A new Rockhampton Region Investment Brief has been launched by the Queensland Local Government Minister Paul Lucas, providing a ‘blueprint’ for the region’s priority infrastructure needs.

 

The Investment Brief is a joint initiative by the Rockhampton Regional Council and Capricorn Tourism and Economic Development Ltd (CTEDL), supported by the state government through the Department of Employment of Economic Development and Innovation.

 

Identifying key infrastructure requirements needed to manage dynamic growth occurring in Central Queensland, the Investment Brief follows a major project status report showing $146 billion of investment is planned for completion by 2020 in Rockhampton and surrounding regions.

 

Mr Lucas said the Rockhampton Region Investment Brief was indicative of the strength and diversity of Central Queensland’s economy.

 

“Rockhampton is part of the Queensland Government’s regionalisation strategy and is a growth area of significant importance to both the state and national economy,” he said.

 

“Identifying and delivering infrastructure is fundamental to ensuring the region’s continued prosperity.”

 

The Rockhampton Region Investment brief identifies six infrastructure priorities as critical:

  • road and rail infrastructure,
  • water infrastructure,
  • serviced industrial land,
  • a successful Central Queensland NRL Bid,
  • CQUniversity Dual Sector and
  • the Rockhampton Riverfront Development and Yeppoon Foreshore Development.

 

Grant Cassidy, chairman of CTEDL, said the report is major step toward grasping the scope of growth and opportunity in the region and would help attract immediate investment.

 

“Central Queensland is currently home to the most substantial resources investment of any region in Australia and additional investment in infrastructure is needed to meet demand and create further opportunity for local businesses and tourism operators,” he said.

 

“Infrastructure projects must be prioritised to ensure the region continues to serve as major engine room for the national economy.

 

“With large scale projects in the resources sector underway and high levels of population growth forecast it is important for the region to appropriately manage and accommodate the exponential growth that is driving dynamic change.

 

“Projects in tourism centres such as the Yeppoon Foreshore Development are important to cater to the growing population and associated infrastructure such as new business conference and additional holiday accommodation must also be delivered.

 

“The Capricorn Coast has been identified as requiring 975 additional rooms by 2017 to meet future demand and there are very few projects such as the $35 million Oshen apartments that will address this need.”

 

“The challenge is to attract infrastructure investment across a range of areas including transport, tourism, sports and housing to keep up with growth projections.”

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Brad Carter said the Investment Brief showcases the strength of the region and offers real investment opportunities that will support growth.

 

“The investment brief clearly demonstrates why it’s a solid investment for government and business to invest, live, work and play in the Rockhampton Region” he said.

 

“Our $5.2 billion economy ticks all the boxes and is recognised nationally as a growth centre offering a diversity of business and lifestyle opportunities.

 

“The region is perfectly located and linked as a critical exporter and service hub for Central Queensland and this document clearly highlights how investing in the Rockhampton Region is investing in the future of our state and our nation.”

 

The Rockhampton Region Investment Brief can be accessed here.