Supporting the new community hub, library and council chambers, Burketown, with Wi-Fi. Our performance Objective 3: Strengthen the regions by 55 firms as a result of Key achievements assistance through ICN services • assisted Indigenous business Queensland has long been the nation’s most development through co-delivery of decentralised state which presents both workshops with the Department of challenges and opportunities for economic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander growth. To strengthen Queensland’s regional Partnerships economies the department has: • worked across government to help • committed more than $85 million to ensure private sector project approvals 67 projects under the Building our are coordinated and timely to deliver Regions (BoR) program Round 2 and the maximum benefits for Queensland supplementary round for remote and including capital investment, Indigenous communities. Overall, this associated infrastructure and jobs. program has funded 109 projects, generating 1324 jobs and flow-on economic development opportunities Future priorities • contributed funding to regional To advance regional communities, the infrastructure under the Royalties for department is working to: the Regions program. For example, $10 million for the $26.3 million • facilitate critical regional projects upgrade to the Kingaroy Wastewater (including through access to Treatment Plant, as well as over $4.8 Coordinator-General powers) million towards flood resilience in the • develop regional supply chains Maryborough CBD and $1 million • support delivery of regional economic towards the $4.8 million terminal infrastructure redevelopment at Roma Airport • foster local collaboration to support • delivered two projects under the $130 regions million Jobs and Regional Growth Fund including: • lead economic recovery following disaster events. o Cape York Timber, in Far North Queensland Program highlights o Bio Processing Australia’s biorefinery, in Mackay Building our Regions • maximised local employment and economic outcomes from major The Building our Regions (BoR) program is investment projects. For example, the ensuring that the focus of economic growth is department has assisted local shared across the state. suppliers through the Industry The program is targeted at local governments, Capability Network’s (ICN) gateway contributing to critical infrastructure projects to provide full, fair and reasonable that generate jobs, foster economic access to tender opportunities. Work development and improve liveability in valued at $204 million has been won regional communities throughout Queensland.

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Laying fibre optic cable. The department has allocated the entire $225 • Boulia Reservoir Upgrade million it manages under BoR to 174 critical • Donohue Highway Emergency infrastructure projects across the state. These Landing Strip range from water, waste and sewerage • Bundaberg Regional Multi-Use Sports infrastructure to cultural, sport and recreation and Community Centre (Stage 1) facilities, airport upgrades and flood mitigation • Doomadgee to Burketown Optical projects. Fibre Link Project During construction, these projects will • Collins Avenue Bridge Renewal generate 1762 jobs and attract $353.5 million • Miriam Vale Water Treatment Plant in investment from councils and other Upgrade organisations. • Julia Creek Membrane Bioreactor During 2016–17, $85 million in funding was Sewerage Treatment Upgrade available under Round 2 and the • Cunnamulla Water Main Upgrade supplementary round–specifically targeting • Bulloo Park Redevelopment – Stage 1 remote and Indigenous communities. The • Evans Landing Boat Ramp Car Park – Round 3 application process was brought Stage 2 forward by six months and 65 projects were • Weipa Water and Sewerage Upgrades. approved to receive a share of the $70 million available in the 2017–18 financial year. Jobs and Regional Growth Construction of these is anticipated to commence no later than 30 April 2018. The $130 million Jobs and Regional Growth Fund (JRGF) is part of the government’s Round 2 projects were announced in broader $200 million Jobs and Regional November 2016. Of the 51 successful projects, Growth Package, targeted at growing regional 45 started construction in 2016–17. Under the economies and jobs for Queenslanders. supplementary round, 16 successful projects were approved in April and May 2017, with all Financial assistance ranging from $100,000 to projects expected to start construction no later more than $10 million is available for than 28 February 2018. proponents to apply directly. Thirteen BoR projects were completed during To date, the JRGF has supported two projects 2016–17. These included: including:

• St George Airport Infrastructure • Cape York Timber Upgrade • Bio Processing Australia’s proposed • Tambo Sawmill Infrastructure $50 million integrated biorefinery for Upgrade Mackay.

Case Study: Doomadgee to Burketown Optical Fibre Link Having access to high-speed broadband internet, 4G mobile services and wi-fi hotspots has opened up new economic and social opportunities for Burketown, located 425 kilometres north of Mount Isa. The $3.854 million Doomadgee to Burketown Optical Fibre Link Project means businesses, emergency and health services, schools, residents and visitors have the tools they need to connect with the rest of the world. It will improve access for teachers and students to online educational resources, for doctors at the hospital using tele-health for diagnosis and treatment, and for local businesses transacting with suppliers and customers. The contributed $1.927 million, with the remaining $1.927 million provided by the Australian Government. Telstra provided in-kind support valued at around $360,000.

