The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development the Hon Michael McCormack MP announced a Regional Deal for the Hinkler area in November 2018. The area covered by the Hinkler Regional Deal encompasses the towns of Bundaberg and Hervey Bay in Queensland. The media release is here.

On 26 March 2018, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, Minister for Regional Services, Sport, Local Government and Decentralisation, Mayor Jack Dempsey of Bundaberg Regional Council and Mayor George Seymour of Fraser Coast Regional Council, signed a Statement PDF: 538 KB  outlining the aspirations for the Hinkler Regional Deal, including its three priorities of economic development, resilience and liveability and community.

The Australian Government will continue to work with the Bundaberg and Fraser Coast Regional Councils, as well as the Queensland Government, to develop a deal for the Hinkler region.

Consultation with the region’s community and business organisations is central to the Hinkler Regional Deal, and all three levels of government will continue to engage with local representatives throughout the Deal’s development and implementation.