North West Minerals Province Blueprint Part 1
Related: North West Minerals Province Blueprint Part 2
North West Minerals Province Blueprint Review
Minister’s Foreword
I am proud to release A Strategic Blueprint for Queensland’s North West
Minerals Province – Biennial Review 2017-2019 (the biennial review).
Since its release in mid-2017, the $39 million blueprint for the North West
Minerals Province has engaged all levels of government, businesses and
communities to guide the region’s transition to a more sustainable and
prosperous future.
It shows that we are delivering on the Palaszczuk Government’s
commitment to diversify the North West’s economy and create jobs. Already
we are seeing more interest in the new agricultural opportunities identified
by the blueprint as investors recognise the region’s potential for high value
crops and increased beef production.
There has been substantial progress, with the blueprint helping to
leverage a further $260 million in Queensland Government investment,
positioning the region to take full advantage of new opportunities
arising as Queensland unites and recovers from the impact of the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Across the blueprint’s three strategic priorities, we are facilitating resource
sector investment to unlock the region’s world-class minerals endowment.
Vital industries such as tourism have been hit hard by COVID-19 and the
valuable insights into visitation patterns and preferences gained through
the blueprint will help operators to capitalise on new and expanded visitor
markets as travel resumes.
Through this blueprint we are setting the foundation for long term job
creation and business investment to drive economic development planning,
business competitiveness and community priorities.
Over the next two years we will continue our work with businesses and
communities to deliver the integrated services that enhance livability and
prepare the region’s workforce for new opportunities as part of a more
diversified economy.
Strong partnerships will help us all succeed and I thank community
members, implementation partners and the North West Stakeholder
Advisory Committee. I look forward to working with you as we continue to
deliver on our commitments through the blueprint.
The Honourable Kate Jones MP
Minister for State Development,
Tourism and Innovation
Introduction and Context
The Department of State Development, Tourism and Innovation (DSDTI) is leading the whole-of-government implementation of A Strategic Blueprint for Queensland’s North West Minerals Province (the blueprint).
Released in 2017 and supported by $39 million, the blueprint focuses a suite of actions around 10 local government areas (see figure 1). These actions are structured across three strategic priorities:
1. facilitating continued resources sector development
2. diversifying the regional economy and creating employment opportunities
3. working with businesses and communities to deliver integrated and appropriate services
At the halfway point of a four-year implementation period, the blueprint is delivering the government’s vision of strong and prosperous industries, businesses and communities in the North West Minerals Province.
This document highlights the significant work progressed across each of the blueprint’s strategic priorities as well as other actions undertaken by the government to support the province.
The blueprint aligns with the state government’s priorities for advancing Queensland and provides a strong foundation to galvanise integrated and ongoing partnerships with commonwealth, state and local governments, business, industry and communities.
Significant consultation has occurred with key stakeholders throughout the blueprint’s implementation. The consultation identified a number of regional challenges that require further investigation. These investigations will inform the focus and priorities for the remaining two years of the blueprint’s implementation.
The North West Minerals Province includes the local government areas of: Mount Isa City Council, Burke Shire Council, Carpentaria Shire Council, Cloncurry Shire Council, Croydon Shire Council, Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council, Etheridge Shire Council, Flinders Shire Council, McKinlay Shire Council, and Richmond Shire Council.
+ Indicative map only
Figure 1: A Strategic Blueprint for Queensland’s North West Minerals Province geographic area
Queensland Government Investment
Since 2017 the Queensland Government has identified and invested in a number of strategic initiatives that reinforce the blueprint’s implementation. Total new funding for the region during this period exceeds $260 million across transport, energy, tourism, community and economic development.
Priority investment
Transport
The Queensland Government has committed $110 million over four years to improve the North West Minerals Province supply chain right through to the Port of Townsville. This targeted supply chain strategy particularly supports mining and exploration activities, and efficient freight movement.
This investment includes $80 million over four years for the Mount Isa Line Incentive Scheme to reduce rail access costs to improve the competitiveness of the Mount Isa line and drive a shift from road to rail.
The strategy includes in-principle support for the development of a new common user multi modal container terminal at the Port of Townsville.
This terminal will improve the efficiency of freight movement across the network. The strategy includes a contribution of $30 million to the terminal, with the Port of Townsville providing a further $18 million.
Energy
An energy package worth up to $132 million will support the connection of Genex’s Kidston hydro-electric project to the national energy market via a 186 kilometer transmission line.
The Queensland Government’s contribution is subject to agreement on final conditions with Genex to ensure value for money for taxpayers and the timely delivery of the Kidston project to support jobs in North Queensland.
