Queensland Government is regional product. Most of Queensland’s developments on the water quality committed to the NWI and has produced base metal production is from the and health of rivers and streams the Water Resource (Gulf) Plan 2007, North West Mineral Province, one of the flowing into the lower Gulf of Water Resource (Cooper Creek) Plan world’s leading base metal provinces Carpentaria and the Lake Eyre 2000, Water Resource (Georgina and with internationally ranked resources of Basin. Diamantina) Plan 2004 and Water copper, zinc and lead. These deposits Resource (Great Artesian Basin) Plan also produce significant quantities of 2.2.3 Adopt demand management 2006. precious metals (silver and gold) as principles for the planning, co-products and by-products. The region design and construction of water Other legislation and instruments which has a range of other metal deposits infrastructure. relate to improving water conservation and and an important commercial source of sustainable management of waterways and phosphate rock for fertilisers32. 2.2.4 Incorporate industry best practice wetlands include: water saving methods and • the Environmental Protection Act 1994 The extent of major mines and resources technology in all development. in the North West Queensland Minerals • the Environmental Protection (Water) Province is shown on Map 4 (page Policy 2009 2.2.5 Incorporate water sensitive urban 69). Century Mine is just outside of design principles in urban areas. • the Vegetation Management Act 1999 the northern boundary of the North • the Wild Rivers Act 2005 West region however Mount Isa plays 2.2.6 Avoid clearing native vegetation or a significant role in servicing this development within a waterway, • the Water Act 2000 mine. The majority of mining occurs wetland, riparian area or flood plain • the National Water Quality Management in Cloncurry and Mount Isa City local through the use of appropriate set Strategy30. government areas, with a few mines in backs and buffer zones, and where 31 the McKinlay and Richmond Shires. unavoidable mitigate through best The Rural Water Use Efficiency Initiative practice design, rehabilitation and is a state government and industry The impact of base metal mining on the management. partnership which aims to improve region’s landscape is generally less than

30 For more information visit www.environment.gov.au/water 31 For more information visit www.derm.qld.gov.au/rwue 32 Australian Atlas of minerals resources, mines and processing centres website accessed March 2009 www.australianminesatlas.gov.au/aimr/commodity/phosphate.jsp 30 North West Regional Plan

the coal mines in the Bowen and Surat Quarry sites are located in the region. Land use policies basins. This is because operations tend to Two of these sites are designated as be underground or are restricted to open key resource areas under State Planning 2.3.1 Identify mineral, energy and pits with a smaller footprint area than Policy 2/07: Protection of Extractive extractive resource areas and most coal mining. Mining companies are Resources. This policy seeks to maintain protect them from inappropriate required to comply with the requirements the long-term availability of major land use activities. of any environmental authority under the extraction resources by protecting the Environmental Protection Act 1994 or in resource and their main transport routes 2.3.2 Focus land use planning on the case of Mount Isa, Mount Isa Mines from incompatible land uses. This is maximising economic benefits Limited Agreement Act 1985. achieved through local government for the community, with minimal planning schemes and the assessment of negative impact on communities Mining impacts may include surface development located near these sites. and the environment. water and groundwater contamination, alteration in topography, loss of soil Planning schemes will need to consider fertility and visual amenity and affects the supply of serviced land with Explanatory notes on surrounding land use activities infrastructure of sufficient capacity to and infrastructure. New mines need to support mining and extractive resources The regional plan recognises that the be accompanied by a commitment to activities. Local government areas that resources sector operates within specific identify the suitable post mining land surround these mining and extraction legislative regimes. Mines are essentially use of the area proposed for disturbance activities will need to assess their exempt from the Sustainable Planning prior to disturbance of the land. Public planning schemes to cater for any future Act 2009. Coordination of exploration involvement in decisions relating to development. and mining development occurs under mining issues, including rehabilitation, is the Mineral Resources Act 1989, with an important factor in achieving long-term Policies in relation to social impacts of ancillary mining development regulated outcomes which are supported by the mining are considered in sub-section 3.2. by planning schemes. The Mineral community. Resources Act 1989 requires the relevant local government to be notified of the Many of the mines in the region are Mining and extractive granting of mineral development licences and mining leases and must note these at a mature stage of the mining cycle resources strategies and several operations are scheduled on the planning scheme. There are no for closure in the period 2015–2020. 2.3.A Consider future uses of sites equivalent provisions in the Petroleum However, ongoing exploration has in post-mining site planning, Act 1923 or the Petroleum and Gas identified several new mineral discoveries particularly if located near an (Production and Safety) Act 2004. and possible extensions of known urban centre or area of potential The investigation of issues associated deposits. In particular, new mining agricultural significance. operations are proposed for around with post-mining land use are generally Mount Isa and north and south of 2.3.B Promote access to fossicking areas dealt with in an environmental impact Cloncurry. These proposals and new in the region for tourism and statement prepared by the company discoveries will provide a likely basis associated economic development as part of a proposal for a new mine for long-term mining activity in the opportunities. or major expansion. Post-mining region and the industry is expected to rehabilitation is generally conditioned continue as a dominant economic force 2.3.C Minimise, mitigate, rehabilitate and under the Environmental Protection Act during the life of the plan. It is important offset impacts of mining, energy 1994. The identification of regional and to safeguard mineral resources of and other extractive activities on subregional objectives can play a key role economic importance from sterilisation by the environment through regional in assisting such assessment processes incompatible development that could limit innovation and opportunities. when required under legislation. future growth of the industry. 2.3.D Establish a coordinated process for accumulating mining industry data and regular monitoring to assist in informing strategy development and delivery. Part E–Regional strategies and policies 31

3. Strong communities

Desired regional outcome A region that has safe, healthy and prosperous communities with a vibrant civic culture, a strong sense of identity and place, social equality and access to services.

Population

The region’s resident population was estimated at 28 739 at 30 June 200834, accounting for just 0.7 per cent of the Queensland total. The population density of the 200 500 square kilometre region is 0.14 people per square kilometre.

Overall the region’s resident population declined from 30 099 to 28 739 between 1996 and 2008 (Table 3), with large losses apparent in all local government areas (LGAs) between 2001 and 2006. A number of economic factors contributed to these changes, including fluctuations in commodity prices, structural reform within the mining industry, and the increasing use of fly-in and fly-out workforces rather than locally-housed workers. In There are a number of constraints • limited access to affordable transport predominantly rural shires, population on the liveability of communities in • fluctuating population and its effect decline has been closely associated with the North West region. Growth in the on reaching or maintaining population urban drift due to prolonged periods of mining industry across parts of western thresholds for services drought, and the influence of an ageing Queensland has resulted in strong population. competition for labour and capital for • a high cost of living, particularly in the infrastructure. mining centre of Mount Isa Despite these influences, a recent • income inequality between the mining resurgence of activity in the mining Regions that experienced strong mining workforce and non-mining industries industry has influenced some positive growth, such as North West Queensland, has resulted in shortages of workers in population growth in the region. The increasingly face challenges including33: other industries Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) • lack of affordable housing • high prevalence of fly-in and fly-out estimated that the resident population • limited availability of housing of worker arrangements instead of more of Mount Isa City increased on 2007 appropriate type, design and quality locally-based workforce arrangements. figures by 287 people or 1.3 per cent for the year to 30 June 2008, while McKinlay • inadequate supply of social The Mount Isa resource community Shire remained stable (Table 3). In light infrastructure summit 2008 convened by the of reported growth in the mining industry, • lack of social services to support the Queensland Government reaffirmed these it is likely that these estimates are community issues. slightly understated.

33 The Mount Isa resource community summit 2008 convened by the Queensland Government reaffirmed these issues. 34 (a) ABS, Regional Population Growth, Australia cat. no. 3218.0. (results for 2007 are provisional) (b) Planning and Information Forecasting Unit (PIFU), 2007, North West region population report. 32 North West Regional Plan

Table 3. Estimated resident population for local government areas in North West region, 30 June 1996 to 30 June 200735

LGA 1996 2001 2006 2007 2008 Per cent annual growth 2006–2007 Cloncurry (S) 3 193 3 827 3 366 3 359 3 394 1.0 Flinders (S) 2 234 2 090 1 911 1 882 1 864 -1.1 McKinlay (S) 1 157 1 066 955 961 961 0.0 Mount Isa (C) 22 386 21 149 21 114 21 283 21 570 1.3 Richmond (S) 1 129 1 150 969 949 950 0.1 Total 30 099 29 282 28 315 28 434 28 739 1.1

Table 4. Full time equivalent population for local government areas in North West region, 30 September 200735

LGA Estimated resident Non-resident workers at 30 September 2007 FTE population as at population at 30 Living in towns Mining workers living Total non-resident 30 September 2007 September 2007 in non-private in on-site single workers accommodation person quarters Mount Isa (C) 21 798 654 848 1 502 23 300 Cloncurry (S) 3 340 64 830 894 4 234 McKinlay (S) 968 0 723 723 1 691 Total 26 106 718 2 401 3 119 29 225

Non-resident workers fly-in and fly-out workers filling two out goods and infrastructure. Note that the of every five mining jobs at the end resident population component shown Information gathered from industry of September 2007. Some workers fly in Table 3 is based on actual mining job sources indicates that the number of directly to the mine from their home growth to September 2007, and illustrates mining and processing jobs in the region region and stay in on-site worker villages a slightly higher population for Mount increased by around 540 between mid- (known as single person quarters). Isa than the ABS estimated resident 2006 and September 200736. Many of Other fly-in and fly-out workers reside population figure for 30 June 2007. these jobs were taken by workers who in Mount Isa and Cloncurry, occupying chose to reside in Mount Isa, indicated hotels, motels, caravan parks and leased As Table 4 illustrates, some 3119 non- by the upsurge in that area’s resident dwellings during their stay. resident workers were present in the population, but others were filled by fly-in region at 30 September 2007, making up and fly-out workers. As these non-resident To capture the impact of non-resident 11 per cent of the total FTE population. workers are not included in the ABS workforces, the Department of Around 2401 (or 77 per cent of total non- resident population estimates, the total Infrastructure and Planning has prepared resident workers) were living in single increase in mining employment is not full time equivalent (FTE) population persons quarters located on mining fully reflected in the population growth estimates for those LGAs affected by leases, while 718 occupied commercial estimates for local government areas mining (Table 4). The FTE population accommodation in Mount Isa and (LGAs). measure, which adds the number of Cloncurry. The LGA of Mount Isa City had non-resident workers to the resident an FTE population of 23 803 people, Non-resident workforces play a significant population, provides a more complete comprising 1502 non-resident workers role in the region’s mining boom, with estimate of the total demand for services, and 21 798 residents.

35 (a) ABS, Regional Population Growth, Australia cat. no. 3218.0. (b) PIFU, 2007, North West region population report. 36 PIFU, 2007, North West region population report. Part E–Regional strategies and policies 33

Population projections 32 500 people by 2031, with most growth population of 20 684 (estimated) people occurring in Mount Isa City (see Table 5). or 72 per cent of regional total in June The 2008 edition of the Queensland Other LGAs in the region are not projected 2008 (Table 7, page 34). The balance of Government’s LGA level population to grow, due largely to population ageing urban population in June 2008 (estimated) projections37 takes into consideration the and the likely distribution of mines with was distributed among smaller towns, impact of fluctuating mining activity and non-resident workforces. of which Cloncurry (2607), Hughenden assumptions of continued industry growth (1195) and Richmond (554) were the over the longer-term. They indicate that the Mount Isa is the largest urban centre only centres to exceed 500 people. region’s resident population will grow to in the North West region, having a

Table 5. Population projections, medium series North West region, 2006–203137

Area Year 2006 2011 2016 2021 2026 2031 Cloncurry (S) 3 366 3 332 3 272 3 232 3 215 3 208 Flinders (S) 1 911 1 868 1 818 1 760 1 734 1 718 McKinlay (S) 955 942 908 871 867 863 Mount Isa (C) 21 114 25 056 23 883 24 013 24 740 25 886 Richmond (S) 969 922 864 832 829 825 Total 28 315 32 120 30 745 30 708 31 385 32 500 (S) shire, (C) city.

Influence of fly-in and fly-out mine workers on the North West regional population

Job growth in the mining sector does not always result • By contrast, around 84 per cent of mining jobs in Mount in local population growth. The use of fly-in and fly-out Isa were filled by workers who chose to live locally. workforces and on-site worker camps means that many Table 6. Workforce numbers for mining operations in North West mining workers and their dependents are counted in the region, 30 September 2007 population for the area where they usually live, rather than in the area where the mine is located. LGA where Resident Fly-in and fly- Total mining operation is mining out workers, workforce, Top line statistics on fly-in and fly-out workers (Table 6) located workers, 30 Sept 2007 30 Sept 2007 include: 30 Sept 2007 Mount Isa (C) 84% 16% 5228 • Non-resident workers made up just over one third (35 per cent) of the region’s 6956 mining and associated jobs in Cloncurry (S) 17% 83% 999 September 2007. McKinlay (S) 1% 99% 729 • Most mining jobs in Cloncurry and McKinlay shires were Total 65% 35% 6956 non-resident workers (83 per cent and 99 per cent respectively).

37 PIFU, 2008 edition population projections (medium series). 34 North West Regional Plan

Table 7. Estimated resident population of Figure 3. Age groups in North West region compared to Queensland average, 2006 urban centres in North West region, 200838 30% Centre 2008 NW region Qld Mount Isa 20 684 25% Cloncurry 2 607 Hughenden 1 195 20% Richmond 554 15% Julia Creek 377 Camooweal 183 10% Per cent Per of total population Age profile 5%

The age profile of the North West region 0% (Figure 3) is younger than for Queensland 0–14 15–24 25–34 35–44 45–54 55–64 65+ overall because of a range of factors, Age (years) including: • the regions sizeable Indigenous population having a relatively shorter Figure 4. Participation in formal education programs, North West region and Queensland life expectancy and larger family size average, 2006. than the non-Indigenous population • the mining industry attracting younger Pre-school working-age singles and families to the area Infants/primary • low numbers of retirees residing in the region. Secondary

Children aged 0–14 comprise around Technical and further education 25 per cent of the regional population, compared to only 20 per cent state-wide. University or other tertiary The age group commonly associated with younger working families (25–34 years) is Other/not stated also more highly represented in the region (17 per cent) than for Queensland overall 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% (13 per cent). By contrast, retirees (aged 65 and over) make up a lower proportion Per cent of total participants NW region Qld of the regional population (7 per cent) than the state average (12 per cent).

Education While these rates are largely due to the region’s younger population, they also In 2006, some 6400 people in the region reflect lower participation in tertiary participated in formal education, ranging education such as university (5 per cent, from preschool to tertiary levels39. The compared to the state average of 12 per region (Figure 4) had higher proportions cent). This comparatively low rate may of residents participating in preschool be partially explained by the absence (7 per cent) and primary school (48 per of a permanent university campus. The cent), compared to Queensland’s overall participation rate in Technical and Further average (5 per cent and 29 per cent Education (TAFE) programs in the region, respectively). by contrast, was similar to the state average (around 6 per cent).

