Five-year prosperity strategy builds on strong economic growth

Published on 03 March 2026

2024_APRIL_SRRC_KALBAR_LG_LOWRES-DJI_0672.jpg

Council has reflected on its achievements delivered through the Scenic Rim Regional Prosperity Strategy 2020–2025 in a final report tabled at last week's Ordinary Meeting.

The report detailed the delivery of 44 of the 48 actions outlined in the strategy since its adoption in February 2020 during which time the Scenic Rim economy grew from $1.9 billion in 2020 to $2.5 billion in 2024 — a 30.72 per cent increase and more than double the growth rate across Queensland during the same period.

The strategy aligned with Council’s Community Plan, Corporate Plan and Operational Plan, providing a clear roadmap to support business and industry development, attract investment, strengthen workforce opportunities and promote the Scenic Rim.

It was adopted just weeks before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and, despite significant challenges including drought and natural disasters, Council was able to meet its objectives.

Scenic Rim's Economic Development portfolio Councillor Marshall Chalk said the strategy had delivered meaningful outcomes across multiple industries.

“The creation of more than 2,000 new local jobs is a significant achievement and reflects the strength and diversification of our regional economy,” he said.

“Growth in construction, health care, and education demonstrates the Scenic Rim is evolving into a more resilient economy that supports both industry and community needs.

“The results of this strategy clearly show the Scenic Rim is on a sustained growth trajectory, with a stronger, more diverse economy and increasing employment opportunities for our community.

“We are seeing real momentum across key industries and, with the foundations established through this Strategy and the implementation of our new Scenic Rim Economic Development Strategy 2026-2030, the region is well placed to continue attracting investment, supporting local businesses and creating valuable jobs into the future.”

The strategy provided a framework for coordinated action across five key pillars — business and industry development, marketing and promotion, investment facilitation, education and workforce development, and advocacy for infrastructure — resulting in sustained economic growth and employment outcomes.

Initiatives and projects delivered through the strategy included:

  • three Economic Stimulus Packages in response to COVID during 2020-2021
  • the Scenic Rim Agribusiness and Agritourism 10-year Roadmap 2022-2032
  • a range of workshops and seminars supporting local business development and capacity development through the Scenic Rim Small Business Month activations
  • the Scenic Rim Business Excellence Awards program in 2021, 2023 and 2025
  • the development and adoption of the Scenic Rim Smart Strategy 2022-2032 and Nature-Based Tourism Strategy 2022-2032
  • the development of an online investment attraction portal in the form of www.investscenicrim.com.au
  • marketing the region as a desirable tourism destination, achieving success at the Queensland Tourism Awards in 2022, 2023, 2024 and winning gold in 2025
  • activation of the Beaudesert Enterprise Precinct
  • attaining Ecotourism accreditation for the Scenic Rim, gaining ECO Destination Certification with Ecotourism Australia in January 2025
  • developing events to attract visitors to the region by extending the Eat Local Month program and supporting various regional events
  • the submission of funding applications for key infrastructure projects
  • the undertaking of the Scenic Rim Investment Attraction project, instigating numerous site visits and meetings with potential investors
  • formation of a single Local Tourism Organisation - Destination Scenic Rim; and
  • continued advocacy for infrastructure needs for the Bromelton State Development Area.

Council has built on this success with the adoption of the Scenic Rim Economic Development Strategy 2026–2030, which outlines 32 targeted actions to support sustainable growth, strengthen local businesses, attract investment and enhance the region’s liveability and visitor appeal.

Scenic Rim Mayor Tom Sharp said the new strategy builds on the region’s current economic strengths, which include a Gross Regional Product of $2.4 billion and almost 5,000 local businesses, while providing a roadmap for future growth and ensure continued momentum.

“The completion of the Regional Prosperity Strategy marks an important milestone but, more importantly, it provides a strong foundation for the future,” he said.

“Council recognises it is the people of the Scenic Rim and their businesses that are driving our economy and its success and we remain committed to supporting them for a sustainable and prosperous economy that creates further opportunities and initiatives for our businesses, our workforce and our community.

"The new strategy focuses on workforce development, agricultural innovation, tourism growth, and infrastructure planning, and aims to support strong local employment, sustainable industry, and a strong economy."

Working in collaboration with its partners in government, business and industry and the communities of the Scenic Rim, the strategy is the guiding document for Council as it works to fulfil its vision for the Scenic Rim to be a location of choice to live, learn, work, visit and invest, driven by innovation in a diversity of traditional and compatible emerging industries.

To realise the vision, this strategy presents a plan of action across three pillars, to:

1. Support the Scenic Rim’s businesses to develop and grow;

2. Enhance the Scenic Rim’s profile as a premier visitor destination; and

3. Nurture the Scenic Rim’s appeal as a place to live, learn, work, visit and invest.

The strategy is available to view on Council’s website Scenic Rim Corporate Publications and the Invest Scenic Rim website.

The Scenic Rim is a location of choice to live, learn, work, visit and invest, driven by innovation in a diversity of traditional and compatible industries.

Tagged as:
Back to top