Regional Development Australia Townsville and NWQ

09/09/2026

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

Our CEO, Dr Lisa McDonald, will represent RDA Townsville and North West Queensland at the 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 (𝗡𝗘𝗗𝗖𝟮𝟲) in Hobart, Nipaluna next month.

Lisa will be part of the 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 breakout session, exploring an issue particularly relevant to our region: how do we make sure our people, businesses and communities are ready to capture the opportunities that come with economic growth and new investment?

Across Townsville and North West Queensland, we are seeing significant investment and development ahead. But infrastructure and investment alone don’t build strong regional economies. We also need the workforce, skills and local business capability to deliver them.

Lisa will bring some of our region’s experience to the discussion, sharing what we are seeing on the ground and the work underway to strengthen regional capability.

She’ll join Estella Rodighiero, Kerrianne Haggie, Michael Kerr and Dr Anna Edwards, bringing together perspectives from across economic development, regional development and business.

For RDA TNWQ, being part of these national discussions is also about bringing something home — new ideas, connections and examples of what is working in other regions that can help inform our work across Townsville and North West Queensland.



RDA Gold Coast City of Moreton Bay

08/09/2026

𝗔 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Our Strategic Regional Plan 2026–2031 was informed by consultation across Townsville and North West Queensland, with councils, industry, regional organisations and communities helping to shape the priorities for the years ahead.

Those conversations have continued through our State of the Region Roadshow, giving us another opportunity to hear directly from communities and local leaders about what’s happening on the ground and where opportunities are emerging.

With around 90 major projects valued at approximately $40 billion underway or planned, there is plenty to build on.

As RDA TNWQ Chair Debra Burden says in the Plan “RDA TNWQ’s Strategic Regional Plan 2026–2031 is our call to action.”

It’s about building on our strengths and making the most of the opportunities ahead, supporting investment, strengthening our workforce, enabling infrastructure and building strong, liveable communities.

Launched at the State of the Region Roadshow int the Burdekin Shire Council, take a look through the Strategic Regional Plan 2026–2031 - https://www.rdanwq.org.au/strategic-plan/

02/09/2026

Some great events happening across our region this weekend.

30/08/2026

Join us for our next Inspire and Ignite Networking event! ⭐

Come and join us for a special breakfast where we highlight a different organisation every quarter, and hear about the amazing work they are doing in our community.

This Inspire and Ignite's guest speaker is Andrew Hovenden, Founder of , who will be sharing the heartening story of how the Battle Initiative was established, and key information on how they went from Charity to DGR Status.

More information on The Battle Initiative: https://www.thebattleinitiative.com/

𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟔 𝐀𝐆𝐌 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝟕:𝟎𝟎-𝟕:𝟒𝟓𝐚𝐦, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝟕:𝟒𝟓𝐚𝐦 𝐨𝐧𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬

AGM is open to everyone, Breakfast is free for members and $10 for non members, register here ➡️ https://events.humanitix.com/inspire-and-ignite-vnq-quarterly-networking-with-the-vnq-agm

27/08/2026

𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 offer exciting career opportunities across Townsville and North West Queensland and many start with an apprenticeship, not a degree.

Building the skilled workforce our region needs is a key priority our Strategic Plan, making conversations like this particularly relevant during National Skills Week.

Great to see engineering futures and the pathways available into these important industries highlighted.

Defence and advanced manufacturing offer careers building things the whole country depends on — and they start with an apprenticeship, not a degree.

We're exploring engineering futures with our Gold partner, BAE Systems, this National Skills Week. Life Changing → nationalskillsweek.com.au

23/08/2026

𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻.

The draft North Queensland Regional Plan and Infrastructure Plan 2026 has now been released for public consultation by the Queensland Government, setting out a 20-year direction for Townsville, Burdekin, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook and Palm Island.

Further west, the North West Regional Plan is also under review, with a new supporting Infrastructure Plan being developed and consultation on the draft expected later this year.

For North Queensland, the numbers alone show why this planning matters. The region is projected to need an additional 26,700 homes by 2046 around 1,335 new homes every year.

But planning for growth isn't just about where those homes go. It's about making sure housing, jobs and investment are supported by the infrastructure our communities need, transport, water, energy, digital connectivity and community services. It's also about protecting productive industries and ensuring our communities remain liveable as they grow.

