Overview
The State of the Region Roadshow is a regional engagement initiative delivered by Regional Development Australia Townsville and North West Queensland, in partnership with Regional Economic Advisory.
The Roadshow will bring current economic, workforce and investment insights directly to councils, businesses and communities across the region.
It is designed to support a shared understanding of what is driving change across Townsville, North Queensland and North West Queensland, including major projects, workforce demand, population trends and local economic opportunities.
The Roadshow will also be supported by key government agencies and industry, bringing together agencies and organisations working across infrastructure, investment and regional development to provide a coordinated, on-the-ground perspective.
The Regional Context
Our region is entering a period of significant opportunity, with major project investment, industry growth and national supply chain importance.
The Roadshow will help councils, industry, businesses and community stakeholders better understand:
- what is happening in the regional economy
- what major projects and industry trends are shaping future demand
- what workforce pressures and opportunities are emerging
- how local communities can prepare, respond and connect.
Roadshow Schedule
Burdekin Shire – 12 May
Townsville – 13 May
Mckinlay Shire – 19 May
Richmond Shire – 19 May
Hinchinbrook Shire – 2 June
Mount Isa – 10 June
Cloncurry Shire 15 June
Carpentaria Shire – 16 June
Burke Shire – 17 June
Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire – 17 June
Mornington Island – 18 June
Charters Towers – 24 June
Flinders Shire – 25 June
Palm Island – Date TBC
Guest Speakers
The State of the Region Roadshow brings together regional leaders and subject matter experts to share independent insights and local perspectives.
Speakers include:
- Matt Kelly (Regional Economic Advisory) – delivering independent economic analysis and regional insights
- Lisa McDonald, Chief Executive Officer, Regional Development Australia Townsville and North West Queensland – outlining regional priorities and strategic direction
- Emma Dobbins – providing local workforce insights and updates from Jobs Townsville North Queensland (Burdekin, Townsville, Hinchinbrook, Charters Towers, Palm Island)
Additional speakers and local representatives will join sessions across the region.
Public Events
Public events are being held across the region as part of the State of the Region Roadshow, providing an opportunity for local businesses, stakeholders and community members to hear directly about what is happening in their region.
These sessions will share the latest independent economic, workforce and industry insights, alongside updates on major projects and emerging opportunities. Each event will also create space for local discussion, helping to connect regional priorities with on-the-ground perspectives.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from regional organisations, industry and government representatives, as well as engage in conversation with others who are shaping the future of the region.
Next stop is Mount Isa – 10 June from 4.30pm – 6pm
Next Stop —-> Mount Isa
Mount Isa Insights Session – 10 June
Mount Isa Civic Centre | The Stack
4.30pm – 6pm
Cloncurry Insights Session – 15 June
Cloncurry Community Precinct
10.30am start
Carpentaria Shire – 16 June
Charters Towers Insights Session – 24 June
Charters Towers Library
5pm start
Hinchinbrook Shire – 21 July
Hinchinbrook Shire Hall from 5pm
Burdekin Shire – 12 May
First stop was Burdekin – Burdekin Chamber of Commerce
Insights Over Coffee Event.
Richmond Insights Session – 19 May
Woolgar Room | Richmond Shire Council
Supported by Government and Industry
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Major Partner: Regional Economic Advisory
Regional Economic Advisory (REA) was established to provide regionally based economic advisory services grounded in practical insights, independent analysis and real world understanding of regional economies.
REA is committed to helping realise the significant economic potential of Regional Australia, with expertise across infrastructure, industry diversification, workforce and population growth, investment attraction and long term regional development.
Working across business, industry, community and government, REA supports projects from early planning through to implementation and operations — helping turn regional opportunities into practical outcomes and measurable impact on the ground.