We all know that the Western Downs region is a great place to live, work, visit and invest.
To support your business and assist you to make informed business decisions we have collated a range of support resources, including investments and projects in the pipeline, resources than can support business development and growth, and economic data and statistics to support funding applications.
Whether you're new to business and want to learn more about starting one, an existing business needing staff, are looking at investing in the Western Downs, or maybe even a community group applying for a grant - this suite of free resources is available for you.
Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) has recently released the bi-annual Western Downs Development Status Report(PDF, 12MB) , to equip the community and prospective investors with valuable knowledge of known developments in the Western Downs.
Want to find out more about opportunities relating to specific industries? View our Invest in Western Downs page and download industry prospectuses and factsheets.
Can't find the information you need? The Economic Development team are always happy to help - get in touch by emailing economic.development@wdrc.qld.gov.au
Subscribe to our monthly Business in Western Downs eNewsletter to stay up to date on the latest business resources, grants and funding, and networking opportunities across the Western Downs.
An example of the Business in Western Downs eNewsletter can be viewed here.
Subscribe to Council's Business in the Western Downs eNewsletter
To assist local businesses with workforce attraction and recruitment, as well as to promote the region for migration and population growth, Council has developed a suite of resources based on our region's narrative 'it's the people that make it'. These resources are free and available for businesses to use alongside their own branded promotional collateral.
Make your position vacancy even more attractive to potential applicants outside of the region by promoting the fantastic benefits of the Western Downs lifestyle as well as the stunning landscapes, vibrant local events and our wonderful people alongside your own marketing.
Business Support Toolkit
Below are a series of graphics, images, video and brochure collateral that you can use or link to in your job advertisements, email communication or online promotion.
Promotional Magazines
These publications are great to attach to job ads, emails to out-of-region contacts or clients or to promote 'where you come from' when you're travelling. You can embed or link to these documents.
LIVE Western Downs Magazine
TASTE Western Downs Magazine
Western Downs Traveler's Guide Magazine
Promotional Videos
Embed or hyperlink these in your job advertisements, emails or even on your website.
Welcome to our towns videos
Use these videos in your promotions by copying the link or using the embed code.
Chinchilla
Hear from locals Louise and Greg, and newcomers Eve and Georgia, on why they love to live in Chinchilla.
Link: https://youtu.be/oE0oaOfBZDw
Embed code: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oE0oaOfBZDw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Dalby
Hear from locals Melinda and Glen, and newcomers Thu and Alberto, on why they love to live in Dalby.
Link: https://youtu.be/iZnZ-Gqjbbg
Embed code: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iZnZ-Gqjbbg" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Jandowae
Hear from local Lillian, and newcomers Christine, Nadia and Sophia, on why they love to live in Jandowae.
Link: https://youtu.be/soD8rCGoBss
Embed code: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/soD8rCGoBss" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Miles
Hear from local Emily, and newcomer Luke, on why they love to live in Miles.
Link: https://youtu.be/FHDcexvcLko
Embed code: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FHDcexvcLko" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Tara
Hear from local Jim, and newcomers Dan and Rachael, on why they love to live in Tara.
Link: https://youtu.be/LWO9wwGHdBg
Embed code: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LWO9wwGHdBg" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Wandoan
Hear from local Hollie, and newcomers Jack and Kate, on why they love to live in Wandoan.
Link: https://youtu.be/NtyS5k1myOc
Embed code: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NtyS5k1myOc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Welcome to the Western Downs stories videos
Use these videos in your promotions by copying the link or using the embed code.
Esther Comenares
Link: https://youtu.be/njU81NCr1fY
Embed code: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/njU81NCr1fY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Cara Keehn
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDg3wt4i-qM
Embed code: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WDg3wt4i-qM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Jess and Brett
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxZJ03DZR0A
Embed code: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nxZJ03DZR0A" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Kate Bradley
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5N8DytgEKg
Embed code: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T5N8DytgEKg" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Working on the Western Downs videos
Use these videos in your promotions by copying the link or using the embed code.
Working on the Western Downs
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBzo5k-0oMQ
Embed code: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rBzo5k-0oMQ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
It's the People that Make It!
On the Western Downs, 'it's the people that make it'! This was confirmed in 2020 when Council set about developing a regional brand narrative to support business, tourism and regional identity.
Find out more about what this brand means and how it came about
Council's Economic Development Team is keen to connect with local businesses to discuss how we can further support your business. If you have suggestions or ideas, or want to discuss what services are available, contact Council by phoning 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624) or emailing economic.development@wdrc.qld.gov.au.
Floods, droughts and bushfires are all natural hazards that can result in emergency, crisis, or disasters and create extreme risks to the Western Downs community, businesses, and visitors. With the launch of the Western Downs Building Business Resilience Program, Council aims to create greater resilience through promoting the mitigation of risks for businesses and ensure business continuity against an evolving world.
As we plan to deliver this Program over the coming months, Council and our delivery partner invite businesses to complete a self-assessment survey. This survey will help us understand the needs of local businesses, and assist in the development and delivery of tailored workshops and resources covering disaster recovery.
