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Biofutures investment engagement
RDA Greater Whitsundays is coordinating with a South-East Asian-based development and investment firm specialising in biofuels, biofertilisers, nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals derived from plant material who has a keen interest in Mackay. The company will visit the region in late April to meet with local stakeholders and explore opportunities aligned with Queensland’s bio-development priorities.
Bowen agave site to expand into tourism
RDA GW has engaged with Blue Sky Drinks - the new owners of the Active Treason agave plantation in Bowen - to learn about their future plans for the site. Proposed development includes expanding beyond production into tourism experiences such as farm tours and farm stays, creating a new visitor offering for the region.
Proserpine renewable energy forum
Community engagement in renewable energy projects was the key focus of a recent Queensland Renewable Energy Forum workshop in Proserpine. The session brought together industry and community stakeholders, highlighting the need for early, transparent engagement and the importance of taking the time to understand different perspectives. Thanks to Whitsunday Regional Council and Co-Existence Queensland for hosting this forum.
Quarterly meeting with Minister
Regional development priorities were discussed at a recent quarterly meeting between Queensland RDAs and the Minister for Regional and Rural Development. The session provided an opportunity to share updates on activity across the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region and discuss emerging opportunities and challenges at a state level.
Roadport development approved in Mackay
Development approval has been granted by Mackay Regional Council for a major commercial retail and roadhouse precinct at the corner of the Bruce Highway and Knobels Road. RDA GW has played an active role in supporting the development, and look forward to seeing construction commence.
Infrastructure Australia priorities align with region
RDA GW met with Infrastructure Australia following the release of its national priority projects list, which focuses on projects over $250 million and provides independent recommendations to government. Key areas identified in the list align with the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region, particularly in freight and transport. RDA GW is leveraging this to strengthen advocacy for road upgrades, aviation projects and freight infrastructure. A policy gap was also identified around sea freight, with discussions underway to progress coastal shipping opportunities onto Infrastructure Australia’s agenda.
Digital connectivity investment advocacy
As part of the Regional Digital Forum Working Group, alongside GW3 and three local governments, we engaged with telecommunications providers and mobile network operators across the region. Following a regional connectivity assessment completed in late 2025, this work is focused on identifying what is and isn’t working across community and business, and advocating to the Federal Government for investment aligned to the region’s priority gaps.
Pushing for delivery of key transport projects
Federally funded transport projects announced in 2019, including upgrades at Goorgangga Plains and Hamiltons Plains, and the Port Access Road, remain a key focus for RDA GW. Work has commenced at Hamiltons Plains, while planning continues for Goorgangga Plains. RDA GW is ramping up engagement with the Federal Government to progress these commitments and seeking clarity on the Port Access Road development.
Agricultural development plans link to state budget
RDA GW attended an update on Queensland's Primary Industries Prosper 2050 strategy this quarter. Closely involved in both the state plan and the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday 2030 sub plan, we are continuing to work with stakeholders on the regional plan while linking both into the upcoming state budget to progress opportunities for our region.
Local demand for statewide DAMA remains high
We’ve continued to engage with Migration Queensland on the development of a statewide Designated Area Migration Agreement. Interest from our local business community remains high, with RDA GW receiving multiple enquiries each week. Further workshops and stakeholder sessions are expected ahead of the end of the financial year to progress the next stage of development.
State tourism decision makers visiting the region
Senior staff from the department, including the Deputy Director General and the CEO of Tourism and Events Queensland, are visiting the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region across April and May. We will meet with them to discuss tourism infrastructure priorities, including airport upgrades, cruise capability at Mackay Port and road infrastructure to support regional access.
Indigenous tourism employment pathway
RDA GW has facilitated collaboration between the Indigenous Skills Employment Program (ISEP) and a private sector tourism training provider, to deliver a structured pathway into local tourism employment. ISEP supports Indigenous people to gain skills and secure full time employment, with this connection creating new opportunities in the tourism sector.
Bowen Basin WIL program update
Our Bowen Basin Women in Leadership program commenced in February with 26 participants being supported by 26 regional leaders as mentors. This program is yet again sponsored by the Local Buying Foundation, with in kind support from Isaac Regional Council through the use of their Isaac Events Centre, and is the fourth program to be managed by RDA GW.
The first event was a huge success with participants and mentors coming together for a Mentoring Orientation followed by an informal networking session to allow interaction. Then room was buzzing with excitement as the mentors introduced themselves followed by the participants.
RDA committee recruitment opening soon
A new round of RDA committee member recruitment is scheduled, with approximately half of the current committee due to step down as part of the standard rotation process. Positions will be advertised, with existing members eligible to reapply, and new appointments to be finalised by 1 July.
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