Outback Queensland Regional Economic Recovery Plan

OUTBACK QUEENSLAND REGIONAL ECONOMIC RECOVERY

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

Our vision for Queensland’s recovery The Outback Queensland region spans from this pandemic is threefold – we are from the New South Wales, South working to protect the health of every Australian and Northern Territory Queenslander, we are creating jobs, and borders up to the waters of the Gulf we are working together to create the of Carpentaria. It is remote, sparse conditions for future success. and rugged with wide open spaces, Our regions are the key to building red sands, thriving wetlands and Queensland’s economic recovery. national parks. It has taken a collaborative effort from The region is as diverse as it is every region to shape our plan for the expansive, with rich mineral production, future. We will continue to partner – with sheep and cattle grazing, agriculture governments, industries, businesses and tourism. and communities – to navigate this new We will invest in rail and roads - the world for future growth. infrastructure required to deliver our produce to the world - at the same time we will invest in new economy minerals, innovative technology and tourism infrastructure to harness the resources of the region for economic growth.

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

The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk MP The Honourable Cameron Dick MP

This year has tested Queenslanders like no other. Outback Queensland really is the backbone of our great state. Its The COVID-19 pandemic has touched everyone and communities livestock and agriculture industries are key to our export markets, in Outback Queensland have not been immune to its effects. its natural resources have signifi cant fl ow-on benefi ts for other regions, and its rugged landscape is a drawcard for travellers. Our response to COVID-19 has kept Queenslanders safe and allowed our economic recovery to begin. The communities of Outback Queensland are no strangers to overcoming adversity, but this pandemic is like no other challenge My Government’s Economic Recovery Plan is all about protecting we have faced in our lifetime. Queenslanders’ health, creating jobs and working together. Our swift response to the pandemic meant that many outback Importantly, this plan also recognises that growing our regions is a communities have been protected from the virus, however, the key priority for Queensland and vital to our state’s future success. downside is that the impacts have been felt in places the virus Our immediate commitment is to keep the region moving through hasn’t reached. extra support for businesses, workers and households – from We have partnered with stakeholders all across the region to drive payroll tax relief to cost of living support. investment and growth in our outback communities. Our recovery approach recognises that sectors like agriculture, We have identifi ed shovel-ready projects to upgrade roads in the natural resources and tourism will continue to be the backbone region, with all up $1 billion in statewide road stimulus projects of the Outback economy - that geographically represents half of committed since April, over one hundred COVID-19 Works our State. for Queensland projects to be delivered through the Western It also seeks to take advantage of emerging opportunities to Queensland Alliance of Councils, a new $18 million community sustain and support local jobs into the future. hospital for Blackall, and major investment in digital connectivity Together we will back traditional industries on the road to recovery and tourism infrastructure. and also invest in more industries, more infrastructure and more The economic aftermath of the pandemic won’t disappear businesses. This is all about more local jobs. overnight, and a long-term challenge requires a long-term response I am so proud of the way Outback Queenslanders have stepped up – one that protects the health of Queenslanders, creates jobs and in these tough times. supports more resilient communities. From the frontline hospital workers in Mount Isa Base Hospital to The road to recovery in the Outback is about future-proofi ng our business owners like Longreach-based Allan and Sue Smith owners communities. We are standing shoulder to shoulder with the of Outback Aussie Tours who say accessing the Jobs Support Loan councils, businesses and communities of Outback Queensland to has been a ‘life saver’ in supporting their business and retaining foster long-term, sustainable recovery. their staff who are like extended family. My Government remains committed to not only supporting Outback Queensland on the road to recovery but also making sure we position the region for future growth and job generating opportunities.