In addition, $1.18 million has been invested to progress feasibility studies on the CopperString 2.0 proposal.
Economic Diversification
Economic diversification of the region is being supported through direct funding and competitive grant programs.
Support for priority sectors is being delivered through grant programs including:
• Building our Regions – approximately $9 million in funding has been allocated to North West local governments over four rounds
• Maturing the Infrastructure Pipeline Program – approximately $5.4 million in funding over two rounds has advanced local government projects in North West Queensland
• Outback Tourism Infrastructure Fund – approximately $2.04 million in funding to North West Queensland local governments
• Outback Tourism Events Fund – supporting 12 events across North West Queensland in 2019–2020 8 A Strategic Blueprint for Queensland’s North West Minerals Province 2017–2019 Biennial Review
• Jobs and Regional Growth Fund – one project supported
• Works for Queensland program 2017–2019 – approximately $27.98 million in funding across North West Queensland local governments to support key infrastructure projects
Many of these projects, particularly those in agriculture and tourism, directly support the objectives of the blueprint’s North West Queensland Economic Diversification Strategy (NWQEDS).
Case study – Richmond Agricultural Precinct
The Maturing the Infrastructure Pipeline Program (MIPP) is a $30 million infrastructure planning program that supports the development of a robust project pipeline by enabling projects to be matured from conceptually good ideas into solid proposals.
This program is supporting economic diversification in the region with over $1 million in funding for the Richmond Shire Council to support detailed investigations into stablishing an irrigated agricultural precinct.
The Richmond agricultural precinct is a proposal to create 8000 hectares of irrigated cropping land in the shire. Richmond Shire’s success with small-scale irrigated cropping has provided a pilot to understand opportunities for suitable crop types and market niches.
Sustainable water capture, storage and irrigated farming have the potential to support economic diversification in the region, supporting employment growth, infrastructure and funding additional commercial operations.
Detailed investigations to support the agricultural precinct include identification of suitable land, design of water storage, irrigation facilities and supporting infrastructure.
Richmond Shire Council estimates the project has the potential to create up to 384 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs during the precinct’s three-year construction phase, with 230 FTE ongoing operational jobs.
This work is further supported in the NWQEDS. It identifies agriculture as a key opportunity to strengthen the regional economy. The strategy sets a forward program of cropping trials to support regional transformation.
Remote Area Boards
Remote Area Boards (RABs) are driving economic priorities forward through development activities.
RABs are recognised as playing a strong enabling role in delivering economic projects and collaborating on strategic priorities in remote areas.
The North West Minerals Province encompasses the areas of two RABs: Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Zone (MITEZ) and Gulf Savannah Development (GSD). Between 2016 and 2019, $1 million in funding was allocated to MITEZ and GSD to advance approved projects.
Disaster Relief
In response to the 2019 monsoon trough, over $91 million in recovery grants were distributed by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority. These grants assisted over 2170 primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations.
Progress highlights
95% OF BLUEPRINT actions complete or on track
Facilitated 26 WORKSHOPS to build entrepreneurial capacity
The blueprint’s Youth Employment Program has helped to place 50 INDIGENOUS candidates into work
24 projects supported through the $36 MILLION collaborative exploration initiative
8 MINING PROPONENTS assisted with local and regional supply chain opportunities
OVER 100 STAKEHOLDERS contributed to the direction of the blueprint at the North West Futures Forum in Mount Isa
Partnerships with 5 LEADING RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS and the CSIRO to derive new mineral exploration and extraction techniques
10 LOCAL ACTION PLANS under development to support North West Queensland communities
3 TRANSFORMATIVE CROPS identified for agriculture in North West Queensland
5 REGIONAL MEETINGS of the North West Stakeholder Advisory Committee
$33.3 million North West Queensland Economic Diversification Strategy
$14.5 MILLION towards a drone testing facility at Cloncurry
$14.1 MILLION to deliver a New Economy Minerals package
$1.77 MILLION to support tourism development
$1.28 MILLION towards agricultural diversification
$1.65 MILLION to drive economic development, business competitiveness and strong communities
10 A Strategic Blueprint for Queensland’s North West Minerals Province 2017–2019 Biennial Review
Regional Confidence
15 MILE IRRIGATED AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Investment: $47 million
Jobs: 5 during construction, 77 initial development and 165 full production
Status: Approved July 2019
Expected completion 2020
KIDSTON PUMPED STORAGE HYDRO PROJECT
Investment: $330 million
Jobs: 370 during construction (over 3.5 years), 9 operational
Status: Approved April 2019
Expected completion 2022
COPPERSTRING
Investment: $1.5 billion
Jobs: Up to 400 during construction, 30 operational
Status: Environmental impact statement active
Expected completion 2024
All projects are declared/approved by the Coordinator General under the provisions of the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971. Total investment and estimated job figures provided by project proponents.
