Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies Tim Mulherin today announced four new community leaders in regional Queensland.
Mr Mulherin was speaking at a statewide forum of Queensland’s 12 Regional Development Australia (RDA) Committees in Brisbane.
“Today I’m pleased to announce the appointment of four new Regional Development Australia Chairs, who will lead and advocate for their respective communities in regional Queensland,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Professor Max Standage has been appointed as Chair of RDA Sunshine Coast and Mr Jamie Quinn Chair of RDA Ipswich and West Moreton.
“Professor Standage is currently Provost at the Gold Coast and Logan Campuses of Griffith University and until recently served as Chair of RDA Logan and Redlands.
“Mr Quinn is the managing director of Jamie Quinn Consulting, a Senior Associate of Eidos Institute and a director of the South East Queensland Water Grid Manager.
“The existing Chairs of RDA Wide Bay Burnett and RDA Brisbane City, Mr Grant Maclean and Mr John Shepley have also been re-appointed for a second term in their respective committees.
Mr Mulherin challenged new committee chairs to continue the excellent work already undertaken in their regions and capitalise on the influence of the Queensland RDA initiative to make a difference in their regions.
“RDA Committees provide advice to government on regional Queensland, including articulating local priorities, engaging with their communities and promoting regional solutions,” he said.
“Today’s state-wide forum will consider how RDAs can influence regional development outcomes in Queensland and will examine ways for RDAs to get involved with Queensland Government initiatives.
“The massive developments in the resources sector offer huge opportunities for regional Queensland.
“These opportunities come hand in hand with great challenges which will need to be met.”
“Challenges which will be addressed at this forum include managing workforces and regional infrastructure,” he said.
Mr Mulherin said the forum provided RDAs with the opportunity to come together to learn from one another and gain ideas on how to influence outcomes in their region.
“The two-day event is the second statewide forum and the first since the Queensland Government reinvigorated its approach to the RDA program earlier this year by committing an additional $240,000 in funding to progress regional priorities.”
Remaining RDA committee appointments are expected to be finalised by December 2011.