Published Monday, 19 March, 2007 at 03:00 PM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
QUEENSLAND READY TO IMPRESS AT AVALON AIRSHOW
Queensland’s vibrant and diverse aviation and aerospace industry will be on show to more than 200,000 visitors and over 600 national and international media at this year’s International Air Show at Avalon, Melbourne.
Minister for State Development John Mickel said Queensland’s presence would be bigger than ever this year.
“This will be our third year at Avalon, the premier event in Australia to showcase not only Queensland’s achievements in the industry but also the opportunities that abound in the Smart State for aviation and aerospace companies to grow and succeed,” he said.
The infamous Queensland bus will be back on the road, taking partners, guests and clients to the Queensland stand at Avalon each day.
“Keep an eye out because like every other year the bus is certainly going to stop traffic,” Mr Mickel said.
“It’s an unashamed plug for Queensland and gets people talking about the Smart State – which is exactly it’s purpose.
“We want to get visitors to the show thinking seriously about heading north to Queensland. Sure come for a holiday but stay for business.”
Mr Mickel will host an opening day promotional event at the Queensland stand (1H26) at 3pm on March 20 where a number of key industry announcements will be made.
“This year the Queensland Government attends Avalon with our partners Aeromil, Aviation Australia, Aviation – Wide Bay Burnett, Queensland Airports Ltd (Gold Coast, Townsville and Mt Isa), Queensland University of Technology and Rockhampton Airports,” he said.
“Our partners this year represent the incredible diversity of our industry in Queensland, from inventors, manufacturers and service providers to world-class training and research institutions and aviation infrastructure.”
Mr Mickel said Queensland’s aviation and aerospace industry was in full flight.
“Today Queensland is home to some of the world’s most technologically advanced manufacturing, servicing and training facilities operated by the likes of Australian Aerospace, Boeing Australia, Smith’s Aerospace, Raytheon, Hawker Pacific, Qantas, Singapore Flying College, Alteon, Alliance Airlines, Virgin and Jetstar,” he said.
“We’ve been working to grow the sector since 1998 and in 2002 we launched a dedicated Aviation Strategy aimed at positioning Queensland as a major aviation and aerospace hub of the Asia-Pacific,” Mr Mickel said.
“If you take stock of what we’ve achieved in that time – the calibre of the companies now operating here, the more than 6,000 jobs we’ve helped create – we’ve exceeded even our highest expectations.
“But the work goes on. We’re continuing to make sure our companies have access to the absolute best infrastructure and technology, the most highly-skilled workers in the world and importantly, access to the latest research and developments in aviation and aerospace.”
Mr Mickel said by all accounts Queensland was an outstanding destination for business.
“Queensland’s economy is powering along. Our forecast economic growth for 2006/2007 is 4.75%, considerably higher than the national forecast of 2.5%,” he said.
“Our unemployment levels remain low at 4%, we have high population growth and a buoyant job market eager for new workers.
“And we have a business community looking very favourably on the year ahead.”
Mr Mickel said the State’s low taxes and competitive business costs combined with a cheaper cost of living and enviable lifestyle made Queensland the best location in the country for both business operators and workers seeking new opportunities.
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784.
19 March, 2007
Minister for State Development John Mickel said Queensland’s presence would be bigger than ever this year.
“This will be our third year at Avalon, the premier event in Australia to showcase not only Queensland’s achievements in the industry but also the opportunities that abound in the Smart State for aviation and aerospace companies to grow and succeed,” he said.
The infamous Queensland bus will be back on the road, taking partners, guests and clients to the Queensland stand at Avalon each day.
“Keep an eye out because like every other year the bus is certainly going to stop traffic,” Mr Mickel said.
“It’s an unashamed plug for Queensland and gets people talking about the Smart State – which is exactly it’s purpose.
“We want to get visitors to the show thinking seriously about heading north to Queensland. Sure come for a holiday but stay for business.”
Mr Mickel will host an opening day promotional event at the Queensland stand (1H26) at 3pm on March 20 where a number of key industry announcements will be made.
“This year the Queensland Government attends Avalon with our partners Aeromil, Aviation Australia, Aviation – Wide Bay Burnett, Queensland Airports Ltd (Gold Coast, Townsville and Mt Isa), Queensland University of Technology and Rockhampton Airports,” he said.
“Our partners this year represent the incredible diversity of our industry in Queensland, from inventors, manufacturers and service providers to world-class training and research institutions and aviation infrastructure.”
Mr Mickel said Queensland’s aviation and aerospace industry was in full flight.
“Today Queensland is home to some of the world’s most technologically advanced manufacturing, servicing and training facilities operated by the likes of Australian Aerospace, Boeing Australia, Smith’s Aerospace, Raytheon, Hawker Pacific, Qantas, Singapore Flying College, Alteon, Alliance Airlines, Virgin and Jetstar,” he said.
“We’ve been working to grow the sector since 1998 and in 2002 we launched a dedicated Aviation Strategy aimed at positioning Queensland as a major aviation and aerospace hub of the Asia-Pacific,” Mr Mickel said.
“If you take stock of what we’ve achieved in that time – the calibre of the companies now operating here, the more than 6,000 jobs we’ve helped create – we’ve exceeded even our highest expectations.
“But the work goes on. We’re continuing to make sure our companies have access to the absolute best infrastructure and technology, the most highly-skilled workers in the world and importantly, access to the latest research and developments in aviation and aerospace.”
Mr Mickel said by all accounts Queensland was an outstanding destination for business.
“Queensland’s economy is powering along. Our forecast economic growth for 2006/2007 is 4.75%, considerably higher than the national forecast of 2.5%,” he said.
“Our unemployment levels remain low at 4%, we have high population growth and a buoyant job market eager for new workers.
“And we have a business community looking very favourably on the year ahead.”
Mr Mickel said the State’s low taxes and competitive business costs combined with a cheaper cost of living and enviable lifestyle made Queensland the best location in the country for both business operators and workers seeking new opportunities.
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784.
19 March, 2007