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{UPDATE) Copperstring 2.0 Project – June 2021
Project overview
EIS status EIS active
Description: A high-voltage overhead electricity transmission line connecting the North West Minerals Provence and Mount Isa to the National Electricity Market grid south of Townsville.
Proponent: CuString Pty Ltd
Location/s: The transmission line would run from a new sub-station at Woodstock, south of Townsville, to the Chumvale sub-station, near Cloncurry. Subject to demand, the line may extend west to Mount Isa and south to existing and potential mining operations. View map.
Local government/s
Mount Isa City Council
Cloncurry Shire Council
Mckinlay Shire Council
Richmond Shire Council
Burdekin Shire Council
Charters Towers Regional Council
Flinders Shire Council
Investment: $1.7 billion
Key features
Approximately 740 km overhead high voltage electricity transmission line from Woodstock south of Townsville to Chumvale, near Cloncurry
Potential for additional network extensions of the electricity transmission line from Chumvale west to Mount Isa and south to Phosphate Hill and Cannington, increasing the length of the transmission line to approximately 1,100 km
Transmission support towers every 400-500 meters
New sub-stations at Woodstock and Chumvale, near Cloncurry
Optical fibre network capability
120-metre-wide easement, narrowing to 60 metres wide in some areas
Access tracks for construction and maintenance
Construction camps
Expected completion 2024
Jobs
Up to 750 construction jobs, with a peak construction workforce of 350 at any given construction zone
30 (operational)
* Project information supplied by proponent and subject to change.
*Environmental impact statement (EIS) process 2021 update
Date Activity
Currently Additional information for the EIS being prepared by proponent.
17 June 2021 Additional information for the EIS requested by the Coordinator-General.
23 February 2021 Coordinator-General stated a new project declaration lapse date of 4 March 2022.
MidWest/Mount Isa: CopperString confident of securing NAIF funds
The essential CopperString project which will provide affordable, high voltage electricity to the north-west minerals province is confident they will secure funding through the Northern
Australia infrastructure Facility (NAlF but Mr Katter believes it will need to be topped up as
S2.8b of the $5b fund has been committed (as at 25 March 2021).
The north-west minerals province brings in over $600m a year into the Australian economy with the production of copper, silver, lead. zinc and gold.
But due to the current supply being gas. we are paying an exorbitant price for electricity, and are now seeing the colapse of the mid-west.
The biggest fertiliser plant in Australia relies on the copper refinery but copper is very deep and is extremely marginal. If CopperString doesn‘t happen, say goodbye to the fertiliser plant and the copper refinery.
Also along the CopperString route is arguably the biggest shale oil deposits at Julia Creek, the Hughenden Irrigation project and Twiggy Forrest’s Hughenden wind farm which will generate 1000MW electricity almost all base load.
CopperString is key to a whole lot of massive industry but unless this is built and built quick, we will see the north-west minerals province collapse. Mr Katter said.
The Coppe-String project is expected to create 750 direct jobs, 30 direct operational jobs and is estimated to cost $1.5b.
The project is currently working hard to finalise design, engineering, environmental
approvals and finance.
Published: June 2021 – The North Queensland Voice
……………………………………………………………………………………
7 New Mines
MMG DUGALD RIVER
ROUND OAK MT COLIN
ROUND OAK BARBARA
ROUND OAK WYNBURG
CAPRICORN COPPER
LADY ANNIE
NEW CENTURY
• Total capex of at least $12 billion
• Approximately 1330 jobs during construction
• Approximately 1105 operational jobs
Number of exploration permits granted*
2015-2017 > 191
2017–2019 > 332
Number of mining leases granted*
2015-2017 > 16
2017–2019 > 22
* Approximately figures for the blueprint’s 10 local government areas in addition to Diamantina, Boulia and Winton Shires as per the Strategic Resources Exploration Program (SPREP). Figures do not include permit/ lease renewals.
Strategic Priorities
Strategic Priority 1: Facilitating Continued Resources Sector Development
Strategic priority 1 reflects and supports the regional strengths of the resources industry and seeks to ‘facilitate continued resources sector development’. The blueprint committed $30.9 million to deliver these medium-term actions. Advances in global manufacturing, energy generation, transport and construction industries will continue to drive demand for the North West Mineral Province’s resource endowment.
