A NEW direction for the region has been endorsed by the business community.

South Burnett Directions is an initiative driven by South Burnett Regional Council, and part of its economic development plan.

It would see improved tourism across the South Burnett.

Mayor Wayne Kratzmann said he and CEO Ken McLoughlin held a successful meeting with business communities in Nanango and Murgon. He said the council wanted to know if it was on the right track.

"We want this to be a regional organisation, totally focused on the South Burnett," Cr Kratzmann said.

"We want it to be an organisation, which is fed information from tourism operators and the chambers of commerce.

"We really think South Burnett Directions can open doors to the entire region."

Cr Kratzmann said the group would be made up of people from Blackbutt to Murgon.

He said a similar group was formed in the Bundaberg region, but failed because it was too focused on individual towns, rather than the region as a whole.

"We don't want that to happen here," Cr Kratzmann said.

"What we want to do is get people from Blackbutt talking about Murgon and vice versa.

"There are positive and negatives about each town.

"And we need to work together to make sure this board is run effectively and ensures we get the best result for the region."

He said South Burnett Directions would be project driven in 2013, rather just another "think tank".

"From a tourist perspective, we have seven golf clubs," he said.

"What we would like to do is get a package together, so if people are staying for seven days they can play a round of golf at each course.

"From an economy point of view, we believe tourism and economics work side by side."

The board would be chaired by the mayor, who will lead the group of regional business representatives.

In coming weeks, the council will advertise for interested people with appropriate skills to nominate.