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Norship Marine Shipyard, Cairns.

Eligible projects must demonstrate the ability CYSF will develop a tourism strategy that to create operational jobs in regional aims to preserve the distinctive character of Queensland where unemployment is higher each location, promote longer stays and than the state average. High-value projects develop itineraries for marketing. should support industry innovation and growth, public good infrastructure and SWRED will undertake two projects: employment. • South West Queensland Tourism Industry Development Program. This Royalties for the Regions project will provide actions for the The Royalties for the Regions infrastructure sustainable development of tourism funding program has now ceased. The within the region, including department is working closely with local identifying new investment, councils in delivering and acquitting infrastructure and tourism product remaining projects funded through this opportunities. program. • Supplying Premium Meat Products. This project will quantify the diverse Between 2012 and 2015, the program range of meat products currently committed more than $485.3 million to 148 supplied from within the region and regional community infrastructure, road and assess market demand and potential flood mitigation projects with a combined opportunities. project cost of over $817 million. Of these, 127 projects were completed and $364 million GSD will undertake two projects: of approved funding was distributed to • Enhancing Digital Resilience and councils as of 30 June 2017. Digital Capability in the Gulf and By the time all projects have been completed, Gulf Savannah Digital Tourism. This the program would have supported more than project will develop a feasibility study 2500 jobs. and detailed design for the telecommunication links for the The department is working with councils to Burketown to Karumba Fibre Link bring projects to a close, with 64 per cent of Project. Part 2 will include a Gulf projects completed as of 30 June 2017. Savannah Tourism Survey Report to capture tourism data in a digital Remote Area Boards and regional format for analysis of current and development stakeholders future needs. Remote Area Boards undertake crucial • Lower Gulf (and Riverine) economic development projects in the most Infrastructure and Economic remote areas of our state—from the far north Development Project. This project to the remote south-west. will provide an assessment of infrastructure (maritime and riverine) The Remote Area Boards are: Cape York and associated economic development Sustainable Futures (CYSF), South West opportunities. Regional Economic Development Association MITEZ will undertake four projects: Incorporated (SWRED), Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Development Zone • Assess Alternatives to Single Wire (MITEZ), Central Western Queensland Earth Return Power Lines at Remote Area Planning and Development McKinlay Shire. This project includes Board (RAPAD), and Gulf Savannah a survey of all properties connected to Development (GSD). the line system in McKinlay Shire and will assess other power options. A total of 10 projects have been approved to be undertaken by the Remote Area Boards.

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• Develop New Outback Tourism the Nullinga dam proposal in the Routes. This project aims to establish Cairns region. two new themed tourist routes in the • progressing the Burdekin Falls Dam Northern Outback connecting to the wall raising feasibility study Overlanders Way. supported by a $400,000 grant from • Commercial and Industrial Transport the National Water Infrastructure and Logistics Facility for Regional Development Fund. North West Queensland. This project will establish a regional transport and Stimulating jobs in North logistics centre to enhance transport Queensland efficiencies, providing an attractive environment for mining, heavy On 20 January 2016, the Premier announced a industry and the cattle industry. five-point plan to stimulate jobs in North Queensland. • Work to establish Stage 1 Cloncurry Bio-fuels and Waste Treatment A key action was ‘facilitating key private Precinct. This project aims to sector projects—the government will work establish a facility for value-adding with major project proponents to fast-track a activities using treated effluent water range of existing private sector projects’. and other waste products. This will The department is playing a key role in include undertaking preliminary responding to this plan by: planning, layout and design for a trial • providing 14 projects in North tree species plantation. Queensland with facilitation support RAPAD will undertake a project focussing on to help fast-track delivery a Digital Strategy Implementation. The project • assisting seven private sector projects will deliver actions from a previous strategy, in North Queensland to commence providing a platform to build momentum for construction in 2016–17. As a result, future work. 1100 construction jobs were created and $3.1 billion committed in capital Developing North Queensland expenditure Support has continued for complementary • Three projects moved from initiatives since the June 2015 release of the construction to operations creating Australian Government’s White Paper on 413 ongoing jobs. Developing Northern Australia. These included: Northern Australia Infrastructure • forums such as the Developing Facility Northern Australia Conference 2017 From July 2016, the Australian Government’s in Cairns which focussed on the $5 billion Northern Australia Infrastructure theme of Progress, Growth and Facility (NAIF) has provided financial Investment to drive development assistance to build transport, energy, water and initiatives in northern Australia communications infrastructure needed in the • CSIRO progressing water resource north. The facility will unlock potential in the assessments to determine available northern Australian economy leading to job water and best locations for water creation and investment. Queensland is well infrastructure in the Mitchell River placed to secure funds from the NAIF which catchment on Cape York. Evaluations has a suite of commercial-in-confidence include soil, environmental, social and proposals for infrastructure in the north. economic impacts and risks A workshop to examine broad infrastructure • contributing to the Business Case opportunities across North Queensland was Review Committee on the options for held with NAIF in April 2017.

