General News
5 November, 2024
Group marks 15 years
THE upgrade of major roads throughout Far North Queensland, feasibility studies to address gaps in the region and economic development strategies are among the many millions of dollars of projects championed by Regional Development Australia (RDA) Tropical North over the past 15 years.
RDA Tropical North is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year and chairwoman Hurriyet Babacan said the organisation had a proud history of brokering regional development solutions to create jobs and grow the Far North Queensland economy.
“Our independent organisation has been driven by community leaders volunteering their time to collaborate with communities and work across all levels of government to advocate for funding for projects and feasibility studies that steer our region towards a prosperous and well-planned future,” she said.
“The RDA Tropical North board positions have been held by 43 community leaders over the past 15 years with deputy chairman Cr Brett Moller celebrating the significant milestone of 15 years volunteering for RDA.
“We have recognised Cr Moller’s service with an award at our celebration evening and presented recognition awards to Bill Shannon for 10 years of service and Dr Allan Dale for eight years of service, including serving as the second chairman of the organisation.
“Many of the significant projects achieved during the past 15 years have assisted with developing and improving key road infrastructure throughout the region.”
They include $1.35 billion in funding for the Inland Queensland Roads Action Plan Project, a $276 million stage 1 Cape York region package, a 10-year $8.5bn commitment to improving the Bruce Highway, water security, including the Lakeland Irrigation Area Scheme and the 2020 inaugural RDA Tropical North Regional Water Summit, green waste compost in commercial agriculture, a plastics recycling facility and the Etheridge Agriculture and Irrigation Precinct.
“The arts sector remains a key focus for RDA Tropical North through our involvement in the Regional Arts Services Network and we have assisted the value-add agricultural sector through the formation of the Tropical Agri Food Industry Network.
“It is fitting that in our 15th year we released a five-year strategic plan for the region developed in collaboration with the FNQ Regional Organisation of Councils (FNQROC) to develop a dynamic economy, build resilience and increase liveability.
“The Tropical North Queensland Economic Development Strategy 2024-2029 identifies key priority development areas and infrastructure projects canvasing land-use perspectives, emerging growth industries and considerations for population growth and liveability to inform government investment decisions.
“RDA Tropical North looks forward to the next 15 years as we engage, not just in our backyard, but across Northern Australia and the Indo-Pacific region to seek effective strategies for the tropical north to thrive economically, socially, environmentally and culturally.”
