Wide Bay Burnett regional plan released for public feedback

From the train factory to aviation precincts and manufacturing projects, the state government’s blueprint for the powerhouse Wide Bay Burnett regions is up for debate.

The Queensland Government is seeking community feedback on the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Draft Plan. Pictures: Contributed.

The State Government has revealed draft plans for the Wide Bay Burnett region’s future over the next 25 years.

It includes a new infrastructure plan for the region, taking into account its status as a manufacturing powerhouse.

Key projects include the Torbanlea train factory, aviation precincts and food and beverage manufacturing.

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Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning Steven Miles said the plan will provide a much needed update for the region’s future.

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“It has been 11 years since the release of the last regional plan and in that time economic, social and environmental factors have changed,” Mr Miles said.

“The Wide Bay Burnett offers people an enviable lifestyle, and the state’s successful health response to Covid means that Queensland has become an even more attractive place to live, work and raise a family.

“Updating the regional plan will ensure that the region is best placed to respond to these shifts and improve opportunities for economic development and liveability across the Wide Bay Burnett.”

Gympie MP Tony Perrett said the plan will need to support the growing infrastructure of the region.

“From my local government days, and as a former Deputy Mayor of this region, I understand particularly well how important it is to get this right,” Mr Perrett said.

“This is a desirable region, and we need to have the infrastructure to give people, families, businesses, and workers the confidence to borrow and invest in the region.”

“Unfortunately to date we have been seriously short of state government support … it cannot continue.”

Gympie MP Tony Perrett said the plan needs to accommodate for growing infrastructure demands.

Bundaberg MP Tom Smith said the plan does adequately reflect the needs of the growing population in the region.

“The plan will address the needs of more than 300,000 people in communities across Bundaberg, Cherbourg, Fraser Coast, Gympie, North Burnett and South Burnett local government areas,” Mr Smith said.

“This is about getting it right now to ensure that a liveable and prosperous regional future is secured for generations to come.”

Mr Smith said he was particularly excited about the economic benefits of the plan.

“A key action coming out of the plan will be the development of a Wide Bay Burnett Regional Infrastructure Plan, which aims to develop a regional economic strategy to ensure significant infrastructure needs are considered and prioritised,” he said.

Tom Smith and Adrian Tantari are in support of the State Government's Wide Bay Regional Plan. Pictures: Supplied.

This sentiment was shared by Hervey Bay MP Adrian Tantari.

“As more people move to our regional and rural communities, it is important that communities remain a great place to live,” Mr Tantari said.

“This plan provides a long-term vision for the region to deliver more infrastructure, jobs and services for communities in a sustainable way.”

Residents are invited to share their feedback on the draft plan until 24 February 2023.