While resource sector development in the North West Minerals Province slowed for a number of years, the work occurring through the blueprint is helping to stimulate a new phase of exploration and investment. The program of delivery has substantially progressed in the first two years of operation, supporting the outcomes of the strategic priority.
A detailed description of deliverables under each action is outlined below.
We are delivering minerals and natural gas geoscience exploration programs, new geoscience data systems and promoting the region’s investment potential.
Through the Geological Survey of Queensland (GSQ) we are delivering a four-year, $27.12 million Strategic Resources Exploration Program aimed at helping industry realise the prospectivity of the province.
Improve Pre-Competitive Geoscientific Data
The Strategic Resources Exploration Program supports a number of transformative initiatives designed to enable industry exploration success. These include:
• Advancing the concept of data-driven exploration, wherein the entire ecosystem of geoscience and exploration data collection, management and use is being modernised to enable industry exploration success.
• Central to data driven exploration is modernisation of Queensland’s geoscience data curation system. This is underway and due to be completed by December 2020.
Currently in a pilot phase, the new system will provide Queensland with a world-leading data repository enabling modern data analytics such as machine learning and artificial intelligence applications to advance exploration. This supports the industry to develop data skills and exploration capability.
• In collaboration with the Bryan Research Centre of The University of Queensland (UQ) we are developing world-leading ‘deposit atlases’.
For the first time, key information relating to deposits in the North West is provided in a digital form, helping to ensure that past investment in research and exploration is put to work helping make new discoveries.
This ground-breaking work has been well received by explorers at workshops delivered in Brisbane, Mount Isa and Townsville.
• The development and publication of a geochemistry toolkit and deposit atlases that provide industry with a greater understanding of the chemical composition and characteristics of specific ore bodies in the North West.
This information assists industry to develop improved sampling methods and analytic techniques for deeper deposits in both outcropping and covered areas. The development of the full suite of deposits atlases will continue to 2021.
• Industry now has a greater understanding of the highly prospective areas east of Mount Isa and Cloncurry. GSQ has completed and released three radiometric and magnetic surveys that provide a new source of geophysical and geochemical data at deeper depths. These include:
̵ Cloncurry South airborne radiometric and magnetic survey
̵ Cloncurry North airborne radiometric and magnetic survey
̵ Gregory/Lawn Hill air assisted gravity survey.
The data released has been well received, with 500 downloads of the Cloncurry North survey data in the first two weeks of release, helping to support industry’s exploration efforts and focus capital and resources where there are the greatest chances of success.
Over the next two years, additional exploration will be completed through the:
̵ Central Isa airborne radiometric and magnetic survey
̵ Western Succession Airborne electromagnetic survey
̵ Cloncurry Extension Magnetotelluric survey
New geological databases have improved the way industry accesses data, enabling large complex datasets to be shared in a consistent format, facilitating a more targeted approach to on-ground exploration.
Establish a Minerals Collaborative Exploration Initiative
Rounds 1 and 2 of the $3.6 million Collaborative Exploration Initiative (CEI) have supported 24 projects in the province. This directly supports explorers to work in new frontiers, using novel techniques.
The program has been highly successful both in terms of actual discovery and exploration sector maturation. This initiative is limited to explorers in the province.
Case study – Collaborative Exploration Initiative
The CEI has contributed to the discovery and delineation of major new deposits such as Aeon Metals’ Walford Creek copper-cobalt resource. The deposit ranks among Australia’s largest cobalt resources and is well positioned to help meet growing global demand for this ‘battery mineral’.
The value of CEI grants in supporting exploration sector maturation is evidenced by recent market movements by recipient companies such as Hammer Metals and Red Metals.
The former has entered commercial agreements to add their key prospects in the province to Canadian company Global Energy Metals Corporation’s cobalt portfolio.
Red Metals has entered into a cooperative exploration agreement with Oz Minerals, with the CEI funding support creating commercial leverage to help enable collaborative works of this nature.
Develop New Geological Databases
A steady stream of new data acquisition projects, primarily geophysics and geochemistry, are providing explorers with an enhanced range of new, high-quality datasets.
Explorers are particularly interested in the expanding coverage of the breakthrough technology of Magentotellurics (MT) geophysics which is enabling vision of deposits under deep cover.
GSQ is recognised for its leadership in moving the MT geophysics field from an emergent technology into what is becoming a routine but highly valued tool and data set.
The completion of a six-month hyperspectral core logging services trial in Mount Isa with Australian company Corescan was well received by industry. This trial applies advanced analytical capability to maximise the value of exploration samples.
