State Development Minister Jeff Seeney said the framework had identified six priority action areas, including planning for development; infrastructure services; making it easier to do business; capitalising on economic drivers; attracting and retaining people; and communicating and promoting the region’s potential.
There will also be a new, ‘whole-of-government plan’ to manage the projects of regional significance.
“We’ve simplified complex planning regulations, boosted investment in infrastructure, and untangled the red tape that had been strangling industry, business and landholders,” Seeney said.
“The RegionsQ Framework builds on this solid bedrock of change, and is the next step in ensuring that regional Queensland continues to play a vital role in our mission to grow and supercharge the economy.”
Seeney said the framework draws on the “Governing for growth economic strategy and action plan” and identifies the priorities that will achieve the long- term vision set out in the Queensland plan for a decentralised state.
“Proponents involved in development projects identified as having a significant economic benefit to a specific region will now only have one case manager to deal with for all aspects of state government involvement,” he said.
“This single point of contact will reduce turnaround times, cut red tape, and lead to the faster deployment of all available government-support mechanisms.”
Queensland’s regions produced more than $140 billion worth of output in 2010-11, Seeney said, adding that 11 RegionsQ forums will be held around regional Queensland over the coming months.
“These forums will give us the opportunity to provide more information about the framework, and seek feedback from regional Queenslanders and stakeholders on the RegionsQ priorities and how they can contribute,” he said.
“The RegionsQ Action Plan will be released in early 2015, and next year we plan to hold the RegionsQ Showcase – a major event to shine a spotlight on the great lifestyle and investment opportunities in our regions.”
