- The Crisafulli Government delivers $3 million to support regional economic development through the Remote Area Board Program.
- Remote Area Board funding boosted after years of Labor's underfunding.
- Five Remote Area Boards representing 60 per cent of Queensland local governments to share in the funding.
The Crisafulli Government is driving regional economic development with the delivery of $3 million in funding for the Remote Area Board Program over the next three years.
Queensland's five Remote Area Boards include South West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils Inc; Central Western Queensland Remote Area Planning and Development Board; Gulf Savannah Development; Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Development Zone and Torres and Cape Indigenous Councils Alliance.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Jarrod Bleijie said the boosted funding would enable Queensland's five Remote Area Boards to deliver impactful projects that strengthen remote communities and drive economic growth.
"The former Labor Government reduced funding to this critical program, which the Crisafulli Government is restoring because we back bush communities," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"This funding increase will empower the Remote Area Boards to create jobs, attract investment, and unlock opportunities in key industries like defence, agriculture, and resources.
"The Crisafulli Government's commitment to restore Remote Area Board funding will support job-creating transformative projects throughout regional and remote Queensland.
Member for Warrego Ann Leahy said the Remote Area Board funding would deliver for bush communities.
"The Crisafulli Government is backing our bush communities by doubling Remote Area Board funding," Ms Leahy said.
Member for Gregory Sean Dillon said the additional funding would deliver significant economic benefits for more than 60 per cent of the State.
"The Remote Area Board is a critical program that strengthen remote communities and drives economic growth for more than 60 per cent of the state," Mr Dillon said.
Member for Cook David Kempton said the Crisafulli Government was listening to Queenslanders.
"After years of being ignored by the former Labor Government, we are listening to our bush communities and delivering," Mr Kempton said.
Since its inception in 1995, the Remote Area Board Program has delivered economic planning and development initiatives to meet the specific needs of remote communities.
Collectively, Queensland's five Remote Area Boards represent 38 local governments, covering more than 60 per cent of the state's land area.
Under the updated 2025–2028 Remote Area Board Program Guidelines, the three-year funding commitment will support projects that address the unique challenges facing remote regions, including limited access to resources.
These initiatives will ensure remote communities can compete on a more level playing field to attract investment and foster long-term economic growth.
