The Draft Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS) represents what could be a big step towards a ‘Bigger, Bolder, Brighter’ region by 2041, according to Mayor Peter Flannery, who said that traditional industries were a strong focus in the previous strategy and had provided solid foundations for the pursuit of success. He added:
“But rapid technological advancements since 2008, major changes in industry and manufacturing and of course the impacts of COVID-19 mean the world has changed forever."
He said that as a consequence, there is a necessity for the local economy to evolve and the region to transform into an innovation and jobs hub of Queensland's South East.
The 20-year aim is for the region to have created a $40 billion economy, 100,000 new employment positions and to have added a further 16,000 businesses.
Such growth also often has the ability to boost demand for existing businesses, such as retail outlets and Print shops.
A collaborative effort, which included input from industry and business associations, chambers of commerce and local businesses, as well as other stakeholders, went into the final draft document that will be open to the public for consultation until August 28.
Forecast population growth in the region is expected to rise by more than 50 percent by 2041, a tally that exceeds Tasmania's entire current population.
Get a Free Quote for Print