38 2008, Calculated by PIFU, Department of Infrastructure and Planning based on ABS unpublished data and 2006 Census Counts 39 ABS, 2006, Census of Population and Housing. Total excludes those census returns where Indigenous status was not stated. Part E–Regional strategies and policies 35

Indigenous people workers decide to live. Development in The remoteness of many communities other industry sectors may also contribute in the region means children are often According to the 2006 Census, some 4216 to population growth. required to participate in distance usual residents of the region self-identified education. This is provided by the Mount as being of Aboriginal heritage, making up New mines located close to Mount Isa Isa School of the Air. around 18 per cent of the region’s total and Cloncurry will have the option of population40. Mount Isa, as the regional housing workers locally. More distant Impediments to accessing education hub, also services Indigenous communities operations are likely to utilise fly-in and include: located in the Gulf and the eastern fly-out workforces and on-site single • geographical location—many students regions of the Northern Territory41. The person’s quarters. These operations will reside on properties hundreds of total Indigenous population of the region have negligible effect on the resident kilometres from towns with education is likely to be higher than indicated by population, but will increase the full time facilities the usual resident population, since this equivalent (FTE) population. measure does not include transient people • costs—access to technology required and short-term visitors. Mount Isa’s future is linked to the city’s for remote education such as telephone continuing role as the regional hub for and internet is high as is the cost to On average, Indigenous households support services and its capacity to attract supply curriculum in hard copy where have more children than non-Indigenous and retain employees across industries. internet access is not available households. Some 40 per cent of the Many mining and construction support • technology—the speed and quality of Indigenous population of the North West services are performed by subcontractors internet access is limited in many areas region is aged 0–14 years (1700 children), who are not usual residents, and who compared to 22 per cent of the non- utilise commercial accommodation. • unreliable energy—some properties Indigenous population (4200 children). Creating more liveable communities and are powered by generators and classes increased employment opportunities in the are restricted to times when sufficient The lack of data on Indigenous mobility mining industry may provide incentive for power is available. and migration has serious implications for subcontractors to reside permanently in planning and policy purposes. Population the region. While distance education strategies provide movement can have significant impacts support for remote students, other training on the ability of all levels of government The region’s capacity to accommodate delivery strategies must be explored. to design forward-looking policy at a population growth will depend on the local level that takes into account the timely provision of essential infrastructure, Indigenous population. including water, sewerage and housing.

The Council of Australian Governments signed the National Indigenous Reform Agreement in which all levels 3.1 Education and of government agreed to work with learning Indigenous communities to achieve the Closing the Gap strategy to reduce Indigenous disadvantage. The North West Objective regional plan contributes to achieving Encourage and support a regional culture Closing the Gap targets by aiming to of lifelong learning and education. reduce the gap in employment between Indigenous and non-Indigenous workers High-quality education and training systems within a decade. are vital for the region’s prosperity and community wellbeing. Access to quality Summary education increases people’s employment opportunities, life skills and provides for The region’s future population profile will economic growth. Socially, it provides reflect changes in the mining industry. individual fulfilment, supports those who Attracting and retaining employees will are isolated from their communities and depend on the provision of quality facilitates community capacity building. The services and facilities and creating liveable location of primary, secondary and tertiary communities in order to attract workers. schooling should be based on existing The remoteness of operations from towns and projected demand as described in the will be a determining factor in where regional narratives.

40 ABS, 2006, Census of Population and Housing. Total excludes those census returns where Indigenous status was not stated. 41 Data from the 2006 Census indicate that around 550 Indigenous people live in the Northern Territory within 450 km of Mount Isa. 36 North West Regional Plan

Education outcomes for Indigenous students must also be supported through culturally appropriate, locally tailored strategies to increase training, education and career opportunities and to create a better understanding of, and respect for, Indigenous cultures.

A range of strategies and approaches needs to be undertaken to support improvements in the way high-quality educational services are delivered to Indigenous youth. Fundamental to success will be the engagement of Indigenous people and working in partnership with schools and the community to address barriers to the take- up of educational services. It is necessary to create a framework which provides school systems with greater resources and flexibility to develop strategies that respond to the circumstances of each school community, particularly in remote areas with high Indigenous populations. This will be essential in helping young Indigenous Australians achieve higher educational 3.1.D Assess and improve access for • developing mentoring and leadership attainment. young Indigenous people to high programs for Indigenous youth quality education. • investigating opportunities for higher (tertiary) education in the region Education and learning 3.1.E Promote educational development for young Indigenous people • creating flexible education delivery strategies as a priority need to achieve packages which take advantage of new the Closing the Gap targets and communications technologies to reduce 3.1.A Utilise the centre narratives in to maximise wider community the impact of remoteness terms of planning for the level of prosperity. service and location of existing • improving the recognition of prior and projected demand in provision learning and rural life skills. 3.1.F Develop mentoring and leadership of primary, secondary and tertiary programs for Indigenous youth. schooling opportunities. 3.2 Social 3.1.B Investigate opportunities to increase and extend higher level Explanatory notes planning and social education and training options The region needs flexible, responsive and infrastructure across the region, through a range affordable education and training services. of delivery modes, in accordance North West Queensland is looking to with the intent of the regional Objective maximise the resources available, take up activity centres network. new opportunities and combine people’s Meet the current and future needs of skills to manage change. Opportunities for communities through coordinated and 3.1.C Promote and support culturally enhancing education, training and skills timely planning and provision of a range of appropriate education and training development in the region include: social services and facilities. to improve Indigenous career • improving partnerships between local outcomes and create a better Social planning and research is carried education providers and the resource understanding of, and respect for, out to manage social change and industry Indigenous cultures within the impacts arising from development42 and broader community. • creating positive education outcomes are essential components of land use for Indigenous youth and helping them planning. Integrating social planning progress toward further education into planning processes can help identify necessary community facilities and services, and land for community purposes. 42 Planning Institute Australia website accessed August 2008 www.planning.org.au Part E–Regional strategies and policies 37

North West Queensland is a remote 3.2.E Identify protocols for the sharing developments as part of the application and diverse environment where some of mining workforce information and approval process for the grant of regional communities are significantly between the mining sector and mining and petroleum tenures. These more developed than others. Key issues government. assessments may be required as part of impacting on the provision of social existing environmental impact statement infrastructure and services are population 3.2.F Identify specific social impact processes under the Environmental decline, the critical mass population assessment protocols and criteria Protection Act 1994 and under the levels required to justify additional to reflect ongoing needs of the State Development and Public Works amenities and the level of industry community, utilising existing Organisation Act 1971 for projects diversity in the region. frameworks. declared to be significant projects under that Act. Historical trends have shown fluctuations 3.2.G Better utilisation of the findings of in population for towns and communities social impact assessments in social The social research conducted by in the region. Changes to demographic research and policy and program resource companies as part of a social profiles and to lifestyle choices have development to assist local and impact assessment is required to provide implications for the provision of social state government in guiding government with improved information services and facilities within the region. future development decisions and on the cumulative social impacts of Managing these changes requires a strategic planning for resource mining and petroleum developments on coordinated approach to service delivery. communities. communities. This information is critical in guiding future development decisions Non-resident mining workers create and strategic planning for resource additional demand for goods, services Land use policy communities for land use, service delivery and infrastructure. Continued research to and infrastructure requirements. determine the full extent of this demand 3.2.1 Use best available demographic will assist government and the community information to identify existing and The state government, in partnership to gain a better understanding of the future community infrastructure with industry and local government, is social impacts associated with these needs. committed to strengthening social impact developments. This will allow the private assessment in the mining and petroleum sector and government to better provide industries through the Sustainable the necessary infrastructure and services Explanatory notes Resource Communities Policy 2008. This for this workforce. policy includes initiatives that aim to Social impact assessments may be build equitable and sustainable resource undertaken by proponents of major new communities. Social planning and social and expanded mining and petroleum infrastructure strategies 3.2.A Implement social infrastructure Social infrastructure auditing to more clearly identify needs. Social infrastructure refers to the community facilities and networks which help 3.2.B Identify mitigation and individuals, families, groups and communities meet their social needs, maximise management strategies to address their potential for personal development and enhance community wellbeing. the social impacts of large-scale These include: development projects. • facilities that provide education, training, health, open space, recreation and 3.2.C Encourage communities to sport, safety and emergency services, religious, arts, cultural and community collaboratively participate meeting places in community planning and • lifecycle-targeted facilities such as those for children, young people and older developing social capacity. people • targeted facilities for groups with special needs. 3.2.D Encourage partnerships between governments and private organisations to identify and provide essential community facilities. 38 North West Regional Plan

such as housing and community services. 3.3 Social services This may create quality of life issues, 3.4 Regional such as access to education and health lifestyle, cultural Objective services, which can impact upon the social structure and overall wellbeing of heritage and arts Meet the diverse needs of communities local and regional communities43. through a range of services and facilities that are inclusive and enhance lifestyle. Objective Social services strategies Celebrate and enhance the region’s sense A supportive upbringing, ready access of place and local identity through arts to information and services, safe 3.3.A Identify critical community service and cultural development. communities, development of life skills needs and priorities. and broad opportunities for making The culture of a community is revealed healthy choices are important elements 3.3.B Reduce duplication and increase through its artistic and community contributing to dynamic and functional efficiency of services through a events, collections, heritage, traditions, communities. Both government and coordinated network between and creative enterprise and innovation. community-based organisations provide social service providers. These avenues can be particularly programs and activities throughout the relevant to land use and cultural heritage region. Services and programs in the 3.3.C Continue to build a strong preservation. Protection of cultural region address the following areas: partnership approach to crime heritage places and values and the • counselling on domestic violence, prevention between police, continuation of regional arts programs are childcare, effective parenting, sexual different levels of government and essential for the ongoing development of abuse, addictions, homelessness, and community groups in the region, dynamic communities. community safety and security including programs targeting at-risk youth. Communities across the region come • culturally sensitive face-to-face services together for local events such as rodeos, for families 3.3.D Review adequacy of crisis and racing events and sporting and cultural • employment, education and skills short-term accommodation and activities, including festivals. These events development support programs and improve are important to locals, contributing to service provision to reduce • physical and mental wellbeing their sense of identity and the overall homelessness within the region. health and wellbeing of communities. • access to regional health services. All levels of government and the There is a shortage in crisis and short- Explanatory notes community have an obligation to present term accommodation in many locations and future generations to identify, throughout the region. Overcrowding Some local programs and services are manage and conserve places of cultural in the homes of Indigenous people is under strain or not reaching their full significance. Acknowledging and conserving common. Homelessness is an increasing potential due to: aspects of the past is a measure of a problem in the region. • a lack of resources and inadequate strong society, one in which the past is funding valued for its contribution to the present A range of housing types and tenure and its potential to contribute to the • a lack of interest and commitment from is needed to meet the differing needs future44. Places of cultural heritage can be at-risk groups of the community, including housing of local, state, national or international for special needs’ groups such as • duplication of programs that could have significance. Within the region, some crisis accommodation (see 4.0 Urban otherwise been partnered to ensure places of significance have already been development). Prioritising whole-of- the most efficient use of resources and identified, such as the World Heritage Area community solutions to prevent and funding. of Riversleigh fossil site and state interest intervene early to help individuals places like national parks, heritage listed and families may assist in achieving a Greater communication and collaboration buildings and Indigenous sites. better quality of life for members of the is required to address the many community. remaining gaps in services in the region. The community’s sense of place and Further work is required to engage identity is influenced by the built Major new and expanded mining ventures targeted groups and encourage continued environment. Heritage-listed buildings place added pressure on social services, involvement and attendance in programs.

43 Sustainable Resource Communities Policy – Social Impact Assessment in the Mining and Petroleum Industries. 44 Extract from Using the criteria: a methodology – Queensland Heritage Council, 2006, Queensland Government, Brisbane. Part E–Regional strategies and policies 39

contribute to the rural character of Land use policies communities and provide a tangible link to the past. These include Camooweal 3.4.1 Identify and protect Queensland Community Hall, the former Underground heritage places and local heritage Hospital in Mount Isa, Cloncurry Post places in local government Office, Saint John Baptist Anglican Church planning schemes. complex in Richmond and the Grand Hotel in Hughenden45. 3.4.2 Ensure local government planning schemes incorporate measures Through the naming of sites and to protect items and places of crossings, the region displays a strong Indigenous cultural heritage history of Traditional Owner groups and significance. Indigenous elders. Traditional Owners of the region include the Indjilanji, 3.4.3 Development does not compromise Dithannoi, Kalkadoon, Waluwarra, Yulluna, the integrity of Queensland Mitakoodi, Mayi, Juhnjlar, Wanamara, heritage places, local heritage Yirendali and Ngawun peoples. places and Indigenous cultural Indigenous peoples have elaborate heritage significance. cultural rituals, sacred sites and social structures aligned with their relationship 3.4.4 Identify public spaces for cultural to country. This relationship is a key activities, events and festivals factor in influencing the manner in which in local government planning The use of planning scheme codes to Indigenous people approach a range schemes in accordance with the address Indigenous cultural heritage of issues. This relationship should be intent of the regional activity protection, rather than maps of significant a consideration in the decision-making centres network. sites, is encouraged. Using maps to process of government agencies and 3.4.5 Use development to enhance the inform a planning scheme code can create other organisations. local rural character and amenity a false impression regarding the location of towns and communities based of heritage and incorrectly implies that on their cultural and heritage unrecorded sites or artefacts are not Regional lifestyle, cultural features and values. protected. heritage and arts strategies The Department of Environment and 3.4.A Promote and celebrate the region’s Explanatory notes Resource Management administers the cultural and artistic diversity. Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 The strategies and policies refer to both and has a significant statutory role in 3.4.B Support and promote cultural Indigenous and European heritage, to protecting Indigenous cultural heritage. heritage-based activities and which the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act The legislation includes provisions education within the region. 2003 and Queensland Heritage Act 1992 for blanket protection of significant apply respectively. sites, duty of care, the establishment 3.4.C Identify the historical themes of a cultural heritage register, means that have influenced the growth Cultural heritage includes artefacts, places of assessment of sites, management of the region and protect the and buildings to which the Queensland plans, existing agreements, access, and interpretation of the themes at a Heritage Act 1992 applies. Development enforcement. local, regional and state level. on a Queensland heritage place may be assessable development under the 3.4.D Promote an understanding of Sustainable Planning Act 2009. The Indigenous cultural heritage. Queensland Heritage Act 1992 also requires local governments to keep a 3.4.E Investigate opportunities for local heritage register of places of cultural naming local buildings and heritage significance in their area. developing signage that denotes historical interests and Traditional Ownership.

45 Environmental Protection Agency website accessed July 2008 www.epa.qld.gov.au/chims/basicSearch.html 40 North West Regional Plan

3.5.C Deliver health services through effective partnership arrangements between all agencies who contribute to health outcomes for communities.

3.5.D Provide and locate health services along a continuum from preventative to primary health care, acute, rehabilitative and extended care in accordance with the intent of the regional activity centres network.

