Mayor Keith Campbell - Economic Development Portfolio Report - 15 November 2017

South Burnett Economic Development Quarterly Report – September 2017

Economic Development staff collated a quarterly report on the activities undertaken in the September quarter for Council and public distribution.  Highlights from the September quarter include the adoption by Council of the 2020 South Burnett Economic Development Strategy, changes being made in Council’s approach to Tourism and marketing of the South Burnett region and the successful implementation of the 2017 Roadshow.

South Burnett Directions

The first meeting of South Burnett Directions was held in October 2017 to review economic development activity reported in the Economic Development Quarterly Report.  Discussion about the role and future of South Burnett Directions led to a review of the process in developing 2020 South Burnett Economic Development Strategy.  The outcomes from the workshop held last year in conjunction with Council will be revisited and reviewed by South Burnett Directions in order to guide implementation of the 2020 South Burnett Economic Development Strategy and identify priority projects for 2018 and beyond.

Mundubbera to Jandowae Road Working Group

In partnership with BIEDO and AgForce, South Burnett Regional Council established a working group for the Mundubbera to Jandowae Road.  This road has been identified as a priority road by AgForce and the working group has been established to enable a collaborative approach to upgrade this important transport route.  The working group, facilitated by BIEDO, has discussed the need for funding to scope upgrade projects (determining costs involved) and development of an economic case for the required upgrades to occur.  Recent media announcements have supported the group’s priority projects.

Coopers Gap Wind Farm

South Burnett Directions and Toowoomba & Surat Basin Enterprise worked closely with the primary contractor for the AGL Coopers Gap Wind Farm to hold an information session for potential suppliers.  Over 100 people attended the Kingaroy Supplier Information Forum attended by representatives from AGL, GE and Catcon on Wednesday 25 October in the Luncheon Hall at Kingaroy Showgrounds.  The information provided was very relevant to businesses interested in taking up opportunities.

Regional Economic Growth Forum

The Regional Economic Growth Forum was held in Maryborough on Thursday 9 November.  Jason Kinsella, Moffatdale Ridge, spoke at the forum and 12 attendees from the region bussed across to Maryborough, maximising the networking opportunity for the day.  This event gave a clear indication of the strength of relationship.