Regional leaders discuss future of coexistence in the North West

Over 40 leaders gathered in Julia Creek to discuss the future of energy and resources development in the North West last week.

The Coexistence Symposium, hosted by Coexistence Queensland, in partnership with McKinlay Shire Council and MITEZ Economic Development, brought together representatives from local and state government, the agriculture and minerals sectors, and regional organisations.

The program explored the region’s current economic and development landscape before focusing on practical approaches to managing opportunities and impacts through collaboration, planning and shared decision-making.

The event provided a forum for leaders to align expectations, share practical experience and identify opportunities to maximise regional benefits from future development.

Coexistence Queensland CEO Warwick Squire said collaboration was essential to ensuring regional communities were well-positioned to benefit from new investment while addressing potential challenges early.

“New development brings significant opportunities for regional and rural communities, but with change also comes challenges,” Mr Squire said.

“Bringing industry, landholders, communities and government together early allows us to have practical conversations about what development means for the community.

“By working together, we can identify potential impacts, develop strategies to address them, and create economic and social opportunities that help communities prosper.”

McKinlay Shire Council Mayor Cr Janene Fegan said agriculture would continue to play a vital role in the community’s future alongside emerging industries.

“Since European settlement in the late 1800s, agriculture has been the backbone of this region,” Cr Fegan said.

“As new energy and resource developments emerge, we have an opportunity to diversify our economy and create new jobs, but it’s equally important that our agricultural sector continues to thrive.

“Events like this help us have the conversations needed to achieve both.”

MITEZ Economic Development CEO Maria James said the North West was well placed to capitalise on significant investment and infrastructure projects while strengthening existing industries.

“The Corridor is entering an exciting period of growth, with major projects such as CopperString continuing to create new opportunities for investment, jobs and regional development,” Ms James said.

“By bringing people together here in the region, we’re helping ensure the region is ready to seize these opportunities and deliver lasting benefits for our communities.

“We may come from different sectors and perspectives, but we all want the region to thrive.”

The Symposium also provided a structured opportunity for participants to share proven approaches to coexistence and identify opportunities for collaboration that deliver sustainable regional outcomes.

The Coexistence Symposium was held alongside MITEZ Economic Development’s Annual Signature Event and Long Lunch on 16 July in Julia Creek, reinforcing a shared focus on the future of North West Queensland.