Regional Development Australia Sunshine Coast has welcomed new committee member, senior management professional Alister Morrison.
The not-for-profit, community-based organisation is an Australian Government initiative. It is part of a national network of 52 Regional Development Australia (RDA) organisations created with the aim of strengthening and building regional communities.
Now, RDA Sunshine Coast looks forward to Alister’s valuable contributions on how to aid its vision to create an innovative, dynamic, connected and sustainable Sunshine Coast.
A Senior Director, Commercial Engagement – Physical Sciences at UniQuest, based at The University of Queensland (UQ), Alister leads a team of intellectual property (IP) commercialisation specialists, focusing on commercialising technology through licensing and start-ups.
He brings more than 20 years of strategic international experience to RDA Sunshine Coast, having held senior career roles in mergers and acquisitions, economics, business development, strategy, planning and technical asset development with UK-based Gulf Keystone Petroleum and US-based Pioneer Natural Resources.
Alister holds a BSc in Geology and an MSc in Applied Geophysics, both from the University of Birmingham, UK. He currently resides in Brisbane, but is also very active in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, where he is particularly interested in helping the region develop through improved infrastructure links and technology, as well as community work.
Originally from the UK, his former workplaces include strategy and technology management consultancy, Arthur D. Little (ADL) and energy research firm, Wood Mackenzie and he has also worked as a research and international operations geophysicist. His international experience includes Europe, Australia, USA, Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Alister also has a specific track record in securing highly commercial revenue streams from natural resources and energy projects, which have been shared significantly with governments for application in broad economic development. He also has a passion for clean energy, technology, innovation and capital fundraising.
In addition, a previous role as an assistant countryside ranger volunteer for the National Trust in the UK saw him work on community projects and environmental restoration.
Alister is particularly passionate about regional economic development through improving infrastructure links between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane and has followed ongoing planned developments such as the fast rail connection from Maroochydore and Nambour to Brisbane.
He also sees significant potential in further growing regional tourism from expanding the Sunshine Coast Airport links, particularly to Asia and New Zealand.
RDA Chair Carol Cashman said Alister’s strong and varied business background would prove highly beneficial to the committee.
“Regional Development Sunshine Coast is proud to welcome Alister to our committee, where he will be a highly valued new addition to the team,” she said.
“He brings a great wealth of business knowledge and expertise and will assist us as our region experiences extraordinary growth.”