Queensland and Nevada sign landmark agreement to focus on major opportunities

Published Thursday, 04 August, 2016 at 02:38 PM

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Deputy Premier, Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Trade and Investment
The Honourable Jackie Trad

The Palaszczuk Government signed an agreement between Queensland and the US state of Nevada, in Brisbane today, to progress cooperation across key industries and opportunities.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Governor of Nevada Brian Sandoval signed the Statement of Intent which acknowledges an ongoing commitment to work collaboratively in sectors of significance to both the Queensland and Nevada economies.

These include, but are not limited, to:

  • mining, including mining technologies, health and safety and environmental and social sustainability in mining;

  • higher education including research and commercialisation partnerships;

  • water management including collaboration on water efficiency technologies; and

  • technology and innovation including pathways for market access for start-ups and established technology companies.

    “The Statement of Intent (SOI) will remain in force for three years and we believe it will lead to better outcomes for both the people of Queensland and the people of Nevada,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

    “It is the only formal agreement that Governor Sandoval will sign during his trade mission to Australia and it shows his commitment to mutual collaboration between our two states and the level of importance that he places on this relationship.”

    Mr Sandoval, who is accompanied by a trade delegation of more than 30 business, government and education representatives, arrived in Queensland on August 3.

    “The State of Nevada is looking forward to establishing relationships with Queensland companies and associations over a range of areas of mutual interest,” said Governor Sandoval.

    “Both our states face similar challenges and through this Statement of Intent we look forward to developing a platform for knowledge sharing and best practice for the benefit of Queensland and Nevada”.

    Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Jackie Trad welcomed the Governor and his accompanying trade delegation to Queensland for the signing of this significant agreement.

    “This agreement will go a long way to setting up working relationships across both government and private enterprise which we expect will have a significant benefit for Queensland industry,” Ms Trad said.

    “One of the key focus areas of the SOI is the mining equipment, technology and services sector (METS), where there are significant opportunities to develop partnerships on new technologies, health and safety practices, environmental issues and social sustainability.

    “A number of Queensland METS companies are already exporting their expertise and technologies into the US, including innovative Townsville-based JESI Management Solutions (JMS). This new agreement will enable even more to get a foot in the door to the lucrative US market.”

    Media contact: Kirby Anderson 0417 263 791