3.5.E Attract, retain and support skilled health professionals in the region. 3.5 Promoting health skilled health workers, impacting on the 3.5.F Continue to provide ongoing safety of workers and the availability of training to the medical and nursing and wellbeing health services in the region. The Blueprint staff who work within the region. for the Bush program recommends that Queensland Health and the Australian 3.5.G Investigate and support Objective Government outline a minimum suite of opportunities for the cross-skilling health services that small communities Ensure the community has access to of health professionals. should have access to locally. high-quality, safe and sustainable health services and urban infrastructure that The link between physical activity and promote healthy lifestyles. wellbeing is widely recognised and is a Land use policies key component in making Queenslanders There are many challenges in providing 3.5.1 Include provisions and design Australia’s healthiest people as outlined health services to North West communities, guidelines for walking tracks, in Towards Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland. including: pathways, cycle tracks, open space The target is to cut obesity, smoking, and recreational areas. • low population density heavy drinking and unsafe exposure • poor living conditions in some by one third by 2020. The regional plan 3.5.2 Consider crime prevention through communities or households expands the scope of public health to environmental design principles. include environments that support healthy • social isolation lifestyles to reduce chronic illnesses. Safe 3.5.3 Developments incorporate • distance from health services and well-designed urban landscapes that measures to provide shade for incorporate walkways, cycle tracks, open public walkways, sporting and • high Indigenous representation within spaces and recreation facilities such as recreation facilities, playgrounds the health service and associated playgrounds and sporting fields contribute and public open space. health implications to the mental and physical wellbeing of • declining population communities. 3.5.4 The location of health • ageing population infrastructure and services is consistent with the intent of the • fluctuating populations due to factors regional activity centres network. including fly-in and fly-out workers and Promoting health and transient Indigenous populations wellbeing strategies • a high proportion of workers 3.5.A Provide health services in a way Explanatory notes participating in industries which require that is consistent with agreed physical activity resulting in associated universal service obligations. The State-wide Health Services Plan health risks. 2007–2012 identifies the need to plan 3.5.B Give consumers the opportunity for safe and sustainable services for The high cost of delivering public and to be actively involved in the small communities. The plan identifies commercial health services over large planning of health services the need to develop a minimum suite of distances means that small communities to ensure these services are health services that communities of 200 in the region are generally unable to responsive to community needs - 2000 people will have access to, locally provide stand-alone health services. The and culturally sensitive to all through a universal service obligation. remoteness of some communities also community sectors. The range of services offered must limits their capacity to recruit and retain address the needs of the community, be Part E–Regional strategies and policies 41

linked to services provided in the larger of government, non-government communities, and be delivered in an 3.6 Leadership, organisations and the community. adaptive and effective manner. networks and 3.6.C Involve regional stakeholders A range of health services are funded coordination from all levels of government, by Queensland Health for North West community and industry groups communities. These services are provided Objective in cross-sector forums, working from Mount Isa and the activity centres of groups and advisory bodies. Julia Creek and Cloncurry. Larger facilities Facilitate strong leadership, networks and in Townsville and Brisbane provide coordination in the region’s planning and 3.6.D Encourage a regional culture of tertiary health services to the region. development. information sharing to broaden A number of visiting specialist services community understanding of are also provided. Service delivery varies The North West Regional Plan is a result significant regional issues. with some services offered daily, while of effective collaboration and cooperation others range from weekly to annually. between the community, organisations 3.6.E Encourage inter-agency and governments through leadership, collaboration through measures Mount Isa is the principal health service networking and coordination. Its ongoing such as resource sharing. provider for the North West, with delivery will also rely on coordination hospitals and health clinics throughout and networking between community, the region. Uncomplicated and low risk organisations and government to ensure Explanatory notes birthing services for the North West are initiatives and policies are implemented offered through Mount Isa and aged care with consideration to community concerns A number of organisations already exist residential facilities are provided at Mount and needs. Supportive leadership is within the North West region that engage Isa and Cloncurry. an essential component of achieving the community, local and state government improved collaboration and cooperation. to achieve mutually beneficial partnerships Provision of health services by and share knowledge. These include: Queensland Health has been The capacity of community-based • the North West Regional Managers complemented by a range of other organisations to improve service delivery Coordination Network—a forum for specialist providers over many years can be strengthened by identifying state managers to coordinate and within the region. The state government opportunities to network and collaborate integrate service delivery recognises the importance of this ongoing with government, other community • Townsville and North West Queensland contribution to the region and regularly groups, education, training and business Centre of Enterprise—explores and reviews the range of services available organisations. Collaboration can have promotes opportunities for business and works with partners to ensure the a number of benefits for organisations investment and industry development provision of services. including the sharing of overhead costs, through partnerships between consistency of decision-making processes businesses, community and government A suite of services has been provided across the region, improved flow of stakeholders through partnerships with existing information, improved access to expertise organisations such as the Division of and current and accurate data. • the Mount Isa to Townsville Economic General Practice through its allied health Development Zone—represents the arm North West Queensland Primary To ensure the best possible arrangements, area spanning Mount Isa to Townsville, Health Care, Education Queensland, emphasis needs to be placed on which share common economic and the Departments of Police, Corrective building leadership capacity, networking social objectives, both commercially Services and Community Services, the opportunities and coordination. All levels and administratively Royal Australian Flying Doctor Service, of government and non-government • Southern Gulf Catchments Ltd and Queensland Ambulance Service, local organisations must work together to Desert Channels Queensland— government and other community address the region’s needs, and work community based organisations that organisations. toward achieving the vision and policies identify and develop ways to address outlined in the regional plan. community and key stakeholders’ Consultation is continuing with issues communities and service providers to determine sustainable service options Leadership, networks and • the Northern Economic Triangle into the future in a manner that is both coordination strategies Infrastructure Plan 2007-2012—details receptive to the needs of individual a leadership and collaboration action organisation and those of the community. 3.6.A Encourage coordination between plan Future service decisions will be guided governments and community • the Mount Isa Living with Lead by analysis of changes in need, demand, service providers. Alliance—provides a forum for driving service models, workforce, economic and guiding action on the issue of lead circumstances and other parameters. 3.6.B Increase collaboration and in the community of Mount Isa. cooperation between all levels 42 North West Regional Plan

4. Urban development

Desired regional outcome A progressive region where diversity and quality of life are sustained through high-quality built environments.

Centres within the region are separated such events are expected to become historical assets and market strengths, by large distances and are generally more frequent and more severe as a while also acknowledging a centre’s connected by road, rail and air to major result of climate change. This could potential for transformative growth and centres. They provide varying levels have significant impact on the region’s maturation. This includes a development of service delivery, infrastructure and community and economy through pattern that provides a logical hierarchy employment. Most centres in the region potential loss of life and damage to of streets within the central core and have retained their rural character, property, business and industry. surrounding township, and facilitates with parklands, wide main streets and access to conveniently located commercial historical buildings adding to the region’s and community services. attractiveness. 4.1 Urban structure While significant economic opportunities The provision of quality, affordable and settlement pattern exist in mining, tourism, and agricultural housing continues to be a challenge development, regional conflicts may result due to the limited quantity and poor if land use is not adequately planned utilisation of housing stock, the low Objective and managed. Uncertainty surrounding standard of housing and the lack the mining sector has made it difficult Accommodate regional growth needs of maintenance. There is a strong to undertake strategic planning for time in strategically located, well-planned need to build more diverse, higher frames greater than five years. activity centres. quality and affordable housing, supported by appropriate levels of There are shortages of residential, With the exception of Mount Isa, infrastructure, to complement the commercial and industrial land in some the region’s settlement pattern is region’s lifestyle and attract high-end communities within the region. This characterised by small population service providers and businesses. has flow-on effects in relation to living centres located over vast areas, giving costs, reductions in social services and rise to challenges in providing efficient Land in the region is largely dominated liveability. The assessment processes services and infrastructure. Many towns by pastoral leases which remain in for native title and state-owned land also rely on high order centres within the ownership of the state, with some are complex and often lengthy, which and outside of the region for tertiary freehold tenure around the townships. can further impact upon the supply of health, education, retail and commercial Much of the land is affected by native available land for development. Land services. The distribution of services is title claims. Industrial uses are generally availability is critical for the growth, important for the development potential concentrated in outlying areas of prosperity and quality of life in these of rural areas. This provides the physical the major centres, with established communities. framework which guides the location of connections to the highway network. future development. These challenges require careful Ready access to adequate land supplies consideration. Some of these challenges In addition to a settlement pattern imposes a significant constraint on can be addressed through appropriate which supports the role of each activity urban development in the region. This is provisions and land use designations in centre within the region, activity centres influenced by the extensive areas affected local government planning schemes. This themselves must be well planned with a by leasehold tenure and native title will guide development and encourage long-term vision for the physical form and around most urban centres and parcels growth in areas where adequate character of its town centre. The objective of state-controlled land still held for infrastructure exists, or can be provided is to direct future growth within a centre redundant purposes. efficiently. in a manner that builds upon the existing town structure, context and character, The region is susceptible to various including social and cultural amenities, natural hazards. Impacts associated with Part E–Regional strategies and policies 43

Urban structure and planning must be carried out in a manner 4.2 Urban design, settlement pattern strategies that supports economic development, environmental protection, social planning character and form 4.1.A Encourage investment in urban and community wellbeing. infrastructure in accordance with the intent of the regional activity Consideration must be given to ensure Objective that a proposed zone furthers the centres network. Design and site development to be North West regional plan strategies and responsive to the local climate, improve associated land use polices and the 4.1.B Investigate opportunities to release liveability and achieve innovation through sub-regional narratives. The form and parcels of state-owned land for sustainable urban design principles. future development in a timely location of development will facilitate the manner. achievement of the desired settlement Effective planning and design of North pattern for the centre minimising ad hoc West Queensland towns can have a 4.1.C Investigate options to service development. Ensuring consistency with positive impact on the liveability of development by various modes of the strategic vision and other planning residents. Well planned towns protect public and private transport. policies is vital in determining the merits areas of environmental value, encourage of a proposed development. investment, provide safe and attractive public spaces and enhance local The Department of Environment and Land use policies character. Resource Management (DERM) administers 4.1.1 Sequence and support urban non-freehold land in accordance with the Principles for sustainable urban design expansion by appropriate services Land Act 1994. Before land is allocated include the following: and infrastructure, in accordance under this Act, it must be evaluated to with the intent of the sub-regional determine the most appropriate tenure • Walkability—ensure effective access narratives. and use. The evaluation process must to services, facilities, employment and take into account state, regional and local other places of interest. 4.1.2 Designate sufficient land for planning strategies and policies, and the residential and broader urban intent of the Land Act 1994. Given the • Diversity—provide for a mix of land purposes in local government prevalence of state-owned land within the uses and housing design which enable planning schemes that reflect long- region, DERM believes an opportunity for a multi-use design that is responsive to term strategic needs. varied assessment processes for regional the current and expected demographic and remote communities warrants further and cultural needs of the area. 4.1.3 Ensure development of regional investigation. Assessment of native title • Legibility—provide a street, pedestrian activity centres results in will still be a consideration. and public transport network, as well consolidation in the central core as spatial location of land uses, that and surrounding township, is of an The state government has released a enables ease of . appropriate type and scale, and is number of parcels of unallocated state • Sense of place—provide a development accommodated by efficient use of land in recent years throughout the form that is responsive to, and land and buildings. region for the purposes of residential enhances the character of the town, and industrial development. Indigenous through the creation of public places of 4.1.4 Ensure that proposals to alter land Land Use Agreements (ILUAs) have been interest which cater for the varied work use do not result in conflict with negotiated over a number of parcels, hours of rural and mining communities. the broader strategic planning including Hughenden’s industrial estate, aims of local government areas Cloncurry industrial estate, the Kalkadoon • Self-sufficiency—provide a sufficient and the activity centres network. industrial estate and the Kalkadoon range of uses to enable residents to Gliderport residential estate in Mount Isa. meet most of their lifestyle, work and recreational needs. The supply of additional urban land is Explanatory notes • Integration of land use infrastructure— heavily dependent on the availability provide for a range of uses that are Infrastructure planning is a fundamental of unallocated state land (USL) which well-connected, through effective use component of land use planning. is largely affected by native title claims. of transport links and services offering Under the Sustainable Planning Act The release of USL in small amounts has good proximity between complementary 2009, infrastructure planning must not adequately catered for the region’s land uses. be coordinated and integrated with strategic land needs or met immediate the preparation of planning schemes, residential land needs. The Mount Isa • Environmental responsiveness—provide including provisions for dealing with Resource Communities Summit in 2008 a development form that: out-of-sequence developments. Priority recognised that a more comprehensive • responds to the local topography infrastructure planning and land use land release regime is required. • maximises and takes advantage of views and vistas in the area 44 North West Regional Plan

• is designed for the local climate by • responsible being energy efficient and resilient to • memorable. the impacts of climate change • recognises and incorporates The Queensland Government has landscape elements of the immediate established the Board for Urban Places46 area and any hinterland backdrops to advise on high-quality urban design • uses natural solutions in civil and provide advice on planning, engineering and built development landscape architecture, sustainability and form. other built environment issues.

Urban design, character and 4.3 Housing mix, Housing mix, affordability form strategy affordability and and design strategies 4.2.A Promote housing design that 4.3.A Monitor housing prices, land is culturally appropriate for design availability and other factors that Indigenous families living in an affect housing costs. urban environment. Objective 4.3.B Consult in the design and Plan and provide a range of housing construction of culturally options to meet diverse community needs. Land use policies appropriate housing for Indigenous people in urban settings. 4.2.1 Planning for town centres on Housing affordability is a significant sustainable urban design principles problem for the region. Housing supply 4.3.C Develop further guidance for the that are water and energy efficient, and affordability in the region are delivery of high-quality housing climate sensitive and which reflect affected by several factors, including land design outcomes for western the uniqueness and individual availability, workforce influx for major Queensland. needs of the community. projects, high transport and building costs, difficulties in securing finance, and 4.2.2 Integrate development within training and maintaining skilled workers. existing town centres to enhance Low levels of investment in private Land use policies character and function. housing have contributed to the region’s 4.3.1 Provide housing choice through a lack of affordable, quality and available range and mix of dwelling type, 4.2.3 Ensure planning schemes reflect housing stock. Most housing is single sustainable urban design principles size and location in residential detached housing, with some multi- developments. in their codes and infrastructure unit accommodation available in larger plans. centres. 4.3.2 Planning schemes provide for 4.2.4 Plan activity centres with increased residential densities in New housing should be responsive to Mount Isa and Cloncurry. provision for walking and cycling the region’s variable climate, consider connections. appropriate orientation and design 4.3.3. Planning schemes provide of buildings and allotments and use sufficient zoned land for projected energy efficient appliances and materials. residential growth. Explanatory notes Increased diversity in housing type and Development should recognise and reflect tenure could also assist in satisfying 4.3.4 Investigate housing demand the region’s diverse climate, landscape, broadening community needs. Applying projections and accommodate and culture when applying design principles for sustainable urban design fluctuations in demand relating to principles. The Urban Design Alliance can contribute to achieving a diverse resource communities. of Queensland outlines the following housing mix in an attractive setting, fundamental ideas that can be used as including affordable housing. 4.3.5 Support an increased provision a framework to achieve desirable urban of affordable housing through qualities within the region. Urban centres The high cost of construction and community-based, not-for-profit must be: maintenance discourages building entities and housing cooperatives. and renovation of many existing • sustainable accommodation buildings. Opportunities • liveable should be investigated to increase sharing of government-owned housing • viable stock between departments.