The logging program was supplemented by workshops delivered by leading experts in the field of hyperspectral data analysis, to develop industry’s skills in the use and interpretation of data.
These data modernisation actions will put Queensland in a world-leading position in the way geoscience and exploration data is managed and used.
Initiate Gas Exploration In Proximity To The Province
Preliminary gas exploration in the South Nicholson Basin, Isa Super Basin and Georgina Basin is well progressed. Work to support gas exploration has included:
• A 2D seismic program across the South Nicholson Basin
• Surveying the basin depth and extent
Promote The Investment Potential Of The Province
In association with other Australian jurisdictions, a regular program of investment promotion and attraction activities in key North Asian destinations (China, Japan and Korea in particular) and North America (Canada) is being undertaken.
The programs, which host customers, investors and explorers with support from trade and investment agencies, highlight the competitive advantages of investing in Queensland. These advantages include:
• World-class mineral endowment and programs of government support to help enable industry success in its exploration and development
• The strength of the infrastructure network
• Credentials as a reliable supplier, which is becoming of critical importance as resource security becomes an increasing concern for many customers
• Capability of the Queensland and Australian research and development sector in aiding industry success
• Strength of Queensland’s regulatory framework which is helping to establish the state as an ethical supply destination for minerals and energy.
The transformation of government-led exploration and geoscience in Queensland is being recognised internationally, as evidenced by:
• Anglo American Minerals acquisition of approximately 11,000 square kilometres of exploration area in the province
• Rio Tinto, Oz Minerals, South 32 and other major explorers re-entry to Queensland seeking large-scale base metals prospects
This transformation is being delivered through wide engagement, both locally and internationally, with minerals industry proponents, offering case management support services, and working to connect international investors with Queensland project proponents. Examples include:
• Support for METS through a number of events including:
̵ The Comminution Forum which attracted 45 delegates to Mount Isa on 14 November 2018.
This event provided for knowledge transfer and led to a number of companies networking and identifying opportunities to work together
̵ MineX 2019, one of the largest mining expos in eastern Australia, attracting both national and international exhibitors to Mount Isa.
The event was held over three days from 30 May through to 1 June 2019 and included an industry breakfast with over 74 participants who heard presentations on advancements in mining and Industry 4.0.
Clarify And Streamline Approvals Processes For Explorers
A new standardised Code and Conduct template has been developed for use by land holders and resource companies during the negotiation of land access agreements.
Developed in close consultation with land owners and industry, this updated template addresses explorer and land owner concerns regarding the delays and costs associated with protracted negotiations.
Investigate Opportunities To Re-Process Waste Materials From Tailings
An investigation into opportunities to re-process waste materials from mine tailings has been completed and shared with industry.
The investigation looked at low grade mineral ores left behind in former or long-established mines and assessed their viability in terms of new opportunities for development.
Case study – New Century Zinc Mine
The recommencement of operations at Century Zinc Mine (Lawn Hill) is an excellent example of the potential for secondary prospectivity in the North West Minerals Province.
The project was facilitated through the Resources Regional Development Framework that enabled the deferral of royalty payments for up to three years. The project includes over
260 construction and 240 operational jobs, recommissioning associated infrastructure and supporting the continued dredging of Karumba Port.
Facilitate Current Projects In The Pipeline
Through targeted support for key resource projects including Multicom, MMG and Centrex, we have assisted proponents to identify relevant decision makers, stakeholders, and potential investment partners in each stage of the project development process.
This support has reduced the time between business case and approvals, helping to bring projects to development earlier.
Facilitation assistance extends to identifying local suppliers and integrating them into new supply chains.
Leverage Common User Infrastructure Opportunities
A Common User Infrastructure Audit was completed and the findings are under consideration. We are working with proponents to identify common user infrastructure opportunities to minimise the high capital costs associated with the establishment of large-scale resource and agricultural operations in remote areas of the province.
Support Applied Research And Development In The Province
By applying the combined capabilities of leading research institutions we are continuing to derive new insights into exploration and extraction technologies. Projects completed or in place that focus on the province are being undertaken by:
• The University of Queensland
• James Cook University
• Queensland University of Technology
• University of Adelaide
• University of Tasmania
• CSIRO Minerals
• CSIRO Data61
Workshops that support industry development continue to be well attended and included:
• Knowledge Transfer workshops – Brisbane, Mount Isa and Townsville, 2018–19, with sessions to continue during the remaining two years of the blueprint
• Data-driven exploration – transforming resources exploration and appraisal in Queensland – Brisbane, 2018
• Data and Research Innovations for Exploration workshop – Mount Isa, 2019
• Digging Deeper industry engagement events – Brisbane, ongoing
Strategic Priority 2: Diversifying The Regional Economy And Creating Employment Opportunities
Diversifying the regional economy and adjusting to global changes is critical to securing the province’s long-term prosperity.