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With the state’s role in delivering this North Burnett Minerals Province important initiative now confirmed, a master facility agreement between the state and the The North Burnett region hosts a range of appointed board will be established to stipulate minerals deposits including gold, bauxite, the state’s obligations under the scheme. ilmenite, coal, copper, molybdenum, zinc, Under this agreement an internal panel and nickel, apatite, siltstone and halloysite kaolin. procedure will be established for deciding Collectively, they are known as the North whether a proposal meets the state’s economic Burnett Minerals Province. growth agenda. The resource sector is already a significant The department, working in partnership with contributor to the region with the Mt Rawdon Queensland Treasury and the Department of gold mine near Mt Perry employing around Infrastructure, Local Government and 250 full time staff or 4.5 per cent of North Planning, will review potential projects in line Burnett’s total work force. The next most with the finalised eligibility criteria, assist prospective projects are the restart of the proponents with their applications, and Goondicum ilmenite mine near Monto and potentially monitor and report on funded NAIF the Wateranga ilmenite project, near Paradise projects. Dam. Development of projects to the productive North West Minerals Province stage has been hindered generally by (NWMP) Taskforce fluctuating mineral prices, junior status of proponents, insufficient exploration to define The North West Minerals Province (NWMP) resource potential and individual projects may Taskforce connects industry and regional not have sufficient scale to overcome ‘first stakeholders to discuss issues and challenges mover’ costs. to mining and exploration in the region. These include declining ore grades and maturing The announcement of a high-grade bauxite operations, as well as opportunities to ensure resource by Australian Bauxite at Binjour in mining in the region prospers into the future. 2012, at Brovinia in 2015 and Iron Ridge Resources at Monogorilby in 2016 elevates the In late 2016 the Taskforce delivered its minerals province with projects that have the recommendations to government including: production potential of three to five million • more efficient utilisation of enabling tonnes per annum. Export volume of this size infrastructure may support expansion of the Port of Bundaberg including into the Bundaberg State • improving exploration and mining Development Area, declared in 2017. The approvals processes department supports developers of a multi-user • encouraging the processing of waste conveyor at the port, important infrastructure material for resource projects with modest scope and • driving greater exploration success those in the early stages of development. • attracting new investment capital. The department continues to facilitate bi- The recommendations presented by the annual meetings of the Wide Bay Burnett Taskforce helped inform the whole-of- Resources Group, an informal group lead by government strategy. industry and supported by all levels of government. A Strategic Blueprint for Queensland’s North West Minerals Province. The department is continuing to investigate The blueprint will facilitate a strong and and identify the economic infrastructure prosperous future by building on existing required to support and attract industry economic and community strengths in including activation of the resource sector in collaboration with industry, business and the North Burnett. community leaders.