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

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

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

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

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

Up to M M B in payroll tax relief statewide, land tax relief for property in road stimulus projects, including refunds and deferrals owners which must be passed accelerated funding to increase for eligible businesses and onto tenants in the form of investment in roads and tax exemption for JobKeeper rent relief transport infrastructure, including payments, supporting 14,960 jobs $400 million in Queensland in the Outback Queensland region Government funding for 42 projects

Initiatives in the Outback Queensland region include:

SMALL BUSINESS ACCELERATED ROADWORKS BOOSTING LOCAL TOURISM ADAPTION GRANTS $246.2 million boost for roadworks $3 million to support Outback 163 grants of up to $10,000 totaling in Outback Queensland supported by Queensland tourism businesses as $1.42 million to support Outback state and federal funding including: part of the $50 million statewide Queensland businesses. • $32.1 million to strengthen and recovery package for Queensland widen the Flinders Highway tourism. JOBS SUPPORT LOANS between Julia Creek and Cloncurry 45 loans of up to $250,000 approved • $20 million to complete sealing WILD DOG FENCING for Outback Queensland businesses of Aramac – Torrens Creek Road $5 million for wild dog fencing to totaling $6.9 million in funding and supporting 32 jobs protect livestock on an additional supporting 436 jobs. • $20 million to seal further sections 50 properties in Outback Queensland of Cloncurry – Dajarra Road representing a total of 1 million hectares to reinvigorate the local • $10 million to seal Eyre sheep and wool industry. Development Road between Bedourie and Birdsville.

SEPTEMBER 2020 5 CASE STUDY WHAT IS COVID-19 SUPPORT THE LOCAL IMPACT OF KEEPS WHEELS COVID-19? TURNING FOR MOUNT ISA BUS COMPANY WHILE OUR RECOVERY IS UNDERWAY, THE Thousands of mine workers, school children and sports IMPACTS IN OUTBACK teams who depend on Mount Isa Coaches for transport in the outback town were able to hop on board after QUEENSLAND HAVE COVID-19 travel restrictions were eased. BEEN FELT ACROSS Mount Isa Coaches co-director Alan Mathieson said a MAJOR INDUSTRIES. Queensland Government COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan was the ‘perfect safety net’ to help the company keep its local employees and maintain business operations during the pandemic. Livestock prices have been variable, with demand and prices for wool down, He said COVID-19 restrictions had forced the business but up for cattle. to adapt but the wheels were still turning and those in the outback town were still able to get to work. “The immediate effect of COVID-19 was we thought Downturn in domestic and international that was it, everyone had been isolated and had to shut export markets has affected agriculture up shop, but we then understood what was essential and food producers. and we adapted and changed our business to suit the restrictions put in place,” Mr Mathieson said. Mr Mathieson said the Jobs Support Loan allowed A slump in international metal prices all 10 staff to retain their positions which provided impacted export earnings, however enormous fl ow-on benefi ts to the Mount Isa prices have recovered. community. “It is certainly helping with working capital and cash fl ow month to month and it means we will get through Transport, freight and supply chain the next six month period” he said. disruption and effi ciency have a signifi cant impact on producers in remote areas.

Tourism and hospitality businesses have been hit hard during peak tourism season. Events have been cancelled and many communities have been impacted by multiple disasters in consecutive years.

There was a 4.7 per cent downturn in employee jobs in the Outback region between 14 March and 11 July 2020.

