April - June 2025 Newsletter

CEO intro The final quarter of the financial year has been another productive and fast-paced period for our region, and for RDA GW. Alongside the more detailed updates below – including progress on a Queensland DAMA, the state’s 2050 Agriculture Plan and a number of workforce accommodation initiatives – here are a few additional highlights: We’re participating in the Mackay Olympics Working Group, led by Mackay Regional Council, to help maximise opportunities leading up to 2032. We’ve contributed to new Economic Development Strategies for both Mackay and Whitsunday Regional Councils. We worked with Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) to finalise the 2025 Regional Projects Development Register, which captures $35.5B worth of projects (valued at $1M or more) in MIW that are at various stages of development – early, possible, commencing, underway or shovel-ready. We wrapped up the first cohort of the Bowen Basin Women in Leadership Program, while the NQBP-funded Mackay round continues. Three additional leadership initiatives are now in development – including a new program focused on inclusive leadership for men. As always, if you have any questions, feedback or would like more detail about any of our current initiatives, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Regards, Robert Cocco CEO - RDA GW

Regional DAMA goes to State Following our earlier work to explore a regional DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) – including surveying local businesses and advocating for government support – the Queensland Government has committed to completing a business case assessment toward a state-wide DAMA arrangement. This shift reflects the approach already taken by SA, NT and WA. Thanks to the groundwork already laid, MIW has been chosen as the pilot region for the Queensland DAMA. A business case and formal investigation are now underway, with a working group to be established in partnership with Migration Queensland. Stakeholder workshops are scheduled for August. Green light pending for Road Port precinct  RDA GW is currently supporting a private development called Road Port in its efforts to create a new 100ha commercial travel, accommodation and retail centre precinct planned along the Bruce Highway in Farleigh. The project will feature electric vehicle charging stations (with potential to expand into other renewable energy options), dry hire of RVs and caravans, accommodation and retail offerings. Roadport is exploring similar developments in Rockhampton, Cairns, Townsville and Alice Springs, with the broader vision of creating an interconnected network of transport and tourism hubs. The goal is to allow travellers to hire a van in one location – such as Mackay – and return it at another destination, encouraging regional tourism across Queensland and beyond. Planting the seeds for 2050  We’ve been actively supporting the Department of Primary Industries in developing Queensland’s 2050 Agriculture Plan, which will set the long-term direction for the industry and be rolled out through five regional plans across the state. Our involvement to date has included providing written submissions, attending planning workshops in Brisbane and nominating for the Central Queensland working group that will help shape the final regional plan. ESG framework for critical minerals industry To support a State Government–funded private company, we're helping to develop tailored Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles for the critical minerals industry. Our input is contributing to a shared framework that will make it easier for businesses to highlight their ESG commitments and demonstrate sustainability in action. Biofuels feedstock study underway The Department of State Development and Infrastructure recently hosted a workshop with industry representatives, including RDA GW, to help shape a biofuels feedstock study. The session explored what’s needed to make the study meaningful and practical – with the next step focused on gathering real data around available feedstock, such as how much sugarcane by-product (like bagasse) is actually accessible for use beyond the mills. NuFiba explores Mackay operations opportunity RDA GW recently hosted NuFiba, a company that upcycles agricultural waste into high-value food ingredients. Due to our sugarcane industry, the region presents a strategic opportunity for future operations. During their visit, we connected them with key stakeholders – including QUT researchers based at the Racecourse Mill – to explore potential collaborations and the establishment of an operational presence in the region. Workforce accommodation updates across MIW In Bowen, we’ve continued working with stakeholders to identify suitable sites for workforce accommodation. A commercial developer has shown strong interest in the area and is now in discussions with council around potential opportunities. In the Whitsundays, we’ve formed a working group with Whitsunday Regional Council, local Chambers of Commerce and developers to explore opportunities in Proserpine, Cannonvale and Airlie Beach. The group is starting with a business survey to determine whether there’s a real need for workforce accommodation in the area. In Mackay, four potential sites were reviewed, with two final sites being selected. RDA GW has facilitated connections between stakeholders and a modular housing provider, who is exploring the delivery of around 200 self-contained 1–2 bedroom units at each site. Across Mackay and Isaac, we’re also working with Greater Whitsunday Communities (GWC) to evaluate what’s holding back the development of social and affordable housing. This work, funded by the Local Buying Foundation, involves stakeholder interviews with managers, builders and investors to understand the barriers to investment. Early drafts of the study are now in progress, providing the first detailed look at why, despite clear need, this type of accommodation isn’t being delivered.

[E] ceo@rdagw.org.au                [PH] 07 4957 6160                www.rdagw.org.au Copyright © 2025 Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays, All rights reserved.