46 For more information visit www.dip.qld.gov.au Part E–Regional strategies and policies 45

Explanatory notes of affordable housing in Queensland West are flooding, gales, drought and and contribute to the sustainability of bushfires. Climate change is likely to Influencing housing supply and communities. compound these hazards and they affordability is recognised as a priority • State Planning Policy 1/07: Housing need to be considered when planning in Australia. This involves ensuring and Residential Development—has for land use and development. efficient release of adequate land for effect when a local government Some parts of the region are also housing, facilitating housing mix in terms prepares a new scheme, amends an susceptible to mine related incidents, of size and type, limiting development existing planning scheme, or is required such as tailing dam failure. controls that push up the cost of to amend their planning scheme as a housing, coordinating the provision of The risks and consequences associated result of this regional planning process. infrastructure, and ensuring efficient with these hazards vary across the This policy will be most applicable to approval processes. region, depending on the location, Mount Isa. physical characteristics of the land and The National Affordable Housing type of development49. Effective land Local governments can also ensure Agreement and four related National use planning is an important means to development has regard for housing mix, Partnership Agreements (Homelessness, reduce the community’s vulnerability to type, tenure, location and environmental Indigenous Housing, Social Housing and natural hazards and promote resilient factors, through planning policies and Nation Building and Jobs Plan)47 reform communities. agenda is being implemented at a state planning scheme provisions. level by the responsible state agency The North West can reduce community risk as a means of achieving these goals. In and exposure to the adverse effects of aligning with Commonwealth and broader 4.4 Hazard hazards by: state policies related to housing, the • considering the impacts of natural regional plan aims to address the issue mitigation disasters and the effects of climate of unmet housing needs experienced change in land use planning and throughout the region. Objective decision-making processes

Various state government strategies and Reduce the community’s risk to the • appropriate siting of development and plans have been developed to promote adverse impact of natural and human- use of buffers sustainable and affordable housing and made hazards. • considering emergency service needs in can assist councils and developers to planning design identify appropriate urban design criteria Both natural and human-made hazards suitable for the North West region. These have the potential to cause loss or • developing a coordinated approach to include: harm to the community, economy disaster management throughout the region. • Smart Housing Initiative48—aims to and environment. The main natural promote best practice in designing, hazards experienced in the North planning and building homes to make them more socially, environmentally and economically sustainable. • Queensland Housing Affordability Strategy—aims to ensure land and housing is on the market quickly and at the lowest cost. • Improving Sustainable Housing in Queensland Strategy discussion paper 2008—details measures that are designed to encourage house and unit owners to use less water and energy. • Affordable Housing in Sustainable Communities Strategic Action Plan 2001—establishes the Department of Communities role in providing leadership to support the provision

47 For more information visit www.works.qld.gov.au 48 For more information visit www.fahcsia.gov.au 49 State Planning Policy SPP 1/03 Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Flood, Bushfire and Landslide 1.0. 46 North West Regional Plan

Hazard mitigation strategies 4.4.5 Integrate risk reduction strategies from another district within the same into development policies in order region. A regional approach to disaster 4.4.A Encourage and support a to mitigate or adapt to natural management will create another tier in coordinated regional approach to hazards including the compounding the disaster management system, allowing disaster management between all effects of climate change. for greater coordination and collaboration levels of government, industry and between districts within a region. community. Explanatory notes State Planning Policy 1/03: Mitigating 4.4.B Minimise adverse economic, social, the Adverse Impacts of Flood, Bushfire infrastructure and environmental Climate change may result in ambient and Landslide aims to minimise potential impacts through effective temperature increases and lower overall adverse impacts of flood, bushfire and emergency services and disaster rainfalls in the region. When rain occurs, landslide on people, property, economic management strategies. it is forecast that it will happen in shorter activity and the environment. This policy and more intense bursts. Drier conditions requires planning schemes to identify 4.4.C Attract and retain emergency can increase bushfire risk, while increases such natural hazard areas using the service volunteers to improve in rainfall intensity can increase flood precautionary principle. Local councils can the effectiveness of voluntary risk and damage to property and address the impacts of natural disasters emergency service providers such infrastructure50. in their planning scheme provisions by as the Rural Fire Brigades and the ensuring appropriate planning and design State Emergency Service. Due to the prevalence of natural of development to minimise risk to life disasters in North West Queensland, and property. 4.4.D Identify long-term disaster a well-developed and effective system resilience strategies in regional is required to ensure coordinated infrastructure planning and capabilities at all levels of government. development. The Queensland Disaster Management System operates on three distinct levels. These are: Land use policies 1. Local government—all local 4.4.1 Identify natural hazard areas in governments within the region have planning schemes, taking into prepared disaster management plans account the compounding effects in accordance with the requirements of of climate change. the Disaster Management Act 2003. 2. Disaster district—disaster district 4.4.2 Exclude development within areas management plans exist for the likely to be subject to factors that districts of Mount Isa, which threaten lives, property or the encompasses Cloncurry and McKinlay, environment. and Townsville, which encompasses Richmond and Flinders. 4.4.3 Minimise the potential adverse impacts of hazardous and high- 3. State government—the State Counter impact industries through the use Disaster Plan provides a blueprint for of buffers and sensitive land use the prevention, preparedness response planning. and recovery arrangements for disasters in Queensland. 4.4.4 Address the needs of emergency Under the Disaster Management Act services and disaster management 2003, there is no provision for the in development through inclusion coordination of resources at a regional in planning schemes. level. This creates potential for issues to arise when resources are requested

50 Climate change in Australia website accessed on July 2008 www.climatechangeinaustralia.gov.au. Part E–Regional strategies and policies 47

5. Economic development

Desired regional outcome A growing and prosperous regional economy, developed through value-adding to existing industries and encouraging new industries and businesses.

Mining, agriculture and manufacturing and 2013–14 there will be an overall to support their growth. Opportunities industries have been the traditional increase in employment, with mining exist to improve access to competitively economic drivers for the North West remaining the strongest employment priced energy and road, rail and freight region. The nominal Gross Regional sector, followed by retail trade and infrastructure, reduce shortages of skilled Product of the North West Statistical government administration and defence58. labour and create new markets for Division51 was $4719 million for the environmental technologies and services. 2005–06 financial year. This is an 8.6 The Department of Employment, per cent annual growth, compared to the Economic Development and Innovation The regional plan supports the Blueprint Queensland average annual growth of 9.9 identified mining and value-added mineral for the Bush initiative’s economic per cent over the five years to 2005–06. processing as areas for development priorities by setting out to: under the Queensland Government’s Mining is the largest economic driver for Centre of Enterprise initiative in Townsville • diversify the economy by developing the North West region, accounting for and the North West. Communities outside new and innovative industries 72.4 per cent of the 2005–06 Gross Value the mineral province broaden the region’s • improve productivity and export 52 Added index . In 2007, the North West economic base through agriculture, retail performance of established industries region’s mining and mineral processing and tourism industries. such as mining and agriculture sector directly generated $6787 million with a further value-added contribution of Industries in the North West region • attract skilled workers $3975 million, representing approximately have strong growth potential, but are • support the development of 3.6 per cent of the Gross State Product53. vulnerable to fluctuations in climate, infrastructure that enables growth The North West Mineral Province commodity prices and changes to • strengthen research and development contains some of the most significant employment and work practices. metalliferous54 deposits in the world. A broader economic base is needed • encourage sound economic to minimise the impacts of outside management. Agriculture, forestry and fishing is the influences and provide a wider range of second largest economic driver for the employment and economic opportunities A considerable proportion of Queensland’s region, accounting for 4.3 per cent of within the region. Strengthening the wealth is built on natural resources of the 2005–06 Gross Value Added index55. economy will improve the long-term which the North West region contributes Production is estimated at $249 million economic sustainability of the region. significantly. The environment plays an per annum on average. Manufacturing important role in economic prosperity and is the third largest industry sector in Further development of key industries stability. The use of natural assets must the North West statistical division56 and in the region will require a collaborative be strategically planned and managed accounted for 3.6 per cent of the Gross approach between all levels of at local and regional level to provide for Value Added Index in 2005–06. government and industry partners to a prosperous and sustainable economic ensure that the necessary infrastructure future. The region has a relatively low and other fundamentals are in place unemployment rate of 3.5 per cent57. Projections show that between 2005–06

51 Note: that the North West statistical division includes Burke and Carpentaria Shires. 52 Queensland Treasury, 2008, Experimental Estimate of Gross Regional Product. Department of Mines and Energy, Queensland Government, Brisbane. 53 ACIL Tasman, 2007, The economic significance of mining and mineral processing to the North West region. Department of Mines and Energy, Queensland Government, Brisbane. 54 Containing a metallic element 55 Queensland Treasury, 2008, Experimental Estimate of Gross Regional Product. Department of Mines and Energy, Queensland Government, Brisbane. 56 The North West Statistical division delineates an area larger than the North West regional planning boundary, and includes and Mornington Island in the . 57 ABS, Census of Population and Housing, 2006, Basic Community. 58 Monash Employment Forecasts, Projected employment growth by ANZSIC industry, North West, 2005–6 to 2013–14. 48 North West Regional Plan

5.1 Business, Land use policies 5.2 Diverse regional industry and land 5.1.1 Designate sufficient land for economy commercial, retail and industrial development use and identify supporting infrastructure in planning schemes Objectives to ensure business investment and Objective Develop a diverse regional economy that expansion is in line with future is responsive to changing local and global requirements. Ensure the North West has businesses and economic and environmental factors. industries that provide sustained wealth 5.1.2 Identify provisions in local and growing employment opportunities The primary industry sector accounts for government planning schemes that contribute to the region’s liveability the major part of the region’s economic to minimise land use conflicts and prosperity. activity. Remaining competitive, while between industrial land and adapting to the volatile prices of primary adjoining non-industrial purposes. To continue to develop a prosperous commodities that are increasingly and sustainable region, the provision influenced by environmental concerns, 5.1.3 Take advantage of infill of land for future business and industry can be fraught with difficulties. Economic opportunities in existing developments must be considered. diversity has been recognised as a commercial areas. Forward planning for industrial and means to achieve the goals of stability residential land use will have to be and growth. As a region’s economy carefully managed to ensure development becomes more diversified, it becomes is sustainable and provides maximum Explanatory notes less susceptible to fluctuations caused by benefits for communities. The Townsville and North West Centres external factors. Access to effective information and of Enterprise (Mining and Minerals Processing) Action Plan seeks to assist Having multiple specialisations and communication technology and better the linkages between industries within cooperation between industry and all business and industry by ensuring regional industrial land development the region can help build a diversified levels of government, will result in the economy that is not overly dependent on development of industries and services addresses current and future needs, and by developing integrated supply chains a single commodity and that has a strong that meet community needs and external as well as internal focus. The expectations. to provide competitive products and services. region needs to identify and secure more domestic and overseas markets across a range of industries to continue to thrive. Business, industry and land This would provide a wider range of development strategies employment and economic opportunities for local communities. 5.1.A Small business and representative groups share information and Assisting companies to access other resources, working cooperatively markets will build a more resilient to develop new industries and enhance existing products and services.

5.1.B Use current economic and census data to inform economic planning and development in the region.

5.1.C Identify and build on local industry strengths and existing regional competitive advantages.

5.1.D Establish mechanisms to coordinate business and industry support services available through government and non-government agencies. Part E–Regional strategies and policies 49

and competitive supply chain. The other by-products, infrastructure sharing 5.3.D Explore opportunities for Townsville and North West Queensland or the joint provision of services knowledge precincts to be Centres of Enterprise (Mining and that meet common needs such as serviced by technology to facilitate Minerals Processing) Action Plan transportation and food provision59. connection to a digital network. specifically targets business and industry development, including the meeting of infrastructure needs, for the mining and Land use policy minerals processing sector. 5.3 Innovation, knowledge and 5.3.1 Identify knowledge precincts in Creating a distinctive brand can planning schemes. support the further development of technology niche industries such as organic beef and natural fibre production. Other Objective opportunities for economic development 5.4 Employment, and diversification that exist in the region Develop the region’s capability to skills development include carbon trading, specialist technical maximise the transfer of technology, education and training, fodder crops for knowledge and innovation to commercial and staff retention organic beef production, organic grains, applications. grass seed, fruit and vegetable produce. Objective Information technology and communication services continue Establish a skilled workforce to strengthen Diverse regional economic to grow on a worldwide basis. This the region’s economy and community. strategy significantly influences the ways in which business and industry operate. Regional An appropriately skilled workforce 5.2.A Identify and promote opportunities industries and businesses need access is critical in supporting the region’s for the diversification of the to information and other technologies to economic growth and social wellbeing. region’s economic base and compete in the global economy. A community that can offer services employment. supplied by professional and skilled A culture of innovation can encourage workers not only supports the people 5.2.B Build on existing competitive the development of versatile, creative living in regional communities and the advantages and specialisations to individuals and organisations. The businesses operating there, but also diversify the region’s economy. mining hub, centred on Mount Isa, has provides the foundation for attracting traditionally been at the forefront in new residents, industry and business designing and commercialising mineral investment60. Land use policy technologies. The region is experiencing skills shortages 5.2.1 Industrial, commercial and and staff retention issues, particularly in agricultural development is Innovation, knowledge and building and construction, hospitality and planned and located in a manner in many areas within health and other that builds on the synergistic technology strategies support services (see Table 8, page 50, opportunities offered by proximity 5.3.A Promote and build on existing for employment growth trends). Retention of land uses. world-class extractive and mineral strategies are necessary to counter skill processing technologies to shortages and ensure appropriate skill establish the North West as a and industry development in the region. Explanatory notes world leader in innovative mining procedures. There are a number of partnership Consideration should be given to programs being undertaken in the region the location of industries to provide 5.3.B Foster collaboration between that aim to address these shortages and opportunities for resources sharing. organisations involved in promote local training and employment Industrial symbiosis engages education, training and research, opportunities. There are also tertiary traditionally separate industries in to facilitate the exchange of ideas, education programs and partnerships a collaborative approach to gaining information and knowledge. for the minerals and energy sectors, as a competitive advantage involving well as vocational education and training physical exchange of materials. This 5.3.C Encourage industries to adopt (VET) programs and representative may include exchange of energy, water, new technology to enhance bodies. Further education and training environmental outcomes and programs tailored to industry need to be improve efficiency. 59 The Encyclopedia of Earth - http://www.eoearth.org/article/Industrial_symbiosis 60 Regional Development Council, 2004, Attracting and retaining skilled people in regional Australia: A practitioner’s guide. Department of Local Government and Regional Development, West Perth. 50 North West Regional Plan

Table 8. Employment growth (trends) by ANZSIC industry, North West, ’000 persons

Industry 1997– 1998– 1999– 2000– 2001– 2002– 2003– 2004– 2005– 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Agriculture 2.217 2.515 2.626 2.519 2.533 2.322 2.135 1.769 1.68 Mining 2.174 2.853 2.444 2.067 3.224 2.437 2.699 2.561 3.455 Manufacturing 0.887 0.964 0.974 0.957 0.909 0.957 1 1.046 1.024 Utilities 0.157 0.151 0.134 0.126 0.172 0.154 0.182 0.175 0.242 Construction 1.335 1.371 1.517 1.382 1.394 1.425 1.539 1.736 1.808 Wholesale trade 0.649 0.711 0.65 0.601 0.58 0.59 0.585 0.607 0.572 Retail trade 1.904 2.003 2.005 2.004 2.099 2.162 2.2 2.364 2.389 Hotels 0.822 0.82 0.943 0.916 0.962 0.85 0.858 0.975 0.979 Transport/storage 0.989 0.938 0.884 0.872 0.87 0.901 1.071 1.034 1.108 Communications 0.133 0.12 0.14 0.137 0.134 0.14 0.157 0.169 0.142 Finance/insurance 0.142 0.129 0.117 0.131 0.132 0.142 0.151 0.161 0.171 Business services 0.786 0.768 0.832 0.947 0.895 0.992 1.025 1.045 1.117 Government admin/defence 1.356 1.531 1.626 1.606 1.889 2.224 2.428 2.196 2.376 Education 1.073 1.049 0.998 1.089 1.166 1.156 1.198 1.319 1.377 Health/community 1.132 1.19 1.184 1.239 1.222 1.298 1.375 1.4 1.473 Cultural/recreation services 0.16 0.18 1.159 1.167 1.175 0.203 0.189 0.212 0.227 Personal services 0.554 0.519 0.539 0.65 0.717 0.721 0.64 0.64 0.716 All industries 16.467 17.805 17.774 17.408 19.073 18.671 19.432 19.409 20.856

Australian and New Zealand Standard Industry Classification, Monash Employment Forecasts, Monash University. developed in the region to assist with the longer-term attraction and retention of a skilled workforce and to strengthen the region’s economy and community.

