Merely adopting a network thinking approach is not sufficient ; instead , the aim is to develop “ nested networks ” where businesses exist within spatial clusters , with strong links in energy , water , and waste value . This creates a cohesive and immersive place experience for visitors .
There is value in seeing tourism as the natural outcome of authentic place-based enterprise rather than a goal in itself . This entails seeking out opportunities for highvalue , low-volume enterprises that are at the forefront of new trends .
Concept Image of Quilpie Wellspring Micro Precinct
This proactive positioning by Council enabled a network of conversations with potential agencies and institutions to reveal unforeseen collaboration opportunities .
MICRO PRECINCT CONCEPT Using a best practice application of regenerative principles , a vision for a new micro precinct called Quilpie Wellspring was envisaged on the 3.9ha site in the heart of Quilpie . A mixed-use precinct was proposed as a five-stage project with stage one being three new enterprises providing solar distilled water from the Great Artesian Basin , local craft beer and fresh aquaponics produce of local fish and vegetables with supporting arid food forest , ecological lagoon , and public open space .
Quilpie Wellspring ’ s economic viability is underpinned by an innovative approach to the micro application of new technologies to leverage production and operational savings through on site energy generation , water recycling and organic nutrient capture and reuse .
A detailed financial feasibility analysis was undertaken that proved the financial viability of the craft brewery and aquaponics facility . Thera was also interest expressed from the private sector to operate these facilities .
The employment and family flow on effects would deliver 37 new residents to the township of Quilpie potentially reducing projected population decline by 25 %.
A key goal of the project was to provide skills and training opportunities , university partnerships and transferable learnings for other rural and remote communities to increase employment , skills , health , and wellbeing . The project vision proposed Quilpie Wellspring as a hub for rural and remote communities to learn and share the latest micro enterprise thinking and technology through practical application specifically tailored for Outback Australia .
PROJECT REFLECTIONS The challenge of economic transition in regional communities often leads to a loss of identity and lifestyle . Local leaders and economic development professionals face the difficult task of finding solutions that go beyond simple business expansion . While larger urban centres naturally strengthen themselves through market concentration , rural and remote communities face more complex options .
Concept development benefits from a process that begins with a values-based workshop for local leaders , providing a platform for generating ideas regarding potential enterprises that align with the unique assets of rural and remote locations . Authenticity and entrepreneurial opportunity are key factors in this concept development process .
Establishing ideas of regional significance requires engaging in numerous citybased meetings to identify potential strategic partners and align policies . External research into business models and government programs , supported by the local council , further strengthens the project ’ s feasibility .
Regenerative principles serve as the driving force behind viable micro enterprises . Recognizing the commercial advantages of waste value chains and shared resources is critical in identifying economic development opportunities .
Thought must be given to new financing and governance models to ensure long-term viability . Impact investing and crowdfunding have the potential to provide private partnerships that government programs now consider essential for catalysing infrastructure projects . This necessitates further innovation and adaptation to meet the specific needs of rural and remote government investment .
TWO SIMPLE BUT CRITICAL TRUTHS FOR MICRO PRECINCTS Although there are far too many nuances to developing a micro precinct concept that could be covered in this article , decades of project experience have consistently proven that place-based development success is driven by two simple truths .
1 . Integrated delivery and organisational leadership = Leveraged opportunities
2 . Siloed delivery and / or disengaged leadership = Lost opportunity
For regional communities and those that are passionate about their future , avoiding lost opportunity maybe be simpler than you think .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ROBERT PRESTIPINO Robert Prestipino is a Passionate Design Thinker and Project Innovator for those seeking to create better places for people , business , and the planet . He is a qualified Urban Designer ,
Registered Landscape
Architect , corporate member of the Planning Institute of Australia and an Australian Certified Economic Developer . His advice on design and sustainable development is highly regarded , resulting in his invitation as the keynote presenter at TEDxGympie on the theme of regional innovation .
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT JOURNAL VOL 16 NO 2 2023 21