These are familiar conversations across our region. Housing, workforce, infrastructure and liveability are closely connected, and getting the planning right now will influence the opportunities our communities can realise over the coming decades.

For our North Queensland communities, now is the opportunity to have a say. Consultation on the draft North Queensland Regional Plan and Infrastructure Plan is open until Tuesday 29 September 2026.

👉 View the draft plan and provide feedback: https://www.planning.qld.gov.au/planning-framework/plan-making/regional-planning/north-queensland-regional-plan

We'll also keep our North West communities informed as the North West Regional Plan progresses towards consultation.

19/08/2026

Congratulations to Deputy Mayor Niki Flute on being elected Deputy Chair of the Overlanders Way Tourism Group!

A fantastic achievement and a great opportunity to showcase the incredible Outback Queensland region. Wishing Niki every success in the new role and in helping promote this iconic route and support our regional communities. 🛣️🦘🌅

We’re excited to share that Deputy Mayor Niki Flute has been elected as Deputy Chair of the Overlanders Way Tourism Group! 🙌

In her new role, Niki will be working with other regional leaders to promote this iconic route and encourage more road trippers to explore Outback Queensland. 🛣️🦘⛺

Stretching from Townsville to Camooweal, the Overlanders Way follows the Flinders Highway and leads visitors right to our doorstep, with stops at the Flinders Discovery Centre to meet Hughie, our resident dinosaur, and nearby Porcupine Gorge.

🚙 Drive tourism is vital for outback communities like ours, boosting cash flow for small businesses, creating jobs and funding community services.

Check out the new Experience Outback Queensland, Australia campaign promoting the Overlanders Way 👉 https://www.outbackqueensland.com.au/drive-overlanders-way/

18/08/2026

𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝗜𝘀𝗮?

The Our Region, Our Future – RJC Jobs Expo is on TODAY at Buchanan Park Events Complex until 5pm.

Events like this are important for our region. They bring employers, training providers and jobseekers together in one place, helping local people understand where the opportunities are, what skills employers need and the pathways available to get there.

With significant industry and investment activity across North West Queensland, building a strong local workforce and connecting people with meaningful employment and training opportunities has never been more important.

Whether you’re looking for your first job, considering a career change, exploring training or simply want to see what opportunities are available locally, head along and have a conversation.

📍 Buchanan Park Events Complex, Mount Isa
⏰ Open until 5pm today

A great opportunity to connect directly with local employers, training providers and organisations working to support the future workforce of Mount Isa and North West Queensland.

Mount Isa Regional Jobs Committee
Mount Isa City Council

11/08/2026

𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝗯𝗻.

We recently had the opportunity to hear from NBN Australia during our State of the Region Roadshow, where they joined regional conversations around connectivity and the infrastructure supporting our communities.

Now, 𝗻𝗯𝗻 is 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘀 in Townsville, Ingham and Mount Isa, 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 for people looking to build skills, gain experience and develop a career in the region.

These roles are an opportunity to be part of work supporting homes, businesses and communities across regional Queensland, helping deliver the connectivity people rely on every day.

For RDA TNWQ, sharing opportunities like these is part of the bigger regional workforce picture, connecting people with careers and helping employers reach skilled people across our region.

If you, or someone you know, is looking for a new career opportunity, take a look at the roles available and share them with your networks.
🔗 https://www.nbnco.com.au/corporate-information/careers



Mount Isa Regional Jobs Committee
Townsville City Council
Mount Isa City Council
Hinchinbrook Shire Council

10/08/2026

𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘂𝘀 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 & 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵, 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁, 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴?

It might only come around every five years, but the information collected through the Census is used long after the forms are submitted.

For communities across Townsville, North Queensland and North West Queensland, that matters.

Census data helps governments, councils and organisations understand how our communities are changing, where populations are growing, who lives here and what services and infrastructure may be needed in the years ahead.

And in regional, rural and remote communities, having an accurate picture is particularly important. The better the data, the better the evidence available when decisions are being made about our region.

Census night is tomorrow, Tuesday 11 August. Make sure you’re counted.
Find out more: https://info.census.abs.gov.au/about



Its nearly here 🤩 Census night is tomorrow, Tuesday 11 August.

If you know where you'll be tomorrow night you can complete your Census now. For more information go to census.abs.gov.au/help