Scenic Rim Regional Council wants action on local issues such as waster security and transport planning it fears may limit potential growth in agribusiness, the region’s most important industry.

It has used state government funding for communities devastated by the 2019 bushfires to develop a “roadmap” and action plan for growth.

The council estimates the agriculture and tourism industries contribute about $400 million a year to the local economy and employ more than 4000 locals.

Its agriculture and tourism sectors have developed over several years with programs like the Scenic Rim Eat Local movement. Lonely Planet guides named the region among its Best in Travel list this year, the only Australian destination to make the list.

However, the council is convinced the industries need a detailed program to follow to ensure businesses were innovative and growth-focused. It formally endorsed a report on developing a growth strategy at its monthly meeting on Tuesday.

“There is also an opportunity for industry and all levels of government to work collaboratively to overcome intractable problems that prevent local businesses from expanding, through tapping into new market opportunities and diversification, and trading across the farm-to-consumer value chain locally, in the broader South East Queensland region and beyond,” the report said.

It said a driver of the region’s competitive advantage was the growing desire of south-east Queensland residents for a local source for their food and drink.

“The Scenic Rim has already tapped into this market, with many local producers supplying small scale grocers and restaurants across SEQ,” it said.

“The unique offering that the region’s produces provide is a clear competitive advantage that can be harnessed if roadblocks are addressed.”

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said the report was a “very exciting piece of work”.

“The reality is that so much of our time and investment beyond the road network is actually focussed around our residential areas and trying to focus on those areas but the foundation of our region has always been our rural precincts,” he said.

“This project pays full respect to the importance of ensuring the sustainability of those rural primary production activities into the future.”

On the region’s tourism potential, the report says that while the Scenic Rim has traditional offerings like rainforests, luxury accommodation and adventure activities, there was also scope for more farmstays and “off the beaten track” options for travellers.

Water security topped its proposed actions to grow the sector, along with ensuring better transport networks in the region.

A local lobby group, Water for Warrill, is pushing a major irrigation project to help guarantee water supply for the region.