Contact Nicole Bond
Communications Officer
M | 0417 199 369 E | nbond@rapad.com.au
Outback Queensland launches local beer
For the first time in over a century outback, Queensland has its own beer.
Read moreCentral West Queensland urges residents to get vaccinated to protect themselves and the economy
An economic development body in the central west is encouraging people to stop putting off their vaccinations in the wake of Longreach’s COVID-19 near miss last weekend.
Read more
RAPAD Region has its say on Housing Market Failure
A study into the housing market failures in outback Queensland has gathered information from the central west.
Read moreRegional trainees take new skills to the workplace.
More than seventy locals are better equipped for workplaces in central western Queensland after completing targeted hands-on training over the past two and a half years.
Read moreAustralian First Renewable Energy Industrial Zone takes a key step forward in outback Queensland
A new entity has been formed to create an Australian first renewable energy industrial development in rural Queensland that will lead the way in renewable manufacturing and double local employment.
Read moreRAPAD Welcomes further State Government Investment in Fencing
A cluster of councils in central western Queensland have welcomed the State Government’s announcement of $2.2 million to fund more exclusion fencing in the region.
Read moreJob seekers wanted for vacancies in Outback Queensland
Job seekers looking for a position in outback Queensland will find it easier with an online website dedicated to a region bursting with jobs.
Read moreRAPAD searching for graziers looking to cluster fence in the Central West
Expression of Interest Form Download
Read moreRAPAD: Back the Region that Backs Itself
The seven regions of central western Queensland are appealing to political parties and candidates running for the state election to back the region that backs itself.
Read moreKeep it Coming - Western Queensland COVID-19 recovery receives roads funding boost
Members of the Western Queensland Alliance of Councils have welcomed funding from the Australian and Queensland governments which will see up to $200 million in funding invested in vital roads projects across the region.
Read moreOUTBACK REGIONAL ENERGY HUB BROUGHT TO LIFE
Sustainable new industries, more jobs and a more robust economy in the central west is within closer reach with the Queensland Government’s investment of $300 000 towards the RAPAD initiative to develop a Renewable Energy Hub in Barcaldine.
Read moreWestern Queensland Councils welcome $25million Works for Queensland funding
Members of the Western Queensland Alliance of Councils welcomed the Palaszczuk Government’s latest COVID Works for Queensland program funding announcement which will see more than $25million allocated across the region.
Read moreChanges to Farm Household Allowance make it more accessible for Primary Producers.
A Queensland rural financial counselling service is urging primary producers who have been unable to access government support payments because of off farm assets to relook at their eligibility.
Read moreRAPAD region rolls out the welcome mat and applauds Queensland Government
The seven councils of central-western Queensland have welcomed the further relaxing of travel restrictions announced by the Queensland Premier yesterday.
Read moreTourism sector targeted in webinar
Businesses in the central west feeling the strain from travel restrictions imposed because of coronavirus are encouraged to take part in a free risk and resilience workshop that focuses on tourism.
Read moreRAPAD acknowledges $2.2 Billion of government support
The Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) has welcomed state and federal government funding for key projects and road works in the region.
Read moreCentral Western Queensland Welcomes COVID-19 Restriction Roll Back
An outback economic development body has welcomed the State Government’s staged wind back of COVID-19 restrictions.
Read moreNew RAPAD Board Ready to Work for the Region
The Remote Area Planning and Development Board will keep driving forward with key region building work under its new board.
Read moreON THE ROAD TO TACKLING COVID-19 IMPACTS:
Western Queensland Councils welcome fast tracking of roadworks funding
Read moreOutback Councils Welcome New COVID-19 Protocols
All outback Queensland communities applaud the State Government for taking additional measures to help keep the region COVID-19 free.
Read moreRAPAD pays tribute to outgoing directors
With the Queensland Electoral Commission declaring all local government elections in the central west a regional economic development organisation acknowledges its board of directors for the past term.
Read moreBusiness as Innovative as Usual at RAPAD
In the transition from traditional operation to functioning during COVID19 restrictions the Remote Area Planning and Development Board has not broken its stride with operations and training continuing without significant disruption.
Read moreURGENT SOLUTION NEEDED AS REX SERVICE SUSPENDS QUEENSLAND SERVICES INDEFINITELY
Medical supplies, health workers and essential equipment are amongst the long list of critical services that are potentially now out of reach for remote and regional communities in western Queensland with Regional Express (Rex) suspending all services across the State indefinitely.
Read moreWestern QLD Councils Unite Over COVID Response
As the Queensland Government has closed the western and southern state borders, the 21 councils of Western Queensland are stepping up to monitor and restrict access to their communities.