6 SEPTEMBER 2020 NEW ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUTBACK QUEENSLAND

New Economy Barcaldine to Opportunity Mount Isa Support for Minerals get renewable in sheep meat Mines Copper agricultural Prospectus energy boost processing Smelter backs development in The Queensland The Queensland A sheep meat local jobs the North West Government has released Government is processing industry The Queensland A comprehensive the New Economy Minerals providing $380,000 for development strategy Government is securing analysis will unleash Prospectus to attract a feasibility study into will be developed by almost 1,100 jobs opportunities for dryland private investment and the second stage of a June 2021, providing a associated with the agriculture to support capitalise on the state’s ground-breaking solar, framework for industry farmers and graziers in global reputation as Mount Isa Mines copper wind and hydrogen and government the North West region. a leading destination smelter. Eight hundred project. investment focused on The Queensland for mining and mineral and thirty jobs in Mount Government is investing processing. This study will look industry engagement, Isa depend on the a further $250,000 to at producing zero- supply chain issues, smelter, with a further With global demand develop and deliver carbon hydrogen from and skills and market 250 jobs in Townsville set to soar for New practical solutions for renewables to produce development. This will across Mount Isa Mines’ Economy Minerals such landholders to inform help increase investor as cobalt, vanadium ammonia and urea for and Incitec Pivot’s decision making that interest in Queensland’s and molybdenum, domestic and global operations. will unlock the region’s sheep meat supply Queensland’s Minerals markets. This builds The smelter supports dryland agricultural Provinces offer unrivalled chain. on the $300,000 Stage indirect employment for potential in conjunction opportunity for mining One feasibility study This strategy will many hundreds more in with emerging irrigation companies and industry into a 30 megawatt build on the existing those regions who either opportunities. participants for the solar farm with intensive $5 million for cluster This initiative production of minerals supply other goods and horticulture. fencing grants and complements essential to manufacture services to the smelter benefi t the development the Queensland wind turbines, generators, Should the project or refinery, or rely on the Government’s batteries, and electric proceed, it will be of key sheep production outputs. Strategic Blueprint for vehicles. Australia’s fi rst regions in Outback Over the next decade, Queensland’s North commercial-scale Queensland. This This prospectus will there will be growing West Minerals Province use of hydrogen with combined investment be used by Trade and global demand for and implementation will create more regional Investment Queensland potential to turbo-charge copper and other new plan, leading to new jobs across the sheep to promote Queensland economic growth in economy minerals jobs in an expanding meat and wool supply as the preferred the Barcaldine area. needed for wind cropping sector. investment location chain. The Hub could create turbines, generators and for mining companies 350 local jobs, 600 batteries and copper for and those seeking construction jobs and electric cars. exciting opportunities in attract up to $500 exploration, manufacturing million new investment. and infrastructure projects. The investment prospectus builds on the $13.8 million New Economy Minerals SEPTEMBER 2020 7 Initiative. INVESTING IN LOCAL CAPACITY BOOSTING PROJECTS

UNDERWAY PLANNING

Queensland Renewable Energy Zones The Queensland Government will establish a $500 million Renewable Energy Fund for Government investments in commercial Rail upgrades renewable energy projects and supporting infrastructure, to be undertaken through the Government-owned energy corporations. $50 million on the Mount Isa Line to bolster freight movement on The Fund will complement the Government’s $145 million the North-West supply chain, connecting the region’s minerals commitment to establish three renewable energy zones across province with North Queensland’s largest port. northern, central and southern Queensland, and continue the pace of Queensland’s transition to 50 per cent renewable energy generation by 2030. Since 2015, 41 large-scale renewable energy projects have commenced operations, are under construction DELIVERED or are ﬁ nancially committed, representing around $7.8 billion in investment and 6,500 construction jobs.

PLANNING

Outback tourism Country racing 2019 was the Year of Outback Tourism. Through the Year of Almost $1 million in infrastructure funding for 8 outback racing Outback Tourism Events Program, 56 events across Outback clubs from the 2020 Country Racing Program – Central Warrego, Queensland have received a commitment of more than Morven, Einasleigh, Aramac, Longreach, Cloncurry and District, $2.2 million funding with events continuing into 2021. McKinlay and Mount Isa.

8 SEPTEMBER 2020 PLANNING PLANNING

Copperstring project $14.8 million to continue investigations into the project’s feasibility to connect the North West Minerals Province with the National Electricity Market.

UNDERWAY

New Economy Minerals The Collaborative Exploration Initiative has received a $10 million boost in addition to the $13.8 million New Economy Minerals Initiative that helps explorers discover new economy minerals and support future jobs in Queensland's resources sector for projects such as Saint Elmo, Walford Creek and Capricorn Copper. South West Digital Connectivity Project $4.36 million contributed from the Building our Regions program for a collaborative digital connectivity program with Bulloo, Murweh, and Paroo Councils in Outback Queensland and Balonne, UNDERWAY Goondiwindi and Maranoa Councils in Darling Downs Region, to provide better connectivity within each council area and link neighbouring areas.

