Tourism will be the focus of the first South West RED western economic development forum to be held in Charleville this month, when a new brand will be revealed for the region.
About 20 speakers will present five engaging sessions on May 9 and 10, exploring the latest trends and issues for outback Queensland tourism, opportunities for investment and packaging, and best practice for service, marketing and digital utilisation.
SW RED chair and Paroo shire mayor, Lindsay Godfrey said it was an exciting time for the organisation and he was hopeful it would be the first of many such forums.
“We know tourism is important to our local economy and can complement existing industries, such as agriculture and resources,” Cr Godfrey said.
“This is an opportunity for local business, tourism operators, visitor information staff and local government reps to come together and discuss real economic development opportunities.
“And not just for the south west but the entire west, including central and north.”
South West RED is hoping people from as far apart as Mount Isa and Thargomindah and east to Charters Towers and St George will attend.
Cr Godfrey said the program was packed and he was looking forward to hearing guest speakers, especially in the areas of investment and packaging and marketing.
The forum will also cover current and future opportunities for regional Queensland, and how planning, community vitality and small business resilience can contribute to the economic performance of our communities.
In the resource sector and regional projects session, attendees will receive an update on current and future developments chiefly in the Cooper Basin, and how business can procure supply chain work,
Attendees will also hear not only how and when regional and remote communities can expect high speed broadband, but what the opportunities are when it arrives.
Forum speakers include Peter Homan, general manager of the Outback Queensland Tourism Association, Matt Bron from Tourism and Events Queensland, representatives from SENEX Energy Ltd and nbn Co, and Professor Jim Cavaye from USQ, who is known around the world for his ability to get to a core of regional communities and help navigate pathways to economic growth.
Cr Godfrey said it would also be a chance for new regional leaders to meet for their first South West RED meeting, post-election.
“We have a lot of work in front of us, both at a local and regional level and I know we are all looking forward to this term of local government,” he said.
The forum is being supported by Regional Development Australia and the Queensland Department of State Development.
Cr Godfrey said it was effective to be working with all levels of government on this particular project, as it assisted in removing duplication and all were working towards the same outcomes.
“Ultimately, we all want better outcomes for the regions and this gathering has the potential to achieve that,” he said.
With limited spaces, Cr Godfrey encouraged all interested in the inaugural forum to register now.
Direct queries to Monique Johnson – Marketing and Events, Murweh Shire Council: monique_johnson@murweh.qld.gov.au.
