Performance Outcome Highlights 2019/20 Strategic Priority 1: STRONG ECONOMIC GROWTH • In collaboration with the local Chambers of Commerce, thirteen regional businesses showcased why the region is a great place to setup a business. There is confidence in our strong and diverse economy
• Intensive Animal Industry, Manufacturing, Traditional Resources, Renewable Energy and Retail fact sheets and case studies featuring local businesses were developed in partnership with Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) • The Western Downs Development Status Report was released in June 2020 to encourage further investment in the region, while also providing businesses with important information to identify new opportunities. • A series of thirteen videos were produced showcasing small, medium and large businesses within the Western Downs region. The videos demonstrate why the region is a great place to set up business. • The Year Ahead Series were successfully delivered in collaboration with the Chambers of Commerce.
We're open for business and offer investment opportunities that are right for our region
• World Entrepreneurs Day, an event to recognise the contribution of our local businesses, to celebrate entrepreneurship and innovation in the region and to inspire others with business start-up ideas was held at the Dalby Events Centre on 21 August 2019. • A new improved Economic Development page went live on the Council's website. • Google My Business workshops delivered, with 45 participants across the region. • TSBE Protein 2020 Conference was held in Dalby on 4 March 2020, with 100 attendees. • Council delivered free online webinars in partnership with Australian Small Business Advisor Services (ASBAS), Digital Solutions Queensland and local Chambers of Commerce. 35 businesses took advantage of the program. • Council partnered with local Chambers of Commerce and the National Retail Association (NRA) to deliver free online retail workshops to boost local business and energise the Western Downs economy. • Council, Queensland Music Festival and Opera Queensland delivered the ever-growing and popular Opera at Jimbour to Jimbour House on 27 July 2019. 2,304 people attended the event enjoying a day of live music, tempting food and wine. This year saw two new events introduced, Happy Hour at the Hangar and Jimbour Garden Picnic.
We optimise our tourism opportunities, unique experiences and major events
• The Tara Festival of Culture and Camel Races was held in Tara from 2 to 4 August 2019. The festival attracted an estimated attendance of 9,800 per day and over 2,900 campsites booked. • The 10th Dalby Delicious & DeLIGHTful Festival was held through 16 and 17 August 2019 on the banks of the Myall Creek. • The 2020 Events Forum was held in Chinchilla in March 2020, showcasing our Region's ability to host high class events. • Western Downs hosted the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs in January 2020, bringing visitors into our region and boosting the local economy. • Our Western Downs Tourism App was updated with seven new trails and interactive maps for locals and visitors to follow. • Dalby hosted the Asia Pacific Regional Championship for Radio Control Aerobatic Model Aircraft from 29 November to 1 December 2019 with a number of teams from overseas participating. • Local Procurement Roadshows were held across the region in August 2019, providing local businesses with information on Council's procurement opportunities and the process of working with Council.
Business and industry in our region live local and buy local
• Council participated in the highly successful Chinchilla, Miles and Dalby Career Expos. • 100% of the externally sourced works to deliver Council's regional reseal program were awarded to local contractors at a combined value of $3.05 million. Council split the haulage of the Jimbour Quarry precoated aggregate to the sites from the bitumen contractor package to allow local haulage companies the opportunity to secure this work. • Significant road upgrades were completed to Auburn Road, Greenswamp Road, Kents Road and Nandi Road to increase capacity for heavy vehicles.
Our region is a recognised leader in energy, including clean, green renewable energies
• Investment prospectus and industry fact sheets promoting the renewables sector in the Western Downs region were developed in partnership with TSBE. • Council staff worked with the renewable energy sector on future projects, that will result in further road upgrades and maintenance.
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WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 1 JULY 2019 TO 30 JUNE 2020