Employment, skills development and staff retention strategies

5.4.A Encourage initiatives to attract and retain a skilled workforce, especially in areas of high demand or skills shortage.

5.4.B Encourage employers to consider local employment options for major projects.

5.4.C Promote and support collaboration and employment programs to meet Explanatory notes between government and industry the requirements of the region’s to provide innovative professional existing and emerging industries. Regional priorities include: development and training • investigating the viability of a mining opportunities. 5.4.E Encourage the development of industry training facility at Mount Isa culturally appropriate training for 5.4.D Encourage opportunities for the Indigenous people which provides • establishing Mount Isa Institute of TAFE establishment of specialised skills equitable access to employment as a key partner in mining and trade development, education, training opportunities. training delivery to the North West. Part E–Regional strategies and policies 51

5.5 Agriculture

Objective

Maintain and expand agricultural industries and diversify opportunities through sustainable agribusiness ventures.

Beef cattle production has been a major industry in the region and is predicted to remain so into the future. In 2007, 9 per cent of the region’s population was employed in the traditional agricultural industry. This is higher than the Queensland average of 4.9 per cent. Agricultural activities are influenced by climate variations, commodity prices and the availability of workers, which may have flow-on effects to other business areas. 5.5.C Explore opportunities for (Production and Safety) Act 2004 developing environmentally are removed from agricultural Emerging agricultural industries in the sustainable strategies and areas, encourage minimisation of region include feral animal and kangaroo programs that minimise the impacts of extractive activities harvesting, forestry, wheat and forage environmental impacts through on primary industries and the hay harvesting, lot feeding, cropping, cleaner production and waste rehabilitation of locations for and dry land agriculture, aquaculture and management practices. agricultural land use. farm tourism enterprises. The Delbessie Agreement aims to diversify the uses of 5.5.D Continue research into the agricultural land and has the potential to development of new crops and Land use policies provide leaseholders with an additional livestock breeds and value-adding income stream to support primary land to existing products. 5.5.1 Protect farm land and other use. high-quality land for sustainable 5.5.E Encourage the diversification agriculture use and development Long-term industry development must of meat production to increase of primary industries. consider the resources required for supplies of other quality products primary production, such as good quality such as game and organic meats. 5.5.2 Protect good quality agricultural farming land. For this reason, local land from further fragmentation governments should aim to protect farm 5.5.F Explore options for processing and conflicting land uses. land from fragmentation and conflicting livestock end products to land uses. provide to regional, national and international markets. 5.6 Mining and Agriculture strategies 5.5.G Identify and develop opportunities mineral processing 5.5.A Encourage a regional sustainable for diversifying agriculture to industry study to assist primary provide food staples to local industries to achieve long- markets. Objective term environmental, social and 5.5.H Identify potential opportunities Maximise the economic opportunities for economic sustainability. for engaging in carbon capture mining and processing in the region within in the rural landscape such as acceptable social and environmental 5.5.B Support sustainable agricultural standards. and forestry industries by reforestation and grazing land management. facilitating opportunities to expand The North West Queensland Minerals production, processing and 5.5.I Where extractive resources not Province is a major area of mining activity management practices. covered by the Mineral Resources in Queensland, particularly in relation Act 1989 or Petroleum and Gas to base metals and phosphate mining. North West Queensland continues to 52 North West Regional Plan

be a highly prospective and relatively to form stronger regional linkages and 5.6.E Encourage the development of immature location for mineral exploration, explore the competitive advantages of industry support precincts for particularly at depth. The high level of individual regional centres. businesses catering for the unique prospectivity is reflected in the number of needs of the mining and energy projects in the region that are at various sector. stages of maturity. Mining and mineral 5.6.F Encourage Indigenous employment It is predicted that with North West processing strategies initiatives in the mineral, energy Queensland’s high prospectivity and 5.6.A Encourage collaborative responses and extractive resource industries. the government’s initiatives aimed at by government, resource stimulating exploration investment in the companies and the community state, that there will be further important to the social, economic and Land use policies new greenfield discoveries in the environmental pressures associated region. Appendix 1 shows the significant with large-scale mining and energy 5.6.1 Identify and protect key or expansion in mineral exploration tenure resource projects. strategic mineral, energy and between 2005 and 2008. Although the extractive resources from viability of mining projects is driven by 5.6.B Infrastructure provision supports incompatible development and a number of economic factors, there is new development through land use activities that would optimism that mining will continue to be collaborative partnerships between impact on the development of the a major driver of economic activity in the developers, infrastructure providers resources. future. and all levels of government. 5.6.2 Appropriately locate development The region forms the north-western apex 5.6.C Maximise regional economic to avoid impacts on existing of the Northern Economic Triangle, a benefits from mining by and future mineral, energy and region identified by the state government encouraging regional and local extractive resource development for the integration of activities of businesses to provide services to and associated infrastructure. the economic centres of Mount Isa, the mining sector. Townsville and Bowen. Townsville is an internationally recognised centre for the 5.6.D Promote mineral, energy and Explanatory notes processing of base metals and value- extractive resource development as added minerals and is dependent on a key component of the region’s The vision for the Northern Economic the North West Mineral Province for raw economic development. Triangle is to foster sustainable economic, resources. Strategies will be developed social and community development and

Indigenous employment opportunities in the resource industry in North West Queensland

North West Queensland has been identified as having The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is relatively low Indigenous employment in the resources one of the government departments working successfully sector in comparison to the number of resident Indigenous with Indigenous business enterprises and local Indigenous people. With guidance and support, there is a high potential people on an ongoing employment and training program in to increase Indigenous involvement in the resource industry the region. through direct employment and economic participation by Indigenous enterprises. Myuma Pty Ltd, an Indigenous trading company led by Mr Colin Saltmere of the Indjilandji Aboriginal group, has worked For this purpose, government stakeholders, along with in partnership with TMR on construction projects such as the industry and Indigenous communities are working Georgina Bridge Project and the Mount Isa to Camooweal collaboratively to develop a joint initiative in North West Barkly Highway upgrade. Many Indigenous participants have Queensland, focusing on five key components: graduated to private civil construction contractors, local • education councils and the mining industry on completion of the road projects. Positive feedback has been received from the mining • support industry on the quality of these workers and some have • work readiness moved into supervisory positions in mining operations. The initiative is an excellent engagement and employment model. • industry positioning • livelihood support and enterprise development. Part E–Regional strategies and policies 53

growth through the emergence of Mount and privately run enterprises such as the 5.7.B Develop a range of regional Isa, Townsville and Bowen as a triangle Ernest Henry mining tour. The region is tourist circuits that link attractions of mineral processing and industrial marketed as part of wider Queensland’s throughout the North West and development over the course of the next Outback brand. Product development adjacent regions to encourage half century. activities are ongoing and are regularly longer visitation. reviewed to ensure they are relevant to The Northern Economic Triangle changing markets. 5.7.C Encourage programs that improve Infrastructure Plan includes 31 strategies visitor experiences by ensuring and 120 actions designed to: Tourism Queensland and the Department accommodation, product packaging of Employment, Economic Development and staff development are of a • raise the regional and international and Innovation work throughout the high standard. profile of the North West and North region to assist tourism development. Queensland Tourism Queensland promotes 5.7.D Consider the optimal carrying • expand mining and mineral processing Queensland’s Outback to domestic and capacity of tourist sites to ensure operations to supply world markets international markets as part of a broader positive visitor experiences, • exploit the demand for minerals and Queensland experience. maintain the integrity of sites and metals uphold community values. Tourism requires adequate infrastructure, • maximise opportunities for potential services and a wide choice of 5.7.E Encourage and support cultural development presented by large accommodation. It also requires sound heritage tourism to capitalise on international companies regional branding, promotion and and give value to heritage and • promote collaborative solutions for product development, stronger industry current culture. the provision of critical infrastructure partnerships and community support for and opportunities for private sector the industry. 5.7.F Improve the quality and availability investment of promotional products and Although the tourism industry in the signage to improve public • improving the recognition of prior region is largely seasonal and vulnerable knowledge, access, education and learning and rural life skills. to impacts of peak oil reducing the drive safety. and fly/drive markets, it provides valuable economic and social opportunities for 5.7.G Encourage the development of 5.7 Tourism North West residents. tourism infrastructure that is environmentally appropriate to the setting. Objective Tourism strategies 5.7.H Inform decision-making through Recognise and develop the region as 5.7.A Promote the region as a distinctive evidence-based research, current a distinctive and sustainable tourist tourism destination by working statistical information and local destination that offers visitors a diverse closely with regional service knowledge to support public and range of opportunities and experiences providers, all levels of government private investment in new and and that encourages repeat visitation. and regional, national and improved tourism infrastructure international tourism organisations. and products. The North West region has a strong tourism industry, based on its cultural heritage and natural environment. Between 1996 and 2006, visitation to the region increased from 323 000 to more than half a million visitors. In recent years, total visitor numbers and visitor nights have steadily increased by five per cent each year. Local governments view tourism as a viable and important seasonal economic activity, with many councils developing tourism plans and employing tourism officers to encourage visitation.

Tourism facilities range from corporate attractions like Outback at Isa and Place, to local council initiatives such as Richmond’s Kronosaurus Korner 54 North West Regional Plan

5.7.I Encourage the development of Marketing strategies strategies for the tourism industry 5.8 Marketing to help meet the challenges 5.8.A Develop a corporate image associated with peak oil price Objective that reflects the region’s key fluctuation. capabilities, opportunities Create a regional marketing strategy and attributes as a centre for 5.7.J Develop tourist nodes that cater that reflects all of the region’s assets – investment and employment. for a variety of visitor needs and industry, tourism and quality of life – to experiences and take advantage of strengthen the economy. 5.8.B Develop a marketing plan to the national parks and ecotourism attract investment in existing and opportunities, while protecting The North West region boasts a wide new businesses and industries in environmental and cultural heritage range of natural, cultural and economic the region. assets. assets and lifestyle advantages. The region has many attractions to offer 5.8.C Promote an awards program that including national parks, gem fields, recognises excellence in businesses Land use policy mountainous volcanic basalt country, and industries. black soil plains, and rich fossil and 5.7.1 Identify in planning schemes areas dinosaur areas. There is benefit to be 5.8.D Encourage the development suitable for tourist accommodation gained from a positive regional image. of a networking system to based on economic, social and Marketing can be a means of creating a promote information sharing and environmental considerations. powerful cohesive regional voice. cooperation between industry and all levels of government. The region has vast potential as a Explanatory notes producer of solar and geothermal alternative energy. Great possibilities Explanatory notes Tourism can have implications for exist for the region to become a the environment and the community. centre for natural sciences, building The Townsville and North West Centres Visitors in environmentally sensitive on the region’s natural and cultural of Enterprise (Mining and Minerals areas can potentially adversely impact advantages and providing an increasingly Processing) Action Plan seeks to assist in the natural values and the intended international focus on sustainability and marketing the region by: visitor experience. Similarly, tourism can the environment. Such unique regional • promoting the North West Minerals be intrusive to existing communities, products can effectively act as selling Province and the Townsville region affecting the character and amenity points that have the strength to create as a world-class location for mineral enjoyed by residents. Tourism needs interest among the target market and resources and value-added minerals to be located, designed and managed build brand and public awareness. processing sustainably, to ensure these values are • promoting the region’s capability in not adversely affected. Marketing of development opportunities, supported by research outcomes, will training and services for the mining Tourism development should be position the region well for the future. It and minerals processing industries consistent with Tourism Queensland’s will be critical for organisations that share • attracting investment to strengthen Outback Destination Management strategic responsibility for the promotion and expand the mining and minerals Plan and Outback Tourism Opportunity and development of the region to work processing sector. Plan. Diversification of products and in partnership, in order to maximise the services will broaden visitor experiences, region’s potential. It is equally important reduce visitor impacts on fragile areas that there is a long-term marketing and spread the benefits within the program promoting a variety of assets for community. Areas of tourism that are this increasingly important region. nature, historical or culturally-based have particular potential. Part E–Regional strategies and policies 55

6. Infrastructure

Desired regional outcome A well-planned, coordinated, safe and efficient network of infrastructure, which is well- maintained and underpins the social, economic and environmental prosperity of the region.