Read moreNew study finds outback tourism sector vital part of regional economy as COVID19 devastates industry
An economic development body in central west Queensland says there is no doubt the State and Federal Government need to rescue and protect the valuable outback tourism sector during COVID19 downturn.
Read moreWestern Queensland Mayors Call for State Government Stimulus Package
On the back of the Palaszczuk Government’s announcement today it would provide a $4 billion stimulus package for households and businesses, the leaders of Western Queensland have outlined a plan to keep their regions delivering for the nation as we unite to face down the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read moreRAPAD work response for COVID-19
Our team, like everyone’s, is adopting the experts’ advice for reducing the spread of COVID19.
Read moreRAPAD APPEALS TO STATE GOVERNMENT TO ENCOURAGE GREEN INVESTMENT
The Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) is appealing to the state government to sit down with its seven member councils and the Sustainable Australia Fund and other major players, to introduce Environmental Upgrade Agreements (EUAs) into Queensland to unlock investment in our, and other, regions.
Read moreRenewed push to make weeds history in the Central West
A renewed push across central western Queensland to control the spread of weeds has gathered momentum with increased investment and a targeted response.
Read moreOutback Queensland united on the road to the 2020 State Budget
Outback Queensland communities have united to lobby the Queensland Government for a single spending priority ahead of the 2020 State Budget - roads.
Read moreTargeted industry development boost ahead for Central West Queensland in 2020
Introducing RAPAD’s new Regional Skills Investment Strategy Project Co-ordinator - Liza Cameron
Read moreFirst step towards new future for Longreach Pastoral College
An economic development body representing the seven local government areas of central western Queensland will start the interim management of a former state government agricultural education campus in Longreach.
Read moreMore time and better stakeholder engagement needed on Lake Eyre Basin laws
An organisation representing seven local government areas of outback Queensland is calling on the Queensland Government for more time and better consultation on potential changes to laws which could affect outback waterways and land use in the Lake Eyre Basin.
Read more
Collaboration to Strengthen Tourism in Outback Queensland
The tourism industry in central western Queensland can look forward to a stronger future under a collaboration forged between the industry and local government.
Read moreSmall Business Roadshow
Find out about the available assistance and programs that can grow your business to its full potential. An opportunity to make a contact from all the agencies listed in the flyer below.
Read moreRAPAD wants to know who is visiting the region to boost tourism growth
The Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) and tourism operators in central western Queensland are embarking on a project to find out more about tourists who visit the region, so the vital industry can continue to grow.
Read moreSUCCESSFUL RAPAD ROUND 3 QFPI CLUSTER FENCING APPLICANTS ANNOUNCED
The erection of more than seven hundred kilometres of fencing is about to start in central-western Queensland with more exclusion fencing clusters finalised.
Read moreOutback on course to become regional Queensland’s drone capital
Outback leaders are in Brisbane to launch the next stage of their plan to make the region a centre for drone technologies ahead of hosting Australia’s only remote drone event – Outback Aerodrone Symposium 21-23 September in Barcaldine.
Read moreRAPAD Cluster Fencing Success Attracts More Investment
Two-point nine million dollars of Federal Government funding is about to be deposited into the bank accounts of four local governments in central western Queensland to be spent on wild dog exclusion fencing, which will increase economic growth in the region.
Read moreGrants to Empower Communities in RAPAD Region Open for Submissions.
Grants of up to $20,000 are available through the Central West Empowering Our Community Small Grants Program for events and organisations that support people to connect, share experiences, enhance individual and community wellbeing and resilience, and to build strength and capacity for the future.
Read moreCENTRAL WESTERN CLUSTER FENCING DEMAND CONTINUES TO OUTSTRIP FUNDING
The demand for cluster fencing in Central Western Queensland continues to outstrip State Government funding, with the Remote Area Planning and Development Board’s round three applications oversubscribed by almost $1.5m.
Read moreResearch project between University Queensland, Rural Financial Counselling Service North Queensland and Remote Area Planning and Development Board launched
The University of Queensland, the Rural Financial Counselling Service North Queensland (RFCSNQ) and the Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) have joined forces to undertake research which will influence policy and benefit businesses in central western Queensland.
Read moreRAPAD Renewable Energy Push Powers Ahead
The Remote Area Planning and Development Board will work with renowned economist and clean energy leader Ross Garnaut AO in Longreach this week to start work on targeting renewable energy projects which will deliver jobs and benefits across the region.
Read moreTransport and Main Roads What’s the Delay with Take-off?
