For many years Australia has suffered the ravages of drought. In January this year bushfires devastated our country. Floods quickly followed. Throughout these events, the spirit of Australia shone brightly.

Now the COVID-19 pandemic is plaguing the world. Australia’s response has been measured. It aims to mitigate the immediate impacts (Survive), ensure as a country and throughout our communities we have the resilience to recover (Revive), and are best positioned to ensure the crisis is not wasted as we emerge with a renewed focus and a commitment to Australia’s economic and social well-being (Thrive).

Your RDA has been asked to be part of the national effort to:

• Keep the flow of information moving to stakeholders about the Government’s response measures and help them understand this
• Support businesses to access the assistance available, particularly the measures to assist with cashflow and keep people in jobs
• Stay in touch with stakeholders
• Keep the information coming into the Department about regionally-specific high-risk business impacts including:
  • Which elements of the response are working and which are not as effective – and suggestions for practical, solutions-based improvements
  • How our local economy is adapting over time and what this means in terms of changing needs
  • For workers who have lost jobs, identifying/linking potential new opportunities in sectors with workforce shortages or additional need
  • Proactive ways to assist the economic recovery of our region.

If there is any information you wish to draw to the attention of the RDA in relation to the above, please send it to office@rdaloganandredlands.org.au

To support the depth and quality of information contributed by the RDA, State Departments, Redland and Logan City Councils, Chambers of Commerce and community organisations were approached and agreed to provide input for the weekly Commonwealth / RDAs teleconference.

While the focus of the country is on COVID-19, your RDA will continue its efforts to ensure the voice of the Logan and Redlands Region is heard in the emerging South East Queensland City Deal, Inland Rail build, 2032 Olympics bid, 2031 Visitor Economy Strategy and growing Health Care and Social Assistance Industry (including the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme). These initiatives provide an opportunity to better leverage the Region’s aspiration to be the centre of economic growth and employment opportunities in Australia.

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

The Chair’s message for the quarter focusses on the impacts of COVID-19 and considerations for reducing these impacts in the Logan and Regions Region. The initiatives announced across all levels of Government are extensive.

The proliferation of information and the information distribution channels for these initiatives are equally as extensive. The RDA has therefore decided to manage dissemination of Australian Government and other information by driving traffic to the following host sites:

PM Media Statements 

australia.gov.au

treasury.gov.au

business.qld.gov.au

Logan City Council COVID-19 Resources

Redland City Council COVID-19 Resources

These have been identified by your RDA as the entry points best suited for businesses and individuals to enter and work through the information repository. If you wish to discuss any initiative, the RDA is happy to provide whatever assistance we can. Please send any queries to office@rdaloganandredlands.org.au

The Australian and Queensland Governments and the South East Queensland Council of Mayors have entered a shared agreement through a Statement of Intent in relation to a SEQ City Deal. The Statement outlines a shared vision from all three levels of government for the SEQ City Deal centred on the six priority areas of Connecting Infrastructure; Jobs and Skills; Liveability and Sustainability; Housing and Planning; Digital; and Governance and Leadership. A copy of the Statement of Intent is available here. 

Public consultations took place throughout 2019 with the Deal expected to be negotiated over the next 12 months. It is understood consultation in a limited form is continuing between Governments to ensure the SEQ City Deal gets the right outcomes for the Region’s communities and businesses.

Information will be made available by the RDA as it becomes available.

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are widespread. Due to the current situation with COVID-19, the planned 5 May meeting of the K2ARB Community Consultative Committee has been postponed. Details of the planned 3 August K2ARB Community Consultative Committee will be confirmed closer to the date.

Also due to the current situation with COVID-19, the 18 April, 9 May and 16 May planned project information displays will be replaced with online events. Options for local community members to access these events are currently being investigated and an update will be provided when more information is available.

The Committee is continuing to actively engage with its community and stakeholders, via the ARTC website, social media, email and telephone. The project team can be contacted on 1800 732 761 and via email at inlandrailqld@artc.com.au. It will continue to update community stakeholders on when full community engagement activities will return to normal, subject to the latest public health information. 

Current information relating to key dates, publications and the project timeline is available here. 

The Chair’s summaries from each of the previous meetings of the Committee are available here. 

Please note the K2ARB community survey is now open. Community feedback is being gathered as part of the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) process for the Kagaru to Acacia Ridge and Bromelton section of Inland Rail. Access the survey here. 

The survey includes questions about local neighbourhoods, community well-being and local values. Your feedback will help gain insights into what’s important to local communities and identify the project’s potential benefits and impacts.

The survey closes 5pm, Friday 24 April 2020.

According to the Commonwealth Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, most new jobs will be created in four specific industries including Health Care and Social Assistance which is projected to have the strongest employment growth of any industry over the five years to May 2023. (See Future Outlook)

Over 90% of new jobs over the next five years will need education beyond school and some jobs will need more training than they used to. Many professional and service roles demand university or VET (Vocational Education and Training) qualifications. That said, many of the jobs expected to grow strongly need little or no formal training.

