Council seeks members for Scenic Rim’s new economic advisory committee
Council is calling for expressions of interest from members of the business community keen to play a part in a new economic advisory committee supporting the growth of local industry and employment opportunities throughout the Scenic Rim.
The Scenic Rim Regional Prosperity Leadership Alliance (SRRPLA) has been established as a conduit between Council, government agencies and industry and is seeking members committed to continuing to build a diverse, strong, innovative and sustainable local economy.
Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen, who will chair the alliance, said it was an exciting initiative supporting the Scenic Rim Regional Prosperity Strategy 2020-2025 and the shared economic vision of the Scenic Rim Community Plan 2011-2026.
“Economic development requires a concerted effort by numerous organisations working in partnership and the Scenic Rim Regional Prosperity Leadership Alliance will represent the interests and needs of the future growth and development of our region,” he said.
“A key objective of the Council’s economic development program is to facilitate business community ownership of economic development and collaboration on projects and initiatives.
“We are a lifestyle and destination community and, as a growing economic region, determined to continue to build on our strong foundations.
“Our Regional Prosperity Strategy 2020-2025 is focused on five key pillars of activity - business and industry development, marketing and promotion, investment facilitation, education and workforce development and advocacy for infrastructure.”
The SRRPLA has grown from the Regional Skills Investment Scheme (RSIS) Reference Group and will be established under new terms of reference.
With funding from the Queensland Government's Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, the RSIS project ran for two years, concluding in June 2021.
Guided by a local reference group, Scenic Rim industry and community stakeholders worked to develop specialised solutions to address local workforce issues related to skilling and training within three focus industries of agriculture and agri-business; health and allied services and tourism and hospitality.
This had delivered immediate and tangible benefits to the region's residents and business community and helped to identify training needs and promote job opportunities in the Scenic Rim.
“The establishment of the alliance is the next step towards ensuring that existing and emerging industries have access to staff and training when doing business in the Scenic Rim,” Cr Christensen said.
“We are grateful to members of the RSIS Reference Group for their contribution and continued input as we transition this important body of work to the Scenic Rim Regional Prosperity Leadership Alliance.”
Drawing on the region’s competitive strengths, capitalising on market drivers and building on the achievements of the RSIS, the alliance aims to develop a range of future growth opportunities in fields including:
- agribusiness
- tourism
- the creative industries and business development services
- health and wellbeing
- waste to value
- transport and logistics
- large-scale industry, and
- education and workforce development.
Membership of the alliance will reflect a diversity of professional and industry sector interests.
Representatives will be selected based on their demonstrated interest in the sustainable and prosperous growth of the Scenic Rim economy, strong service orientation, willingness to contribute and ability to inform and motivate others.
“If you have what it takes to help build an even stronger Scenic Rim economy, I encourage you to consider joining me in what will be the next exciting chapter in the future of our region,” Cr Christensen said.
The full terms of reference can be found online at bit.ly/3GCfqUo
Further information is available from Council’s Regional Prosperity team by phoning (07) 5540 5111 or emailing email prosperity@scenicrim.qld.gov.au
Expressions of interest are due by Monday 14 February 2022 and can be submitted via bit.ly/3qB89OX