Within the NWQEDS is a suite of initiatives and actions. These are structured around three key themes: • Enhanced investment environment; • Strong supply chains; and • Sustainable communities. North-West Queensland’s competitive advantages lie in its proximity to growing populations in Asia and the Indo-Pacific, established infrastructure/supply chains, arable land, expertise in tropical and dry tropical production systems and favourable biosecurity status. Opportunities to capitalise on these strengths to increase productivity and maximise regional economic benefits will include: • Suitable dryland cropping options; • Realisation of opportunities for irrigated agriculture; • Specialising in arid agriculture; and • Growing fodder as a supplement feed during periods of low pasture quality which could increase productivity and reduce the need to transport cattle to finishing facilities. Initial work to support realisation of new agricultural opportunities has been carried out through supporting work to the NWQEDS under Theme 1 (Enhanced Investment Environment) including: • Action 1.2 – Strengthen economic development across the province: This project creates, supports, and assist facilitate cropping opportunities in the region by rolling out an Economic Development Toolkit to support, identify, develop, and implement the economic strategy. • Action 1.5 – Increase agricultural production. High-value agriculture (irrigated anddry-land) is recognised as a key diversification opportunity in North-West QLD. DAF engaged agricultural research and supply chain specialists, Coriolis Australia, to develop a long-term strategy and implementation plan for enhanced agricultural production and employment, focused on expansion, diversification and intensification opportunities in North-West Queensland.