Complete the Building Business Resilience pre-workshop survey
Business Resilience workshops will begin in early 2025, to equip businesses with practical steps to prepare for and recover from disasters. Workshops will provide key information on disaster recovery, including grants, insurance claims, and business continuity strategies, in addition to findings from the pre-workshop surveys. Keep an eye on our Business Events page to find out when the workshops launch.
Following the workshops, up to 40 small businesses will receive one-on-one business continuity checks, focusing on developing customised business continuity plans.
Additional support resources will also be made available on Council's website as the program progresses. Check back regularly to see what's been added.
The Building Business Resilience Program is delivered by Western Downs Regional Council and supported by Shell Australia as part of its social investment.
Council often partners with industry experts to run business workshops throughout our region. When possible, we make recordings and resources available for those unable to attend in person. A range of online training videos from some of our recent workshops can be viewed below.
Western Downs Youth Business Program
Our free ten-part Western Downs Youth Business Program (Launch+ series) steps you through some of the key things you need to know to launch a business as a young person – including building your own Business Models Canvas, branding, marketing, competitor analysis, nailing your value proposition, funding, pitching and more.
This program is delivered in partnership between Western Downs Regional Council and Future Anything.
Western Downs Youth Business Program
Welcome to Western Downs Youth Business Program
Introduction delivered in partnership with Future Anything.
Episode One
In this first episode, we run through everything you need to know to make the most of the next nine episodes.
Total length of time required to deliver this episode: 25 minutes
Episode Two
In this second episode, we run through:
Total length of time required to deliver this episode: 25 minutes
Episode Three
In this third episode, we unpack the competitor analysis and unique value proposition.
Total length of time required to deliver this episode: 60-90 minutes
Resources:
Episode Four
In this fourth episode, we unpack customer personas and customer channels.
Total length of time required to deliver this episode: 50 minutes
Resources:
Episode Five
In this fifth episode, we unpack branding and marketing.
Total length of time required to deliver this episode: 60 minutes
Resources:
Episode Six
In this sixth episode, we crunch your numbers to make sure you have a financially viable business model.
Total length of time required to deliver this episode: 60 – 90 minutes
Resources:
Episode Seven
In this seventh episode, we work with epic Accountant, Nicola, to unpack a whole bunch of really important things that you need to know to make sure you’re set up for success- including business structures, record keeping, IP, and Tax.
Total length of time required to deliver this episode: 30-60 minutes.
Resources:
Business Structure
Find more information about different business structures here. Each structure has different tax implications so it is best to discuss your situation with an accountant.
Record Keeping & Bookkeeping:
Please find some online bookkeeping services below (note they are listed in order of pricing and sophistication (low to high): Wave | QuickBooks | MYOB | Xero
Organisation tools:
Here are five tools to help with you with day-to-day business management:
- Apps such as Trello/Asana can be used to help keep your workflow on track throughout the day
- Back up your work in the cloud so that you can access your files at any time
- Slack or Google Hangouts are great internal messaging and notice tools
- Software such as OneNote is a great place to document your business processes (can access online and is more dynamic than MS Word)
- An online calendar whether it be through your emails or another provider will help you stay on track and help others in your business to collaborate with you more effectively.
Registrations:
Find some more information about different registrations at:
www.business.gov.au/registrations | www.register.business.gov.au/
An accountant will be able to advise you on the relevant registrations for your business and help you apply for them.
Licences & Permits:
Register Licenses & Permits | Business Licenses & Permits | Australian Business Licensing and Information Service
Undertake this short questionnaire which will help you to determine which licences (if any) are relevant to your business.
Insurance:
Find some more information about different business insurances. We recommend you talk to an expert in this area.
Intellectual Property:
Intellectual Property | Intellectual Property Explained
A lawyer can help you to protect your intellectual property.
Episode Eight
In this eighth episode, we unpack how to pitch your idea.
Total length of time required to deliver this episode: 30 – 45 minutes.
Resources:
Episode Nine
In this ninth episode, we unpack how to get some funding to launch your idea, including crowdfunding, grants and sponsorships.
Total length of time required to deliver this episode: 20- 30 minutes
Episode Ten
In this final episode, we run through a summary of everything covered and also unpack a few key pieces of advice to set you up for success.
Total length of time required to deliver this episode: 10-15 minutes.
Google Your Business
Watch the below Google My Business recorded workshop and discover what your customers are already searching for, learn to use free online promotion tools and hear useful tips and tricks to fit online marketing into your busy schedule.
Business is booming in the Western Downs and it’s not just us who think so, we’ve been crowned one of Australia’s fastest growing regional economies over the past five years.
The stats speak for themselves with a growing Gross Regional Product (GRP) thanks to the energy, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing industries flourishing within our borders.
For a full economic overview, we’d encourage you to review our Economy ID. You'll find up-to-date statistics relating to the economic and community profile of the Western Downs and can compare our data to previous years or different regions.
View the Western Downs Economy ID Profile