At the BIEDO AGM …  from left, general manager Mistel Badesso, Leo Geraghty, Sean Nicholson, South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff, Cr Melinda Jones, Cr Ros Heit, Matthew McCauley and Claire Kapernick  (Photo: BIEDO)

January 29, 2025

The Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation – better known as BIEDO – is looking for two representatives from the North Burnett to fill membership vacancies on its Board.

This follows the group’s Annual General Meeting which was held on January 24 in Murgon and chaired by Murgon businessman Leo Geraghty.

Elected were: chair Sean Nicholson, vice-chair Cr Melinda Jones (NBRC), treasurer Cr Ros Heit (SBRC), secretary Matthew McCauley and members Mayor Kathy Duff (SBRC), Claire Kapernick, Sharon Sippel and Beth Temple.

General manager Mistrel Badesso told the AGM that 2024 had been “a year of growth, resilience and collaboration for BIEDO”.

She said the group had strengthened its economic development partnerships with the South Burnett and North Burnett councils and Regional Development Australia.

It had also built a strong relationship with the Department of State Development.

Its Disaster Support Road Show delivered critical information on drought relief, climate updates and preparedness strategies at ag shows, cattle sales and community halls.

BIEDO also hosted Burnett Visionary Women events in Wondai, Eidsvold and Cherbourg and secured grants for a variety of projects from Queensland Health; FRRR; the Department of Small Business and Training; the Department of Agriculture; Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements; the Department Tourism, Innovation and Sport; and the Queensland Government Office for Women.

The group had co-ordinated the South Burnett Recovery and Resilience Project which delivered a series of workshops addressing key topics such as carbon farming, horticulture for Blackbutt and Kumbia, vegetation management, regenerative agriculture, broadacre cropping and emergency preparedness.

BIEDO also hosted workshops on primary producer resilience, supported by the group’s Agricultural Extension Officer Alan Broome who also engaged directly with producers at saleyards and producer
group meetings.

BIEDO also conducted a Connectivity Tour with NBN Local, Telstra and the Regional Tech Hub.

Ms Badesso noted that limited staff capacity and high reliance on key personnel created challenges for BIEDO in scaling up activities.

“The evolving funding landscape for regional initiatives can delay project implementation and impact the timely delivery of critical programs,” she said.

“The lingering effects of natural disasters, coupled with economic uncertainty, have continued to impact our communities.

“Limited access to critical infrastructure and digital connectivity in some parts of the region (are) hindering business development and community engagement.”

However, she identified opportunities for BIEDO to collaborate more with local councils, Chambers of Commerce and business groups; and to leverage partnerships to drive regional growth and expand agritourism.

The vision for “2025 and beyond” was to develop a comprehensive strategic plan to guide BIEDO’s priorities and initiatives, ensuring long-term impact and sustainability; strengthen BIEDO’s profile as the “go-to organisation” for economic development; and to enhance its digital presence through a website upgrade.

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