Western Australian Minister for Regional Development Don Punch, RDA Tropical North CEO Sonja Johnson and Deputy Chair Brett Moller, and Busselton Mayor Phill Cronin celebrate RDA Tropical North’s award win for the Tropical North Queensland Economic Development Strategy 2024-2029. Photo: Supplied.
The strategy to help drive the diversification of economic development in the northernmost part of the state has been recognised as an award winner at a ceremony in Western Australia.
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Tropical North’s Tropical North Queensland Economic Development Strategy 2024-2029 was recognised at the inaugural 2024 Regional Development Australia Awards in Busselton on 28 October in the Investing in Places category, which recognises targeted and place-based investment that enables communities to thrive and adapt.
RDA Tropical North Chair Professor Hurriyet Babacan said forging a regional partnership to create a strategic plan for the Far North, including Cape York and the Torres Strait, was critical for the future of the region.
“This strategy emerged from understanding 21 local government areas’ priorities from Cardwell north to the Torres Strait Islands and west to Croydon, with the Torres Cape Indigenous Council Alliance as a key partner,” she said.
“It also involved the synthesis of 37 regional plans and the result is a cohesive vision across economic, environmental, social and cultural pillars for the region.
“Key priority development areas and infrastructure projects have been identified that canvas land-use perspectives, emerging growth industries and considerations for population growth and liveability to inform government investment decisions.”
The Tropical North Queensland Economic Development Strategy 2024-2029 has a roadmap listing the current proposals requiring support, those with sourced funding which require a continued commitment, and implementation priorities.