RDA Logan & Redlands is continuing its commitment to implementing the environment and support for the NDIS. This is being pursued with the support of several local organisations and individuals. The impact of COVID-19 is an ongoing issue as constraints on face-to-face workshops are observed. However, if you want to participate, please register your interest at admin@rdaloganandredlands.org.au. This address can also be used should any community member wish to raise issues in relation to the implementation of the NDIS in the Logan and Redlands Region.

The 2032 South East Queensland (SEQ) Olympic Games proposal is now being progressed through a partnership between the Commonwealth and Queensland governments, the Council of Mayors (SEQ) and the Australian Olympic Committee.

The proposal features facilities across South East Queensland indicated in the diagram.

(Figure 2 Source: Council of Mayors South East Queensland; 2032 SEQ Olympic and Paralympic Games feasibility Study; February 2019)

The Queensland Government’s 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Value Proposition Assessment Executive Summary notes: “The Queensland Government has endorsed a staged approach towards a candidature. The next stage involves finalising the master plan, securing funding and operational service agreements with all levels of government and confirming the associated costs to the State. The Queensland Government will continue to work collaboratively with key stakeholders at a local, state, national and international level.”

Information will be made available by the RDA as it becomes available.

The 2031 Visitor Economy Strategy is available here.

For the purposes of the 2031 Visitor Economy Strategy, the Brisbane region is deemed as extending east to the blue water of Moreton Bay, south to the Logan and Albert Rivers and north to Pumicestone Passage and west to the foothills of the Great Dividing Range and the Gondwana Rainforest World Heritage Area, and a network of connected communities across eight local government areas.

The 2031 Visitor Economy Strategy projects a potential increase in the tourism related spend of $12B in South East Queensland under the scenario contained in the following diagram:

 Information will be made available by the RDA as it becomes available.

South East Queensland and adjacent areas are served by several Regional Development Australia Committees including for:

• Brisbane
• Darling Downs and South West Queensland
• Gold Coast
• Ipswich and West Moreton
• Logan and Redlands
• Moreton Bay
• Northern Rivers
• Sunshine Coast
• Wide Bay Burnett.

These RDAs have been meeting regularly over the past month to understand the COVID-19 impact across the South East Queensland Region.

The Department has been reaching out to manufacturers, suppliers and producers to identify supply chain issues, to help keep production lines flowing and protect jobs. If manufacturers need help, visit dsdmip.qld.gov.au.

The Department is working to support industries and businesses to re-purpose manufacturing lines to develop essential PPE health care supplies such as face masks, hand sanitisers and other necessities. It is about helping to ensure Queensland industry and care providers have access to critical health supplies.

The Department is also working closely with the Industry Capability Network (ICN) to connect manufacturers who have capability with those who are seeking particular products (icn.org.au/queensland).

Minjerribah Futures is a $24.75 million investment by the Queensland Government to assist the economic transition of Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) from its traditional reliance on sand mining to a sustainable future as a globally recognised eco and cultural tourism destination, supported by expanded research and education activities. Details are available here.   

Information on current activities and progress under Minjerribah Futures is available here. 

The work of the Minjerribah Futures Reference Group will continue in the current environment. Details of how and when are currently being worked through.

The Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce (RCCC) has been awarded an agreement with the State Government to form a Regional Jobs Committee (RJC).

With the economy having undergone massive changes in recent months the need for a Regional Jobs Committee in the Redlands is now more important than ever. The original focus of the Committee was medium/long term. With the changes to the economy, the Committee is now tasked with identifying gaps to jobs growth and with identifying opportunities for bridging those gaps.

The Redlands Chamber of Commerce believes that there are three immediate initiatives that could and should be a focus. These are:

1. Identifying the need for jobs realignment and upskilling for those who have lost their employment through this crisis
2. Identifying the blockages that exist in Redlands that prevent businesses and employees from developing and utilising innovative work practices that are required to cope with changes in both the supply chain and in working from home potential
3. Identifying the potential for engaging in community projects to utilise the skills and availability of a workforce that is temporarily prevented from returning to work or resuming their business

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Small Business Expos, Redland City Council and Bartercard has advised the postponement until further notice of the 2020 Redlands Coast Business Expo planned for 16 April. This action reflects the most recent advice on groups or gatherings as a result of COVID-19.

Let us know if you have a good news story at office@rdaloganandredlands.org.au

 Logan Regional Chamber of Commerce

The Logan Regional Chamber has been proactive in keeping members updated with the rapid business changes over the past month through social media, emails, and phone calls. Members have appreciated a personal call from the Chamber President to check on their well-being.

