Chambers of Commerce across the Tablelands' region will be holding a "war council" today in Atherton to discuss State budget cuts.

Robert Prestipino, a rural economic development specialist will dig through the statistics to help attendees find key investments in infrastructure for the Tablelands and beyond.

“Regional Queenslanders need catalytic projects to be identified and funded which have a multiplier effect. Nothing less will kickstart our economy,” Mr Prestipino said.

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Atherton Tablelands Chamber member Christine Doan put it more bluntly.

“Rural towns have been gutted. The budget cuts will bleed us to death. We need to fight back and fight smart!”

Pictured: Tablelands Chambers are combining their efforts, from crunching numbers with the Federal Treasurer to strategic planning for the region.

The forum builds on the recent workshops for sustainable finance and investment, also run by the Atherton Tableland Chamber of Commerce. New funding models are emerging from that collaboration that will be incorporated into future plans.

Mr Prestipino expressed amazement at the renewed energy and innovation he has encountered recently in Far North Queensland.

“Across the North, the potential is there for regional leadership with national implications."