Published Thursday, 25 September, 2008 at 04:52 PM

Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
State’s senior regional leaders meet in Rocky for ideas swap and information share
Queensland’s key regional economic development leaders have met today for the first time to use their collaborative strengths to further strengthen regional Queensland.
Regional Development and Industry Minister Desley Boyle said today’s summit would was an opportunity for the state’s five Regional Economic Development Corporations to swap ideas and share information that would lead to greater outcomes for all of Queensland’s regions.
“This is an important opportunity for our economic leaders to talk to each other, share their success stories and hopefully encourage a new spirit of cooperation to provide positive results for regional Queensland,” Ms Boyle said.
“This summit will provide the perfect platform to discuss a whole range of issues frankly and openly – I’m really looking forward to seeing what innovative, fresh ideas come out of the meeting.
“As part of the Bligh Government’s Q2 vision to create a diverse economy powered by bright ideas, this summit is an important step in growing our regions.
“If we’re serious about developing strong and diverse regions, then we have to put parochialism aside and work together.
“While each corporation is achieving great things through a variety of projects, greater collaboration will mean new ideas and a ‘fresh’ take on things.”
Ms Boyle said the State Government had allocated $3.67 million over four years to 2010 for the corporations.
“This funding has been provided under our Queensland Regional Development Initiative for project-based activities,” she said.
“These regional development corporations are the peak development, marketing and promotional organisations for their areas, committed to attracting as much investment, visitors and conventions into the region as possible.
“They have to potential to strengthen existing businesses, create new markets and employment opportunities.
“So to ensure the whole of regional Queensland benefits, we need to see REDCs talking to one another and sharing ideas about projects that worked, those that didn’t.”
The REDCs are the Gladstone Area Promotions and Development Limited, Mackay Whitsunday Regional Economic Development Corporation, Rockhampton Regional Development Limited, Townsville Enterprise Limited and Advance Cairns.
Ends
Media contact: Kirstie Maier 3225 1005 or 0448 135 195
25 September 2008
Regional Development and Industry Minister Desley Boyle said today’s summit would was an opportunity for the state’s five Regional Economic Development Corporations to swap ideas and share information that would lead to greater outcomes for all of Queensland’s regions.
“This is an important opportunity for our economic leaders to talk to each other, share their success stories and hopefully encourage a new spirit of cooperation to provide positive results for regional Queensland,” Ms Boyle said.
“This summit will provide the perfect platform to discuss a whole range of issues frankly and openly – I’m really looking forward to seeing what innovative, fresh ideas come out of the meeting.
“As part of the Bligh Government’s Q2 vision to create a diverse economy powered by bright ideas, this summit is an important step in growing our regions.
“If we’re serious about developing strong and diverse regions, then we have to put parochialism aside and work together.
“While each corporation is achieving great things through a variety of projects, greater collaboration will mean new ideas and a ‘fresh’ take on things.”
Ms Boyle said the State Government had allocated $3.67 million over four years to 2010 for the corporations.
“This funding has been provided under our Queensland Regional Development Initiative for project-based activities,” she said.
“These regional development corporations are the peak development, marketing and promotional organisations for their areas, committed to attracting as much investment, visitors and conventions into the region as possible.
“They have to potential to strengthen existing businesses, create new markets and employment opportunities.
“So to ensure the whole of regional Queensland benefits, we need to see REDCs talking to one another and sharing ideas about projects that worked, those that didn’t.”
The REDCs are the Gladstone Area Promotions and Development Limited, Mackay Whitsunday Regional Economic Development Corporation, Rockhampton Regional Development Limited, Townsville Enterprise Limited and Advance Cairns.
Ends
Media contact: Kirstie Maier 3225 1005 or 0448 135 195
25 September 2008