RDA Wide Bay Burnett’s priorities are guided by our Strategic Plan 2022-25, which has been developed by leaders with local expertise and knowledge of the region's strengths, challenges and opportunities. Our strategy reflects the region's priorities and articulates RDA WBB's important role in facilitating sustainable regional economic growth.
There are five key priorities that drive our strategy:
Strategic priority #1: Coordinate across all levels of government, community and the private sector to facilitate trade and investment
Why it’s important
We play a key role in coordinating across all sectors and supporting both key industries and local businesses to thrive, access new markets and be sustainable, which underpins and drives our region’s economic growth and job opportunities.
How we’ll do it
- Collaborate with government, industry and community to facilitate new investment into the region.
- Build the capacity and readiness of businesses and industry to create new partnerships, innovate and diversify into new markets.
- Connect businesses to advisory, industry, government experts, resources and opportunities to increase capability, innovation, best practice, sustainability and profit.
Strategic priority #2: Grow a skilled, adaptable and diverse workforce
Why it’s important
Developing the education and skills base of our workers provides robust local career paths, helping our employers develop and maintain a stable workforce and enabling young people and families to nurture a solid future in their own region. This, in turn, helps other local industries, such as the retail and services sectors, to grow and create more jobs.
How we’ll do it
- Lead Regional Jobs Committees in Bundaberg and Fraser Coast, to support regional workforce priorities.
- Lead and coordinate efforts across business, industry, the community and government to support workforce priorities across the region.
- Support school-to-work transitions, coordinating with business, industry, the community and government to build a future pipeline of skilled and adaptable workers.
Strategic priority #3: Harness emerging opportunities and technology to position the region for economic growth
Why it’s important
The world is rapidly changing. It’s crucial we support our traditional powerhouse industries to adapt and transform as well as emerging industries to add value and create further opportunities for our communities.
How we’ll do it
- Support industry to adopt decarbonisation transformation strategies to reduce supply chain emissions, support local jobs and create a cleaner future.
- Facilitate investment into digital infrastructure and new technologies that support the growth of business and industry.
Strategic priority #4: Facilitate regional collaboration by bringing together regional leaders and stakeholders to identify priorities and develop local solutions
Why it’s important
Our own leaders across business, industry and government know our region best. We play a key role in bringing together diverse representation to find practical and meaningful solutions that grow and sustain our local economy.
How we’ll do it
- Ensure the Wide Bay Burnett has a strong voice to government.
- Identify and advocate for key enabling infrastructure to drive economic development in the region.
- Promote regional awareness of government policies, grant programs and research opportunities.
Strategic priority #5: Strengthen organisational performance through contemporary governance and best practice
Why it’s important
RDA Wide Bay Burnett helps connect and support multiple stakeholders across our communities. It’s essential our own operations are underpinned by contemporary best practice, a values-based culture and robust governance.
How we’ll do it
- Embed foundations of contemporary best practice to strengthen governance and organisational performance.
- Build and maintain an outcomes-focused organisation with a highly engaged and skilled workforce.
