WQAC welcomes State Government’s major boost to regional housing and rural & remote economic development

Mayors of RAPAD and SWQROC region with Deputy Premier Bleijie

Walking the talk in St George today as part of the Western Queensland Alliance of Councils Assembly, the Honourable Jarrod Bleijie MP Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations announced key funding that will boost regional housing solutions and economic development initiatives across the 25 council areas that form the Western Queensland Alliance.

Host Mayor, Cr Samantha O’Toole said: “On the back of earlier announcements this week relating to the Country Roads Connect Program, the injection of $41.8 million under the Residential Activation Fund was indeed welcome news.”

“The Residential Activation Fund is a game-changer for our communities in Western Queensland. By unlocking critical infrastructure - roads, sewerage, water and power - it paves the way for new homes to be built and families to put down roots. This investment ensures our regions can not only grow but thrive. We thank the State Government for prioritising regional housing needs and look forward to delivering real outcomes for our residents.”

Continuing the flow of funding to Western Queensland, the Deputy Premier also announced that the Crisafulli Government would continue to support and also increase funding to Queensland’s Remote Areas Boards (RABs). The Boards in Western Queensland align with the footprint of both the Central Western Queensland Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) and the South West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils.

Cr Tony Rayner, Mayor of Longreach Regional Council and Chair of RAPAD said: “The continuation and increase in RAB funding is another example of this Government actually listening to the needs of rural and remote communities.”

“This investment directly empowers our remote communities to lead locally driven projects - from employment, skills development, to economic diversification - that may otherwise struggle to attract support. It’s practical, strategic, and essential for the future of Western Queensland.”

On top of these vital funding streams the Assembly also heard about other State Government policy and regulatory reforms relating to red tape reduction, planning, water security and depreciation.

Cr Janene Fegan, Mayor of McKinlay Shire Council and Deputy Chair of the North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils said: “Western Queensland councils welcome the renewed commitment to genuine engagement with regional, rural and remote councils.”

“The funding announcements today and ongoing suite of policy and regulatory reforms sends a clear message that regional voices are being heard. This is the kind of collaborative partnership between levels of Government that delivers tangible outcomes for communities like ours - ensuring that decisions affecting us are made without delay or red tape.”

Visit the Western Queensland Alliance of Councils (WQAC) website at www.wqac.com.au/assembly2025 for all Assembly 2025 information.