The Chamber Committee decided at the end of March to hold all membership fees for current and new members backdated to 1 January 2020. This will give businesses that take advantage of this offer, 12 months membership and greater advocacy with our levels of government. This decision will be reviewed at the next AGM in September.

Village Fest is the chambers major community event and is currently due to be held 22 August. While background planning is continuing, its headline act is aware of the current situation and has agreed to be flexible for a change in dates.

Devon Pixies

Devon Pixies has adapted to the current trading conditions by changing up from a traditional served high tea to providing high tea in a box as a pick up service.

This has proven to be popular for at home celebrations with customers sending in their pictures of their high tea at home.

The pick up range includes other treats in a box such as scones, brownies, caramel slice, melting moments, lemon custard slice, and rocky road. Everything is baked in house from traditional recipes. Dietary requirements are also catered for such as gluten free, dairy free, and vegan.

In January 2020, the RDA Logan & Redlands:

• Met with Metro South Health
• Met with Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs
• Met with SMBI Little Bus
• Met with Boosting the Local Care Workforce Program
• Participated in discussion on Defence Supply Chain event in Logan
• Participated on Minjerribah Futures Reference Group
• Met with Redland City Council officials
• Attended Redland City Chamber of Commerce event
• Met with Logan City Council officials
• Participated in Innovatively Ageing Well Interest Group
• Met with official from TAFE Queensland
• Attended Redland Disability Network (RDN) meeting.

In February 2020, the RDA Logan & Redlands:

• Met with Boosting the Local Care Workforce Program
• Participated in Health Commons Program
• Met with Queensland Department of Employment, Small Business and Training and Help Enterprises
• Participated in Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications webinar on Australian Government support for bushfire recovery
• Participated in NDS forum on Local perspectives of NDIS service providers – Redlands
• Participated in Redlands Coast Regional Sport and Recreation public consultation
• Met with Construction Skills Queensland 
• Attended Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce Bendigo Bank Business Breakfast: Going for Gold
• Participated in SEQ RDAs quarterly meeting
• Attended Logan Financial Literacy Action Group workshop
• Attended SMBI Strategic Stakeholders Group Meeting
• Participated at Innovatively Ageing Well Interest Group
• Meeting Met with Campbell Page Met with Logan City Council
• Met with Logan Disability Coalition
• Participated on Redlands Regional Jobs Committee
• Attended Longevity by Design Charrette: the future of senior living design
• Participated on Minjerribah Futures Reference Group.

On 16 March 2020 the RDA Logan & Redlands Springwood office closed. Since then staff have been working from home. In March 2020, the RDA¹ :

• Met with Logan City Council in relation to Tourism
• Met with Community Access in relation to the Care Givers Project
• Met with Queensland Department of Employment, Small Business and Training funded Redland City Council Regional Skills Investment Strategy
• Met with NDIS Met with Urbis regarding Logan and Redlands electronic mapping work being brought to closure
• Met with Department of Employment, Small Business and Training regarding NDIS activity
• Met with Queensland Department of Employment, Small Business and Training on NDIS activity
• Chair met with Running Wild; SMBI Little Bus; Redland Disability Network/STAR Community Services; and Macleay Island Progress Association
• Attended SMBI Hub Meeting Participated in Innovative & Smart Digital Community Care Event
• Met with Joy2Care Met with Inland Rail Division, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, Toowoomba Office
• Participates in weekly Logan City Council’s Economic Recovery Sub Group Meeting
• Participated at Innovatively Ageing Well Interest Group Meeting
• Participated in Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications supported Managing distributed teams for RDA workshop
• Conducts weekly videoconference meetings of RDA staff
• Participates in weekly SEQ RDA Catch up related to consistency in addressing impacts of COVID-19  
• Met with Queensland Department of Employment, Small Business and Training Participates in weekly teleconferences with all RDAs and Commonwealth.

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.

GrantConnect [Aust Govt]
GrantConnect publishes forecast and current Australian Government grant opportunities and grants awarded.

Grants Finder [Qld Govt]
Find a grant or assistance in Queensland including information on grants, rebates, loans, subsidies or training.

business.gov.au
The Australian Government's business.gov.au site has information on grants and assistance for business from all levels of Government.

Austrade Export Grants
The Export Market Development Grants scheme is a financial assistance program for aspiring and current exporters.

Advance Queensland
Are you an innovator? Browse the range of grants and assistance from Advance Queensland for startups and entrepreneurs.

Logan City Council
Logan City Council offers a range of grants to community organisations, individuals, clubs and services.

Redland City Council
Redland City Council provides grants and sponsorship to individuals and organisations for projects that benefit the local community.

More details are available at our funding portal here. 

We are here to work for the Logan and Redlands Region. We welcome being contacted on any issue any member of the community wishes to raise. Please feel free to directly contact us with your comment at admin@rdaloganandredlands.org.au