The region’s low and dispersed at Townsville play a significant role in the To create a competitive business population over a large geographic area transportation of minerals and agricultural environment which supports economic makes the cost of providing infrastructure products, particularly cattle. Air services growth and increased employment, North higher per person than in more densely and supporting infrastructure are critical West Queensland needs access to reliable populated areas. Mining activity imposes to the movement of fly-in and fly-out energy supplies, at prices which will added pressure on existing infrastructure, mining workers and play an important support economic activity. The importance as recognised in the Northern Economic role in the provision of, and access of investment in power, gas and other Triangle Infrastructure Plan 2007–2012. to, health and other social services. energy infrastructure to the economic Large-scale, high-capacity networks Passenger rail services to the region development of North West Queensland require large amounts of capital are limited, and air travel is expensive cannot be overstated. investment. Alternatively, it is provided compared with coastal routes. Other key through public–private partnerships, infrastructure includes a pipeline that The provision of water infrastructure is with contractual commitments from brings gas to the region from South West also a critical requirement for the mining, industry to use the infrastructure over its Queensland, to provide energy for the agriculture and domestic sectors. Any depreciation life. power station at Mount Isa. new critical infrastructure development in the region must take into account An overview of the region’s infrastructure New, upgraded and well-maintained the possible risks posed by climate network is presented in Map 6 (page 71). infrastructure is vital to the region’s change, particularly risks from increased Road and rail networks that connect the future. temperature and flooding impacts, during North West Mineral Province to the port the life of the infrastructure. 56 North West Regional Plan

infrastructure and the needs of users in Explanatory notes 6.1 Infrastructure conjunction with the Northern Economic planning and Triangle Infrastructure Plan 2007-2012. Any population growth in the region The regional plan provides the mechanism should be centred in existing communities coordination for achieving strategically focused in order to make best use of existing infrastructure investment that will support and proposed infrastructure, and to Objective the regional activity centres network. improve service efficiencies and the viability of communities. Provision of Provide and coordinate infrastructure that future infrastructure for mining activities supports economic growth and effectively Infrastructure planning and in the region will be dependent on meets the future needs of the community coordination strategies its commercial viability and long-term in a timely and cost effective manner. commitments from the mining sector 6.1.A Maintain and provide infrastructure towards the use of such infrastructure. Significant cost and service efficiencies to support the future growth and Isolated development should be can be achieved by improving functional integrity of activity discouraged. Mining and other industries coordination between individual centres. should collaborate and assist government infrastructure agencies, and between land and local communities to address use and economic planning agencies. 6.1.B Identify capacity constraints accommodation and transport issues Improved infrastructure planning in order to achieve maximum created by additional large-scale mining will ensure that state agencies align efficiency from existing and industrial development. infrastructure and service priorities with infrastructure to minimise or the regional plan. delay the need for additional The Sustainable Planning Act 2009 infrastructure and services. requires all local governments to plan for Regional infrastructure challenges include: trunk infrastructure through a PIP. The aim of a PIP is to ensure that land use • minimising the impact of heavy 6.1.C Encourage the establishment of and infrastructure planning and delivery transport on the region’s roads regional protocols and lines of communication among industry, are aligned so that local governments can • continual improvement to the quality government and communities to provide the trunk infrastructure required and safety of the road network improve communication, planning to service expected growth. It also allows • accommodating an increasingly mobile and delivery of regional and sub- local governments to fund infrastructure workforce regional infrastructure that reflect programs by adopting infrastructure regional priorities. charges schedules. A template has been • ensuring the continuation of passenger designed for local governments that have rail services a relatively stable population, or are • improving telecommunications for rural Land use policies experiencing less development pressure, and remote communities and want to adopt the regulated 61 • maintaining and improving air transport 6.1.1 Ensure infrastructure is located infrastructure charges schedule (RICS) . accessibility into the region in areas that avoid risks from natural hazards, including • adapting infrastructure to the potential the compounding effects of impacts of natural hazards climate change, or ensure that 6.2 Energy • establishing the correct balance infrastructure is designed and between building new infrastructure constructed to mitigate risks in Objective and maintaining existing assets new infrastructure corridors. Facilitate the provision, transmission • increasing freight and cattle rail 6.1.2 Consider Queensland Government and distribution of competitively priced services. infrastructure priorities in preparing energy and encourage the development of planning schemes and priority renewable energy technologies to support To address these challenges, government infrastructure plans (PIP). a robust regional economy. at all levels and private service providers need to collaborate, to identify and 6.1.3 Identify, protect, and facilitate Reliable and affordable energy is vital implement infrastructure strategies that the development of strategic for continued development of the region. meet the region’s needs. sites and areas for infrastructure Access to more secure and competitively projects with due consideration for priced energy to support new investment The regional plan highlights the need economic benefits, public interests and expansion in mining and minerals for improved complementary use of and risk management. related industries is a key focus of the Northern Economic Triangle Infrastructure Plan 2007-2012. 61 Department of Infrastructure and Planning, 2009, Priority infrastructure plans and infrastructure charges schedules – A Sustainable Planning Act 2009 statutory guideline. Queensland Government, Brisbane. Part E–Regional strategies and policies 57

Existing energy supply in the North West The Queensland Renewable Energy Plan 6.2.B Encourage opportunities for Mineral Province is largely dependent (QREP) is a comprehensive economic and low emission, renewable on the supply of gas from Ballera over industry development strategy aimed at and decentralised sources of the Carpentaria gas pipeline, both for accelerating the growth of the renewable energy supply and supporting electricity generation and direct use in energy sector in Queensland. The primary infrastructure. minerals processing plants. objective of the QREP is to increase the deployment of renewable energy 6.2.C Encourage network augmentation The Mica Creek power station in Mount infrastructure in Queensland. The QREP and lowest cost expansion Isa is the sole source of power to the through its initiatives seeks to leverage alternatives, to support Mount Isa sub-region and supplies funds from the Commonwealth through development of isolated most surrounding mines. Some mines the National Renewable Energy Target commercial operations. operate isolated gas-fired or diesel- and Climate Change Strategy. One of the fired generators. The power station also projects funded from the Queensland 6.2.D Investigate means for determining supplies energy to meet Mount Isa’s Renewable Energy Fund is the Cloncurry projected infrastructure demands domestic and commercial requirements, Solar Thermal Project (see information box, taking into account mining industry and those of Cloncurry and surrounding page 58). growth and ongoing monitoring. communities. It is approaching the limit of its ability to supply load reliability. Energy alternatives, including those that harness renewable energy, will Land use policies McKinlay, Richmond and Flinders Shires increasingly become technically and are serviced by a high-voltage electricity financially viable in remote rural areas 6.2.1 Identify, preserve and acquire sites, network that extends west from of the region. Necessary considerations corridors and buffers for future Townsville. will need to be explored in the choice of energy infrastructure. energy and how reliable and competitive An independent review by Rod Sims62 renewable energy can be integrated. 6.2.2 Ensure energy infrastructure in May 2009, identified that the energy agencies address long-term needs for North West Queensland exceeds The level of solar radiation in the North regional energy needs. the capacity of the existing power station. West region suggests strong potential for The review provides analysis and advice the application of solar energy, especially 6.2.3 Address land-use, land access, on energy infrastructure proposals that as a replacement or supplement to diesel noise and visual impacts that have could deliver reliable and competitively generation. Preliminary assessments the potential to hinder renewable priced energy. A recommendation of indicate that the area also has potential energy developments. the Sims Report prepared for the state for geothermal energy in the form of hot government was to facilitate a 12 month dry rocks located at soil depth (Map 4, customer-driven competitive process to page 69). Explanatory notes find an energy solution for the region. The Northern Economic Triangle has The high cost of electricity generation identified a number of critical issues In addition, the report highlighted the from renewable energy sources in associated with the provision of energy importance of lowering the cost of Australia is generally not as competitive in the North West Mineral Province. The electricity in the region. The reduction in as traditional electricity generation for issues include: energy costs could increase the viability large scale grid connected demand. The of previously explored mineral deposits Commonwealth Government’s Emissions • major energy-intensive industries and extend the life of several operating Trading Scheme (which will create a price located long distances from major mines63. signal for carbon) and the Renewable centres Energy Target will narrow the cost gap • the rising price of wholesale gas In addition to the above review, the between renewable sources and fossil federal government has legislated fuel energy sources. • road-based transport facing increased the National Renewable Energy Target pressure to become more efficient which stimulates direct investment in as oil-based products become more renewable energy and requires 20 per Energy strategies expensive. cent of electricity to be sourced from Price parity with regions connected to the renewable energy in Australia by 2020. 6.2.A Explore options for energy supply national electricity market is constrained The Commonwealth Government has that will deliver competitively by the cost of fuel and gas pipeline tariffs announced, as part of its Climate Change priced and secure power to the charged to deliver gas to North West Strategy, a Clean Energy Initiative. region for industrial and broader Queensland. The lower the cost of power, community use.

62 Providing a circuit breaker to meet North West Queensland’s future electricity needs. Rod Sims, Queensland Resources Council and the Queensland Government, May 2009. Port Jackson Partners Limited. 63 Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Zone 2009 Investment Guide. 58 North West Regional Plan

the greater the likelihood and scope for Map 5 shows that the dominant mode of new mining and mineral projects. transportation in the region is road. Most of the freight from mines and processing The Queensland Geothermal Energy plants is delivered by road to rail heads Centre of Excellence will focus on those from where it is transported to Townsville. technologies that will quicken the pace It is also a transport link for the Northern of large-scale utilisation of hot rocks Territory, Gulf region towns, eastern parts geothermal energy in Australia. The of Queensland and southern parts of tentative aim for the industry is 4000 Australia via Winton and Longreach. megawatts base load capacity by 2030. This is an ambitious aim and will be a The region’s road network is difficult world first. to maintain, due to a range of factors including soils, extreme temperature Exploration for geothermal energy range, regular flooding and the impact is carried out under the Geothermal of heavy vehicles. Approximately 30 per Exploration Act 2004. This legislation is cent of traffic on the road network is interim legislation to enable geothermal multi-combination heavy vehicles. Remote exploration to commence whilst work communities in the region can be isolated on legislation to enable geothermal for long periods of time due to flooding production is undertaken. and this affects the regions’ access to goods and services.

Over the last five years, $70 million has 6.3 Transport been invested in the Barkly and Flinders Renewable energy in the Highways by the Queensland Government North West region Objective for the purposes of capital works, rehabilitation and maintenance works Renewable energy holds the promise Provide efficient, safe, sustainable, (Table 10, page 59). of reducing carbon emissions, accessible transport for people and providing energy security and a goods throughout the region—and to Commercial bus companies provide regular new avenue for rural economic other regions—to support industry services to the towns along the Flinders development, while providing a long- competitiveness, growth and improved and Landsborough Highways. Transport term, local supply of energy. liveability in communities. facilities such as bus and coach depots, rail freight depots, marshalling yards, truck In 2007, the Queensland Government Efficient and reasonably priced transport depots, aerodromes and other similar committed $7 million toward the is essential for community, mining, infrastructure, form part of an extensive development of a 10 megawatt agricultural, pastoral and other business transport system for the region. (MW) Solar Thermal Power Station sectors in the North West region. The key in Cloncurry with an estimated total transport challenges for the North West The Queensland Government regulates project cost of $31 million. The first region are: and subsidises air, long distance coach and long distance passenger rail services stage of the project involves trialling • escalating freight and fuel costs technology that stores solar energy. in regional, rural and remote communities This will provide a constant supply • isolated and remote communities throughout Queensland. of electricity and will overcome the • population fluctuations which influence intermittency factor, which has long transport demand Regular commercial air services are been a major inhibitor to using solar available throughout the region, • vulnerable commodity prices energy for the generation of electricity. connecting Mount Isa to Cloncurry, This project has the potential to • extreme weather conditions Townsville, Cairns and Brisbane, and to regional centres to the south, such generate sufficient power to meet all • provision of transport connections of Cloncurry’s existing needs. as Quilpie and Charleville. Julia Creek, • implementing telecommunications Hughenden and Richmond have less to minimise dependence on road frequent weekly commercial flights. Many transport. mining companies rely on regular charters Map 5 (page 70) shows existing road for fly-in and fly-out workers. The Royal and rail networks in the North West Flying Doctor Service plays a vital role region and Table 9 (page 59) details the in proving emergency health care to distances between regional centres and residents with Mount Isa as the major centres outside the region. hub for this service in the region. Part E–Regional strategies and policies 59

Table 9. Distances between regional centres and centres outside of the region

In kilometres Mount Isa Darwin Townsville Longreach Normanton Camooweal 190 km (about 2 1412 km (about 16 1093 km (about 12 836 km (about 9 515 km (about 6 hours 15 mins) hours 30 mins) hours 50 mins) hours 35 mins) hours 30 mins) Mount Isa ...... 1601 km (about 18 904 km (about 10 647 km (about 7 499 km (about 5 hours 45 mins) hours 40 mins) hours 25 mins) hours 40 mins) Cloncurry 121 km (about 1 hour 1722 km (about 20 783 km (about 9 527 km (about 6 382 km (about 4 30 mins) hours 10 mins) hours 15 mins) hours) hours 20 mins) Julia Creek 258 km (about 3 1859 km (about 21 646 km (about 7 452 km (about 5 437 km (about 5 hours) hours 40 mins) hours 40 mins) hours 20 mins) hours 15 mins) Richmond 406 km (about 4 2007 km (about 23 498 km (about 6 408 km (about 5 586 km (about 7 hours 40 mins) hours 25 mins) hours) hours) hours) Hughenden 521 km (about 6 2122 km (about 1 day 383 km (about 4 324 km (about 4 700 km (about 8 hours) 1 hour) hours 40 mins) hours 10 mins) hours 20 mins)

Table 10. Actual expenditure on the Barkly and Flinders Highway (2003–04 to 2007–08)64

Actual expenditure Road 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Capital Flinders Highway 10 093 9 227 17 819 13 657 2 075 Barkly Highway 364 0 0 0 0 10 457 9 227 17 819 13 657 2 075 Rehabilitation Flinders Highway 3 021 2 705 4 197 143 352 Barkly Highway 0 0 0 0 0 3 021 2 705 4 197 143 352 Maintenance Flinders 424 2 310 0 340 1 508 Barkly Highway 552 0 0 0 0 1 976 2 310 0 340 1 508 Total 15 454 14 242 22 016 14 140 3 935

Rail offers cost advantages in carrying congestion and travel costs can 6.3.B Progressively upgrade, maintain freight long distances and dominates improve liveability. The regional plan and develop road and rail long-haul movements of bulk freight to supports the management of patterns of transport systems to meet industry Townsville for processing and export. The development and future infrastructure, and community needs. 1000 kilometre railway between Mount Isa to gain efficiencies in construction and Townsville carries nearly five million and performance of new and existing 6.3.C Co-locate transport infrastructure tonnes of freight every year, primarily infrastructure. and services in accordance with mining product and sulphuric acid which the intent of the sub-regional is used for mineral processing. Rail plays narratives. a minor role in passenger and general Transport strategies freight transport. 6.3.D Improve coordination and 6.3.A Identify future demand and integration of infrastructure and Social, economic and environmental constraints on the road network, land use planning, to better benefits can be gained by integrating and develop a strategy for support the performance of supply transport and land use planning. improvement. chains and the movement of Lessening transport demand, people within, and to and from the region.

64 Actuals obtained from Department of Main Roads (unpublished data). 60 North West Regional Plan

Explanatory notes

The Queensland Government provides funding for the Regional Airport Development Scheme. This program funds airport infrastructure improvements on a 50/50 basis with local government to facilitate safe, all-weather access to remote communities.

Significant sections of the federal government’s AusLink network traverse the region. Corridor strategies, including Townsville to Mount Isa and Brisbane to Darwin, were developed jointly by the state and Commonwealth governments. They outline shared objectives and strategic priorities, rather than specific projects for funding. The Commonwealth Government has established Infrastructure Australia, to advise on the delivery of infrastructure priorities across Australia.

Queensland Rail has made significant 6.3.E Identify capacity constraints, Land use policies in order to achieve maximum investment in the Mount Isa Line. Within efficiency of the region’s strategic 6.3.1 Integrate land use and transport the Mount Isa System Rail Infrastructure 65 rail network, to link people, planning to support efficient land Master Plan Queensland Rail has industries and markets. use, movement of people and evaluated and consulted with industry goods, industry competitiveness on infrastructure needs and likely future 6.3.F Encourage transport of bulk goods and growth. demands. on the rail network. 6.3.2 Encourage a compact The Queensland Rail Master Plan 6.3.G Promote coordination of public transportation and land use recognises that general freight, livestock and private transport services, to strategy in activity centres to and passenger services represent only increase accessibility within and reduce transportation dependency a small proportion of the total tonnage outside the region. and improve access to employment transported on the Mount Isa rail corridor. and services. Growth in these areas is not expected 6.3.H Support initiatives that improve to have significant impact on capacity, the broader community’s access to 6.3.3 Encourage freight-dependent relative to the impact of growth in the transport services. developments to locate close to minerals, fertiliser and sulphuric acid major transport corridors through sectors. Demand forecasts and capacity 6.3.I Provide air transport that meets appropriate zonings. planning in the master plan are therefore access and regional development focused on the major traffic railway. It is needs in rural and remote 6.3.4 Protect airports from intrusions anticipated that rail transport will reach communities. into operational airspace or between 12.5 and 20 million tonnes per other incompatible uses that may annum by 2020. The intention of the 6.3.J Increase transportation resilience threaten safety or the integrity of master plan is to broaden the focus from to the impact of oil vulnerability. airport operations. infrastructure and freight, to an emphasis on the entire process of supply chains 6.3.5 Allow for the potential expansion and integrated transport planning. A of airports, taking into account private rail consortium is considering separation distances to ensure the development of a railway linking the safe operation and protection of Northern Territory to allow for increased amenity of surrounding properties. export opportunities and for supply to industry.

