Thriving Regional Centres
Around Australia, regional towns have been struggling with declining populations and online shopping eating away at traditional retail. Gulargambone, a small town in central-west New South Wales is aiming to buck this trend by using art and culture to spur economic growth. Key sites around town have been painted by globally renowned street artists that showcase local stories. Nambour, a town with a strong agricultural pedigree and increasingly known for its retro charm, is now also looking at how it can transition its economy to ensure it does not stagnate as the rest of the region grows. The Nambour Alliance will receive $100,000 of funding (50% provided by the Federal Government and 50% by Sunshine Coast Council) to commission a study into how Nambour can reinvent itself. RDA Sunshine Coast is actively supporting this initiative and the study will include broad consultation and collaboration across three levels of government.
New RDA Sunshine Coast Committee
On 26 June, the new RDA Sunshine Coast Committee met for the first time. The Committee is made up of 12 talented individuals spanning business, innovation, academia, local government and community. The immediate priority for the Committee is to finalise a strategy for the next three years – a focus is to continue to advocate for improved transport to and within the region and to maximise the economic benefits from major projects including the airport expansion and the planned broadband submarine cable.
Phil Harman
Director Regional Development
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Sunshine Coast
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