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Lower Fitzroy River. Lower Fitzroy River Infrastructure Supporting the growth of Central Project Queensland The Gladstone Area Water Board and The department is collaborating with the SunWater propose to construct a new weir at Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Rookwood and raise the existing Eden Bann Department of Natural Resources and Mines Weir. and six Central Queensland local governments during the final year of the three-year Growing Together, the weirs could supply 76 000 Central Queensland initiative. megalitres per year of currently unallocated water from the Fitzroy River for industrial, Through Growing Central Queensland and agricultural and urban use in Gladstone and independently, the department is focused on Rockhampton, regions. attracting new investment and value-adding to current agricultural production. The estimated total cost of the project is $495 million, which would require a peak New technology involving high-pressure construction workforce of up to 150 during the processing being applied to the region’s two-year construction phase. tropical fruit and vegetables has the potential to expand Central Queensland exports. This In December 2016, the Coordinator-General project will also help inform future agricultural approved the project, subject to stringent opportunities along the Lower Fitzroy River. conditions to protect water quality flowing to the Great Barrier Reef, animal habitats and Through close work with Building endangered flora. The Australian Government Queensland, the department is a member of the has committed up to $130 million to build Steering Committee for the development of a Rookwood Weir, contingent on the project business case for the proposed Rookwood obtaining the necessary environmental Weir on the Fitzroy River. This weir will approvals, and acceptance of a viable provide additional water for industry, business case. agriculture and urban supplies. The business case for Rookwood Weir is being The department is also supporting future developed jointly by the proponents and economic development outcomes in Central Building Queensland and is expected to be West Queensland through initiatives including completed during the second half of 2017. digital strategies to grow key sectors such as the tourism, beef and sheep industries. Also included is a study to identify six priority areas Agricultural and water where investment in strategic activities is development likely to provide significant contributions to Nathan Dam and Pipelines Project regional economic growth. The Commonwealth Department for the Transport and logistics is a key enabler for the Environment and Energy approved this project resources and agribusiness sectors in Central on 13 July 2017, subject to conditions. Queensland. The department is working closely with the proponents for the Central This followed the Coordinator-General’s Queensland Inland Port, at Yamala, to develop approval and release of the project evaluation a business case to attract public and private report on 31 May 2017. The report included sector investment. conditions, recommendations and proponent commitments on the boggomoss snail and Great Artesian Basin springs.

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Nathan Dam. SunWater Limited proposes to build the Warehousing Project, and the Health 888,000 megalitre dam on the Dawson River, Education Hub South-West, to be located in St intended to provide a long-term, reliable water George. The project also assisted with supply to mining, industrial and urban feasibility studies for a proposed abattoir and communities in the Surat Basin and the feedlot expansion in the Border Rivers. This Dawson–Callide sub-regions of Central proposal is under development. Queensland. Existing water licence entitlements for the Dawson River would The second completed project focused on remain but no new agricultural development business mentoring and accessing major will be facilitated. project supply chains, with the department supporting Regional Council and Water from the dam would be transported via Balonne Shire Council in the delivery of this existing and new pipelines (approximately 149 initiative. kilometres) as well as through the Dawson Valley Water supply scheme. The capital cost Regional businesses have benefitted, with 44 of the project is estimated to be $1.2 billion, enterprises receiving mentoring with a focus with 525 direct jobs at peak construction and on resilience, business systems and looking for five direct operational jobs. new opportunities. Most of these enterprises then opted to continue in the program by Murray-Darling Basin water recovery accessing one-on-one mentoring support from plan and regional economic the private sector. diversification program In addition, 45 enterprises across the Basin The Australian Government implemented the have engaged in a range of capability Murray-Darling Basin Plan with the purpose development sessions to assist them to of protecting and restoring the environmental understand the major project environment and health of the Murray-Darling river system. build their capability. Both the Balonne and Border Rivers The third project focuses on strategic tourism (Goondiwindi) regions are regarded as some of investment and infrastructure and is being the most impacted irrigation communities delivered by Goondiwindi Regional Council. across the whole Murray-Darling Basin. Stage one saw completion of a feasibility study into potential tourism sites and These irrigation communities have a development opportunities in the Goondiwindi significant agricultural focus and the region. businesses in these areas have built their income around that. The water recovery plan is This report was approved by the Australian likely to have economic impacts for those Government and $1.68 million committed businesses, the regional workforce and for the towards development of new tourism whole of these communities. infrastructure across the in 2016. The initiatives supported were: In response, the Murray-Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program • construction of facilities at the Lake aims to support regional communities with Coolmunda camping grounds structural adjustment and regional economic diversification. • work at the Texas Rabbit Works which has developed the historic The department leads three projects under this facility into a tourist attraction program. The first of these projects, completed on 30 June 2017, was delivered by Balonne • development of the historical Customs Shire Council and involved several initiatives. House in Goondiwindi as a museum These included the South West Rail Line, providing historical artefacts and links which has led to the formation of the South to the region’s heritage. West Rail Alliance, the Thallon Uplands

