The Evolve Group usually make everything from bee hives with taps to pools and tyre treads, but the COVID-19 crisis has given this Creastmead-based business a vital new purpose.

They've committed to manufacturing 60,000 P2/N95 respirators and medical masks (face masks) per day for three years, and longer if required. The masks are for frontline healthcare workers to help filter out fine particles.

The Evolve Group have been innovating and increasing capabilities for years now but this might be the most important move they've made. The Group’s Managing Director Ty Hermans said the company was used to solving complex engineering challenges, but this was ‘certainly our most important project’.

The Evolve Group’s leadership is a great example of innovation in the Logan region and is appreciated by all as we are impacted by COVID-19.

Find out more

The following links provide relevant and current information in relation to COVID-19:

GENERAL

Queensland Government Updates and Announcements

Queensland Government - Resources for Business

Commonwealth Government - Support for business

CCIQ Small Business Checklist 

COUNCIL INFORMATION

Logan City Council COVID-19 Information 

Redland City Council COVID-19 Information 

TRAVEL ADVICE 

Smart Traveller information & advice

Department of Home Affairs - COVID19 and the border 

Each of these sites provide links that navigate to other relevant sites. In continuing to recognise businesses and individuals should have access to current information and may at this time be focused on their immediate environment, please feel free to further distribute this information across your networks.

Stay informed. Download the official government “Coronavirus Australia” app in the Apple App Store or Google Play, or join the WhatsApp channel on iOS or Android. 

Our latest Report to the Region for January to March 2020 is on the website now.

Find out what's been happening around the Logan and Redlands region, including updates on:

• COVID-19 initiatives
• SEQ City Deal
• Inland Rail Community Consultative Committee
• Health care and social assistance
• 2032 South East Queensland Olympic Bid
• 2031 Visitor Economy Strategy
• Department of State Development supply chain initiatives
• Minjerribah Futures New
• Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce
• Regional Jobs Committee
• Local stories
• And more!

Click here to view the report.

I hope this finds you and those near to you in good spirits and health.

In early March 2020, I was visiting businesses on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands. I am sure each of you was equally busy and focused in your professional and personal lives. It is now a different world and one your RDA has a role in taking forward. It is testing and confronting, but I believe we will get through the current challenges and emerge in a better place.

On Thursday 19 March 2020 RDAs from across Australia met with the Commonwealth Government to discuss its response to COVID-19 and the potential impacts that the virus may have on our regions.

Following this meeting and on an ongoing basis, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications will be hosting regular teleconference sessions with RDAs to obtain feedback about the impacts of COVID-19 in the regions and inform the Government’s response.

The agenda for each of the meetings is as follows:

1. What’s happening on the ground?
2. What impact are government interventions having (positive and negative)?
3. What more can be done by government or others?
4. Real life examples of specific impacts on businesses, industries, community groups and local people, supported with data and potential solutions.

Your RDA would welcome any contribution from the Logan and Redlands community to be used to feed into the above arrangements along with information already being provided by Councils, Chambers of Commerce and community organisations.

While the RDA Springwood office has been closed, staff are working from home. Any contributions can be sent to the RDA at . We are keen to receive information and suggestions from businesses and individuals from the Logan and Redlands Region.

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