Remote Area Boards

Remote Area Boards play a vital role in supporting communities with limited resources.

Queensland has five Remote Area Boards, representing 60% of Queensland:

• South West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils Inc
• Central Western Queensland Remote Area Planning and Development Board
• Gulf Savannah Development
• Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Development Zone
• Torres and Cape Indigenous Councils Alliance.

They provide a single voice on strategic issues and economic priorities for the region. They also focus funding on delivering much-needed projects that might not otherwise attract financial support.

Since 2016, the Queensland Government has been proud to support the five Remote Area Boards under its Remote Area Board Program.

Supporting these has delivered economic and employment opportunities, improving life for our most remote Queensland communities.

2023-25 funding

Applications are now closed for the 2023-2025 round the Remote Area Board Program. We are supporting regions to decarbonise their local economy with $1 million available over the next two financial years.

Remote Area Boards were invited to submit applications for projects that will facilitate industry diversification, especially industries identified in the Queensland New-Industry Development Strategy.

Applications were also welcome for projects that can enhance economic development, sustain or create employment, and improve liveability.

These projects are required to be delivered by 30 June 2025.

Key timelines

2021-23 funding

In this funding round of $1.5 million over two financial years, the five RABs received $150,000 per year under the RAB Program.

2018-21 funding

In 2018, RABs received $2.25 million (GST exclusive) over three years to deliver economic development projects in their regions.

2016-18 funding

In 2016, the State Government provided $1 million (GST exclusive) to support the delivery of economic development projects in remote regional communities over a two-year period.