The state government is backing a collaborative agreement to spur innovation-led economic growth in the Outback with the Central Western Queensland Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) matching the government funding of $500,000 over three years.
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The state funding for the Outback Queensland Collaborative Innovation Project (OQCIP) will be equalled by support and funding from a collaborative group of 14 local government and industry partners.
Minister for Innovation Leeanne Enoch said the OQCIP would support and connect startups and entrepreneurs in the Outback.
“Our funding will support collaboration and encourage local entrepreneurs, business leaders and key industries to work together to innovate and strengthen the region’s economy,” she said.
RAPAD will work with 14 diverse government and industry partners including the McKinlay Shire Council, the Outback Queensland Tourism Association, the Local Government Association of Queensland, Telstra, Microsoft and three universities – James Cook University, Queensland University of Technology and Central Queensland University.
RAPAD CEO David Arnold said OQCIP would be managed through their Longreach office but would spread across the Central Western and South West regions and McKinlay shire.
“We’ve had great support from universities, industry organisations and also state government agencies within and outside the region. They have all contributed to the development of this project,” Mr Arnold said.
“The OQCIP will encourage a prosperous outback ecosystem, and will drive connectivity to bring ideas, expertise and resources together to generate regional opportunities.
“We have already kicked off with an entrepreneur in residence, hosted the first start-up weekend in the Outback and established Outback hubs.
“We’ve already been working hard and we are set to keep the momentum going.”
McKinlay Shire Mayor Belinda Murphy said there would be tremendous opportunities for businesses and the community in the region in the next two or three years as part of this project.
“We are really excited to be part of this with the RAPAD group,” Ms Murphy said.
“Technology and innovation is such a critical part of what we really need to progress, particularly in the remote regions.”