Remote Area Boards

Remote Area Boards play a vital role in supporting communities with limited resources.

Queensland has five RABs, representing 60% of Queensland:

• South West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils Inc
• Central Western Queensland Remote Area Planning and Development Board
• Gulf Savannah Development
• Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Development Zone
• Torres and Cape Indigenous Councils Alliance.

They provide a single voice on strategic issues and economic priorities for the region. They also focus funding on delivering much-needed projects that might not otherwise attract financial support.

Since 2016, the Queensland Government has been proud to support the five RABs under its Remote Area Board (RAB) Program.

Supporting these has delivered economic and employment opportunities, improving life for our most remote Queensland communities.

2023-25 funding

Applications are now open for the 2023-2025 round the Remote Area Board Program. We are supporting regions to decarbonise their local economy with $1 million available over the next two financial years.

RAB’s are invited to submit applications for projects that will facilitate industry diversification, especially industries identified in the Queensland New-Industry Development Strategy.

Applications are also welcome for projects that can enhance economic development, sustain or create employment, and improve liveability.

These projects are required to be delivered by 30 June 2025.

Key timelines

Applicant information

As this program is only open to Remote Area Boards, upon opening an email with a link to the application form in SmartyGrants is being made available to these organisations.

RAB’s applying for this funding can use the following guidelines and templates:

• Applicant Guidelines ( 496.5 KB)
• Project Plan Template ( 180.1 KB)
• Frequently Asked Questions ( 142.9 KB)

2021-23 funding

In the State Government’s latest funding round of $1.5 million over two financial years, the five RABs will each receive $150,000 per year under the RAB Program.

The majority of these projects have been completed with the remainder dure to be completed by 30 September 2023.

2018-21 funding

In 2018, RABs received $2.25 million (GST exclusive) over three years to deliver economic development projects in their regions.

All these projects have been completed

2016-18 funding

In 2016, the State Government provided $1 million (GST exclusive) to support the delivery of economic development projects in remote regional communities over a two-year period.