Published Tuesday, 19 June, 2007 at 01:17 PM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
STATE GOVT NAMES PRIORITY INDUSTRIES FOR TOWNSVILLE REGION
Townsville: Minister for State Development John Mickel today announced mining and minerals processing, and tropical science and expertise as the first two industries to be targeted under Townsville and the North West’s Centres of Enterprise Initiative.
“Townsville and the North West already has an international reputation in these industries – the Centres of Enterprise initiative will strengthen the region’s capacity to diversify and grow these areas to build a stronger economy that will withstand any economic downturn,” he said.
“The State Government is certainly committed to driving these industries.
“In the recent State Budget for example we announced funding in 2007/2008 of $3.5 million for the Tropical Science and Innovation Precinct at James Cook University. This money comes out of our Innovation Building Fund and the total amount committed to the life of the project is $14 million.”
Mr Mickel named Townsville and the North West as one of six Queensland Centres of Enterprise in November last year when he attended a local business breakfast in the city.
“In that time we’ve continued to work with local business and industry groups to identify the region’s strengths and opportunities,” he said.
“Our focus now is to concentrate our efforts on building our supply chains, increasing value-adding, commercialising our smart technologies and skills and attracting even more investment to the region in these key industries.
“Certainly there is a very strong view both in government and local industry circles that these two industries have the potential to really drive the region’s economic development.”
Mr Mickel said industry-based steering committees would now be formed to focus on driving the Centres of Enterprise initiative.
“One of the key activities of my Department of State Development will be to continue its work with regional organisations on attracting industry investment to the region,” he said.
Mr Mickel also said development occurring in Townsville and Mount Isa would connect the region with the State’s broader industrial development through the Northern Economic Triangle Blueprint.
The Minister also announced a new program for the region, Mentoring for Growth.
“Mentoring for Growth is now operating successfully in several regions throughout Queensland and I know it will be well supported in Townsville,” he said.
“In essence the program is about matching business operators with experienced business leaders, business experts and professional service providers who donate their time to help address any problems with business operation or expansion.”
For more information about the Mentoring for Growth Program or Centres of Enterprise initiative contact the Townsville State Development Centre on 4799 7840.
Queensland’s six Centres of Enterprise are: Darling Downs and South West Queensland, Wide Bay Burnett, Fitzroy and Central West Queensland, Mackay and the Whitsundays, Townsville and North West Queensland, and Cairns and Far North Queensland.
Advisor travelling with the Minister: Catherine Savage 0408 725 919
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784.
19 June, 2007
“Townsville and the North West already has an international reputation in these industries – the Centres of Enterprise initiative will strengthen the region’s capacity to diversify and grow these areas to build a stronger economy that will withstand any economic downturn,” he said.
“The State Government is certainly committed to driving these industries.
“In the recent State Budget for example we announced funding in 2007/2008 of $3.5 million for the Tropical Science and Innovation Precinct at James Cook University. This money comes out of our Innovation Building Fund and the total amount committed to the life of the project is $14 million.”
Mr Mickel named Townsville and the North West as one of six Queensland Centres of Enterprise in November last year when he attended a local business breakfast in the city.
“In that time we’ve continued to work with local business and industry groups to identify the region’s strengths and opportunities,” he said.
“Our focus now is to concentrate our efforts on building our supply chains, increasing value-adding, commercialising our smart technologies and skills and attracting even more investment to the region in these key industries.
“Certainly there is a very strong view both in government and local industry circles that these two industries have the potential to really drive the region’s economic development.”
Mr Mickel said industry-based steering committees would now be formed to focus on driving the Centres of Enterprise initiative.
“One of the key activities of my Department of State Development will be to continue its work with regional organisations on attracting industry investment to the region,” he said.
Mr Mickel also said development occurring in Townsville and Mount Isa would connect the region with the State’s broader industrial development through the Northern Economic Triangle Blueprint.
The Minister also announced a new program for the region, Mentoring for Growth.
“Mentoring for Growth is now operating successfully in several regions throughout Queensland and I know it will be well supported in Townsville,” he said.
“In essence the program is about matching business operators with experienced business leaders, business experts and professional service providers who donate their time to help address any problems with business operation or expansion.”
For more information about the Mentoring for Growth Program or Centres of Enterprise initiative contact the Townsville State Development Centre on 4799 7840.
Queensland’s six Centres of Enterprise are: Darling Downs and South West Queensland, Wide Bay Burnett, Fitzroy and Central West Queensland, Mackay and the Whitsundays, Townsville and North West Queensland, and Cairns and Far North Queensland.
Advisor travelling with the Minister: Catherine Savage 0408 725 919
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784.
19 June, 2007