65 Mount Isa System Rail Infrastructure Master Plan, QRNetwork, 2009, version 1 Part E–Regional strategies and policies 61

Mount Isa and Cloncurry areas, where full range of technologies and the 6.4 Water there is growth potential, is a high benefits offered to other users in infrastructure priority for state government. the region.

Water for agriculture 6.4.D Investigate long-term water supply Objective In regard to water for irrigation options in the region to improve agricultural production utilising Provide certainty for long-term investors, purposes, Richmond and Flinders Shire existing government organisational local government and residents by giving Councils have commissioned a number structures and frameworks. priority to the development of water of independent studies to investigate resource infrastructure. potential for the development of infrastructure to support irrigation 6.4.E Ensure that investigations into long-term water supply options The region is serviced by several surface farming. Studies undertaken by the Mount are undertaken collaboratively, water supplies and the Great Artesian Isa to Townsville Economic Zone Inc. involving regional industry and Basin. The development of new water indicate that there may be opportunities community representation. resource infrastructure is identified as to take a risk management approach a priority for the region, particularly in to irrigation in this part of the region. relation to expected growth of the mining Under this approach profitable agricultural industry and the potential to broaden production may be derived from water Land use policies harvesting and off-stream storage during the economic base of the eastern shires 6.4.1 Identify existing and future sub- peak flow periods in the Flinders River through agricultural activities. regional priority water demands catchment, on a season-by-season basis. which require the provision of new Urban supply or upgraded water infrastructure, A risk management approach takes a The Mount Isa Water Board is responsible including water storage and supply range of factors into account to determine for the supply of water to Mount Isa treatment within the next 10–20 economic viability of water storage and and Camooweal. The city relies on five years. , including Julius and Moondarra irrigation ventures. This approach may benefit the region through economic storages. Camooweal also uses a sub- 6.4.2 Ensure future water infrastructure development, resulting in investments artesian bore supply. is neither located in, nor has in water resource infrastructure that is adverse impacts on, areas of high relative to the short-term risks of cost The lack of a reliable water supply has ecological significance. been a major issue for Cloncurry. The recovery. water supply comes from Chinaman 6.4.3 Consider demand management and The state government is undertaking Creek and from utilising river soaks water conservation in planning for high level investigations to determine the to supplement supply during summer future water infrastructure. months. In 2008 the Queensland appropriateness of irrigation proposals Government commissioned the and any necessary management regimes that should apply. These investigations construction of a pipeline extension from Explanatory notes , situated 110 kilometres north consider a number of principles including of Mount Isa, to augment the existing the maintenance of environmental flows, The Northern Australia Sustainable Cloncurry water supply and to satisfy the impacts of climate change, and Yields Project66 has assessed the water future demand. regional economic development. resources of Northern Australia. The project modelled and quantified, within Julia Creek, Richmond and Hughenden the limits of available data, the changes rely on aquifers associated with the Great Water infrastructure strategies to water resources under four scenarios. Artesian Basin. There is adequate water 6.4.A Ensure the allocation of water for for the growth needs of these towns. The project identified regions that may irrigation purposes results in the come under increased or decreased stress most sustainable economic, social The Northern Economic Triangle due to climate change, and increased and environmental outcomes. Infrastructure Plan 2007-2012 recognises water use. In relation to the North West the importance of a regional water supply Region, the streams that flow from the 6.4.B Encourage water infrastructure strategy to provide for future water region and into the Gulf of Carpentaria, diversification projects that provide demand for Mount Isa and the North the most significant findings are: an economic growth benefit. West Mineral Province under existing • climate is extremely seasonal, with water resources planning frameworks. 6.4.C Evaluate water infrastructure for pronounced heavy monsoon rainfall Overcoming water supply concerns in the mining, taking into consideration a and high surface and river flows

66 CSIRO, 2009 62 North West Regional Plan

• most rain, and runoff, occurs near the • maximising transport efficiencies in the coast, not in the rivers headwaters 6.5 Waste waste industry • high evaporation losses and land management • reducing greenhouse gas emissions topography pose significant constraints from landfills and during product on the viability of surface water storage Objective lifecycles • inland perennial rivers are sustained by • educating consumers about purchasing point discharges of groundwater Develop an integrated approach to waste choices and consumption. management, recycling and reuse to • shallow groundwater provides meet desired community health and Cooperative, integrated approaches opportunities for development, but is environmental outcomes, and achieve to coordinating domestic, industrial constrained the objectives of sustainability and and regulated waste management affordability. • the Great Artesian Basin aquifers may across the region can contribute to support further development, but rationalisation and improvements in Population growth in remote cities safe extraction yields have not been current waste management practices, with like Mount Isa and low-density rural determined environmental and financial benefits to settlements creates difficulties in the communities. • little potential for increased providing suitable recycling facilities for groundwater storage waste products. As resources become • planned development will have minimal more constrained, and greater emphasis regional water resource consequences, is placed on environmental sustainability, Waste management strategies but will have local impact. management of waste products and 6.5.A Promote initiatives and other recycling will increase in priority. methodologies that support waste Further investigations are being minimisation and achieve a best Developing a regional approach to undertaken to address the impacts of practice standard. a change of flow on ecosystems, as recycling materials such as cardboard, part of Northern Australia Water Futures tyres and plastics, along with other end- 6.5.B Develop an integrated and Assessment Ecological Program. of-life products such as oil and batteries, coordinated system for waste is required. A major challenge is high management across the region to freight costs to recycling plants located encourage efficiencies, economies Water Strategies on the coast, when compared to the and innovation. value of the recovered material. 6.5.C Promote policies that recognise The Water Resource (Gulf) Plan 2007 Several programs offer safe collection and waste as a resource and encourage sets out strategies for a range of recycling of cleaned chemical containers re-use and recycling of waste to water uses and gives consideration to and the collection of unwanted rural, reduce the proportion going to factors such as downstream effects and agricultural and veterinarian chemicals. landfill. 67 environmental flows needed to maintain The ChemClear program provides for the downstream ecology. collection of agricultural and veterinary 6.5.D Investigate cost-effective and 68 chemical containers, while drumMUSTER environmentally sustainable The North West Queensland Regional has been set up for the collection and sewerage treatment systems that Water Supply Strategy, developed recycling of non-returnable chemical are suitable for recreational areas by the Department of Environment containers. and isolated tourist nodes. and Resource Management, builds on the substantial body of work Challenges for the region include: 6.5.E Investigate opportunities for previously undertaken as part of the • stimulating investment in new resource effluent and water reuse, Water Resource (Gulf) Plan 2007 and recovery infrastructure particularly for agriculture and investigates how the region might industry purposes. • providing appropriate location of waste benefit from future water infrastructure and resource recovery infrastructure development. This strategy will provide 6.5.F Support local governments to within local government areas quantitative data on the potential upgrade sewerage treatment impacts of global warming on water • improving resource recovery from operations in urban locations, as supplies in the region and consider households, business and building appropriately determined by need. contingencies for worst case scenarios. construction

67 More information can be found at www.chemclear.com.au 68 More information can be found at www.drummuster.com.au Part E–Regional strategies and policies 63

Land use policy

6.5.1 Identify sites for integrated waste disposal, including recycling and reuse, giving consideration to regional facilities located close to transport infrastructure.

Explanatory notes

Industrial waste exchange can provide an important avenue for resources-saving and developing an environmentally sustainable society. Industries and commercial business are increasingly under pressure to be responsible both environmentally and economically. Partnerships between various industries and businesses could emerge as a promising alternative to improve waste management performance.

Management strategies are required to address issues regarding contamination. competitiveness of economic activities infrastructure in Queensland, through The Environmental Protection (Waste in the region. The planning challenges initiatives such as the OutbackNet69. Management) Policy 2000 and the are to ensure the region possesses This has extended broadband into Environmental Protection (Waste information technology to meet current regional areas in North West Queensland, Management) Regulation 2000 clarify and future needs and provide commerce and small towns are now able to get waste management practices in and communities with cost-effective and residential grade (and in many cases Queensland and provide improved reliable access to telecommunications business grade) broadband for the first environmental outcomes. The policy technology. time. Towns in North West Queensland provides a preferred waste management with access to broadband include hierarchy and principles for achieving Camooweal, Cloncurry, Hughenden, Julia good waste management. They provide Information and technology Creek, Richmond and Mount Isa. a basis for waste management programs strategies that may be required as a condition of approval for an environmentally 6.6.A Identify gaps within existing relevant activity for industry, and details information, technology and of voluntary industry waste reduction communications infrastructure. programs, and state and local government waste management strategic plans. 6.6.B Address limitations for the provision of communications infrastructure.

6.6 Information and 6.6.C Facilitate affordable access and technology coverage of information and communications technology by engaging with stakeholders. Objective

Promote equitable access to modern Explanatory notes information and communications technology. Commonwealth and Queensland governments have instituted Access to reliable and affordable improvements in the telecommunications communications is critical to maintain the

69 Footnote - more information can be found at www.outbackdotnet.com.au 64 North West Regional Plan

Part F— Implementation, monitoring and review

The regional plan establishes a basis Figure 5. The adaptive management for better planning, management and Statutory processes planning process development in the region. The value of the regional plan will be largely The regional plan is a statutory instrument under the Statutory determined by how successfully its Plan making outcomes are supported and implemented Instruments Act 1992, with the effect of Implementation by all levels of government and the the regional plan and relationships with community. other regional plans prescribed under chapter 2, part 3 of the Sustainable Effective implementation requires Planning Act 2009. cooperation by community stakeholders and coordination of state and local Relevant provisions of the Sustainable Review government activities and plans. Planning Act 2009 include: Monitoring Implementing the regional plan involves • establishing a Regional Planning and reporting coordinating and reviewing a range of Committee to advise the Minister on plans, policies and codes, infrastructure, regional issues Linking with planning services, planning and delivery. • ensuring local government planning schemes The monitoring and review elements schemes reflect the regional plan are critical to charting the progress of • ensuring state and local governments When a local government makes a land use planning achievements and take account of the regional plan when planning scheme or an amendment, it are essential to the performance-based preparing or amending a planning must state how the planning scheme will approach. This monitoring and review instrument, plan, policy or code that reflect the regional plan. To do this, a local process provides a feedback loop, may affect a matter covered by the government should, among other matters, to allow adaptive management as a regional plan address: response to changing circumstances and • ensuring the regional plan is new information. If the regional plan is • any conflict between objectives and considered as part of development to achieve its goals and objectives, the policies of the North West Regional assessment processes planning process (see Figure 5) must Plan, and therefore a matter that the be designed to be cyclical and should • enabling state planning regulatory assessment manager needs to have not begin or end at a discrete point in provisions to be made to support the regard to time. Instead, the process should always implementation of the regional plan • how the planning scheme reflects the be structured to include monitoring, • allowing the Minister to exercise call in desired regional outcomes of the North evaluation and feedback, as recognition and direction powers West Regional Plan of the need to learn and therefore adapt • how the planning scheme reflects the over time70. • establishing processes for amending the regional plan. sub-regional narratives.

70 Low Choy DC, Worrall RH Gleeson J, McKay P and Robinson J, 2002. In Environmental Planning Project: Volume 1 – Management frameworks, tools and cooperative mechanisms. CRC for Coastal Zone Estuary and Waterway Management, Technical Report 4:243pp. Part F–Implementation, monitoring and review 65

within this time frame. The action plan Community plans will identify the projects, the actions Roles and required and the lead agency. responsibilities The regional plan will assist local government in the preparation of The implementation process also The Department of Infrastructure and community plans as required under the requires the preparation of an annual Planning will work collaboratively with Local Government (Finance, Plans and implementation program that incorporates Queensland Government agencies, local Reporting) Regulation 2009. A local detailed action plans, work programs, government and stakeholders to facilitate government community plan must identify budget estimates and resource and coordinate the implementation of the local and regional issues that effect, requirements. The annual program will regional plan. The department will provide or may in the future affect, the local be prepared by the Department of a secretariat role to the RPC, assist in government area. Infrastructure and Planning in association preparation of the five year action plan with agencies responsible for the and the annual implementation program. work. This work will be coordinated by nominated government agencies. Implementation The RPC advises the Queensland Government, through the Minister, on the Infrastructure planning will be undertaken development and implementation of the Implementation requires the cooperation to determine the infrastructure regional plan. The RPC plays a key role and involvement of all three levels of requirements that support the regional in confirming priorities and monitoring government as well as non-government plan, leading to consideration and implementation. organisations, the private sector and the prioritisation as part of the state’s funding community. of major infrastructure components. The rights and responsibilities of individual agencies, authorities and Implementation mechanisms will include: The North West Regional Plan establishes bodies are to be respected and desired regional outcomes, objectives, • incorporation of regional planning retained, including the responsibility for and policies that will guide the outcomes into capital works and development, resourcing and funding of development of the North West region. service programs and policy- programs within their portfolio interests. making processes of state and local Each desired regional outcome sets out government objectives that must be followed to achieve the outcomes. State and local • incorporation of regional planning governments must reflect these objectives outcomes into local government in their own policies, as they are essential policies, development assessment to the correct functioning of the region. processes and local government planning schemes.

To facilitate effective implementation of the regional plan, an efficient coordination system to guide, monitor and assist implementation activities is required. In addition, the implementation process should, wherever possible, make use of existing administrative structures and frameworks and avoid duplication of process.

Primary implementation responsibilities for elements of the plan will generally be designated to either state government agencies based on portfolio responsibilities, or to local government in the region. Lead agencies will be responsible for coordinating the actions of any other agencies which have a role in the implementation of strategies.

A five year action plan will be prepared in consultation with the Regional Planning Committee (RPC), to outline the key priorities to implement the regional plan 66 North West Regional Plan

process, which will involve and inform Monitoring and the community of the outcome of any reporting regional monitoring program.

Regional planning is a dynamic process and does not end with the completion of Community the regional plan. There is a clear need to establish mechanisms to: involvement in • monitor progress and changes in the implementation region • identify new and emerging issues The regional plan sets out the need to involve all levels of government, industry • monitor implementation of the regional and the community in the planning, plan outcomes development and management of the • periodically review the status of the region. region and initiate changes to regional strategies and priorities where required. It is implicit that appropriate consultation and negotiations will be undertaken with Implementation will also involve a wide the community and relevant stakeholders range of community and industry groups in the implementation of specific and individuals, particularly at the sub- strategies and actions arising from the regional and local levels. plan. The extent, level and timing of consultation will depend on the particular strategy or action conditions. The Review process responsibility to ensure that appropriate community and stakeholder consultation In consultation with the RPC, the is undertaken will primarily rest with the Department of Infrastructure and Planning lead agency for each individual strategy. will produce an annual progress report on Members of the community and specific the implementation program at the end of interest groups can also provide input each financial year. into the implementation process through The regional plan will be reviewed formally the RPC. at least every ten years. In addition, the Minister may amend or replace the regional plan at any time if required.

