RAPAD consultation report: Realising the RAPAD Big Vision – prepared by Women at the Well
RAPAD consultation report: Realising the RAPAD Big Vision – prepared by Women at the Well Report
- Author(s): RAPAD,
- Published: 2019
- Publisher: Central West Queensland Remote Area Planning and Development Board
Abstract: The Central West Queensland Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) is a united regional organisation of the seven central west Queensland council shires – Barcoo Boulia, Barcaldine, Blackall-Tambo, Diamantina, Longreach and Winton. The purpose of this organisation is to proactively shape and create a prosperous future for the RAPAD region of Outback Queensland. In July 2018, the Realising the RAPAD Big Vision strategy document was prepared for RAPAD by Global Futuremakers, with support by the Department of Environment and Science (DES). This strategy was particularly brought about by RAPAD’s recognition that cumulative loss of population throughout the region over the last decade is not sustainable—and that a transformation around the region’s liveability and economic outlook needed to occur. The concepts of the strategy were tested within four shires of the central west Queensland community over an 11 day period – in Barcaldine, Blackall-Tambo, Longreach and Winton shires, representing 90% of the population of the RAPAD region. Travelling under the partnership “Women at the Well”, Global Futuremakers (GFM), Regional Economic Solutions (RES) and The Circular Experiment (TCE, now trading as Correo) conducted this consultation. Further targeted consultation will be required in the remaining three shires in the future, recognising that most stakeholders are highly remote. Community consultation occurred in various forms, including community and targeted workshops, an open survey, and multiple one-to-one discussions with businesses and community members. Over 30 meeting interactions were undertaken from 5-15 November 2018.The purpose of this report is to summarise the findings during consultation with the broader Central West Queensland community, also referred to as the RAPAD community. As such, it is structured to reflect the consultation findings directly under Realising the RAPAD Big Vision key thematic areas. Community Profile and Attitudes: The community has indicated that it is ready to take on significant economic transformation within the region, and that RAPAD should be the body to lead. However, there are significant challenges that will need to be addressed first. These include:• Perception of community boundary, and ensuring there is alignment across the community• Effective communication, that enables broad community participation and ownership of the transformation; and• Capacity building and capability enhancement of RAPAD. Valuing Knowledge: The community holds the concept of valuing knowledge in high regard – and is readily willing to participate in the identifying of opportunities and lessons learned. This is an opportunity for RAPAD to forge stronger, transparent relationships with the community, to generate buy in for the strategy. Energy (electricity)The consultation has highlighted that the cost of electricity is viewed by the community as:• The biggest threat to the region’s economic development;• The underlying deterrent to region liveability; • and is unsustainable.