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About Gulf Savannah Development Inc. – General Overview
winding_road_savannahThe forerunner of Gulf Savannah Development, the Gulf Local Authorities Development Association (GLADA), was established in the 1970s. It was created by the Shires of Burke, Carpentaria, Croydon and Etheridge to coordinate lobbying activities aimed at improving the provision of services to the Gulf Savannah region. A key objective at that time was the sealing of the highway between Cairns and Karumba to provide better access into the region. Improvement to the existing road infrastructure remains a priority.

The name of the organisation is now Gulf Savannah Development Inc. (GSD) and its member Shire Councils  are Etheridge, Carpentaria, Burke, Doomadgee and Mornington.  GSD also operates a non-voting membership programme for other stakeholders and offers a range of membership entitlements.

GSD was involved in the formulation of the Gulf Regional Development Plan, which now forms the planning blueprint for the region.

GSD Role

The role of GSD has recently been reviewed and the following Vision and Goals are from the GSD Business Plan 2009- 2012.


Vision and  Goals


The Gulf Savannah will be recognised nationally as:

A dynamic region where people want to invest, work, live and play

Gulf Savannah Development (GSD) will help the region achieve this vision by embracing the following mission:

Gulf Savannah Development is the 'funnel' - the conduit for
information and activity that helps the Gulf communities achieve
their aspiration as a dynamic region.

To guide GSD, the following six Goals have been adopted:

  • Economic: To be a growing and sustainable economy
  • Social:  To attain a higher level of social capital
  • Cultural:  To embrace and respect diversity
  • Environment: Looking after country
  • Political:  To be a voice that is heard with respect
  • Corporate:  To be relevant and well governedBEC


GSD is a registered Business Enterprise Centre to confirm its role in delivery of small business services.

We are currently members of the following organisations:

  • Cairns Chamber of Commerce
  • Cairns and Far North Environment Centre
  • Gulf Barramundi Restocking Association
  • Gulf of Carpentaria Commercial Fisherman's Association
  • Isolated Children's Parent's Association
  • Karumba Progress Association
  • Kidston & District Progress Association
  • Mareeba Chamber of Commerce
  • Mt Surprise Progress Association
  • Savannah Way
  • Savannah Guides
  • Southern Gulf Catchments
  • Tablelands Women in Business Networking Inc
  • Townsville Enterprise
  • Yungaburra Business Association