The RAPAD region comprises the seven local government areas of Central West Queensland - Barcaldine Regional Council, Barcoo Shire, Blackall Tambo Regional Council, Boulia Shire, Diamantina Shire, Longreach Regional Council and Winton Shire (see map below). It covers a total area of 396 609 km² and accounts for 22.9 per cent of the land area of Queensland.
Central West Queensland is one of the most sparsely populated and remote regions in the state. Its population of more than 12 500 people is expected to remain steady over the next 20 years. Longreach is the major rural activity centre in Central West Queensland and services an area of almost 420 000 square kilometres.
The Queensland Government’s
Central West Regional Plan provides detailed information and research about the Central West Queensland region. The plan will guide land use and development in the region over the next two decades. RAPAD’s Directors and General Manager are members of the
Central West Regional Planning Committee which advises the regional planning Minister about planning in Central West Queensland.
