LOGAN & REDLANDS
Report to the Region
April to June 2019
Message from the Chair
The RDA Logan & Redlands Committee’s initial focus for 2018 to 2019 was to ensure a highly effective Committee operating at best practice in the areas of governance, planning, and market penetration. This has been achieved and sets the foundation for the year ahead.
The Logan and Redlands Region is ideally located between Brisbane to the north, Ipswich and the Scenic Rim to the west and the Gold Coast to the south. Its infrastructure corridors provide access to the Port of Brisbane and the Toowoomba, Brisbane and Gold Coast international and domestic airports.
However, while the Region’s infrastructure corridors are currently adequate, they are under constant and growing pressure.
The planned Inland Rail, possible 2032 Olympics bid, Visitor Economy 2031 and implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme provide opportunities to better leverage the Region’s aspiration to be the centre of economic growth and employment opportunities in Australia.
The Region has a uniquely diverse community of cultures and is steeped in culture and heritage. The Logan and Redlands Region features high-density city living, industrial precincts, villages, islands, rainforest, rural hinterland, farmland, beaches, bays, creeks and freshwater lakes as well as iconic flora and fauna.
It has substantial economic capacity in the areas of: Health Care and Social Assistance; Advanced Manufacturing; Infrastructure; Transport, Logistics and Warehousing; Education and Training; Professional Services; Tourism; and Research. The opportunity exists to translate this capacity into sustainable economic growth.
The draft RDA plan for 2019 to 2020 is currently with the Commonwealth for consideration. It offers up the following 5 strategic priorities:
- Provide leadership in establishing the Logan and Redlands Region as the centre of economic growth and employment opportunities in Australia through public leadership capitalising on the Region’s economic capacity, location and attributes.
- Integrate individual impacts of key national, provincial and local strategic planning on the Logan and Redlands Region with particular focus on a potential 2032 Olympic bid, Inland Rail, Infrastructure (including public transport) and Connectivity and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
- Assert economic opportunities in the key industries of Health Care and Social Assistance; Advanced Manufacturing; Infrastructure; Transport, Logistics and Warehousing; Education and Training; and Tourism.
- Utilise Committee advocacy capacity to represent the interests of the Logan and Redlands Region particularly in the area of connectivity as it relates to transport infrastructure and communications (National Broadband Network).
- Grow awareness of trade opportunities as a basis for greater regional growth as an international trade centre.
It is intended an abridged version of the final plan will be the subject of a limited public release and be more widely available via the RDA website.
On the basis of the above thinking, I have been undertaking an extensive range of meetings with Members of the Australian Parliament and Members of the Queensland Parliament whose electorates cover any area of the Logan and Redlands Region, as well as relevant people in the Logan and Redland City Councils to socialise aspects of the RDA’s strategic direction and discuss opportunities.
I would like to take the opportunity to welcome John Perry OAM and David Radich to the RDA Logan & Redlands Committee. Both have extensive experience in the Logan and Redlands Region, and I look forward to working with them on achieving the Region’s full economic and social potential.
I would also like to acknowledge Karen Prentis’ departure from the Committee. I extend my appreciation on behalf of the Committee for her contribution and wish her the best for her future endeavours.
There is still much to be done and, as always, I encourage all in the community to contact me or our director Steve McDonald to discuss topics of interest.
The Hon. Gary Hardgrave
Chair
Regional Development Australia Logan & Redlands
Inland Rail: Kagaru to Acacia Ridge and Bromelton Community Consultative Committee
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Around the Region
The annual Quandamooka Festival being held from June to August 2019 in the coastal region of the Redlands Coast is a great opportunity to become immersed in one of the oldest living cultures on earth. The Festival is 91 days of celebrating culture, country and people with 7 major events, 2 evening concerts and 4 workshops. Experience the continuing culture of the Nughi, Nunukul and Goenpul clans of Quandamooka, first-hand.Building Partnerships
In April 2019, RDA Logan & Redlands:Funding Opportunities
When searching for funding, keep in mind that you’ll generally need to meet certain criteria to be eligible. Aside from funding assistance, many programs can help your business by building your skills and knowledge.Invitation to Action