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Concept design for North Queensland Stadium, Townsville. The first two initiatives have been completed Regional infrastructure and the Customs House museum is expected to be completed by 30 September 2017. North Queensland Stadium At a capital cost of $250 million, the 25,000- This project has prompted development of seated capacity stadium will be home to the related infrastructure and opportunities such as North Queensland Cowboys and is designed to the Goondiwindi Town Walk and Indigenous cater for a variety of events, attracting visitors Heritage Display, and Inglewood "Camping in and investment to the region. the Grove" RV site. These have been successfully completed. The appointed design team, led by Cox Architecture, includes seven specialist design The tourism project has also undertaken the consultancies with established local development of Master Plans, Feasibility and Townsville offices. Economic Impact Assessments for the Goondiwindi Equestrian Centre and the Local knowledge has been instrumental in Goondiwindi Aquatic Park. influencing the design of the stadium and maximising the opportunity to include locally- Burdekin Falls Dam Feasibility Study sourced materials. The Burdekin Falls Dam is the largest dam in Queensland and a significant asset for North Managing Contractor Watpac has established a and Central Queensland communities. plan for more than 80 per cent of hours spent building the stadium to be undertaken by There has been a long-standing proposal to locals, and at least 80 per cent of the value of raise the dam wall height by two metres, to the project to be spent on local subcontractors increase the volume of water that could be and suppliers. made available to irrigators and other users. Watpac has also committed to the Funding has been granted under the National government’s requirements for job and Water Infrastructure Development Fund training opportunities for Indigenous workers, (NWIDF) to complete a study investigating with a target of 6.6 per cent of the workforce demand for additional water in the region, to be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander environmental impacts of dam works and use peoples. of water for potential Burdekin Falls Dam raising. The project is on track for completion by the start of the 2020 NRL season and is expected The department is managing the feasibility to support around 750 full-time equivalent jobs studies for the Burdekin Falls Dam raising in during design and construction. partnership with the Department of Energy and Water Supply and SunWater – as the existing Aurukun Three Rivers Project owner of the dam. The department is managing delivery of the Aurukun Three Rivers Community Centre The assessment of potential demand for the project on behalf of the Department of additional water and possible environmental Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander impacts is well underway with the study due to Partnerships (DATSIP). be completed in late 2017. The $2.1 million project involves conversion The Burdekin Falls Dam Raising Feasibility of the Aurukun Three Rivers Tavern into a Study is supported from the Australian multi-functional facility which can be utilised Government NWIDF, an initiative of the by the local council and community groups. Northern Australia and Agricultural Competitive White Papers.

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Concept design for North Queensland Stadium, Townsville. The centre is known as the Wo’uw Ko’alam The department’s involvement includes: Community Centre within the Aurukun community. • as a member of the project’s Business Advisory Group, providing advice on In February 2017, Indigenous-owned local industry issues to NEXUS construction firm H.C Building and • regularly communicating the Construction was awarded the contract to capabilities of local, major project deliver the project. The firm has worked capable companies to NEXUS closely with the department, the council, DATSIP and the local community to ensure • negotiating and funding an ICN the best outcomes could be achieved within procurement specialist to be the defined project scope and budget. embedded in the project, early in its delivery, to help ensure major The project is due for completion and contracts are visible to local handover to the Aurukun Shire Council in companies on the ICN gateway September 2017. • providing tailored and targeted one- Toowoomba Second Range Crossing on-one support to companies to meet tender requirements and deliver Construction of the $1.6 billion Toowoomba specialised capability development Second Range Crossing project started in programs and events to help local April 2016. companies learn how to win work on the project Nexus Infrastructure – which has been awarded the contract to design, construct, • running information sessions in the operate and maintain the Toowoomba Second region to inform business of project Range Crossing – anticipates the project will opportunities including a series of increase economic activity in the region by events in December 2016 hosted in $2.4 billion in the next 30 years. Gatton, Toowoomba and Dalby attended by 95 business The department has been working to maximise representatives. local content opportunities. Sixty-nine major contracts have been Economic Recovery Group promoted on the publicly available ICN The Economic Recovery Group (ERG) advises gateway. Many of these contracts have gone the Queensland Government and relevant to South East Queensland businesses including stakeholders on the economic impacts of a the demolition and asbestos removal contract disaster event, and the proposed response to being awarded to a Toowoomba based advance economic recovery. commercial, civil and engineering company, Newlands Group and the concrete supply The department chairs and supports the ERG, being shared between Boral, based in with membership drawn from relevant Toowoomba and Holcim based in Milton. government agencies, mayors from impacted areas, and representatives from peak industry Local Indigenous businesses are also groups and businesses. Intelligence is gathered participating in the project, with contracts on immediate impacts, and response and awarded to Toowoomba-based company, recovery actions are developed and their Dream n Clean and Withcott-based company, implementation monitored. CEL Drill Pty Ltd. The ERG was activated on 27 March 2017, following Tropical Cyclone (TC) Debbie as it neared the North Queensland coastline, bringing destructive winds followed by flooding in Central and South East Queensland.

