22 May 2006: Following the recent release of a study into the impact of demographic change in the Wide Bay Burnett region, a Final Report, Summary and four sub-regional reports have been compiled.

The research for these reports was undertaken by Dr. Peter Brain from the National Institute for Economic and Industry Research and highlight a range of issues that have the potential to significantly impact on the future economy of the region.

A copy of the Final Report can be obtained on CD by contacting the WBBROC office on 4121 0455. The Summary Report and the sub-regional reports can be viewed by clicking on the following:

Summary Report
North Coast sub-region
North Inland sub-region
South Coast sub-region
South Inland subregion

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20th March 2006: WBBROC’s project to provide enhanced broadband access throughout the Wide Bay-Burnett region is gathering pace with tenders about to be invited from telecommunications suppliers to submit proposals for consideration (see story immediately below). The project seeks to secure a supplier who'll provide the widest possible broadband coverage throughout the region at costs comparable to capital city suppliers.

WBBROC shares the view expressed by many regional communities throughout Australia that broadband services are an important economic enabler and therefore becoming an essential part of local infrastructure. The converse is believed to be equally true - ie that a lack of broadband services for business or residential uses is an economic disabler. While broadband is increasingly available using ADSL technology in many regional areas, it's currently limited in geographic coverage and leaves many potential users with no access to broadband services which they believe are cost effective.

In addition, WBBROC understands that broadband communications technology is currently only in the early stages of its development. As a result, WBBROC is also seeking a regional telecommunications provider who will enable the region to keep pace with future developments in broadband.

WBBROC has received funding for this project from the Federal Department of Communications, IT and the Arts and is undertaking the project with support from the Queensland Department of State Development, Trade and Innovation. It's anticipated that the status of “preferred supplier” will be awarded to the successful company by the end of June 2006.

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16th March 2006: WBBROC Chairman Cr Ron Dyne has announced the appointment of Mr. Spencer Slatter as Executive Officer of the organisation to succeed Mr Bob Chambers.

Cr. Dyne said that Mr Slatter brings to the position over thirty years experience in local government including several years as CEO of the Cooloola Shire Council.

Mr. Slatter has also spent many years directly and indirectly involved in regional economic development and has a great understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist in the region.

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3rd August 2005: The Wide Bay Burnett Regional Leaders Conference held at Maryborough on 27 July 2005 produced a new regional brand, a new regional logo and a wealth of thought-provoking information for the hundreds of people who attended.

The winner of WBBROC's Regional Name/Logo Competition (see story 10th May 2005) was Lynnelle Richardson from Kingaroy, who proposed the name "Country Coast" and the design shown above right. An extensive process of regional consultation is now being undertaken to test reaction to the new brand by key stakeholders.

WBBROC would like to thank all those regional leaders who took time out of their busy schedules to attend the Conference. We encourage all attendees to fax their feedback sheets back to (07) 4121 7095 so their comments can be taken into account in planning next years event.

Several papers from the conference are now available as well. They can be downloaded here in Adobe PDF format:

• Findings of the Infrastucture and Lifestyle Focus Group - 109 pp
• Wide Bay 2020 Vision Statement - 2pp
  
• Speech by Anne Moffat (Infrastructure/Lifestyle Focus Group) - 22 pp
  
• Presentation by Peter Kenyon (Youth Entrepreneurship) - Powerpoint slideshow

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