"If RDAWBB did not exist, what would be different?"

This question guided the development of Regional Development Australia Wide Bay Burnett’s (RDAWBB) Strategic Plan 2026–2030, challenging us to reflect on the role we play in supporting Wide Bay Burnett and where we can have the greatest impact as the region continues to grow and evolve.

The office warming brought together RDAWBB Board members, staff, regional stakeholders and special guests, including Fraser Coast Councillors Michelle Byrne (Division 1) and Sara Diana Souvlis (Division 9), as well as Andrew Cripps, Special Commissioner for Regional and Rural Queensland.

RDAWBB is part of a Regional Development Australia Network, a national network of 50 RDA committees representing and advocating for their specific regions.

Acting as a conduit between all levels of government, industry and community, each RDA committee brings together the experience, knowledge and perspectives of its Board members, staff, stakeholders and regional voices. This broad range of experience, including from local government, the private sector, community and not-for-profit sectors, helps shape regional priorities and ensures we have a voice at the decision-making table. Too often, decisions impacting regional Australia are made in metropolitan centres and then retrofitted for regional communities. RDA committees exist to ensure decisions are place-based, informed by local knowledge, and that regional voices are part of the conversation when those decisions are made, not after the fact.

Knowing our purpose and the overarching how, why and what has helped shape our priorities for the next four years, building on our existing work while responding to emerging priorities and challenges across Wide Bay Burnett. This plan is designed to align with the Australian Government’s Regional Investment Framework (RIF) and Regional Development Australia Charter, while firmly grounding our work in the realities, priorities and aspirations of our region: People: Putting people at the forefront of growth, with local voices influencing decision making. Place: Targeted and place-based investment that enables communities to thrive. Services: Investment in regional services with a focus on improving quality and accessibility. Industry and Local Economies: Ensuring regional industries and economies are positioned for sustainable growth.

Covering one of Queensland’s largest and most diverse regions, the Strategic Plan reflects the knowledge and experience of our Board, staff, stakeholders and the communities we work with across Wide Bay Burnett. It provides a clear framework for how RDAWBB will continue connecting local priorities with government, industry and investment opportunities over the next four years.

RDAWBB will continue building on the strong foundations established in previous years and delivering the role our region needs from us. We commit to being a source of regional intelligence, a strong advocate for the Wide Bay Burnett, and a connector of people, ideas and opportunities, ensuring local voices help shape the decisions that influence our region’s future.

We invite you to read the single page summary, or the full document here >>> People & Publications | RDA Wide Bay Burnett