The seven councils of central western Queensland are calling on the state government to start work on its commitment to help rural, regional and remote Queenslanders who use regulated transport routes arrive at the best possible solutions for their remote air services.
Read moreRAPAD to deliver $2.25M more in cluster fences throughout the region
Graziers in central western Queensland wanting to access financial assistance to build cluster fences around their properties can now apply for a share of $2.25m in funding from the Queensland and Australian Governments.
Read moreResults are in: Community Drought Support Package delivered
A new report into social and economic impacts of drought funding shows investment into resilience boosting activities is money extremely well spent.
Read moreCentral West Queensland set soar at global drone event in Japan
A delegation from Central West Queensland will put the region’s Outback Aerodrone Symposium and drone testing capabilities in the spotlight at the Japan Drones Conference and Expo in Tokyo next week.
Read moreCan’t find skilled workers? RAPAD is here to help
An economic development organisation representing a large part of outback Queensland is calling on anyone with a need for skilled employees to get involved with the Central West Queensland Skills Investment Project.
Read moreDrought support is available to help you through the holiday season
Individuals, families, farms and communities in the Central Western Qld drought-affected regions can access a range of national, state and local drought support services.
Read moreINNOVATIVE REPORTING TOOL EXPOSES MORE CLUSTER FENCE SUCCESS
In what’s believed to be an industry first, the Remote Area Development Board has today launched an innovative online tool to show the community the success of its cluster fencing initiative.
Read moreCoaldrake Review Response
The future of the Central West requires investment and leadership in education beyond just the agriculture sector
Read morePlanning for a thriving future Central West Queensland (RAPAD) region
Realising the Big Vision
Read moreNo more hot air needed on drought – Outback Queensland calls for workable drought solutions.
Almost a quarter of Queensland is challenging the Prime Minister to do something meaningful to better equip communities, farmers and businesses in inland Australia to not just survive, but thrive through drought.
Read moreDrought Program Review submission: RAPAD outlines need for major rethink
An economic development body in outback Queensland has told the state government a major rethink is needed to improve how the state prepares for and supports rural economies and communities before, during and after drought.
Read moreMuttaburra event ready to inspire Western Queensland’s future female entrepreneurs
RAPAD will host its first women’s entrepreneur retreat in Muttaburra 27 to 28 October 2018 as part of its plan to grow a community of female entrepreneurs in Outback Queensland and beyond.
Read moreAll of Western Queensland unite to call for fairer deal from Canberra
Almost 60% of Queensland has united to call on the Federal Government to increase overall funding for local government and to put in place targeted funding programs for rural and remote councils.
Read moreMental Health Roundtable Wrap Up
Mental health providers in central western Queensland will initiate a number of actions to support better connection and greater cross agency advocacy to drive better health outcomes for the region after a RAPAD and Western Queensland Primarily Health Network round table discussion.
Read moreCOLLABORATION AND EARLY INTERVENTION PRESCRIBED AS THE BEST BUSH MEDICINE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS
Read the media release here
Read moreRAPAD’s renewable energy vision moves forward
The RAPAD region is ready to take the next step in reinventing itself as one of the most resilient communities in Australia underpinned by renewable energy.
Read moreWi-Fi Project Servicing 16% of QLD launched in Outback QLD
In a Queensland first, a free, connected Wi-Fi service over more than 300,000 square kilometres has been launched in central western Queensland.
Read moreEverything you need to know about the Farm Household Allowance
While the Farm Household Allowance has been around since 2014 over the last few months there have been several changes to eligibility, an extension to a fourth year and the introduction of bonus payments which are available for a short time only.
Read moreInternational delegation wowed by RAPAD’s inaugural Outback Aerodrone Symposium
The Remote Area Planning and Development Board’s Outback Aerodrone Symposium hosted more than 100 people including a delegation of 10 from Japan over the weekend at its inaugural event in Barcaldine.
Read moreRAPAD urging local expertise to be sought before a dollar is spent on drought health funding
The Remote Area Planning and Development Board has welcomed the Federal Government’s $11.4 million investment on mental health support initiatives announced with other drought support measures.
Read moreIDS AUSTRALASIA TO BRING GLOBAL UAV EXPERTISE TO OUTBACK AERODRONE PROGRAM
Read the release here
Read moreLEADING AUSTRALIAN AG DRONES SPEAKER JOINS OUTBACK AERODRONE PROGRAM
Read the release here
Read moreOUTBACK AERODRONE WELCOMES DATA EXPERT NEIL GLENTWORTH TO THE PROGRAM
Read the release here
Read moreOutback Queensland leaders hit Brisbane to solve unsatisfactory air services and to more than double tourism value.
