BLIGH MARKETS QUEENSLAND WATER SECTOR TO THE WORLD

The Bligh Government has developed an action plan to market Queensland’s water expertise and technology to the world, Water Minister Craig Wallace said today.

Mr Wallace launched the Water Sector Action Plan in Brisbane today at a function attended by some of Queensland’s leading water specialists.

“This new Water Sector Action Plan will help Queensland’s water sector continue to grow and take advantage of the knowledge and expertise it has gained in recent years through the world-class water projects it has undertaken,’’ he said.

“Its’ all about promoting Queensland internationally and within Australia as a hub of knowledge and provider of innovative, best practice water technologies and services.

“The water sector in Queensland has been rapidly expanding in recent years with new businesses, services, products and technology – particularly in urban water activities.

“The water services sector is a key growth industry with a global market worth at least $600 billion per annum, with an expected annual growth of about eight per cent.”

Queensland’s water sector comprises engineering, technology and manufacturing firms, water infrastructure companies, water distribution entities, education and research institutions, finance companies and government.

“The Water Sector Action Plan brings together the expertise and knowledge of the Queensland Government, educational institutions, technology, construction, financial and water services sectors so we can jointly market our experience to the world,’’ Mr Wallace said.

The Water Sector Action Plan aims to:

·Expand Queensland’s international engagement with the water sector through promotion of skills and capabilities;

·Increase commercialisation of Queensland’s research and development in the water sector;

·Foster a business environment that celebrates and rewards innovative and sustainable water solutions;

·Ensure a consistent supply of skilled employees in the water sector.

Mr Wallace said there had been considerable interest from organisations wanting to learn from Queensland’s experiences with water supply security and demand reduction.

“Queensland is becoming a global leader in the planning, design, construction and operation of innovative water services,” he said.

“This is about leveraging our knowledge about resource management, infrastructure planning and institutional arrangements and taking it to the world.

“This action plan will ensure our water industry can benefit by continuing to sell its significant expertise into a growing global market.’’

The Water Sector Action Plan is part of the Queensland Government’s Smart Industry Policy.

The Smart State Strategy is the Queensland Government’s signature policy to create a state where knowledge, creativity and innovation drive economic growth to improve prosperity and quality of life for all Queenslanders.

A copy of the Water Sector Action plan is available on the NRW website at http://www.nrw.qld.gov.au/

Media contact: Minister Wallace’s office 3896 3688.