Through strategic priority 2 of the blueprint, $5.5 million was allocated to actions that will help to broaden and strengthen the province’s economic base so that local communities remain strong, sustainable and less vulnerable to external factors such as global commodity prices and fluctuating resources investment.
While mining and mineral processing remains the mainstay of the province’s economy, substantial work has occurred through the blueprint to identify new diversification opportunities in other sectors such as agriculture, tourism and more widely across business and industry.
Through the actions of strategic priority 2, the blueprint is helping to drive long-term step change across the province’s economy.
A detailed description of deliverables under each action is outlined below.
Deliver A Regional Economic Diversification Strategy For North West Queensland
A key action of strategic priority 2, the North West Queensland Economic Diversification Strategy
(NWQEDS) was released in 2019. This strategy identifies four key sectors: resources, agriculture, tourism, and business and industry. These sectors offer significant potential in terms of improving the resilience and sustainability of the North West’s economy over the long-term.
Informed through extensive community and stakeholder consultation, development of the strategy has seen the following documents released:
• North West Queensland Economic Diversification Directions Statement – released August 2018.
This document outlined early diversification opportunities and helped to guide consultation at the North West Futures Forum.
• Draft North West Queensland Economic Diversification Strategy – released May to July 2019 for stakeholder consultation. Feedback on the draft informed the final diversification strategy and its funding priorities.
• North West Queensland Economic Diversification Strategy – released August 2019 with an initial funding commitment of $1.25 million.
• North West Queensland Economic Diversification Strategy Implementation Plan 2019–2021 – released November 2019 and supported by $33.3 million in funding.
The NWQEDS outlines an agreed set of regional priorities. It provides a framework through which to leverage other government support programs, such as Building our Regions and the Jobs and Regional Growth Fund, to progress key projects.
Complete an Infrastructure Audit
We have undertaken an audit of existing physical infrastructure in the province to facilitate economic diversification opportunities. The assessment focused on water storage, energy, communications technology, transport and mineral processing infrastructure and was undertaken as a component of the Common User Infrastructure Audit.
Scope Opportunities For Increasing Agricultural Production
The North West Agricultural Strategy and Implementation Plan was developed in close consultation with key regional stakeholders and supply chain partners. The strategy focuses on opportunities to enhance agricultural production and employment in North West Queensland and identified:
• the top 20 agricultural commodity and product-based opportunities, based on the region’s competitive advantages, production capabilities and market demands. From these, three transformative opportunities were assessed in detail — sesame, mung bean and shea nut.
• interrelated ‘horizons’ to support future development, diversification and growth in the region’s agricultural sector and associated supply. These are:
̵ Growing the region’s existing cattle production sector
̵ Supporting emerging agricultural projects and products
̵ Developing new dryland and irrigated agricultural options and products not traditionally grown in North West Queensland.
• that with targeted investment and effort alignment, North West Queensland has the potential to create up to $1.35 billion in new agricultural growth, with up to 4800 new jobs.
In order to realise the opportunities, create change and unlock the region’s potential, there is a critical need for stakeholders, investors and all levels of government to come together and work collaboratively. Key initiatives being progressed through the NWQEDS Implementation Plan include:
• targeted investment in new catalytic projects that take the analysis from the North West Agricultural Strategy and use the momentum and interest created to progress fodder production and cropping trials, enhance enabling supply chain infrastructure and leverage supporting research and development effort
• establishment of the Agricultural Development and Investment Group, currently chaired and facilitated by DNRME, to oversee project facilitation and coordination.
These projects will build understanding of intensified farming systems nuanced to the unique and variable environment of the North West, build technical capability and ultimately drive investor confidence.
Our partnership with the Northern and Central Queensland Agricultural Supply Chain Alliance, currently chaired and facilitated by the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA), is helping to ‘de-risk’ agricultural development opportunities to support diversification and growth across northern Australia, including of North West Queensland.
Complementing this effort is a range of allied research and development project investments in the North West investigating:
• fodder production trials to value add to the region’s extensive grazing sector
• dryland and irrigated cropping trials (pulse/grain and broadacre)
• agricultural supply chain improvements and efficiencies
• investor identification and attraction mechanisms, both domestic and international.
