A new economic blueprint for the Bundaberg region is set to help drive growth and investment over the coming decade.
The strategy outlines Bundaberg Regional Council’s actions to promote a strong regional economy anchored by firm foundations in agriculture, manufacturing, health, construction and tourism.
Bundaberg is the second fastest growing region in Queensland, currently bringing in 1.5 billion dollars from agriculture annually.
Mayor Helen Blackburn says the ambitious strategy built on work already undertaken by Council to encourage investment in the region.
“Council has been working to promote the Bundaberg Region to investors, and with this strategy we have a clear course of action to continue that advocacy.
“As the region is facing an unprecedented surge of investment, Council has to be forward-thinking about how our region can maintain sustainable growth.
“The strategy recognises our challenges but more importantly identifies in what areas Council will focus economic development efforts.
“We will continue to proactively engage with investors and companies to attract those types of developments that will provide long term benefits and enhance quality of life for our community.”
Five key drivers for economic development were outlined in the strategy: workforce planning, business and innovation, investment attraction, enabling infrastructure and development.
Mayor Blackburn says each of the focus areas interrelated, creating an integrated plan to move the region forward.
“The strategy lays out practical, measurable actions for Council to take, specific to the challenges and opportunities we have in our region.
“The region’s main industries were central to the plan’s development and we are focused on fostering an economic environment in which they can flourish.
“With the region generating over $1.5 billion from agriculture annually, supporting our agricultural industry while balancing the use of land with increased demand for housing is crucial.
“Council has also identified working with the Port of Bundaberg to encourage new opportunities for increased use of the port as a priority, ensuring we make the most of the facility for trade opportunities.”
“A key priority for investment is accommodation, and Council has been proactively pursuing investors in this area.
“We are working to increase short term accommodation through hotel investment, along with student accommodation and aged care facilities, to support our focus on education, skilling our future
workforce and health as key growth areas.”
The strategy was developed with input from industry, business and residents through an online survey and in-person sessions in Bundaberg, Gin Gin and Childers.