There will be an influx of Akubras in Brisbane this week as community and industry leaders from central western Queensland gather to build the western economy by more than 1.6 billion dollars and address air travel challenges facing the region.
Read moreTHE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF RAPAD’S CLUSTER FENCING PROJECT IS BEING COMPARED TO THE CREATION OF 62 THOUSAND JOBS IN BRISBANE
The final report into round one of central western Queensland’s largest fencing project shows it’s on track to provide a boost to the regional economy in proportional terms, the same as creating 62 thousand new jobs in Brisbane over the next decade.
Read moreOutback Queensland’s First Entrepreneur in Residence A Success
The Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) is celebrating the success of the regions first entrepreneur in residence.
Read moreRegional Skills Investment Strategy Project Coordinator
RAPAD is calling for applications to fill the role of Regional Skills Investment Strategy Project Coordinator.
Read moreCentral West Qld set to take off as international drone mecca
RAPAD will kick off its plan to make the region a centre for drone testing as it hosts regional Australia’s first ever drones symposium in Barcaldine from 11 – 12 August 2018.
Read moreDigital Champions ‘Tribe’ Gather
Seventeen enthusiastic regional delegates came together at Blackall’s Living Arts Centre over the weekend to develop their digital and presentation skills to become Regional Digital Champions under RAPAD’s Outbackhubs.
Read moreOutback Region to mix it with Silicon Valley at Myriad
This May, Outback regional entrepreneurs, startups or innovative businesses have the opportunity to rub shoulders with thousands from around Australia and the world, including 380 from Silicon Valley who will be attending the Myriad three day innovation festival courtesy of QANTAS and Advance Qld sponsorship.
Read moreRAPAD Seeks to Expand on Current Cluster Fencing Model with Potential New Funding
The Central Western Queensland Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) is advocating for any future cluster fencing funding rounds to investigate expanding the current model to include linking existing exclusion fences either privately or publicly funded.
Read moreRAPAD RENEWABLE ENERGY VISION TO POWER QUEENSLAND ENDORSED AT RECENT FORUM
A recent renewable energy forum convened by the Central West Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) saw its vision to generate Queensland's electricity needs, and bring transformative benefit to the region,endorsed by all in attendance.
Read moreState Election - Gregory Candidates, Are They All Serious?
Gregory Candidates – are all of them serious?
Read moreOutback water alliance achieves excellence in public works
A collaborative alliance of Barcaldine Regional Council, Barcoo Shire Council, Blackall-Tambo Regional Council, Boulia Shire Council, Diamantina Shire Council, Longreach Regional Council and Winton Shire Council has taken out the award for water projects under $2 million at this year’s Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia, Queensland (IPWEAQ) Excellence Awards.
Read moreRAPAD's 10 Point Election Plan
With a state election getting ever closer, the Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD), is on the front foot and has put forward its 10-point plan to all major political parties.
Read moreCr Butch Lenton
Central Western Queensland, in fact the whole of our State has lost a great Queenslander.
Read moreBring Back One Million Sheep to the West
The data from the Remote Area Planning and Development (RAPAD) Board’s recent cluster fencing Expression Of Interest (EOI) has been analysed and if funded, when combined with current Round 1 and 2 fencing projects, would see:
Read moreRAPAD Region To Deliver $1.5b
In a recently completed report undertaken by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), on behalf of the Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD), modeling suggests that up to 37.5% of jobs within the Central Western Qld RAPAD region are at risk due to digital disruption.
Read moreSmart Central Western Queensland: A Digitally Enabled Community Strategic Plan
RAPAD Launches Regional Digital Strategy: Smart Central Western Queensland: A Digitally Enabled Community Strategic Plan 11 July 2017
Read moreSmall Business Counsellor
Small Business and Individuals Financial Counsellor to cease on 30 June 2017
Read moreDrought funding provides welcome boost for CWQ
State Government Drought Funding Provides A Welcome Boost For Central West Communities
Read moreCall for cluster fencing expression of interest
RAPAD Releases EOI To Capture Continued Fencing Demand In The Region
Read moreGABORA Water Management Protocol
Submission On the Draft Great Artesian Basin & Other Regional Aquifers (GABORA) Water Plan and the Draft GABORA Water Management Protocol.
Read moreJobs delivered from cluster fencing
Jobs Delivered Already From The RAPAD Cluster Fencing Program With More To Come
Read moreOutback communities benefit from cleaner water collaboration
Outback Communities Benefit From Cleaner Water Collaboration
Read more