Economic Development

Western Downs Regional Council is a recognised leader in agribusiness, energy and manufacturing, and local productivity continues to increase.

Council is committed to ensuring that our children and future generations can live, work, study and play, and have the opportunity to do what they love whilst enjoying a regional lifestyle.

Council’s five-year Economic Development Strategy (2023 to 2028) addresses critical issues and clearly articulates a strategic pathway for the Western Downs to diversify and grow its economy, building on the region’s competitive advantage and further attracting business and investment in value-adding opportunities and emerging markets. All whilst improving our region's liveability to ensure that residents can enjoy quality services, and a regional lifestyle.

Council provides extensive business support for new and established small and medium businesses. As a business owner, there are many ways you can get involved with your local council.

How can Council Assist your Business?

Council's Economic Development team offers assistance and support to our region's businesses with the following:

Facilitate and promote business and industry events throughout the year to enhance growth in our key industries;
Support business development opportunities through collaboration with key strategic partners;
Refer businesses to government agencies and economic development organisations providing business support and grants and funding opportunities;
Provide information on developments and investment within the Western Downs region;
Provide economic impact modelling and statistics to support grant and funding applications.

Contact Us and one of our team will be in touch to discuss the opportunities and benefits of doing business and developing industry in the Western Downs. For a full economic overview, we'd encourage you to review our Economy ID: The Western Downs Economic Profile.

About Western Downs

Western Downs Regional Council is the local government for the Western Downs region, but we’re more than just a government body focused on roads, rates and rubbish.

Economic Development Strategy

The Western Downs is open for business, with an economy that’s as strong as it is diverse. Discover how Council is committed to ensuring our region is serviced by quality businesses, infrastructure, and services.

Tourism & Destination Events

Council is committed to proactively advancing our region as a tourist destination for travellers all over Australia and beyond. Read about our vision for the Western Downs as an end destination of choice.

Invest in the Western Downs

Council is committed to enhancing liveability, embracing innovative opportunities and encouraging proactive and future-fit developments in our region - ensuring that future generations will be able to enjoy living, working, studying and playing here for decades to come. Find out more about investing in the Western Downs.

Communities Partnering Framework

Council has adopted the Communities Partnering Framework, supporting social license through community partnering. Large businesses can assess their impact and celebrate their contribution by completing the self-evaluation.

Business Events

The Western Downs has a strong and diverse economy. Recognised as a leader in agribusiness, energy and manufacturing, and future proofing for a changing climate. Stakeholders are aware of the need for development activity to help drive and support the Council's long term vision.