Funded through the Queensland Government’s Remote Area Boards Program, RAPAD’s Sealed for Success project will develop an economic activation and investment strategy and create an online platform identifying practical infrastructure, service and business opportunities that could be unlocked by more reliable road connections.
RAPAD Chair and Longreach Regional Council Mayor Tony Rayner said the project was about planning for the opportunities beyond the roadworks.
“We have worked hard to secure better roads, and now we need to make sure our towns and businesses are ready to benefit from the connections they create,” Mayor Rayner said.
Winton Shire Mayor Cathy White said better connections opened up discussions about what locals, businesses, visitors, and industry would need next.
“We want local businesses and residents to help identify the services, resources and amenities that could encourage travellers to stop longer and spend more in our communities,” Mayor White said.
Boulia Shire Mayor Rick Britton said the project would help identify practical priorities for people and industries relying on remote transport links.
“For Boulia, this is a chance to look at what better freight access could mean for local industry, services and future business investment,” Mayor Britton said.
Diamantina Shire Mayor Francis Murray said community input would help put local needs at the centre of future planning.
“More reliable access is vital for our communities, and we want local people to tell us what further improvements would make the biggest difference so we can advocate or plan for them,” Mayor Murray said.
RAPAD and project consultants Lucid Stories will be undertaking initial consultation, with sessions in Winton on Tuesday 24 November, Bedourie on Wednesday 25 November, and Boulia on Thursday 26 November.
The team will also meet with councillors and council staff, local businesses, industry representatives and community members through informal discussions, business visits and other locally arranged opportunities.
RAPAD is encouraging anyone with ideas or experiences to share or questions to ask to speak with the project team. Contributions are also welcome from people across the wider RAPAD region who may not be able to attend an in-person conversation.
The Sealed for Success strategy, prioritised investment pipeline and online advocacy platform are expected to be completed by mid-2027.
To help with planning please register at: https://forms.rapad.com.au/outbackway2026
For more information contact RAPAD Senior Project Coordinator, Kate Birse at kbirse@rapad.com.au, visit www.rapad.com.au/projects/sealed-for-success for updates.