Collaboration key to Rockhampton growing knowledge economy and future jobs

Minister for Science and Innovation Leeanne Enoch will today (October 21) meet with business, industry, entrepreneurial, startup and university stakeholders in Rockhampton to encourage greater collaboration between the sectors to grow Queensland’s knowledge economy.

“The Advance Queensland initiative aims to create knowledge-based jobs for the future and position Queensland as an attractive investment destination with a strong innovation and entrepreneurial culture,” Ms Enoch said.

Minister Enoch is in Central Queensland as part of a state tour to engage communities in the Queensland Government’s $180 million Advance Queensland initiative.

“Business collaboration and innovation is associated with a 70 per cent increase in the likelihood of delivering unique and new innovative ideas and products,” Ms Enoch said.

“The Queensland Government wants to see regions such as Rockhampton make the most of the talent and opportunities coming our way, and Advance Queensland aims to do just that.”

Advance Queensland is a comprehensive suite of programs that will help bridge the gap between great ideas and commercial outcomes by tapping into existing knowledge and creativity, as well as driving a path for new research and innovation.

“Advance Queensland will help position Queensland as a place where entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, startups, universities, industry and government work collaboratively to translate great ideas into commercial opportunities,” Minister Enoch said.

State Members for Rockhampton and Keppel, Bill Byrne and Brittany Lauga, have welcomed the series of Advance Queensland regional events.

“The Palaszczuk Government is bringing together representatives from these sectors to start the discussion about how collaborative opportunities can create new products and services,” Mr Byrne said.

“Central Queensland, and importantly for me the Capricorn Coast, looks forward to increased productivity, investment and highly skilled jobs for future generations,” said Mrs Lauga.

Desley Cowley, CEO of Spruiker Hire, and Richard Chappell, owner and Chief Operating Officer at web-based business software company 101 Business Applications will be the local guest speakers at today’s Advance Queensland forum.

Advance Queensland includes a:

• $50 million Advance Queensland Best and Brightest Fund, which will develop, attract and retain world-class talent both scientific and entrepreneurial
• $46 million Advance Queensland Future Jobs Strategy that will open the door to new industry/research collaborations, tackle the big innovation challenges, focus on translation, and deliver 10 year roadmaps for industries with global growth potential
• $76 million Business Investment Attraction package, which will encourage a new wave of Queensland startups, support proof of concept projects and attract co-investment through the Business Development Fund.

Find out more about Advance Queensland at www.qld.gov.au/advanceqld

Media contact: Kim Lyell 0437 859987