Reports to the Region

Message from the Chair

GaryHardgrave I have previously noted the past 3 years has seen unprecedented, concurrent impacts on Australia’s economic and social environments. This has included:

instability in geo political conditions;
fires;
floods;
drought;
an enduring pandemic;
changing work practices;
a growing call for and reliance on publicly funded business and employee assistance; and
heightened internal migration.

This changing world has had a major impact on the Logan and Redlands Region and draws attention to this often overlooked Region.

Over the past 12 months Regional Development Australia Logan & Redlands (the RDA) has been developing an event to address the challenges of the immediate past, identify opportunities for the region into the future and provide a focus for collegiate action across the South East Queensland region. This work has been taken forward in consultation with key stakeholders from the three levels of government, business representative organisations and their members, community organisations and Regional Development Australia Committees from across the South East Queensland region.

It was with great pride the RDA hosted the To 2042 and Beyond : Investing in SEQ Summit on 29 September 2022 at Sirromet in Mount Cotton. Reflecting the extensive consultations and the RDA’s commitment to the long term, the event considered a broader South East Queensland context in addressing impediments to and opportunities for regional economic growth. It is the position of the RDA that while the key events such as the SEQ 2032 Olympics and Paralympics provide great incentive for regional investment, it is necessary to ensure the legacies extend well beyond 2032.

The Summit brought together key decision makers, funders and stakeholders to identify opportunities for the broader South East Queensland Region. The generosity of speakers in giving their time and energy to the Summit is what brought the day to life.

I invite you to read on to access an overview of the day's activities in addition to the key messages from the three themed sessions.

To stay abreast of developments as we take forward the outcomes from the Summit, you may wish to follow RDA Logan and Redlands on LinkedIn, or alternatively, subscribe to our regular e-bulletins which can be done here.

A supplementary Quarterly Report to the Region for July to September 2022 will be distributed later in October 2022 to provide information on the broader activities of the RDA along with information about initiatives impacting the region.

If you wish to be part of the RDA’s work, please contact our Director Steve McDonald at drd@rdaloganandredlands.org.au for further information.

For further information on the RDA, go to https://rdaloganandredlands.org.au/.

The Hon. Gary Hardgrave
Chair
Regional Development Australia Logan & Redlands Inc

Overview of the Morning Session

MC Leisa Goddard

The day’s MC was Leisa Goddard (Founder & Managing Director, Adoni Media; and Media Commentator, Australian News Channel (Sky News)).

Ms Goddard did a wonderful job ensuring the event ran smoothly and to schedule. The Chair and the Board of Regional Development Australia Logan and Redlands, speakers from the day and delegates at the Summit are highly appreciative of Ms Goddard’s skill as the event MC.

Her role as MC was a substantial contributor to the Summit’s success.

Welcome to country

Elder Bernice Fisher from Minjerribah-Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council Aboriginal Corporation provided the Welcome to Country.

A Welcome to Country is a fundamental part of Australia’s First Nations cultural traditions and reflected the Goenpul, Ngugi and Nunukul First Nations Elders as the Traditional Owners of the Quandamooka Region.

Summit attendees acknowledged the Quandamooka People as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters and seas where the Summit was held and paid their respects to Elders, past, present and future.

Gary welcome address

In setting the scene for the day, the Hon Gary Hardgrave, Chair, Regional Development Australia Logan & Redlands welcomed attendees.

Mr Hardgrave outlined the Summit’s agenda and aims based around 3 themes of:

Theme 1 - Identifying and addressing regional infrastructure gaps

This theme aims to provide information on the need for and impacts of investment within the region.

Theme 2 Opportunities for regional investment

This theme aims to provide information on the increasing demands being placed on the region and to utilise the information from Theme 1 to focus on what needs to be done to realise the full potential of the region particularly through the SEQ Olympic and Paralympic Games, the SEQ City Deal, Inland Rail, the SEQ Infrastructure Plan 2022 and linking the Infrastructure Australia Gaps Reports.

Theme 3 : What are investors looking for?

This theme aims to provide information on the issues raised in Themes 1 and 2 to surface what the characteristics are that would attract investment including addressing ROI.

Keynote

The Summit Key Note address was delivered by the Treasurer of Australia and Member for Rankin, the Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP.

The RDA Board on behalf of all Summit participants extends its deepest gratitude to Dr Chalmers for providing an engaging opening address which resonated with all present through emphasising:

the importance of growth corridors and the recognition of the Olympics and Paralympics as key drivers; and
the strengthening of our regions and their economies will ensure a positive outlook for our national economy.

Themed Session 1 - Identifying and Addressing Regional Infrastructure Gaps

Themed Session 2 - Opportunities for Regional Investment

Themed Session 3 - What are Investors Looking For?

Plenary and Closure

Summit Website

Report to the Region

July - September 2022

Themed session 1 addressed Identifying and addressing regional infrastructure gaps.

Themed session 2 : Opportunities for regional investment.

Themed session 3 : What are investors looking for?

Plenary and Closure