The Liberal and Nationals’ Government has today announced the Bundaberg and Hervey Bay region will pilot a Regional Deal, with the Government committed to working with state and local governments to identify regional development opportunities.
Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said like existing City Deals, this Regional Deal will bring together all levels of government to capitalise on the opportunities for a region, make the most of local strengths to foster economic development.
"The Regional Deal approach provides a unique opportunity to get all three levels of government on the same page and working together towards the common goal of ensuring a region can reach its maximum potential," Mr McCormack said.
"Working together will help governments develop a shared vision for a region, which will identify and consider key investments and reforms that are required in that area. For instance in the Bundaberg-Hervey Bay area, a Regional Deal could look at existing plans or opportunities to attract new business to the region."
"What will be known as the Hinkler Regional Deal will encompass the cities of Bundaberg and Hervey Bay, using the same boundaries as the recently-commenced cashless debit card trial."
Minister for Regional Services, Sport, Local Government and Decentralisation Bridget McKenzie said, "There has been a lot of interest from communities which want to participate in the Regional Deals pilot and the Bundaberg-Hervey Bay area has expressed their desire to be one of the pilot locations."
Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt has said the Bundaberg-Hervey Bay region has a lot of untapped potential to increase the output of key industries including agriculture, manufacturing and tourism.
"As a resident of the Bundaberg-Hervey Bay area I am well aware of not only the challenges that face our community but also the opportunities to grow our industries such as agriculture and manufacturing," Mr Pitt said.
"This region has one of the highest unemployment rates in Australia but this is what makes it well-suited to the Regional Deal model, which is all about developing projects which will generate jobs."
"To address the challenges and make good on the opportunities, I believe we need all levels of government working together to develop a plan that will help the Bundaberg-Hervey Bay region prosper over the next decade."