Investigate Tourism Opportunities
The completion of the North West Queensland Digital Visitor Survey has provided regional insights into the number of tourists, their profiles and visitation patterns. The survey outlines valuable, regionally specific data that is being used to support the development of the tourism industry, including marketing material and the sourcing of project funds.
The survey identified a number of opportunities which were incorporated into the NWQEDS and its implementation plan.
Improve The Digital Presence And Productivity Of Regional Start-Ups And Established Businesses
We delivered nine innovation and two digital capability workshops throughout the region. This activity is ongoing.
Support Key Enabling Infrastructure
Building on the vision of the blueprint we are delivering significant investment to support the region.
Key highlights include:
• $50 million in additional funding to the Mount Isa rail line committed as part of the 2017 budget, taking the total investment in the line to $380 million. Repairs and maintenance support the long-term suitability of the rail line, reduce road maintenance costs, and potentially reduce road related fatalities on the Mount Isa Freight Network
• $10 million (joint contribution from the State and Commonwealth Governments) to preserve the Townsville Eastern Access Rail Corridor (TEARC).
Case study – Jemena Northern Gas Pipeline
We provided facilitation services to Jemena to support the development of the Northern Gas Pipeline. The 622 kilometre pipeline includes 141 kilometres in Queensland between Mount Isa and the Queensland–Northern Territory border.
This project supported local suppliers with 107 contracts for Queensland-based companies, 17 of these going to Indigenous companies. A total of 431 Queenslanders were employed during construction, with 129 jobs awarded to Mount Isa locals and 115 jobs awarded to Indigenous workers.
Training programs included two apprenticeships that were awarded to Mount Isa based Indigenous trainees.
The pipeline provides ongoing benefits including a reliable supply of competitively priced gas. This is critical to the viability of our manufacturing industries. The training provided by Jemena has resulted in a more skilled workforce.
Build Entrepreneurial Capacity For Existing And Emerging Sectors
We assisted eight mining proponents with local and regional supply chain opportunities. We also delivered 26 workshops in the region during 2018–19. These workshops targeted business operators and local governments and attracted a total of 104 people reflecting a 99 per cent attendance rate.
Session topics included:
• workplace health and safety (five sessions)
• mentoring for growth (two sessions)
• innovation (nine sessions)
• digital capability (two sessions)
• DNRME resource information (two sessions)
• AusIndustry workshop
• capability and top 10 tips (four sessions)
• MineX 2019
Of the businesses who attended workshops, 26 successfully secured works with mining companies.
We are supporting proponents by mapping grant programs to help identify potential funding streams.
Proponents also receive advice on their funding applications helping to improve their eligibility and success.
Optimise Employment Opportunities—facilitate Access To Training And Development opportunities
We are supporting access to training and development opportunities by working with the North West Queensland Regional Employment Network. This group shares information and ideas and plans collaborative events and activities.
We are also working in partnership with local registered training organisations, resource and mining companies and other employers to improve the workforce through investment in skills development.
Service mapping is also underway to identify overlaps and to help identify opportunities for new or more targeted services to meet the region’s future workforce needs.
Prioritise Youth Employment
Through targeted support and a range of coordinated services, including one-on-one assistance to Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, service mapping across all agencies, and career expos, the regionally-based strategic blueprint implementation team has achieved positive outcomes for youth employment.
Achievements included:
• 1126 students engaged through the youth employment programs
• 86 students assisted with job applications and interview skills via the Youth Employment Program
• 42 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students successfully gained employment through the Youth Employment Program, up from 20 students in the first year of augmented resources
• three targeted exhibitions – the Mount Isa, Cloncurry and Doomadgee careers expos
• two targeted programs – Meet the Graduate program and Youth Employment program. The Meet the Graduate program attracted 21 exhibitors from industries including mining companies, national and local transport companies, locally based business, Australian Defence Recruiting and tertiary education institutions. The event attracted positive feedback from exhibitors and students.
In 2018, the Youth Navigator (a member of the strategic blueprint implementation team) undertook regular visits with schools to engage youth. A jobs board was created to promote training and employment opportunities at career expos in both Mount Isa and Cloncurry.
Case study – Dugalunji Aboriginal Corporation spinifex project
The Dugalunji Aboriginal Corporation in Camooweal is refining its spinifex harvesting
operations and developing a pilot processing facility, thanks to support from the
Queensland Government’s Jobs and Regional Growth Fund.
The project initially created 11 Indigenous jobs. There may be opportunity to expand
to commercial operations once the applications for spinifex are fully realised.
Spinifex has the potential for high-value applications in the latex, paper, plastics
and rubber industries.