UNDERWAY

Drone testing facility Regional airports $14.5 million toward a drone testing facility in Cloncurry set to $15 million for an aviation support package to help regional be operational in October which will create a high-tech economic airports secure aviation routes into regional Queensland and sector for the North West, bringing technology, regional knowledge Brisbane, assisting numerous outback communities, supporting and experience together. an estimate of 4,500 jobs per year over three years.

SEPTEMBER 2020 9 11 16 7 South West Digital Cunnamulla Artesian Mount Isa, Arthur GOVERNMENT Connectivity Project Hot Springs and River Petersen Diversionary INVESTMENT IN $2.79 million contributed Walk Experience Centre bathroom upgrade from the Building our Regions (Commonwealth) $621,015 in 2020-21 out OUTBACK program for a collaborative $1.3 million in 2020- of a $651,125 total spend digital connectivity program in 21 out of a $5 million to upgrade bathrooms at the QUEENSLAND Outback Queensland ($4.36 total spend to deliver an Arthur Petersen Diversionary million across Outback and artesian hot springs facility Centre to improve Darling Downs regions). and recreational river functionality as they are no walk along the Warrego longer fi t for purpose. 1 1 River to complement Mornington Island State 8 Longreach replacement 17 Health Technology the existing community School auxiliary fire and rescue Equipment and tourism facilities. $1.2 million in 2020-21 out of station $1.28 million in 2020-21 Delivered in partnership a $2.3 million total spend for a $100,000 in 2020- for the Health Technology Carpentaria with the Commonwealth new secure perimeter fence. 21 out of a $3.1 Equipment Replacement Government. million total spend to Program ($629,000 in 2 2 Power Reliability Hilton- continue replacement Central West and $655,000 4 12 Lake Julius 3 5 16 of the auxiliary fi re Paroo Shire Council in North West). $1.7 million in 2020-21 to and rescue station at upgrade to critical Mount Isa 18 South West - Minor Capital continue renewal of high- Longreach. sewerage infrastructure Projects and Acquisitions voltage yards and electro- $2.8 million in 2020-21 $882,000 in 2020-21 as mechanical equipment in the 6 out of a $9.1 million total part of ongoing funding for Lake Julius Power System. spend To replace Paroo Boulia 8 Shire Council’s sewage minor capital projects and Barcaldine Longreach treatment plant and sewer acquisitions. 3 Lake Moondarra Deep 9 Well Pump Station Pumps relining. Blackall 19 Outback Queensland Renewal Tourism $587,155 in 2020-21 out of Birdsville 13 Arts and Cultural 56 events across Outback 10 a $900,000 total spend to Recovery Package Queensland have received renew the 60 year old pump $15.4 million in 2020-21 more than $2.2 million sets and improve reliability and out of a $22.5 million total through the $3 million Durham spend to reactivate cultural energy effi ciency of the Lake 5 Mount Isa 11 12 Year of Outback Tourism Moondarra Deep Well Pump Queensland and creative spaces and Events Program with events Station. Fire and Thargomindah provide jobs for local artists continuing into 2021. Emergency and arts workers bringing communities together and Please note: Not all Government expenditure for 4 Unmanned Aerial Systems Services the region is shown. Dollar amounts may include 9 boosting cultural tourism. capital and operating expenditure, though may Flight Test Range complex upgrade Rural and Regional Infrastructure not represent the entire funding allocated. $14.5 million in 2020-21 $500,000 in 2020-21 out Package - Blackall Hospital SEPTEMBER 2020 for the Autonomous Systems of a $3.7 million total spend Redevelopment 14 Chlorine Dose Equipment (drone testing facility). Part of to complete upgrade of the $9.4 million in 2020-21 out of a Upgrade KEY the Defence and Aerospace QFES complex at Mount Isa. $18.9 million total spend for the $520,000 in 2020-21 Community wellbeing Roadmap and action plans. construction of a new community out of a $1.2 million hospital in Blackall to support the total spend to replace Utilities 6 Kennedy Developmental Road (Winton - Boulia), delivery of contemporary, flexible and upgrade to current Health SUNSHINE models of care. COAST AND pavement widening and standards the outdated MORETON Education BAY sealing chlorination facilities. 10 Transport and roads FAR NORTH $3.6 million in 2020-21 Landsborough Highway QUEENSLAND IPSWICH BRISBANE out of a $4.8 million total (Morven - Augathella), pavement 15 Indigenous Home Justice and safety GOLD rehabilitation and stabilisation LOGAN COAST spend to widen a section of Ownership $1.8 million in 2020-21 out of Government services TOWNSVILLE the Kennedy Developmental $1.5 million in 2020-21 to

