Regional Development Australia Fitzroy and Central West Inc 25 Yeppoon Road, Parkhurst QLD, 4702 PO Box 307, Rockhampton QLD, 4700 07 4923 6217
[email protected] Submission to the Joint Select Parliamentary Committee Inquiry on Northern Australia Terms of Reference The Committee to consider policies for developing the parts of Australia which lie north of the Tropic of Capricorn, spanning Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland and in doing so: • Examine the potential for development of the region’s minerals, energy, agricultural, tourism, defence and other industries; • Provide recommendations to: o Enhance trade and other investment links with the Asia-Pacific; o Establish a conducive regulatory, taxation and economic environment o Address impediments to growth; o Set conditions for private investment and innovation; • Identify the critical economic and social infrastructure needed to support the long term growth of the region and ways to support planning and investment in that infrastructure. 1 Regional Development Australia Fitzroy and Central West Inc. CONTENTS PAGE 1. Preamble 3 2. Central Queensland Region 4 3. Central Queensland’s Agricultural Industry 6 4. Forecast For The Agricultural Industry in Central Queensland 9 5. Future Regional Growth Industries 10 6. RDA Fitzroy and Central West – Regional Priorities 16 7. Northern Queensland Strategy 18 8. The Impacts of Resource Sector Growth in Regional Communities 20 9. Summary 21 10. Endnotes 22 2 Regional Development Australia Fitzroy and Central West Inc. 1. PREAMBLE Regional Development Australia is a partnership between the Australian, State, Territory and Local governments to develop and strengthen the regional communities of Australia. It has a pivotal role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of Australia’s regions.