Mackay gathers to supercharge local economy

Businesses and community representatives in Mackay will today meet to provide their input into the Queensland Government’s new regional economic development strategy, RegionsQ.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said 40 delegates would attend the first of 16 forums across the state to provide regional Queenslanders with the opportunity to shape the RegionsQ initiative.

“RegionsQ Forums are about restoring respect for the important role that regional Queenslanders play in driving our state’s economy, and finding out what needs to be done to grow investment, business opportunities and jobs in the regions,” Mr Seeney said.

“Our government recognises that Queensland’s regions are the economic powerhouse of the state, with recent figures confirming that more than $140 billion worth of output is produced outside Brisbane.

“The Mackay forum will give me the opportunity to engage with residents and businesses, like mining services company Central Queensland Project Contracting, so that together we can form an action plan to strengthen the region.

“Unlike Labor, our government is genuinely committed to making regional Queensland an even better place to live, work, invest and raise a family.”

Mr Seeney said Mackay was a fantastic backdrop for the first RegionsQ Forum as the region played a pivotal role Queensland’s economy.

“Mackay and surrounds, is the gateway to the Whitsundays, the Galilee and Bowen Basins, and boasts strong agricultural, construction sectors and an emerging biofuel sector,” he said.

“Today I toured the workshop of Central Queensland Project Contracting, a local mining services company that’s rapidly grown its business by supplying quality drill rigs to the mining industry.

“The contract project company is a joint venture between two 100% Aboriginal community owned businesses: Northern Project Contracting owned by the Waanyi Aboriginal Corporation of the Gulf of Carpentaria and Bowen Basin Services, the commercial arm of the Wiri Community Ltd.

“It employs 16 staff, was only established earlier this year, and has already secured a significant drilling contract with a mining company in the Bowen Basin.

“This company’s success story is one I’d like to see repeated across Queensland, which is why we are delivering the RegionsQ initiative.” Northern Project Contracting Managing Director Brad Jackson said Central Queensland Project Contracting had been fortunate to have an excellent working relationship with the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning in Mackay.

“Officers in State Development have kept us abreast of emerging opportunities and appropriate government programs,” Mr Jackson said. Central Queensland Project Contracting Chairperson Kristi Soto and Bowen Basin Services Pty Ltd CEO said: “The Department recently assisted with cultural training and investment collateral to support us in our trip to China” 

“The CQPC motto states ‘Lets walk together’ the Waanyi and Wiri people are taking steps in the right direction for better economic development in commercial projects for local communities, with aspiration’s to highlight how our partnership model can and will benefit communities on a national and internal level.”

The next RegionsQ Forum will be held this week in the Lockyer Valley on Thursday 24 July.

More information on the RegionsQ framework available at www.dsdip.qld.gov.au 

[ENDS] 22 July 2014

Media Contact: Elizabeth Spry – 0418 928 744 or Jane Paterson – 0417 281 754