Effective planning in rural regions depends on the availability of an appropriate information base. The development of improved information bases can have a significant positive impact on planning activities. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are powerful tools that have a demonstrated capability to facilitate improved decision-making. Implementation of GIS in rural catchments has been limited to a few relatively simple applications. The data, software and hardware costs and skills required in establishing effective GIS-based planning appear to have dissuaded investment on the part of individual potential stakeholders. This article describes an approach used to facilitate the development of a corporate GIS facility involving collaboration between industry, the community, government and research agencies in the Herbert River catchment of north Queensland. It details activities aimed at familiarising stakeholders with the basic concepts of GIS and helping them develop an understanding of their requirements and opportunities for the use of GIS. A cost-benefit analytical framework used to evaluate investment in the system is outlined and a method to evaluate non-quantifiable impacts of the project is introduced. In doing so, a strategic approach for evaluating GIS that is broadly applicable for use in other rural contexts is provided.