Committee aims for regional employment, economic growth
Date published: 8 November 2016
A new group comprising community and business leaders will help support and secure economic and employment opportunities for Townsville as well as foster innovation through our local businesses.
A report presented to the Planning and Development Committee today recommended approval of 12 members of the Innovation and Business Advisory Group that will act in partnership with council to help identify areas of opportunity to grow local industry and business.
Led by Councillor Maurie Soars, the group will provide advice to council as it seeks to maximise current opportunity as well as nurture innovation for the future.
“This is about tapping into and capitalising on the knowledge, experience and skill in Townsville’s local business community to help take our city forward,” Cr Soars said.
“North Queensland is facing significant employment and economic challenges and part of the solution may be through a collaborative approach.
“We already have strong economic pillars in place but we believe that support for the growth industries in Townsville such as the service industry and creative industries including the arts and innovation will also pay dividends.”
The group will meet at least six times a year with reports to be submitted to the Planning and Economic Development Committee twice a year.
Members of the Innovation and Business Advisory Group are:
Cr Maurie Soars (Chair)
Cr Verena Coombe
Cr Russ Cook
Michael McMillan, Townsville Enterprise Ltd
Sharyn Brown, Townsville Business Development Centre
David Halberg, Townsville Chamber of Commerce
Iain Gordon, James Cook University
David Mead, Australian Institute of Marine Sciences
Tara Parish, TJIP Patent Attorneys
Joe Hoolahan, JESI
Bjarne Ohlin, Townsville Creative Technologies Centre
Kari Arbouin, Central Queensland University