MACKAY-WHITSUNDAY Road (Winton - Boulia). a $2.8 million total spend to increase home ownership Recreation and culture CENTRAL Part of the Outback Way, rehabilitate and stabilise pavement outcomes from Aboriginal OUTBACK QUEENSLAND QUEENSLAND WIDE BAY delivered in partnership in two sections between 1.99km and Torres Strait Islander Statewide/region-wide and 39.90km on the Landsborough people living on Indigenous DARLING SOUTH EAST with the Commonwealth Election commitment DOWNS QUEENSLAND Government. Highway (Morven - Augathella). communal lands.

10 in Queensland Government capital investment in Outback M Queensland, supporting an estimated 1,900 jobs in 2020-21 11 16 7 South West Digital Cunnamulla Artesian Mount Isa, Arthur Connectivity Project Hot Springs and River Petersen Diversionary CASE STUDY $2.79 million contributed Walk Experience Centre bathroom upgrade from the Building our Regions (Commonwealth) $621,015 in 2020-21 out program for a collaborative $1.3 million in 2020- of a $651,125 total spend QUEENSLAND EXPLORERS digital connectivity program in 21 out of a $5 million to upgrade bathrooms at the Outback Queensland ($4.36 total spend to deliver an Arthur Petersen Diversionary million across Outback and artesian hot springs facility Centre to improve UNEARTHING NEW MINING Darling Downs regions). and recreational river functionality as they are no walk along the Warrego longer fi t for purpose. REGIONS 1 1 River to complement Mornington Island State 8 Longreach replacement 17 Health Technology the existing community School auxiliary fire and rescue Equipment and tourism facilities. $1.2 million in 2020-21 out of station $1.28 million in 2020-21 Delivered in partnership a $2.3 million total spend for a $100,000 in 2020- for the Health Technology A North Queensland-based mining company is one of 24 recipients supported by the Carpentaria with the Commonwealth new secure perimeter fence. 21 out of a $3.1 Equipment Replacement Queensland Government to fi nd the natural resources needed for new technologies Government. million total spend to Program ($629,000 in and renewable energy products. 2 Power Reliability Hilton- 2 continue replacement Central West and $655,000 Queensland is a leading destination for the metals and minerals needed for these Lake Julius 3 5 16 4 of the auxiliary fi re 12 Paroo Shire Council in North West). products, which include computers, smartphones as well as equipment for the $1.7 million in 2020-21 to and rescue station at upgrade to critical Mount Isa 18 South West - Minor Capital medical, defence and scientifi c research sectors. continue renewal of high- Longreach. sewerage infrastructure Projects and Acquisitions voltage yards and electro- $2.8 million in 2020-21 To help industry fi nd these materials, the Queensland Government has committed $882,000 in 2020-21 as mechanical equipment in the 6 out of a $9.1 million total a further $10 million over the next four years as part of its Collaborative Exploration part of ongoing funding for Lake Julius Power System. spend To replace Paroo Initiative to help get explorers surveying our regions. Boulia 8 minor capital projects and Shire Council’s sewage In July this year, 24 recipients were given grants of up to $200,000 to explore regional Longreach Barcaldine acquisitions. treatment plant and sewer locations across the state. 