Advancing Regional Innovation Program

The State Government recently announced the Advancing Regional Innovation Program which is available to 12 Queensland Regional Areas one of which is the Wide Bay Burnett (WBB).

The Regional Innovation Program presents the opportunity and approach to delivering innovation in Wide Bay Region

It is Council’s intention to work with the other WBB Councils to advance this Regional Innovation Program which aims to turn regions into hubs for innovation and enterprise by developing regional innovation initiatives.  Importantly the program will build on and strengthen the existing local infrastructure /ecosystem, rather than develop something new or competing.

The State Government has committed $500K over two (2) years to each region.  For the project to proceed funding must be matched 1:1 (cash and in-kind), this includes a 50% contribution from private enterprise.

Red Earth Foundation South Burnett has joined with Council to deliver this program throughout the South Burnett.

“This presents a great opportunity for local businesses with an innovative project ready to go or in the development phase to join this program and implement innovative projects in their businesses.” Mayor Keith Campbell said “This program may well produce an innovative project that’s benefits the whole region and encourage business to come along to a 2 hour workshop on Friday 10 March 2017 in Kingaroy (venue to be announced) to hear more about the program and confidently discuss your ideas.”

For further information regarding this program and the workshop, please contact Council’s Manager of Economic Development Phil Harding on (07) 4189 9100.