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ERG membership for the severe TC Debbie • supporting local governments to encompassed more than 50 government deliver economic recovery tasks agencies and organisations including councils, • supporting access to Natural Disaster North Queensland Bulk Ports, Queensland Relief and Recovery Arrangements Resources Council, Queensland Tourism (NDRRA) assistance for primary Industry Council, Ergon Energy and the producers and small businesses Insurance Council of Australia. • supporting the retention of workers Chaired by the department’s Director-General and helping to address long-term Michael Schaumburg and attended by the skills needs Minister, the group met on 31 March, 7 April • implementing marketing campaigns and 12 April to identify and action immediate for the tourism and agricultural economic recovery priorities, and formulate sectors medium- to longer-term actions that were included in the Operation Queensland • aligning, where possible, Recovery: State Recovery Plan 2017–19, infrastructure development programs tabled in Parliament on 9 May 2017. and activities to complement economic recovery Economic recovery tasks included: • restoring damaged tourist • restoring vital supply chain infrastructure. infrastructure for key industries Case Study: Economic recovery support for Swickers Swickers Kingaroy Bacon Factory Ltd (Swickers) was severely impacted by fire on 6 November 2016. Damage to the export distribution centre, boning room and chillers left 570 employees unsure of their future. The department was on site a day later to coordinate a whole-of-government response to assist Swickers and South Burnett Regional Council’s (SBRC) Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) with the recovery operations. Soon after the fire, Swickers announced its intention to resume operations as quickly as it could and called for departmental support. The removal of ammonia and animal carcasses from the site was critical to allowing employees back onsite. The department worked closely with the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and SBRC to expedite the necessary approvals required for the removal of these products in a safe and timely manner. The department also sought assistance from DTMR regarding a second road access to the site to allow trucks to enter the facility without being impeded by clean-up works. Working with the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, the department coordinated planning permission responses required to rebuild and relocate staff to temporary facilities. These approvals included alternative heavy vehicle access, construction of a temporary workers’ camp and a state approved Local Temporary Planning Instrument which became active on 23 January 2017. The successful and timely approval of these permissions enabled 100 boning staff to resume work within a week of the fire at a temporary location, and the remainder of staff to return to the Kingaroy site to recommence operations.

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North Stradbroke Island. North Stradbroke Island economic Strategy office at Dunwich to liaise directly transition and workers’ assistance with the workers and their families. Three information sessions were held on North In September 2016, following a high-level Stradbroke Island, as well as one-on-one review of its operations, mining company meetings with affected workers and others still Sibelco announced its decision to restructure employed with the company. the company’s mineral sands operations on North Stradbroke Island (NSI). Twenty-three Since September, departmental support has workers were retrenched between September resulted in seven workers starting in new 2016 and the end of June 2017. employment, 15 accessing training and skills development, and one seeking to start an aged To support the affected workers and the apprenticeship. Other workers have retired, ongoing economic viability of the island started their own business or are considering community, the Queensland Government undertaking training. announced a $5 million NSI Workers’ Assistance Scheme which included: Engagement with the remaining Sibelco workforce and the company continues with • job search support more information sessions scheduled in 2017– • training, employment and relocation 18 aimed at providing details regarding assistance assistance available prior to and after • housing assistance retrenchment and to deliver specialised job • commuting subsidy search support. • income supplementation • dislocation assistance. Supply chain opportunities During 2016–17, the department delivered To implement the scheme, the department workshops throughout Queensland to help worked closely with the Department of increase the ability of local businesses to Education and Training to help workers with access opportunities arising from major training options and other employment projects and other purchasing activities. These assistance aimed at transitioning to new work. workshops provided participants with insights into the requirements to be competitive in The department appointed an employment tender processes and to develop improved services manager working out of the North capability to bid for future government or Stradbroke Island’s Economic Transition private works.

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