Modernising Moreton Bay’s Economy - Have your say
Published 06 August 2020
A new plan to modernise Moreton Bay’s economy, attract more investment, and create 100,000 new jobs has been released today for public consultation.
The Draft Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS) outlines a plan for a ‘Bigger, Bolder, Brighter’ Moreton Bay, with Mayor Peter Flannery telling Councillors it’s time to be ambitious.
“The previous Economic Development Strategy had a strong focus on traditional industries, which has provided us with solid foundations for success,” he said.
“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.
“That means we need to do more than change, we need to evolve our economy and transform as a region to become the jobs and innovation hub of South East Queensland.”
The Regional Economic Development Strategy will be designed to help the region reach its 2041 goals of being “Bigger, Bolder, Brighter”:
- Bigger: With a $40 billion economy.
- Bolder: With 16,000 new businesses.
- Brighter: With 100,000 new jobs.
The draft strategy has been developed collaboratively with contributions from local businesses, chambers of commerce, business and industry associations and numerous other important stakeholders.
Now Mayor Flannery is asking locals to add their input and advice.
“It’s important to note that this is not just a strategy for Council, it’s a strategy for how creating a vibrant and strong economy can better serve and support communities across the Moreton Bay Region,” he said.
“So we need to hear from locals across the full spectrum of considerations, including things like socio-economic disadvantage, providing opportunities for education, and upskilling workers so everyone in our region benefits from a new wave of prosperity.
“We must be unafraid and single-minded about attracting new industries that will provide a high level of value to the economy.
“That means enthusiastically embracing new innovations and smarter technology; like digital communication infrastructure, medical research hubs, nurturing local entrepreneurs and start-ups and facilitating new investment.
“I don’t want to simply grow Moreton Bay Region’s economy, I want to see us transform into a nimble and resilient powerhouse that will continue to evolve and adapt to the challenges of modern market pressures.
“Your input will be critical to us achieving that.
“I’ve repeatedly said that my driving motivation as Mayor is to help provided certainty at this uncertain time and I believe that by investing in economic growth and working to attract new business investment, Council can help generate the employment opportunities needed now and into the future.
“In July’s Budget we announced we’ll directly employ around 130 additional employees this financial year and our capital works program will support around 3,000 jobs, but I’m always looking for ideas on how we can do more.”
Moreton Bay Region is one of Australia's fastest growing regions with a population forecast to grow by over 50 per cent to more than 690,000 by 2041, that’s larger than the population of Tasmania. It’s a region with strong fundamentals, having developed a resilient economy that’s diversified across a range of sectors:
- Tourism is now a $1 billion industry in Moreton Bay Region, up from a value of around $600 million just three years ago. Traditionally this is defined by the pristine sands of Bribie Island idyllic family offerings around the Redcliffe Peninsula. However the popularity of the hinterland region around towns like Samford, Dayboro, Mount Mee and Woodford has increased in recent years and surged over the past five months as COVID-19 changes people’s travel and consumption behaviours.
- Retail abounds in Strathpine and North Lakes, where major international retailers like Ikea and Costco draw consumers from right across South East Queensland to Moreton Bay Region. For some shoppers, these retail hubs are in themselves a tourist attraction.
- Industrial precincts have been strategically located along the Bruce Highway with supporting road and logistical infrastructure to maximise their efficiency in areas including Brendale, North Lakes, Narangba, Burpengary and Elimbah East. There are also smaller precincts in Clontarf, the Hills District, and Caboolture to support industry right across the Moreton Bay Region.
- Agriculture is a key industry, occupying much of the north and west of the Region and employing hundreds of people across a surprising array of farming - from strawberry fields, to cattle farms, hydroponic herbs and even exotic outputs like alpacas and dairy goats.
- Property investment is booming along the southern stretch of the region, thanks to comparatively attractive house prices where people who work in Brisbane can afford a lifestyle that the city doesn’t allow.
The draft strategy is available for public consultation from today through to August 28. To have your say visit: www.mbrc.qld.gov.au/regional-economic-development-strategy
There will be three public information sessions. Registration is required and numbers will be capped to observe social distancing. For anyone who can’t attend in a live stream of the session on the 17th August will be recorded and available online.
Sessions are:
- Monday 17 August - 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM, Business Moreton Bay Business Centre - Redcliffe
- Wednesday 19 August - 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM, USC Caboolture Campus
- Wednesday 26 August - 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM, USC Moreton Bay Campus