WINNER: Best Economic Plan in Australia

Published 14 October 2021

Moreton Bay Region’s new Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS) has taken out the national award for Strategic Thinking at the Economic Development Australia Awards 2021 this morning.

Mayor Peter Flannery said it was an incredible endorsement of the REDS, which was just launched in February this year.

“There are no words to describe my excitement, I can hardly think of higher recognition for our plan to transform Moreton Bay Region than this incredible industry award,” he said.

“The fact that this win comes just one day after the NRL announced Moreton Bay’s Dolphins will be entering the League in 2023 is like winning the lotto.

“And we’re not wasting a minute of this momentum, this weekend we’re launching a national marketing campaign called ‘Invest More’ to let major investors know we’re ready to do business with an 8-page lift-out in major newspapers outlining the abundant opportunities here.

“Investors seeking to grow their business have an unrivalled opportunity to take advantage of one of the fastest growing business ecosystems in Australia, and a Council dedicated to supporting business and industry flourish.”

Mayor Flannery said that included the likes of:

• The Mill at Moreton Bay - ripe for digital technology investment, medical research facilities, and advanced manufacturing operations.
• The Caboolture West development - a brand new city that’s being built from scratch with 30,000 new dwellings to accommodate 70,000 new residents.
• The Scarborough Harbour Masterplan - to make Moreton Bay Region the epicenter of Australia’s $74 billion marine industry.

Mayor Flannery said Moreton Bay Region was proudly home to 29,000 businesses, and Council is committed to supporting their growth, resilience and innovation

“Moreton Bay’s economic reinvention continues to power forward with a record budget of $743 million, including $245 million in capital expenditure in 2021-2022 and an unequalled spend on economic development programs and initiatives,” he said.

“Our region is an economic goldmine ready for a rush of multi-billion dollar region-building projects, supporting incredible job opportunities for local and future residents.

“Moreton Bay is the right place for businesses to thrive, with a plethora of prime business hubs and industrial precincts ready for investment, now and into the future.

“Last night’s award from Economic Development Australia is just the tick of approval we needed to kick-off this major investment drive.”

Moreton Bay Region’s REDS document outlines an ambitious agenda to transform Moreton Bay Region over the next two decades into a $40 billion economy, with an additional 240,000 people and creating 100,000 more local jobs.

For more information visit: moretonbay.qld.gov.au/REDS