3 Lake Moondarra Deep 9 Well Pump Station Pumps relining. Blackall 19 Outback Queensland The grants are designed to help future-proof Queensland’s economy by supporting Renewal Tourism new discoveries and growth of new and existing projects, as well as future regional $587,155 in 2020-21 out of Birdsville 13 Arts and Cultural 56 events across Outback 10 resources jobs. a $900,000 total spend to Recovery Package Queensland have received Steve Harper of Red River Resources said the funding would fast-track the company’s renew the 60 year old pump $15.4 million in 2020-21 more than $2.2 million exploration of a historical base metals mine near Herberton. sets and improve reliability and out of a $22.5 million total through the $3 million Durham spend to reactivate cultural “This site is the historic West and East Orient mines which were last operational in the energy effi ciency of the Lake 5 Mount Isa 11 12 Year of Outback Tourism Moondarra Deep Well Pump Queensland and creative spaces and Events Program with events early 1900s,” Mr Harper said. Thargomindah Station. Fire and provide jobs for local artists continuing into 2021. “Getting this funding means we are able to bring our exploration schedule forward Emergency and arts workers bringing which, without it, may not have been able to happen for quite some time. 4 Services communities together and Please note: Not all Government expenditure for Unmanned Aerial Systems the region is shown. Dollar amounts may include “Ultimately, we’re hoping this work will lead to us being able to produce from this old complex upgrade 9 Rural and Regional Infrastructure boosting cultural tourism. capital and operating expenditure, though may Flight Test Range not represent the entire funding allocated. mine site – meaning we’ll also need to expand our business.” $14.5 million in 2020-21 $500,000 in 2020-21 out Package - Blackall Hospital SEPTEMBER 2020 for the Autonomous Systems of a $3.7 million total spend Redevelopment 14 Chlorine Dose Equipment (drone testing facility). Part of to complete upgrade of the $9.4 million in 2020-21 out of a Upgrade KEY the Defence and Aerospace QFES complex at Mount Isa. $18.9 million total spend for the $520,000 in 2020-21 Community wellbeing Roadmap and action plans. construction of a new community out of a $1.2 million hospital in Blackall to support the total spend to replace Utilities 6 Kennedy Developmental Road (Winton - Boulia), delivery of contemporary, flexible and upgrade to current Health SUNSHINE models of care. COAST AND pavement widening and standards the outdated MORETON Education BAY sealing chlorination facilities. 10 Transport and roads FAR NORTH $3.6 million in 2020-21 Landsborough Highway QUEENSLAND IPSWICH BRISBANE out of a $4.8 million total (Morven - Augathella), pavement 15 Indigenous Home Justice and safety GOLD rehabilitation and stabilisation LOGAN COAST spend to widen a section of Ownership $1.8 million in 2020-21 out of Government services TOWNSVILLE the Kennedy Developmental $1.5 million in 2020-21 to

in Queensland Government capital investment in Outback 11 Queensland, supporting an estimated 1,900 jobs in 2020-21 " The innovative spirit of the outback is captured in solar energy, agriculture, tourism, education and science by people working in the outback who love the outback." Participant, Regional Recovery Workshop, June 2020