The review process guides further policy development and assists in setting future priority projects and actions. The following information is critical to regular reviews of the regional plan: • population projections • employment growth • progress on the implementation of regional plan policies and actions • progress against regional targets • progress against targets in Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland • emerging regional issues. Any review will include input from government and the community. It will provide an open and accountable Maps 67

Maps

Map 2—Regional activity centres

Disclaimer: The information on this map should be treated as indicative only and subject to ongoing refinement. Based on or contains data provided by the State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Resource Management) 2008. In consideration of the state permitting use of this data you acknowledge and agree that the state gives no warranty in relation to the data (including accuracy, reliability, completeness, currency or suitability) and accepts no liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for any loss, damage or costs (including consequential damage) relating to any use of the data. Data must not be used for direct marketing or be used in breach of the privacy laws. Data source: Department of Environment and Resource Management and Department of Infrastructure and Planning. 68 North West Regional Plan

Map 3—Natural environment

Disclaimer: The information on this map should be treated as indicative only and subject to ongoing refinement. Based on or contains data provided by the State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Resource Management) 2008. In consideration of the state permitting use of this data you acknowledge and agree that the state gives no warranty in relation to the data (including accuracy, reliability, completeness, currency or suitability) and accepts no liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for any loss, damage or costs (including consequential damage) relating to any use of the data. Data must not be used for direct marketing or be used in breach of the privacy laws. Data source: Department of Environment and Resource Management and Department of Infrastructure and Planning. Maps 69

Map 4—Natural economic resources

Disclaimer: The information on this map should be treated as indicative only and subject to ongoing refinement. Based on or contains data provided by the State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Resource Management) 2008. In consideration of the state permitting use of this data you acknowledge and agree that the state gives no warranty in relation to the data (including accuracy, reliability, completeness, currency or suitability) and accepts no liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for any loss, damage or costs (including consequential damage) relating to any use of the data. Data must not be used for direct marketing or be used in breach of the privacy laws. Data source: Department of Environment and Resource Management and Department of Infrastructure and Planning. 70 North West Regional Plan

Map 5—Transport

Disclaimer: The information on this map should be treated as indicative only and subject to ongoing refinement. Based on or contains data provided by the State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Resource Management) 2008. In consideration of the state permitting use of this data you acknowledge and agree that the state gives no warranty in relation to the data (including accuracy, reliability, completeness, currency or suitability) and accepts no liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for any loss, damage or costs (including consequential damage) relating to any use of the data. Data must not be used for direct marketing or be used in breach of the privacy laws. Data source: Department of Environment and Resource Management and Department of Infrastructure and Planning. Maps 71

Map 6—Infrastructure

Disclaimer: The information on this map should be treated as indicative only and subject to ongoing refinement. Based on or contains data provided by the State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Resource Management) 2008. In consideration of the state permitting use of this data you acknowledge and agree that the state gives no warranty in relation to the data (including accuracy, reliability, completeness, currency or suitability) and accepts no liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for any loss, damage or costs (including consequential damage) relating to any use of the data. Data must not be used for direct marketing or be used in breach of the privacy laws. Data source: Department of Environment and Resource Management and Department of Infrastructure and Planning. 72 North West Regional Plan

Appendix 1—Mineral exploration maps

North West Mineral 2005 Province Appendix 1 73

North West Mineral 2008 Province 74 North West Regional Plan

Glossary

agriculture means the production of ecosystem means a community of least concern regional ecosystem has food, fibre and timber, including grazing, organisms interacting with one another the meaning given in the Vegetation cropping, horticulture and forestry. and the environment in which they live. Management Act 1999, schedule. area of biodiversity significance means an ecosystem services means services natural economic resources means a area identified and evaluated according provided by the natural environment variety of natural resources that sustain to the common nature conservation essential for human survival. economic development and provide a classification system. value or benefit to society. ecotourism means nature-based tourism biodiversity means the variety of all that involves education and interpretation natural economic resource area means an life forms including the different plants, of the natural environment and that is area where a natural economic resource animals and micro-organisms, the genes managed in an ecologically sustainable is found. they contain and the ecosystems of which way. they form part. natural resource means soil, vegetation, endangered regional ecosystem has plants, animals, minerals, air and water bioregion means the primary level of land the meaning given in the Vegetation that are utilised for economic benefit or classification in Queensland based on Management Act 1999, schedule. community wellbeing. regional geology and climate, as well as major biota. good quality agricultural land has the of concern regional ecosystem has meaning given in Planning Guidelines the meaning given in the Vegetation climate change means a change of – The Identification of Good Quality Management Act 1999, schedule. climate which is attributed directly Agricultural Land. or indirectly to human activity and off-stream storage is a facility that alters the composition of the global Indigenous cultural heritage means relies on water harvesting from a major atmosphere, and which is in addition to landscapes, places, objects and intangible watercourse or harvesting of overland natural climate variability observed over aspects such as language, song, flow waters; for example a ring tank. comparable time periods. stories and art that hold significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Minister means the Minister responsible conservation means the protection and people. for administering chapter 2, part 3 of the maintenance of nature while allowing for Sustainable Planning Act 2009 for the its ecologically sustainable use. Indigenous land use agreement has the North West region. meaning given in the Land Act 1994. cultural heritage means a place or object pest means: with aesthetic, architectural, historical, landholder means an owner of land, (a) weeds or animals declared as scientific, social or technological a land manager, a person or group of a declared pest under the Land significance to present, past or future persons with an interest in the land Protection (Pest and generations. through special lease, mining claim, Management) Act 2002; and occupational licence, occupation permit, designated scenic area means designated exploration permit, stock grazing permit, (b) non-native plants that are not parts of the landscape valued by the pastoral holding or permit to occupy, a declared pest under the Land community for its relative beauty and that and trustees of land set aside for public Protection (Pest and Stock Route are most easily accessed or viewed. purposes. Management) Act 2002. desired regional outcome means a desired land use policy means a land use policy population density means the number of regional outcome specified in Part E. set out in Part E. persons per square kilometre. Glossary 75

population projection means a population sub-regional narrative means a sub- prediction that is the most likely outcome regional narrative in Part D. over the 20 year time frame of the plan. urban development means development protected area means a protected area of land for urban purposes. under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. urban purpose means a purpose for regional ecosystem has the meaning which land is used in cities or towns, given in the Vegetation Management Act including residential, industrial, sporting, 1999, schedule. recreation and commercial purposes, but not including environmental, conservation, regrowth vegetation has the meaning rural, natural or wilderness area purposes. given in the Vegetation Management Act 1999, schedule. urban zoned land means land zoned for urban purposes in a local government remnant vegetation has the meaning planning scheme. given in the Vegetation Management Act 1999, schedule. vision means the vision for the region specified in Part B. residential development means development for a residential purpose. water resource plan means a water resource plan under the Water Act 2000. residential purpose means that it will only be used as a residence and not for waterway means a river, creek, stream, commercial use. watercourse or inlet of the sea. riparian area means the banks of land wetland means an area of permanent, adjacent to a waterway or wetland which periodic or intermittent inundation, with contribute to its ecological balance, static or flowing water that is fresh, preservation and continuation. brackish or salt, including areas of marine water. sensitive land use means a residential purpose, health purpose, education zoned land means land allocated or and child care purpose and associated identified as included in a zone or other facilities, intensive recreational areas and like term such as domain or area under a areas of high ecological significance. planning scheme. settlement pattern means the spatial distribution of urban and rural land uses, employment, population, centres and infrastructure. strategy means a strategy specified in Part E. 76 North West Regional Plan

Abbreviations

DERM—Department of Environment and Resource Management

DIP—Department of Infrastructure and Planning

ERP—estimated resident population

FTE—full-time equivalent

IDAS—Integrated Development Assessment System

IPA—Integrated Planning Act 1997

LGA—local government authority

PIFU—Planning Information and Forecasting Unit, Department of Infrastructure and Planning

RCC—Regional Coordination Committee

RPC—Regional Planning Committee

SPA—Sustainable Planning Act 2009

Bibliography

Australian Government (Council of Queensland Government 2000, Water Queensland Government 2003, State Australian Governments) 2007, National Resources (Cooper Creek) Plan 2000, Planning Policy 1/03: Mitigating the Indigenous Reform Agreement (Closing Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Adverse Impacts of Flood, Bushfire and the Gap), Department of Families, Council. Landslides, Department of Emergency Housing, Community Services and Services and Department of Local Indigenous Affairs, Canberra. Queensland Government 2001, State Government and Planning. Counter Disaster Plan, State Counter Australian Government (National Water Disaster Organisation. Queensland Government 2004, Water Commission) 2004, National Water Resources (Georgina and Diamantina) Initiative, Department of the Environment, Queensland Government 2002, Plan 2004, Office of the Queensland Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra. Queensland Feral Pig Management Parliamentary Council. Strategy, Department of Natural Queensland Government 2000, Resources and Mines. Queensland Government 2005, Sub- Environmental Protection (Waste regional nature based tourism strategy, Management) Policy 2000, Office of the Queensland Government 2002, Tourism Queensland, Queensland Parks Queensland Parliamentary Council. Queensland Weeds Strategy 2002-06, and Wildlife Service, Dalrymple Shire Department of Natural Resources and Council and Flinders Shire Council. Queensland Government 2000, Mines. Environmental Protection (Waste Queensland Government, AgForce Management) Regulation 2000, Office of Queensland Government 2002, Queensland and Local Government the Queensland Parliamentary Council. Queensland Wild Dog Management Association of Queensland 2006, Strategy, Department of Natural Blueprint for the Bush: Building a Resources and Mines. Sustainable, Liveable and Prosperous Rural Queensland, Department of Communities. Bibliography 77

Queensland Government 2006, Water Queensland Government 2007, The Resources (Great Artesian Basin) Northern Economic Triangle Infrastructure Plan 2006, Office of the Queensland Plan 2007-2012, Department of Parliamentary Council. Infrastructure and Planning.

Queensland Government 2007, A Queensland Government 2007, Water Sustainable Futures Framework for Resources (Gulf) Plan 2007, Office of the Queensland Mining Towns, Department Queensland Parliamentary Council. of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation. Queensland Government 2008, ClimateQ: toward a greener Queensland, Queensland Government 2007, Back on Department of Environment and Resource Track species prioritisation framework, Management. Environmental Protection Agency. Queensland Government 2008, Queensland Government 2007, Sustainable Resources Communities ClimateSmart 2050, Department of the Policy, Department of Employment, Premier and Cabinet. Economic Development, and Innovation.

Queensland Government 2007, Delbessie Queensland Government 2008, Toward Agreement (State Rural Leasehold Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland, Department Land Strategy), Department of Natural of the Premier and Cabinet. Resources and Water. Queensland Government 2008, Townsville Queensland Government 2007, Gregory and North West Centres of Enterprise: Wild River Declaration 2007, Department Mining and Mineral Processing Industry of Natural Resources and Water. Action Plan, Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry. Queensland Government 2008, Improving Sustainable Housing in Queensland Queensland Government 2009, Local Strategy Discussion Paper, Department of Government (Finance, Plans and Infrastructure and Planning. Reporting) Regulation 2009, Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Council. Queensland Government 2007, Queensland Housing Affordability Queensland Government 2009, Strategy, Department of Infrastructure and Queensland Renewable Energy Plan, Planning. Department of Employment, Economic Development, and Innovation. Queensland Government 2007, State Planning Policy 1/07: Housing and Queensland Government 2009, Residential Development, Department Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009, of Local Government, Planning, Sport Office of the Queensland Parliamentary and Recreation and the Department of Council. Housing. Queensland Government 2010, Gulf Queensland Government 2007, State Resource Operations Plan, Department of Planning Policy 2/07: Protection of Environment and Resource Management. Extractive Resources, Department of Mines and Energy.

Queensland Government 2007, State- wide Health Services Plan 2007-2012, Queensland Health. 78 North West Regional Plan

Acknowledgments

This regional plan is the result of • Mr Peter Trim Department of Transport contributions from a wide range of and Main Roads government and stakeholder groups and • Mr Greg McNamara AgForce North the community. The North West Regional Planning Committee (formerly North West • Mr Glen Graham Mount Isa to Regional Coordination Committee) have Townsville Economic Development Zone contributed significant time and resources Inc. to the planning process in order to meet • Mr Donald Coventry Southern Gulf the project timeframes. The planning team Catchments Ltd. members have also put in a tremendous • Mr Terry Lees North West Queensland effort, which is greatly appreciated. Indigenous Catholic Social Services Although it is not possible to list every contributor, their input is recognised and • Mr Andrew Barger Queensland Resource valued. Council • Mr Barry Riddiford Indigenous interests The contributions of the following groups are acknowledged: • Mr Don Pollock former Executive Officer of North Queensland Area Consultative • North West Regional Planning Committee. Committee Queensland Government departments • Stakeholders • Department of Communities • Local Governments • Department of Education and Training • State Government • Department of Emergency Services • Commonwealth Government. • Department of Employment, Economic Special thanks to: Development and Innovation Members of North West Regional • Department of Environment and Planning Committee Resource Management • Hon Stirling Hinchliffe MP (chair), • Department of Infrastructure and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Planning • Hon Paul Lucas MP (former chair), • Department of Justice and Attorney- Deputy Premier and Minister for Health General and former Minister for Infrastructure • Department of the Premier and Cabinet and Planning • Department of Transport and Main • Ms Betty Kiernan Member for Mount Roads Isa and proxy chair of the Regional Planning Committee • Queensland Health • Cr Paul Woodhouse Mayor of McKinlay • Queensland Police Service Shire Council and co-chair of the • Queensland Treasury. Regional Planning Committee • Cr John Molony Mayor of Mount Isa City Local Government: Council • Mount Isa City Council • Cr Andrew Daniels Mayor of Cloncurry • Cloncurry Shire Council Shire Council • McKinlay Shire Council • Cr John Wharton Mayor of Richmond Shire Council • Richmond Shire Council • Cr Brendan McNamara Mayor of Flinders • Flinders Shire Council. Shire Council Acknowledgement • Ms Lyn Wallace Department of Environment and Resource Management • ABC North West Queensland. • Mr Tony Alderton Department of Images courtesy of: Employment, Economic Development and Innovation • Ray Cash Photography and Jacqueline Curley’s Outback Australia. rowth Management Queensland Management rowth August 2010 August G planning for a stronger, more liveable liveable more for a stronger, planning and sustainable community sustainable and North West Regional Plan Regional Tomorrow’s Queensland: Tomorrow’s strong, green, smart, healthy and fair

North West Regional Plan nfrastructure and Planning nfrastructure I 5666 Townsville QLD 4810 Townsville x 5666 +61 7 4760 7535 +61 7 4799 7379 PO Bo Department of tel fax [email protected] www.dip.qld.gov.au/northwest