An economic framework designed for business and driven by business will help shape the economic future of the city following its endorsement by Redland City Council today.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the Redland City Economic Development Framework would be driven by an Economic Development Advisory Board, giving business a central role in the future economic growth of the city.
“This framework is about delivering real and achievable outcomes through action plans designed and delivered by business leaders,” she said.
“I am a firm believer that the city’s economic future needs to be driven by the business community and this framework will allow this to happen by bringing together business leaders with the passion and expertise to deliver real outcomes.”
Cr Williams said the Economic Development Advisory Board would be made up of representatives from the key growth industries identified in the framework; including construction, education and training, professional services, healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing, retail, rural and tourism.
“It is estimated this framework and the strong partnerships it will foster will help create an extra 30,000 to 40,000 new jobs and increase the city’s gross regional product to between $6.8 billion and $8 billion by 2041,” she said.
“If Redland City is to continue to attract high-skilled and high-paid employment, we need to take advantage of skills in growth areas such as health, as well as ensuring goods and services are exported from the city.
“The Redlands is situated on the door-step of Australia’s third largest city with easy access to a major port and international airport, offering the opportunity for local businesses to reach global markets.
“This economic development advisory board will provide both creative and practical advice on how the Redlands can become the envy of South-East Queensland as the best place to live, play and do business.”
Council’s economic development spokesperson Cr Julie Talty said the framework continued Council’s open for business approach to attracting investment into the city to create sustainable employment opportunities for locals.
“This philosophy is already generating interest from internationally recognised companies and now this framework provides the means to turn that overarching direction into real deliverables,” she said.
“We want to leverage and build on Redland City’s unique character and pride in the qualities that make the city an attractive place to live and work, as well as a place for local, national and international investors to do business.”
Read Council’s Economic Development Framework