Outback Way Forum 2024

At the beginning of July we hosted the Outback Way Forum, held to foster collaboration, innovation, and growth for our beloved Outback Highway!

Over two days in Canberra – 30 June/1 July, we brought together a dynamic group of stakeholders, including local communities, government representatives, industry leaders and agencies, passionate advocates, all committed to the sustainable development of the Outback Way. The forum was a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared vision we all have for enhancing this iconic route.

Key highlights from the event include: Insightful Discussions: Engaging sessions that covered a wide range of topics from infrastructure development to tourism opportunities and environmental sustainability. Sustainability & Growth Focus: Innovative ideas on preserving the unique environmental ecosystems; and growing the social ecosystems and cultural heritage along the Outback Way. Networking Opportunities: Connecting with thought leaders and experts who are driving change and making a positive impact in our communities.

A big thank you to everyone who participated, contributed, and supported this event. Your dedication and passion are what make initiatives like these truly successful. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter, more connected future for the Outback. Here’s to continued progress and collaboration! Roadmap report to come soon.

The OHDC successfully lobbied for over $1B in Federal funding for state and territory governments to seal the Outback Highway by 2032. Now the moment has arrived to capitalise on this extraordinary opportunity. The Outback Highway, connecting our communities across the centre of the nation, will provide significant socio-economic benefits, but not without a diverse range of stakeholders coming together to coordinate and collaborate. The Forum will be a unique experience to begin this process, through the creation of a Benefits Roadmap, that will chart the necessary projects, policies and requirements to start delivering benefits as soon as possible.

The forum will bring together community, industry, business, indigenous and government representatives to discuss and collaborate on many topics, such as:

  • Tangible, near-term opportunities to improve the cost of living for isolated communities while increasing economic participation 
  • Business and industry, development and growth opportunities that open up new markets while reducing the cost of doing business
  • Road infrastructure to improve safety, emergency access and mobility for locals, tourists, industry and freight
  • Preparedness for the impacts of increased traffic and population growth on community, culture and the environment
  • Developing and promoting an iconic tourism and cultural heritage attraction – Australia’s Route 66!

The forum will be an engaging experience, designed to support your participation in progressively building out a Benefits Roadmap. Day 1 will focus on whole-of-highway and regional benefits, and what will be needed to support their delivery. Day 2 will build on this, by focusing on the tangible, key benefits the highway offers in the immediate future, and the projects and plans needing to be put into action now. 

Outback Way Forum 2024, Agenda

Day 1: Sunday 30 June
12:30 Lunch, Registration & Opening
1:45 Navigating the Outback Way: Progress, Priorities & Opportunities
3:30 Landing National & Regional Benefits
6:00 Close
6:30 Networking Dinner (optional)

Day 2: Monday 1 July
8:30 Registration & Opening 
9:30 Locating Infrastructure & Projects to Deliver National & Regional Benefits 
11:00 Exploring Community, Business & Industry Initiatives
12:30 Lunch
1:30 Detailing Community, Business & Industry Initiatives
3:30 Actions to deliver the Benefits Roadmap
5:00 Close
6.30 Networking Dinner (optional)

Following the event, the results from both days will be used to create a Benefits Roadmap to accompany an OHDC report that will be available to all attendees and stakeholders to use as a communication tool for advocacy and coordination. 

The Outback Highway Development Council (OHDC) is organising this event, with various participation opportunities to maximise involvement and engagement. To get the most out of the opportunity, we strongly recommended attending both days. More details, including how to prepare, will be provided closer to the event.

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Become a Forum 2024 sponsor today, click on the below link detailing how you can support.