Economic development

Advocacy Position

The state government commits to funding and delivering a level 5 hospital in Bundaberg as part of an integrated health and education precinct by 2026/27.

Desired Outcome

Delivery of world-class, highly accessible health and education services for the residents of Bundaberg.  

Advocacy Position:

That before the end of 2020, the state government commits to funding and delivering the Bundaberg East Levee including all ongoing operational and maintenance costs for the life of the Levee.

Desired Outcome:

Delivery of state infrastructure to address flood risk in the Bundaberg region.  

Advocacy Position:

That Bundaberg Regional Council and its industry partners continue to call upon Minister Anthony Lynham and Sunwater to immediately repair Paradise Dam back to its pre- September 2019 state.

Desired Outcome:

Regional water security for the next 50 years to underpin Bundaberg’s growing role as one of Australia’s largest agricultural food bowls.  

Advocacy Position:

Bundaberg Regional Council calls on the federal and state governments to immediately commence delivery of all Bundaberg projects identified under the Hinkler Regional Deal before the end of 2020. That the remaining $250,000 identified for tourism projects be used for post-COVID-19 tourism marketing across the Hinkler electorate.

Desired Outcome:

The economic development of Bundaberg region.  

Advocacy Position:

The federal and state government prioritise funding for the revitalisation of the Burnett riverside, and the de-maining of Quay Street.

Desired Outcome:

Promote the economic revitalisation of the Burnett riverside and Bundaberg CBD to position Bundaberg CBD as the most vibrant centre in regional Australia. 

Advocacy Position:

The state government establishes a government-owned corporation to operate the Port of Bundaberg.

Desired Outcome:

Development of Bundaberg Port as a significant trading Port capable of driving regional economic growth and investment.  

Advocacy Position:

That federal and state governments conduct a joint investigation into the feasibility of Bundaberg State Development Area (including Bundaberg Port) for future use by the Department of Defence and other national security organisations.

Desired Outcome:

Attract defence-related investment and jobs to Bundaberg by activating Bundaberg Port and its associated State Development Area.

Advocacy Position:

Bundaberg Regional Council supports CQ University and other partners to develop a Bundaberg Ag-tech hub and seek support from both state and federal governments to expand the project.

Desired Outcome:

A range of economic outcomes including building a strong, resilient and competitive local economy. 

Advocacy Position:

That the state and federal governments develop an industry fund to support the transition of the region’s sugar cane industry into biomanufacturing.

Desired Outcome:

To ensure the number of direct jobs provided by the sugarcane industry are retained in the region through the creation of new jobs in the growing biomanufacturing industry.  

Advocacy Position:

The state government provides funding and other support for regional Councils to expand infrastructure for local fibre optic cabling in partnership with QCN Fibre.

Desired Outcome:

A range of economic outcomes including building a strong, resilient and competitive local economy.  

Advocacy Position:

Bundaberg Regional Council seeks state and federal government funding to develop the business case to upgrade Bundaberg Regional Airport to intentional airfreight designation.

Desired Outcome:

Expand the region’s export capability through new airfreight infrastructure and leveraging our proximity to Asian markets.  

Advocacy Position:

That state and federal governments prioritise funding and decision making for the following roads;

• Moore Park Road
• Goodwood Road
• Rosedale Road
• Gin Gin Road

Desired Outcome:

To maintain and enhance the region’s state road network.  

Advocacy Position:

The federal and state government provide matching funding to establish a new Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Facility.

Desired Outcome:

To deliver world-class sporting and social infrastructure that enhances the liveability and attractiveness of the region as a place to live and visit.  

Advocacy Position:

That federal and state governments prioritise funding for the redevelopment of ANZAC park and pool to modern recreational, civic and cultural uses.

Desired Outcome:

Delivery of world class sporting and social infrastructure to stimulate new visitation and investment in Bundaberg CBD, and the broader region.  

Advocacy Position:

That upon completion of the precinct masterplan state and federal funding be prioritised to deliver the Moore Park Beach Community Hub.

Desired Outcome:

Improved community and recreational facilities for Moore Park Beach.  

Advocacy Position:

Bundaberg Regional Council seeks state and federal government support in undertaking the development of the precinct.

Desired Outcome:

Delivery of modern sporting and social infrastructure to support local recreation while stimulating visitation and investment in the Bundaberg region.  

Advocacy Position:

State and federal funding for a new Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery and other associated precinct-based infrastructure as identified.

Desired Outcome:

The economic revitalisation of Bundaberg CBD through delivery of new precinct-based civic and cultural infrastructure.  

Advocacy Position:

The state government in partnership with Bundaberg Regional Council conducts detailed planning and design to establish a Bundaberg to Bargara cycle path.

Desired Outcome:

Delivery of high-quality community infrastructure that encourages active lifestyle choices and promotes a healthy region.  

Advocacy Position:

That following the completion of the Kendall Flat Enhancement Plan, funding be prioritised by the state and federal governments, along with the sporting codes, to deliver enhancements.

Desired Outcome:

Delivery of a multiuse AFL & cricket sporting facility that promotes participation in local sport and attracts regional sporting events.  

Advocacy Position:

That state and federal governments re-establish permanent programs and funding to link disengaged youth with employers, including permanent funding for high schools to engage youth with employers.

Desired Outcome:

To reduce the region’s high rate of youth unemployment.  

Advocacy Position:

State funding through Health and Wellbeing Queensland and other partners to support the implementation of the Building a Healthy Bundaberg initiative.

Desired Outcome:

To improve the overall health and wellbeing of citizens in the Bundaberg region.  

Advocacy Position:

State and federal emergency and community service organisations to participate in the Building a Resilient Bundaberg community trial being established in 2020.

Desired Outcome:

To create Australia’s most resilient community.  

Advocacy Position:

That government and community-based organisations work with Bundaberg Regional Council implement the ‘Bundaberg One Million Trees Program’.

Desired Outcome:

A strong and sustainable local environment.  

Advocacy Position:

The state and federal government support efforts being led by Burnett Mary Regional Group to fund region-wide measures to improve water quality in Moneys Creek catchment and Lagoon.

Desired Outcome:

A strong and sustainable local environment.  

Advocacy Position:

The state government works with Bundaberg Regional Council to investigate options for free green waste disposal at Council landfill sites, and reviews regulations to encourage green waste recycling in agricultural areas.

Desired Outcome:

A strong and sustainable local environment.  

Advocacy Position:

To grow the region’s visitor economy through market development as an Eco Destination

Objective:

A strong and sustainable local environment.  

Advocacy Position:

That the Queensland Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy refuses Mineral Development Licence Application MDLA 3040 and any potential coal mining activity in parts of the Bundaberg region that have high-value agriculture or tourism and environmental sensitivity.

Objective:

To maintain Bundaberg’s high value agricultural lands and strong environment.  

Advocacy Position:

That if further COVID-19 economic stimulus packages are provided by state or federal governments for road building projects, the above list of projects be put forward by Bundaberg Regional Council. That state and federal governments consider other COVID-19 local economic stimulus packages for Council’s to support their communities.

Objective:

To ensure a rapid local economic recovery from COVID-19.