The Traditional Owners have collaborated for many years with The University of
Queensland to help uncover the unique properties of spinifex that has in turn led to
Australia’s most advanced nanocellulose technology.
The Dugalunji Aboriginal Corporation hopes the project’s success will allow it to act as a model that can be replicated across remote and regional areas enabling other Indigenous communities to benefit from the harvesting and processing of spinifex.
Strategic priority 3: Working with businesses and communities to deliver integrated and appropriate services
Strategic priority 3 of the blueprint provides for strategic coordination of community and government service delivery. A funding allocation of $2.6 million will enhance the province’s capacity to adapt and evolve with the changing social and economic landscape as the province transitions towards a more diverse economic base.
A detailed description of each action’s deliverables is outlined below.
Establish A New Regionally Based Strategic Blueprint Implementation Team
The multidisciplinary implementation team was established in late 2017, bringing together the economic community and Indigenous experts to drive blueprint actions. This team works across agencies to coordinate and deliver actions including:
• Project facilitation services
• Economic development planning both at the regional and local levels
• Local consultation on various elements of the blueprint
• Coordination of agency activities
• Development of supply chains supporting the resources industry
• Training and capacity building workshops for business on topics such as digital readiness and tendering
• Engagement and support for Indigenous youth to identify career pathways and improve workforce engagement
• Improved understanding of the employment and training environment.
Convene a North West Stakeholder Advisory Committee
The North West Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC) has met five times in various regional locations. The SAC brings together a broad range of stakeholders from the region to consider the ongoing implementation of the blueprint and provide advice on the development of actions.
Host a North West Futures Forum
The North West Futures Forum was held in Mount Isa in August 2018. It was decided to hold the forum in 2018 to enable the outcomes from a range of blueprint actions to be discussed.
The Honourable Cameron Dick MP, then Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning led a range of speakers who addressed economic opportunities, the future direction of the region and the implementation of the blueprint.
Executives from departments tasked with key blueprint deliverables identified progress to date.
Presentations were also provided from industry bodies and consultancies undertaking supporting studies.
The forum saw the release of the North West Queensland Economic Diversification Directions Statement. This document guided discussions on the development of the NWQEDS. The regional priorities and opportunities that were identified were incorporated into the final strategy and associated implementation plan.
The forum attracted over 100 attendees from a broad range of stakeholder groups including resource companies, explorers, economic development agencies, local governments, community organisations, traditional owners and employment agencies.
Through interactive sessions, stakeholders provided feedback on work undertaken to date and helped to direct the future implementation of blueprint actions.
Develop a North West Community Strategy
Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) was appointed in November 2018 to lead the development of the community strategy and action plans for each of the 10 local government areas in the province. To date QCOSS has:
• Undertaken a literature review
• Commenced community consultation to inform the strategy’s development
• Engaged with local councils, community organisations, businesses and local citizens across the province to progress the development of the local action plans.
A community reference group has been established to support the development of the strategy and local action plans. The group met three times to discuss and provide local intelligence regarding this work.
The strategy will be closely aligned with, and leverage community recovery efforts being undertaken as part of the 2019 monsoon event.
The Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) has provided support to communities impacted by the 2019 monsoon event through:
• Embedding of five Community Development Officers in the local governments of McKinlay, Richmond, Cloncurry, Flinders and Carpentaria to develop and implement a Local Recovery and Resilience Action Plan
• The Flexible Funding Grant, to be administered over two years across all impacted local government areas to support locally led projects that assist in recovery and/or build resilience. The initial round of funding has been approved and includes projects that align with work being delivered through the blueprint. Projects include:
̵ Showgrounds in Burke and Winton
̵ Grazing forum in Cape York
̵ A Fit 4 Rural Futures camp
̵ Resilience project for the Southern Gulf beef industry
̵ A recovery well initiative at the Mount Isa School of the Air
̵ An aviation pod in McKinlay.
Continue To Improve Integrated Regional Service Delivery
This medium-term action has commenced. Through ongoing engagement with local government and RABs, DSDTI is aligning economic development outcomes across the region with the NWQEDS.
Conclusion
Actions under each of the blueprint’s strategic priorities are progressing on schedule and delivering the anticipated outcomes.
The blueprint’s framework has been successful in providing a strong foundation for collaborative action. Over the next two years, we will continue to work with implementation agencies and key stakeholders to deliver remaining actions that will help to create the preconditions necessary for ongoing regional sustainability and growth.
The partnerships formed will continue to help guide implementation and ensure that the blueprint remains responsive to emerging regional opportunities. Through its actions, the blueprint has established additional programs of work that will provide ongoing support to the region beyond mid–2021.
