Mayor Keith Campbell - Economic Development Portfolio Report - 13 June 2018

Investment Attraction

Cast and crew from the ‘Danger Close’ set extended their footprint beyond Wooroolin, generating increased spend and publicity for a range of businesses across the region.  Filming was completed on a tight schedule between 14 and 25 May, with cast and crew working six days a week.  All reports from businesses in the region have been positive, with turnover during the filming increased and the attitude and nature of the cast and crew exceptional.  Filming has now relocated to the Gold Coast with no indication as yet from producers as to when or how the film will be released.  ‘Danger Close’ has been a great experience for the region and Council will continue to liaise with Red Dune Productions and Screen QLD to encourage screening of the film in the South Burnett. 

MYRIAD 

Council’s Senior Economic Development Officer, Craig Tunley, attended the MYRIAD event in Brisbane on 18 May.  During the event, Craig was able to engage with a number of the leading startups and companies demonstrating their products in the Myriad Garage and listened to the presentations from two different stages.  From all accounts, the Thursday attendance and program was busier than Friday’s while the RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane, was a great space for the event.  Plans are already underway as to how businesses in the South Burnett region might be able to benefit from exposure to this type of event in the future.

South Burnett Business Builders (Program funded by Australian Government in partnership with BIEDO, AGL and USQ)

Council’s Economic Development Officer, Kristy Board, undertook one-on-one visits with potential program participants and attended the Digital Scorecard workshop held at Ringsfield House on 29 May, part of the region’s Queensland Small Business Week activity.  The workshop was well attended and there were many participants appreciative of being able to better understand the digital environment.  Participant feedback will ensure delivery of more tailored social media workshops in coming months.

After working closely with BIEDO through May to celebrate business, South Burnett Regional Council launched ‘Business South Burnett’ and a Business Growth Action Plan.  Business South Burnett will be all things business, supporting businesses seeking growth and opportunity.  Changes will be most evident in social media channels, business focussed events, internet based information and business growth marketing.  The existing South Burnett Directions Board and associated brand will continue to lead and represent regional economic development through implementation of the 2020 South Burnett Economic Development Strategy. 

Future Food (Partnership with Brisbane Marketing)

A range of South Burnett food producers had the opportunity to attend Meet the Buyer events in Brisbane in May.  A short lead time meant that only a small number of businesses were positioned effectively enough to take advantage of the opportunities to meet with JD.com and Coles.  More of these events will be held in 2018 – details will be circulated to food producers.

Kingsley Grove Estate attended an intensive ‘Market Ready Incubator’ facilitated by Bentley’s at the end of May, developing knowledge and industry capability.  The program concluded with a product ‘pitch’ which was won by Jo Berry of Kingsley Grove.  Participants in the Market Ready Incubator program will have further opportunity to establish market credentials through a Future Food precinct at Regional Flavours.  South Burnett will once again be well represented at Regional Flavours, further developing our ‘food and wine’ profile in Brisbane/SE QLD.

Disaster Recovery – Economic Recovery Sub Group

A workshop on the Recovery Activity of Local Government with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority was attended by Economic Development staff.  The Economic Recovery Continuity Plan is under development.  This workshop provided some other definition of other Councils in the state who have worked in this space previously and have refined plans over longer periods of time, informing development of South Burnett’s planning process.