who we are

Western Queensland contributes massive wealth to Queensland and Australia and offers considerable opportunities to drive productivity, economic growth and workforce participation based on its traditional industries of mining, agriculture, construction and public administration as well as its emerging industries of renewable energies, new economy minerals, technology, and tourism. It does this despite confronting challenges that are typically more extreme than in other parts of Australia due to remoteness (vast distances); declining populations; social disadvantage; workforce attraction and retention issues; limited infrastructure and restricted revenue bases.

To tackle these challenges as well as promote the opportunities that abound, the Western Queensland Alliance of Councils (WQAC) was formed in July 2020. The WQAC is a collaboration between the three regional organisations of councils in Western Queensland – North West Regional Organisation of Councils (NWQROC), Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD), and South West Regional Organisation of Councils (SWQROC).

Our three bodies represent 22 rural and remote councils and cover 60 percent of Queensland’s land mass from the Gulf of Carpentaria in the north to the NSW/SA/Qld border in the south.  

We have come together under the banner of the WQAC to represent the views of our 22 councils on matters of common concern in the State’s far west. These matters are highlighted in this Election Platform and represent the most significant region wide barriers to growth and development as well as those of specific importance to our individual regions.

We are seeking from the parties and candidates contesting this election their commitment to supporting WQAC address these challenges as well as build on existing opportunities across Western Queensland.