The objective of the Fitzroy Industry and Agricultural Initiative (FIAI) is to facilitate economic development in the Rockhampton/Fitzroy Region to sustain the region’s economic growth. It will focus on developing the Gracemere-Stanwell Industrial Precinct and the Lower Fitzroy Agricultural Precinct.

It involves the Department of Infrastructure and Planning working in partnership with the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation as well as other key stakeholders including the Rockhampton Regional Council and Stanwell Corporation.

Development scenario

Earlier studies identified opportunities to build on the competitive advantage of Rockhampton in terms of its water availability, its beef capital of Australia profile and proximity to the Bowen Basin coal mines.

The Gracemere-Stanwell Industrial Precinct is suitably located for mining services as well as transport and general manufacturing. The area is appropriately zoned having a development control plan in place since 2002. As a result, there is a progressive increase in zoning intensity from lighter to heavier industry from Gracemere to Stanwell.

The agricultural precinct is considered suitable for intensive agriculture, such as beef feed lotting and horticulture.

In 2007 public consultation was undertaken on environmental sustainability studies into beef feed lotting. No environmental constraints on the development of beef feedlots were identified in the agricultural precinct, assuming appropriate management practices are adopted. These studies will contribute to any future environmental approval required for a development application.

Development of the precincts is dependent on the provision of key infrastructure, particularly common user infrastructure. In the case of the Gracemere-Stanwell Industrial Precinct, efficient access from the Capricorn Highway over the Central Railway has to be effected and services have to be extended.

In the agricultural precinct, water access, road upgrading and three-phase power access are essential infrastructure needed to facilitate development.

A map showing the Gracemere-Stanwell Agricultural and Industrial precincts is available.

Further information