(Photo: Facebook)
May 22, 2014
A Regional Economic Development Strategy designed to drive economic growth for the next five years was released today by the Wide Bay Regional Organisation of Councils (WBBROC).
WBBROC is the peak organisation representing the six councils that make up the Wide Bay-Burnett: South Burnett, Cherbourg, North Burnett, Gympie, Fraser Coast and Bundaberg.
The group says the economic development strategy is the first of its kind for the Wide Bay-Burnett.
It has been designed to facilitate growth by unlocking potential resources and enabling infrastructure investment from Local, State and Federal Governments, industry and the private sector.
“We want to deliver a thriving regional economy that is sustainable, resilient and robust, and advances the prosperity and livability of communities within the region,” WBBROC chairman and Bundaberg Mayor Cr Mal Forman said.
WBBROC has prioritised the key themes of Strong Regional Leadership, Enabling Infrastructure, Technology and Innovation, People Investment and Strong Business and Industry to drive the strategy.
“The ultimate aim is to unlock the potential of the region through key infrastructure enablers such as the Port of Bundaberg, Natural Gas to the Wide Bay Burnett, Bruce Highway Realignment and upgrades, North Burnett Minerals Transport, Regional Broadband Connectivity and improved connectivity to Brisbane and major transport routes from the southern centres of the Wide Bay Burnett’’, he said.
“The strategy is also aligned to our ‘The Perfect Place At Your Perfect Pace’ campaign which is aimed at encouraging families and businesses to move to our region.
“In partnership with other key stakeholders across the region, WBBROC believes the strategy, supported by region-wide economic leadership focused on driving economic development, will send a strong message to potential investors that the region welcomes new and expanding employment industries that will stimulate economic development.
“WBBROC firmly believes that to achieve the desired economic growth for future generations the region needs to focus on attracting a skilled workforce to support this shift.
“Ultimately, the other mayors and I believe success of the region’s economy will be supported by strengthening its competitive advantage, managing its natural resources and assets, and developing sustainable and diverse business, industry and tourism sectors.”
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