Regional Development Australia Townsville and NWQ

21/10/2026

𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗮𝗯 & 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝘂𝗽 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆.

The recordings from our Unlocking Prefab & Modular Housing in Regional Queensland webinar are now available.

With more than 200 registrations, the webinar brought together government, industry, manufacturers, researchers and regional stakeholders to explore the practical opportunities and barriers to greater adoption of prefab and modular housing.

From planning and regulation to supply chains, workforce capability and finance options, the discussions highlighted what needs to happen to support greater uptake across regional Queensland.

Delivered by RDA Townsville and North West Queensland and Regional Development Australia Tropical North, in partnership with prefabAUS, the webinar is now available to watch in individual sessions.

🎥 Watch the recordings and explore the key insights:
https://www.rdanwq.org.au/unlocking-prefab-modular-housing-in-regional-qld/?playlist=a40af6d&video=a50bc92

18/10/2026

𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 $𝟰𝟬 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁. 𝗔 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝟭𝟱𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝟰𝟭,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀.

The numbers highlight one of the biggest challenges facing Townsville and North West Queensland.

Our CEO, Dr Lisa McDonald, took this challenge to the 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 (𝗡𝗘𝗗𝗖𝟮𝟲) in Hobart this week, presenting on ‘No Workforce, No Investment: Building Workforce Systems That Make Regions Investment-Ready’.

With major projects planned across energy, critical minerals, defence, health and infrastructure, competition for skilled workers will only intensify.

And it's not just major projects that need people. Local businesses, hospitals, schools, councils and essential services are drawing from the same workforce.

Lisa's message was clear - workforce is economic infrastructure. We need to plan for it just as deliberately as we plan for roads, energy and water.

She shared how RDA TNWQ is approaching this through four connected priorities: 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄, 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺, 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁.

From understanding future workforce demand and strengthening school-to-work pathways, to supporting greater workforce participation, employer capability and targeted skills attraction, our focus is on building a workforce system that responds to regional needs.

Because a strong investment pipeline doesn't automatically translate into regional prosperity. It's how we prepare our people, businesses and communities to benefit from that investment that matters.

Thank you to Economic Development Australia for the opportunity to share our region's experience and learn from others tackling similar challenges across Australia.



Pictured at NEDC26, our CEO Dr Lisa McDonald, alongside Nicole Duguid CEO RDA Brisbane, Craig Harrison CEO RDA Logan & Redlands and Lainie P**n CEO of Regional Development Australia Tropical North

13/10/2026

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝘆

The Overlanders Way is one of Queensland's great touring routes, stretching from Townsville to Mount Isa and Tennant Creek through historic towns, rugged landscapes, rich mining heritage, dinosaur country and authentic Outback experiences. Linking the coast to the Outback, the route showcases the people, places and stories that make North West Queensland unique.

The Overlanders Way Tourism Group supports the promotion and development of the visitor economy along the corridor by connecting tourism operators, local governments, and industry stakeholders. Through collaboration, marketing, industry engagement and advocacy, the group works to strengthen tourism opportunities, increase visitation and support the long-term growth of communities across the region.

For more information and to stay connected with tourism initiatives along the corridor, follow the Overlanders Way on Facebook or Insta and subscribe to updates.

11/10/2026

𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗮𝗯 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱?

With more than 200 registrations, there was strong interest in our recent Unlocking Prefab & Modular Housing in Regional Queensland webinar.

Hosted by RDA Townsville and North West Queensland, Regional Development Australia Tropical North and prefabAUS, the event brought together government, housing manufacturers, developers, finance, research and construction industry representatives to explore how prefab and modular housing could help meet our region's housing needs.

The discussion showed just how far the industry has come. Products and design options have improved, financing is evolving and manufacturers are keen to do more in regional Queensland.

But challenges remain, particularly for rural and remote communities where freight costs, smaller housing projects and local conditions can make construction more difficult.

So, what did we learn?

🏠 Housing opportunities: Social and affordable housing was identified as the biggest near-term opportunity, followed by key worker housing and housing in remote and First Nations communities.

🏗️ Barriers to delivery: Planning, regulations and approval processes remain some of the biggest challenges to getting more projects underway.

🤝 Industry interest: Many participants are interested in getting involved but are looking for the right partners and opportunities.

Prefab and modular housing won't solve regional housing shortages on its own, but it could play an important role, particularly with greater coordination between government, industry and regional communities.

We've included a snapshot of the live poll results from the webinar in the images below. There will be more outcomes and action items to be shared online in the coming weeks.

Thank you to everyone who joined the discussion and to the organisations that shared their expertise, including Rebecca Young MP Queensland Government, Metricon, Lyv Group, Property Developer Network (Group), TAFE Queensland, Commonwealth Bank and International Code Council Oceania.

11/10/2026

𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀, 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱.

Queensland's major project pipeline continues to shape the future of our region, with significant investment planned across energy, defence, transport and emerging industries.