12 SEPTEMBER 2020 POSITIONING OUTBACK QUEENSLAND FOR FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

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

Though initially the region had relatively lower job loss compared Regional recovery investments also include $10 million in addition to Queensland as a whole, recovery in Outback Queensland has to the $13.8 million already announced for the New Economy been more muted than other regions throughout the State. Almost Minerals Initiative will supercharge exploration and support mine $6.9 million in Jobs Support Loans have been accessed by 45 technology innovators to drive future mine jobs. An additional regional businesses and small businesses have benefi ted from a $50 million in funding has recently been announced towards three total of $1.4 million in Small Business Adaption Grants. new capital projects to improve the Mount Isa Line to bolster freight Strong economic reliance on resources and agriculture (primarily movement between North Queensland’s largest port and the beef) is expected to play a key role in recovery. The longer-term state’s mineral province. outlook will be infl uenced by demand for agricultural products, Infrastructure has already been boosted in the region through potential for new economy minerals, the diversifi cation and $26.3 million Works for Queensland funding provided to Outback development of new industries and productive and resilient Queensland councils for 127 maintenance projects and a infrastructure. $246 million road works boost, supporting this key regional The Queensland Government has worked with stakeholders to priority. identify strategic opportunities in the region. Throughout the The Queensland Government is securing almost 1,100 jobs regional recovery forums and workshops, the importance of associated with the Mount Isa Mines copper smelter in Mount collaboration across the community and all levels of government Isa and Townsville across Mount Isa Mines’ and Incitec Pivot’s and a shared commitment to bringing everyone, including the most operations. The Queensland Government is also investing vulnerable, on the journey towards a diverse and inclusive recovery $380,000 for a feasibility study into Stage 2 of a ground-breaking was evident. solar, wind and hydrogen project in one of Queensland’s best solar Stakeholder consultations identifi ed opportunities to build irradiance zones. economic resilience and capitalise on emerging opportunities. The Queensland Government is also developing a sheep meat Continued investment in productive infrastructure and processing industry development strategy which will complement partnerships with the private sector will provide jobs, support the the $5 million investment for cluster fencing grants. Along with traditional strengths of the outback and facilitate export growth. this investment, the Government is also supporting agricultural Building tourism infrastructure will help attract more visitors to development with a further $250,000 to unlock the region’s the region, with tourism being identified as a new opportunity for dryland agricultural potential in conjunction with emerging growth, along with diversification into new industries and reskilling irrigation opportunities leading to new jobs in an expanding and retraining. cropping sector. Emerging opportunities will be supported by recovery measures For Outback Queensland to recover we need to continue to work already announced, including a $12.5 million agriculture package in partnership. The Queensland Government will continue to supporting digital transformation and reinvigorated trade work with regional leaders to refl ect stakeholder ambitions for relationships and diversifi cation for the agribusiness and food the region. Recovery requires a long-term commitment from all industry and the $145 million Queensland Renewable Energy partners and working together will play a key role in securing a Zones commitment. The Queensland Renewable Energy Zones is strong recovery in the months and years ahead. This will ensure complemented by the $500 million Renewable Energy Fund for that Outback Queensland builds back better. Government investments in commercial renewable energy projects and supporting infrastructure.

SEPTEMBER 2020 13 CASE STUDY OUTBACK TOURISM BUSINESS READY TO ‘TURN THE KEY’ THANKS TO COVID-19 JOBS SUPPORT LOAN

Winter is peak tourism season for Outback Queensland but “We probably wouldn’t have made it without the this year COVID-19 has forced rural and remote communities support of the COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan.” and tourism businesses into dormancy due to restrictions. “It was a relief to receive the loan because it meant Longreach-based Allan and Sue Smith own and operate we could keep our team, who are like extended Outback Aussie Tours and are now able to ‘turn the key’ on family to us, and it meant we could continue doing their coaches and cruises as restrictions have been eased. what we were doing.” Allan said the Queensland Government COVID-19 Jobs With restrictions slowly easing and Queensland Support Loan had been a ‘life saver’ in supporting his open for intrastate travel, Allan said the business business through this tough time. was preparing to re-open some tour operations. “COVID-19 took a record year of nearly $7 million and “The 1.5 metre social distancing measures are more basically put that on hold,” he said. ﬂ exible for some of our tour packages so we can get “It caused an absolute nightmare of cancelling tours and 20 people on our cruise boat and with a COVID Safe keeping the faith with as many of our passengers as we Plan in place, we can get back to business,” he said. could.”

14 SEPTEMBER 2020 © The State of Queensland 2020 Attribution Content from Outback Queensland Regional Economic Recovery should be Copyright attributed to: © The State of Queensland, Outback Queensland Economic This publication is protected by the Copyright Act 1968 Recovery.

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