Rockhampton Regional Council will continue to drive new jobs, industry and opportunities to the region through a $2 million investment in economic development in its 2023/24 Budget.
The investment will support Council’s economic development arm, Advance Rockhampton, to undertake new activities and deliver programs that support local business and industry.
Over the coming 12 months, Advance Rockhampton will target four key areas:
- Growing jobs and business across Council’s eight growth industries being defence, agriculture, transport & logistics, professional services, visitor economy & events, energy, mining, and residential construction
- Improving local business capacity to maximise local content and services from major projects like the Rockhampton Ring Road, Heritage Minerals Mount Morgan Mine project, and projects within the Central Queensland Renewable Energy Zone
- Business attraction and expanding local industrial precincts
- City activation and liveability
Rockhampton Mayor, Cr Tony Williams, will also convene a new Future Jobs and Industry Roundtable later this year with key business, government and community leaders from across the region.
The Roundtable will bring together community leaders to discuss the opportunities, challenges and barriers to regional development in Central Queensland and help drive new, high-value job attraction.
Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams said Council had an absolute focus on economic development and securing the jobs and industry the region needs for the future.
“We’re in a race to secure these jobs and industries and we can’t just sit back and hope for the best,” Mayor Williams said.
“That’s why Council is investing in economic development in our recent Budget and why I am eager to see local business and community members engaged in the conversation.
“If our region is to remain competitive going forward and secure those jobs that local people will be doing in 10, 15 and 20 years’ time, then we need to be working on that now.
“That’s working with State and Federal Government, working to support our existing businesses and industries, working to bring new opportunities to the region and working to break down the barriers that have held us back in the past.
“The Future Jobs and Industry Roundtable is the start of that conversation, and it will be a long process but there are genuine opportunities out there and I want to see our region take advantage of those.”
Acting Executive Manager of Advance Rockhampton, Zac Garven said Advance Rockhampton had built a strong relationship with local business over many years.
“Our team is working each and every day to support job attraction and economic development,” Mr Garven said.
“Our focus over the coming 12 months is very much about supporting existing businesses while we build new jobs and opportunities.
“We are seeing significant investment in the region occurring in industries like construction, water, agriculture and renewable energy and we need to maximise outcomes from those projects.
“We also need to build a strong, vibrant and thriving hospitality and events sector because we know that’s what enhances our regions liveability, making it a more attractive place that people want to live and work.”
