At the recent well-attended Annual General Meeting of the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Rob Cocco, CEO of the Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays (RDA GW) delivered a crucial update. RDA GW is one of a national network of committees made up of local leaders who work with all levels of government, business, and community groups to support the economic development of their regions. Rob shared that RDA GW acts as the federal government’s eyes and ears, responsible for delivering monthly regional reports for the Mackay, Issac, and Whitsundays local council regions.
The key points from his insightful briefing are as follows:
Advocacy for Regional Growth: One persistent challenge in regional policy is the struggle to advocate effectively, particularly when permanent population growth remains at extremely low levels. This issue is not unique to our region but presents a common problem for many smaller areas. The Chamber was encouraged to continue to focus on our advocacy efforts which will be significantly strengthened through active membership participation.
Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA): A DAMA is a 5-year agreement between the Commonwealth and a state/territory or regional body that provides a flexible, tailored response to a region’s local unique economic and labour market needs. DAMAs offer a broader range of pathways for overseas workers than current skilled visa migration program. DAMA’s provides a solution for business where skills gaps and shortages can’t be met by local workers.
Plans to establish a DAMA in the Greater Whitsundays progress. After two rounds of business community surveys showing encouraging signs of immediate and sustainable demand for a DAMA, the Mackay Regional Chamber of Commerce soon to commence work on building a business case for establishing one for the region. The Whitsundays Chamber continues to be involved in planning discussions.
Housing: RDA GW has been a critical collaborator on the region’s housing situation. This year, in partnership with Greater Whitsunday Communities, they have released a series of data-driven resources, the Housing Project Playbook, and Action Plan. Next steps are to form a Housing Alliance with representatives from regional organisations to develop a Housing Roadmap informed by the Playbook and Action Plan.
Decarbonisation: RDA GW is actively working on the community and industry’s decarbonization. While the need for on-demand base-load energy was discussed, it’s important to note that energy contributes to around half of all emissions. That’s why transitioning to decarbonisation is vital to meet government requirements without adverse effects on the community.
Through the State Government’s Queensland Business Energy Saving and Transformation Rebate scheme, up to 50% of the purchase and installation costs for eligible energy-efficient equipment. Eligible businesses can receive rebates of up to $12,500 for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient equipment, provided they spend a minimum of $8,000 on these investments. Applications for the current round of the rebate scheme closes 30 June 2025.
Small Business Grants: The government provides several grants for small businesses, and it is incumbent upon business owners to assess their eligibility. A comprehensive list of available grants can be accessed via the Grant Finder platform. RDA GW remains dedicated to supporting the development of the Whitsundays region. The Chamber looks forward to ongoing collaboration with them to drive positive change.
Chambers of Commerce: A resource and source of expertise across all levels of government