On Thursday 26 November, the Queensland Major Contractors Association (QMCA) will launch the 2026 Queensland Major Projects Pipeline Report in Townsville, providing an important look at the projects ahead and what they mean for our regional economy.

For Townsville and North West Queensland, understanding this pipeline is critical. It's not just about the scale of investment, but what it means for local businesses, contractors, supply chains and the workforce needed to deliver these projects.

The breakfast event will bring together industry, government and regional stakeholders to explore upcoming opportunities, investment trends and the potential flow-on benefits for North Queensland.

This event will be held on Thursday 26 November 2026 at The Ville Resort-Casino

For businesses and organisations involved in infrastructure delivery, or looking to be part of the region's future growth, this is a valuable opportunity to hear directly about what's ahead.

🔗 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/qld-major-projects-pipeline-report-townsville-26-november-2026-tickets-1994394524711

Qld Major Projects Pipeline Report: Townsville - 26 November 2026

08/10/2026

𝗔 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗜, 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱.

Yesterday, our CEO Dr Lisa McDonald, Chair Debra Burden, Deputy Chair Maria James and committee members Pierina Dalle Cort and Rachel Cliffe joined local leaders for a boardroom lunch with Dr Kathryn van der Merwe, Telstra Group Executive, People, Culture and Capability.

Kathryn shared how Telstra is approaching AI and the changes it is bringing to the workplace, from the skills people will need to how businesses can make better use of technology.

There was plenty to discuss, particularly around what this means for regional employers already managing workforce shortages and changing skills needs. How can AI help businesses work more efficiently, support their existing teams and improve productivity? And just as importantly, how do we make sure our workforce has the skills and confidence to adapt as technology continues to change the way we work?

These are important conversations for North Queensland, particularly as our region prepares for significant growth and increasing demand for skilled workers.

08/10/2026

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂?

Across Northern Australia, Regional Development Australia committees and regional development organisations are gathering information about people’s experiences with insurance.

🏠 Homeowners and landlords
🏢 Strata communities
💼 Business owners

From premiums and excesses to insurer choice, availability and access to appropriate cover, 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀.

Whether your premium has risen, fallen or stayed much the same, whether you have plenty of choice or very few options, your experience matters.

The information gathered will help participating regions strengthen their evidence base and better understand how insurance affordability, availability and choice are affecting communities and businesses across Northern Australia.

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆:

📍 Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays — https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8DHB2V8

📍 Regional Development Australia Tropical North — https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZBJ3QMM

📍 Regional Development Australia Northern Territory — https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8DXPBNR

📍 Regional Development Australia Kimberley — https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/J8MYGBK

📍 Regional Development Australia Townsville and NWQ — https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8DKS2GF

📍 Regional Development Australia - Mid West & Gascoyne — https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/J8WM6R5

📍 Regional Development Australia Pilbara — https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BC6337P

📍 Indian Ocean Territories Regional Development Organisation — https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H63ZSM8

Participation is voluntary and anonymous, with findings reported at an aggregated regional level.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲.

Please share this post with others in your region who may also wish to contribute.

06/10/2026

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 – 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗲, 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗲?

Tomorrow, Townsville will host the 2026 Welcoming Australia Summit, bringing together local leaders, businesses, educators and community organisations to explore the role inclusion and community connection play in strong regional economies.

Our CEO Dr Lisa McDonald will join Dr Tra Nguyen from TMSG - Townsville Multicultural Support Group and Renae Dowling from Townsville City Council for a panel discussion on Pathways to employment for multicultural communities.

Led by MC Teresa Hudson the agenda also covers topics including belonging and social cohesion to reaching underrepresented voices, welcoming workplaces, community-led inclusion and pathways into employment.

It’s a conversation closely connected to the work happening across our region – creating clearer pathways into training and employment, working alongside employers and education providers, and helping people build the skills, confidence and connections needed to participate in our workforce.

The Summit will also explore welcoming workplaces, social cohesion and practical approaches to strengthening inclusion across regional communities.

📍 Townsville Stadium
📅 Thursday 8 October | 9.30am - 4pm

Register to attend: https://events.humanitix.com/welcoming-australia-townsville-summit

02/10/2026

𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬 | 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻.

Are rising premiums, higher excesses or limited insurance options affecting your household, property or business?

RDA Townsville and North West Queensland is gathering local experiences from homeowners, landlords, strata communities and business owners to help inform broader discussions about insurance affordability and availability across Northern Australia.

Whether your experience has been positive or challenging, we want to hear from you.

⏱️ Takes 5-10 minutes
🔒 Anonymous
📅 Closes today – Friday, 2 October

👉 Complete the survey: https://www.rdanwq.org.au/townsville-north-west-qld-insurance-experience/

Please share with your networks, particularly across our rural and remote communities.

Access to affordable and appropriate insurance is an important issue for homeowners, landlords, strata communities and businesses across Townsville and Nort ...